From artwork-and-beer pairings to a history of Thanksgiving throughout the annals of time, the food and drink docket stays incredibly busy during November. Here are a few of our top picks.
Art on Tap at The Art League, Nov. 2
Now this is a pairing you don’t see every day: Craft beers intentionally paired with original pieces of artwork. Take in an array of both at the Art League’s annual Art on Tap, which takes place Friday. To add a little more spice, participating local restaurants have each chosen a beer-and-art pairing to serve as inspiration for a special appetizer, so you won’t come away hungry. 105 N. Union St. 7-10 p.m. $45.
Tidings Ale Release Party at Port City Brewing, Nov. 2
Tis the season already? It’s true. Port City releases its seasonal Tidings, a Belgian-style blond ale, this weekend. Borinquen Lunch Box will pull its truck around to provide some Puerto Rican fare for the festivities, which will extend into the night. The brew will be available throughout the holiday season and can be enjoyed on tap, in six-packs and in growlers and crowlers. 3950 Wheeler Ave. 3-10 p.m.
Novemberfest at Rustico, Nov. 3
Move over, Oktoberfest; Rustico’s annual Novemberfest is on the way. The Slaters Lane mainstay is back with its 2018 rendition of one of its most fun events of the year. Featuring nearly three dozen Virginia breweries, including the red-hot Aslin as well as Ocelot and Hardywood Park, and a plethora of beer styles as well as a hearty slate of food offerings from the kitchen, this is definitely a good way to kick the month off on the right foot. 827 Slaters Lane. Noon-5 p.m. $25 in advance, which includes 20 food and drink tickets; $10 at the door, with tickets sold a la carte.
Thanksgiving from 1621 to the Present at Lee-Fendall House, Nov. 10
Join food historian Joyce White as she takes participants on a tour of Thanksgiving traditions from early America to the modern day. From the 1600s celebration of “Harvest Home” to the Norman Rockwell ideology of the 1900s and beyond, with stops all along the way, White’s presentation is sure to be informative, enlightening and entertaining. Plus, guests will have an opportunity sample Thanksgiving specialties from four centuries of celebration. 614 Oronoco St. 2-3:30 p.m. $20.
Rock the Block: A Culinary Tour of Old Town, Nov. 14
Chow down on some of Old Town’s favorite restaurants and help raise money for a worthy cause: It’s a win-win. Supporting the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Rock the Block takes diners on a tour of King Street and its tributaries, ranging from Vermilion to the Hi-Tide Lounge and many stops in between. Participating restaurants will offer several small plates and specialty drinks; diners can work their way through the neighborhood and eat as much as they want (until the event ends, that is). 6-9 p.m. $125 general admission; $300 VIP.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.