Coming up: Patio party, wine, new burgers

• Nolen Kitchen (2839 Selwyn Ave.) hosts a patio party June 18 with live entertainment, tents for shade, a free happy hour buffet (5-7 p.m.) and drink specials including $2 beers and cocktail specials. Blowing Rock Brewery will hand out samples, too. 704-372-1424.

• The Oceanaire (4620 Piedmont Row Drive) has its first beer dinner June 19, with courses such as tempura N.C. softshell crab with Kirin Ichiban, and curry-spiced lamb kabob with Long Hammer India Pale Ale. $50; 704-554-8811. The following week, on June 23, look for a Chateau Ste. Michelle and Alaskan seafood wine dinner, with grilled halibut with '07 Eroica Riesling and seared sablefish with '07 Northstar Merlot. $65.

• LaVecchia's (225 E. 6th St.) has put several entrees less than $20 on its new summer menu, including grilled salmon penne, shrimp and scallop carbonara and a half-pound Kobe burger. Sibling NIX (201 N. Tryon St.) also has additions, including a Mexi Burger (smoky queso and roasted tomato jalapeno salsa), and a Pittsburger (aged Cheddar, crinkle fries, slaw, bacon and Thousand Island dressing).