Is this the high tide of retro madness, a Midcentury Pot Luck Party? Either way it looks like fun. It's happening this Sunday, and basically you ransack your (grand)parent’s old cookbooks or, better still their original recipes, and bring a dish along to be judged (failing that, cheat and get ideas from here). There are separate categories—mold, gelatin, and aspic being a favorite—and points scored not just for the authenticity and tastiness of the dish, but the cookware it is presented on. It will probably also help if you look the part.

There are some allowances for our more enlightened times so substitutions are okay if there are ingredients that no longer exist, are dangerous, unhealthy or outlawed (that goes as far as a meat replacements for vegetarians). Awards and prizes are up for grabs and there will be cocktails and music. You’ll receive discounted entry if you bring cans of food and other non-perishables to donate to the Oregon Food Bank. 1st Annual Mid-Century Portland Potluck Party and Contest, East Portland Eagle Lodge, 4904 SE Hawthorne, Sunday 29, 4.30-9 pm (judging at 5.30 pm), $7 or $5 with food bank donation; full info here