The coming week, with events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Tuesday, October 27
The first of a slew of seasonal farmers’ market closings kicks off today. The Oregon Farmers’ Market, held in front of Bill’s Food Center on 787 N. Main St., runs from 2-6 p.m.
Monona Catering is putting on its “Heavy Metal” Chef Competition this evening as a charity fundraiser through the City of Madison and Dane County Employees Combined Campaign. The seven entrants, all chefs for the caterer and competing under the supervision of its executive chef Matt Reichard, will receive an identical grocery bag filled with secret ingredients in a challenge to create a gourmet-quality appetizer and entrée within one hour. Chef Rafe Montello is emceeing the event, which will also include music by PianoFondue, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar. Serving as judges are Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, NBC15 anchor Christine Bellport, and Isthmus contributor Raphael Kadushin, while chef Rafe Montello is emceeing. The winning chef will select the charity to receive the ticket proceeds from the competition. Cake and coffee round out the night. Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr., $25 (or $20 in advance), 5:30 p.m. Call 261-4000 for more info.
Wednesday, October 28
Madison’s newest farmer’s market closes out its inaugural season today. The Southwest Community Farmers’ Market, located at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ on 1501 Gilbert Rd., runs from 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday, October 29
A trio of farmers’ market around the county wrap up autumn today before returning next spring. The Middleton Farmers’ Market, held in the parking lot at Greenway Station, runs from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The McFarland Farmers’ Market, located at the McFarland Centre on 5100 Farwell St., runs from 2-6 p.m. Finally, the Mount Horeb Farmers’ Market, held at 110 N. Second St. under the water tower, runs from 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 30
Roundy’s “Chairman Bob” is hosting the Fall Flavors Food Fest at the north side Copps Food Center today. Along with $1 lunches, the celebration includes pumpkin decorating and a treat for kids showing up in costume. Proceeds will go to benefit the University of Wisconsin Scholarship Fund. Copps, 2502 Shopko Dr., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 243-1000 for more info.
Another pair of regional farmers’ market offer a final opportunity to shop for local foodstuffs before closing over the winter. The Stoughton Farmers’ Market, located at the Plaza Shopping Center, runs from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Just to the north of the county line, the Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market, next to the Northern Edge Supper Club at Hwys. 133 and J, runs from 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, October 31
Two final farmers’ markets end their seasons today, rounding out this week of harvest farewells. The Sun Prairie Farmers’ Market, located behind City Hall at 300 E. Main St., runs from 7 a.m.-noon. Down at the southern edge of the county, the Belleville Farmers’ Market, located in Library Park, runs from 8 a.m.-noon.
Looking for an atypical party option this Halloween? Hatari Peru of Madison is putting on a Peruvian Creole Music Day celebration. Along with traditional Peruvian food, the party features live dance, live Creole and Andean music, and post-performance Latin beats from DJ Franklin. Eagle Heights Community Center, 611 Eagle Heights, 5-10 p.m., free. Call 231-2098 for more info.
Trick or treat? Yes! Kids hit the streets in costume this evening to amass a sugary stash for their collective sweet tooth. Around the block, dusk, free.
Sunday, November 1
Día de los Muertos isn’t complete without pan de muerto, or bread of the dead. This traditional Mexican holiday offering is a bun-shaped and sweet-tasting yeast bread with anise seed made into loaves shaped as skulls or as a roll topped with bone-shaped ornamentation and a glaze. Pick some up at a Mexican bakery, and pay homage to departed family and friends. La Concha, 3054 Fish Hatchery Rd., 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Monday, November 2
Culinary innovator Monique Hooker makes an appropriate autumn appearance with a talk titled “The Fifth Season” at the First Unitarian Society of Madison. Part of its Ethical Eats lecture series at the Society, her talk focuses on using preservation techniques to make locally-grown food available all year round. First Unitarian Society Auditorium, 900 University Bay Dr., 7 p.m., $5 donation. Call 622-5148 for more info.
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