Noshing Around

Halloween Sushi

Trick or treat? Benihana is scaring up a Halloween menu for both parents and children. Sushi chefs will use the tricks of their trade to create a spooky sushi spider roll to complement their menu. Kids who wear a costume will receive a free sushi-shaped lollipop for dessert, and families can have their photo taken at 6091 N. Oracle Road. Call 297-5555 for reservations.


Sushi and Wine Tasting

Learn a little about pairing red, white and sparkling wines with three kinds of sushi at Firecracker restaurant on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Sommelier Chris Chavez and chef Rene Pulido talk about wine and teach sushi-rolling techniques. Reserve now by calling 318-1118; cost is $19.95 per person. Firecracker is located at 2990 N. Swan Road.


Cocktail With a Conscience

Janos Wilder is introducing the Eco-Blast, a new tequila-cranberry concoction with a desert dash of fresh habanero chile. The cocktail debuts at 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Chefs 'N Critters soiree and fundraiser for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The glittering evening at Janos will celebrate both the museum's ongoing work and the talents of Janos and Michel Nischan from New York, two visionary chefs dedicated to the global effort of preserving sustainable traditional foods. Admission is $200 per person; reservations are required by calling 883-3055.


Spanish Wine-Tasting in Patagonia

On Sunday, Oct. 29, head southeast to La Misión de San Miguel to taste five great Spanish wines from Quench Fine Wines. Sample buffet-style authentic Spanish tapas prepared by Cecilia San Miguel, owner of the Velvet Elvis, which has been endorsed as an Arizona Treasure by Gov. Janet Napolitano. The event begins at 4 p.m.; cost is $28 per person. Reservations are a must by calling (520) 394-2102.


Fried Coke

With so much sushi, alcohol and wine mentioned, let's get back to the basics, or the real thing: Coke, or fried Coke, to be exact. An enterprising guy at the Texas State Fair made gooey Coke-battered fried nuggets topped with cola syrup, cinnamon sugar and whipped cream in a cup. You can find fried Coke at the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix until Nov. 5.