Livin' in the Blurbs: Fried Chicken, Van Gogh and Chocolate?

Nick Zukin of Kenny and Zuke's writes to let y'all know that KZ's fried chicken is back in the shack. You get three pieces of local, natural chicken soaked in buttermilk, pan-fried in a cast-iron skillet in duck fat and served with smashed potatoes, creamy gravy and veggies. But note that it's only available on Wednesdays after 5 pm and will set you back $16.75. Oh, and those wild and crazy guys have added a new sandwich to the lineup, the "Meshugaletta," piled high with pastrami, salami, roast beef, turkey, swiss and a spicy pickle salad for $14.75. Oi vey!

Details: Kenny and Zuke's, 1038 SW Stark St. Phone 503-222-3354.

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Portland's favorite arty string band, Caravan Gogh, will get that pre-election groove going when they bring their eclectic playlist to the Sapphire Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 8 till 10 pm. For a preview of their sound, check out their psychedelic new video, Vertigogh. Just don't watch it while you're voting, OK?

Details: Caravan Gogh at the Sapphire Hotel. Sun., Nov. 2; 8-10 pm. Sapphire Hotel, 5008 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Phone 503-232-6333.

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Chocolate is the theme of Ted Coonfield and Tricia Leahy's series of classes where they guarantee you'll learn all about chocolate and get messy making it. Get hands-on experience tempering, making fine chocolates and creating your own signature chocolates in six sessions at Sweets, Etc., in Multnomah Village. Sounds like the perfect holiday gift for the chocoholic in your life!

Details: The Chocolate Course. Six sessions (Jan. 14 & 28; Feb. 11 & 25; Mar. 11 & 25); $120, reservations only. Sweets, Etc., 7828 SW Capitol Hwy. Phone 503-293-0088.