Monthly Menus at Opposable Thumbs

Chefs are creative people, and as such they can get bored churning out the same old, same old every day. They can express some of their creativity in daily specials, but those generally follow in the same vein as the rest of the menu and don't give these folks an opportunity to really stretch out in new directions. Thus the proliferation of special events like Castagna's rosé dinner series each summer, or the annual Dia de los Muertos dinner at ¿Por Que No? Taqueria in early November.

One of the latest entries in the event sweepstakes is Laughing Planet chef Jon Grumbles, a noted vegetarian and vegan chef, who will be offering a monthly series of dinners at the Opposable Thumb Gallery and Café on SE Belmont. Opposable Thumb, owned by Laughing Planet's Richard Satnick and right next door to the LP location on Belmont, is starting the series off with a four-course vegetarian dinner featuring light appetizers followed by a first course of roasted autumn vegetables with chickpea puree and saffron yogurt dressing. That's followed by a second course of wild mushroom farroto with truffle-roasted cauliflower purée and a dessert of bruschettas with varied toppings.

It all comes with a glass of wine for only $25, a great value for what sounds like some really excellent food. To go to the dinner or get on the mailing list, just e-mail and let them know you're interested!

Details: Four-course Vegetarian Dinner by Jon Grumbles. Thurs., Nov. 8 at 7 pm. Opposable Thumb Gallery and Café, 3312 S.E. Belmont St. Phone 503-235-o146.