Poulet Soiree and more...

• The Inn at New Town Farms offers the "1st Annual Poulet Soiree" Nov. 7: an outdoor meal with Chef Joseph Bonaparte, featuring wood-fire-roasted, pasture-raised French Red Bro chicken, organic fall vegetables (also from the farm), organic wines and more. $45; RSVP by email to newtownfarms@windstream.net. The farm is at 4512 New Town Road in Waxhaw.

• The Wine Shop at Foxcroft has a wine dinner Oct. 22 featuring Hirsch Vineyards, which the shop's Conrad Hunter says is producing some of the country's best Pinot Noir. On the menu: fried and half-shell oysters with 2007 Chardonnay; pan-roasted smoked duck salad with 2007 Pinot Noir; spice-rubbed grilled lamb rack with 2007 Estate Pinot Noir and more. $75; 704-365-6550; 7824 Fairview Road.

• Cosmos Cafe's got new dishes at both locations, among them: braised lamb shank with garlic mashed potatoes; miso salmon with broccolini; beef Bourguignon; and grilled octopus on the tapas lineup. 300 N. College St. and 8420 Rea Road.

• I'm off for the week, but this is terrifying enough that it'll take that long for you to feel safe checking here again.