Here’s one for the diary: Nicky USA’s Wild About Game. It’s not for another couple of months, but tickets are on sale now. This year is the 15th anniversary of the food event that features specialty game and a cooking competition (and, it has to be said, a fair amount of booze, too). Chefs from Portland and Seattle compete in a cook off that has four meat-based categories, with dishes voted on by attendees. Portland lost last year, but are fielding a strong team this time round: Johanna Ware (Smallwares), Doug Adams, (Imperial), Andrew Mace, (Le Pigeon), and Carlo Lamagna (Clyde Common).

The artisanal marketplace, this year sponsored by Jacobson Salt, features a range of small-batch producers, with everything from meat and cheese to chocolate and ice cream. There are also a bunch of breweries, distilleries and wine makers present, so—being blunt—it’s not hard to get wasted. This year the event has returned to its roots and is hosted by Resort at the Mountain (which is a shorter commute than last year’s venue, Timberline Lodge).

Nicky USA’s Wild About Game, Resort at the Mountain, October 11, 11.30 am-4 pm, $65 advance available here [updated]