An Epic Wine Dinner
On Thursday, Sept. 29, Epic Casual Dining in Midvale (707 E. Fort Union Blvd.) will team up with Kiler Grove Winegrowers to host a food & wine pairing dinner. Five courses will be paired with Kiler Grove wines. Pairings include chili-lime crab salad with 2008 Trebbiano; wasabi panko-crusted mahi-mahi and lemon buerre blanc with 2009 Interpretation; beef tenderloin with saffron risotto, paired with 2007 Zinergy; and a dessert of pistachio crisps, Mascarpone cheese and blackberry compote with 2005 Zinergy. There will be two seatings for the dinner—at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.—and the cost for dinner and five 3-ounce wine pours is $35 for food and $20 for wine (optional). Bonus: There’s live music at Epic on Wednesdays and Thursdays by the talented Ryan Miller. For reservations and further information, phone 801-748-1300 or visit EpicCasualDining.com.

Red Cross Gala
On Thursday, Oct. 6, the American Red Cross of Utah is hosting its second-annual Autumn Gourmet Gala in Earl’s Lodge at Snowbasin Resort. The evening will begin with a chef’s tasting and silent auction, followed by a seated dessert and live auction featuring dining experiences, travel, jewelry and other items. Complimentary wine will be offered, as well as a signature drink presented by Ogden’s own Underground Distillery. “This event offers a chance for our community to come out and enjoy some extraordinary food, spirits and entertainment, and at the end of the night, know that they are playing a part in helping the American Red Cross,” says Scott Schlisman, co-owner of MacCool’s. Participating restaurants include Corbin’s Grille, Davis Hospital, Harley & Bucks, Jasoh, MacCool’s, Rooster’s, Snowbasin Resort, Sonora Grill, Tona and Zucca Trattoria. Tickets are $100 per person in advance and can be purchased by calling 801-625-0865. All proceeds directly benefit the American Red Cross of Utah.

Quote of the week: Peanut butter is mother’s milk to me. —Jack Nicholson

Ted Scheffler Twitter: @Critic1