Livin' in the Blurbs: High Holidays

I know it's a late notice, but if you can you must head to one of the holiday farmers' markets to gather up the freshest, bestest local ingredients for your loved ones.

• The Hollywood Farmers Market is holding a blowout Season Finale tomorrow, Nov. 22, with the pick of the fall harvest, as well as crafts, baked goods, meats and cheeses. 9 am-1 pm. NE Hancock between 44th and 45th Aves.
• The Hillsdale Farmers' Market will be bustling with holiday shoppers who will find turkeys at Kookoolan; preserves, squash and polenta at Ayers Creek; and a rumor of wild huckleberries at Wild Oregon. Get there early! 10 am-2 pm. In the parking lot at SW Sunset Blvd. and SW Capitol Hwy.
• Moreland Farmers' Market is holding a special Tuesday Holiday Market on Nov. 25th with a full complement of their usual fine vendors and will have a food drive for the Oregon Food Bank. 1 pm-5 pm. At the corner of SE Bybee Blvd. & 14th St.

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Budding impresario Bob Smith is hosting a Tabor Neighbor House Concert featuring the always eclectic Caravan Gogh playing tunes ranging from gypsy waltzes to all out acoustic rock, from calypso inspired dance tunes to serene soundscapes. Fri., Dec. 5, 7 pm; $15 at door, e-mail reservations required. 1240 SE 56th. Phone 503-239-4089.

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The new schedule of Sunday Dinners at Kenny & Zuke's has just flown in and they're pushing into new territory as well as featuring some classics in their upcoming menus:

• Okinawan Goat Roast with chef Janis Martin of Tanuki starring the goat in the title as well as side dishes from this island's cuisine that is "heavily influenced by Korean and Chinese cooking." Sun., Jan. 25, 6 pm; $36.50 without alcohol, $46.50 with alcohol.
• A Dungeness Crab Feed takes Ken back to his roots on the shores of New York and Maryland. Think crab heaped on newspaper-covered tables with dipping sauces galore. Guaranteed to be "a big, messy blast!" Sun., Feb. 22, 6 pm; $36.50 without alcohol, $46.50 with alcohol.
• Emilia Romagna with its "uncommonly sophisticated peasant foods" is the focus of this dinner, and it's sure to be a memorable evening. Sun., Mar. 29, 6 pm; $32.50 without alcohol, $42.50 with alcohol.

Details: Advance payment is required with reservation. Kenny & Zukes, 1038 SW Stark St. Phone 503-222-3354.

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.