From rustic to Pacific Rim

Bryan Dame of Camden, Maine, will demonstrate and discuss cuisine at The Balsams in Dixville Notch, N.H.

THROUGH DECEMBER

DIXVILLE NOTCH, N.H.

The Balsams Fall Chefs Series: This resort hotel showcases culinary talents from across New England and elsewhere in a series of five weekend events. Tom Gutow, owner and chef of the Castine Inn in Maine, will start off with dinners and talks Oct. 24-26. Rob Evans, chef and owner of Hugo's Restaurant in Portland, Maine, will be featured Oct. 31-Nov. 2. On Nov. 7-9, Jack Chiaro from Johnson & Wales University will present a weekend of rustic food centered around olive oil. Bryan Dame, chef at the Inn at Ocean's Edge in Camden, Maine, will demonstrate his traditional New England dishes Nov. 14-16 in time for Thanksgiving inspirations. To finish off the series, on Dec. 5-7, Ben Smith will prepare Pacific Rim cuisine from his restaurant Tsunami in Memphis. Prices are $169 a night, which includes receptions, dinners, and lodging. 877-225-7267, thebalsams.com.

NOV. 13-23

PUERTO VALLARTA , RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO

14th Festival Gourmet International: Resorts on the Mexican Pacific Coast will be celebrating international cuisine in this 14th annual event. A gala opening dinner, coffee art demonstration, pairing of wine and chocolate, and master cooking demonstrations crowd the days. A benefit called "La Spaghettata," gourmet raffles, tapas and tequila, cheese tastings, and winemakers' dinners round out the festivities. Prices are $5 to $315, depending on the event. 011-52-322-290-2247, festivalgourmet.com.

NOV. 20-21

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK

13th Annual Spirits Festival: More than 20 exhibitors of premium Scotch whiskey, rum, and vodka will show their wares at this festival. Among the workshops is an "Introduction to the Art of Nosing and Tasting," which teaches how to distinguish single malt whiskey. Events include displays of cheese and chocolates, a lesson on how to set up a home bar, another on the five essential cocktails, and a whiskey nosing competition. A free taxi ride home within the city of Fredericton is offered as part of the ticket cost. Tickets are $50 each in advance; $60 at the door. whiskynb.ca.

NOV. 13-16

LONGBOAT KEY, FLA.

Stone Crab Seafood & Wine Festival: The Colony Beach Resort kicks off stone crab season with its 19th annual festival. The highlight of the weekend is a beach party with tastings from nationally-known chefs, wine stations, and demonstrations. Live music and dancing will fill out the evening. Throughout the festival, chefs will explain their favorite dishes, and collaborate with other chefs. A seven-course gala dinner caps the weekend. Prices range from $200 for the beach party to $245 for the gala. colonybeachresort.com/events.html.

PLAN AHEAD

JAN. 17-18

UNCASVILLE, CONN.

Sun WineFest, Mohegan Sun: If gambling is your thing, you might combine wagering with wine and food at this gala weekend. A grand tasting showcase will feature more than 600 varieties of wine and boutique ale. Celebrity chefs and wine specialists will appear at the 5th Annual Chef Showdown, including Todd English of Olives, Jasper White of Jasper White's Summer Shacks, and Robert Irvine of TV's "Dinner Impossible." Events including seminars, tastings, and the Celebrity Chef Dine Around will raise money for the American Liver Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Prices are $70 for a one-day pass, and $110 for the weekend. 860-953-0444 ext. 144, sunwinefest.com.

ALISON ARNETT

Events are sometimes canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; check online to confirm. Alison Arnett can be reached at alacarte59@aol.com.