Events at Departure, Bluehour, Salvador Molly's, MORE

DOWNTOWN: Departure chef Greg Gourdet celebrates the Lunar New Year with a special $45 seven-course prix fixe menu, featuring his takes on Chinese favorites like hot and sour soup, ginger-steamed cod, soy sauce chicken, and, of course, the traditional noodles eaten for longevity. The year of the dragon menu is available now through Saturday, January 28; reservations suggested and available by calling the restaurant.

PEARL DISTRICT: This one's for those who plan ahead: On February 11, hot new Bluehour chef Thomas Boyce will team up with Patton Valley Vineyard for a six-course prix fixe pairing dinner in the restaurant's private dining space. The meal — featuring dishes like roasted striped bass with blood sausage, and strozzapreti pasta with oxtail ragout — highlights selections from Patton Valley's 2009 lineup, including three Pinot Noirs. Reservations are $100 (plus a 20% gratuity) and are available by calling the restaurant.

HILLSDALE: Salvador Molly's kicks off its annual "Great Balls of Fire" fundraiser this Sunday (January 29) with its famous "Toughest Tongue" contest — a competition to see who can eat the most balls (aka Molly's super-hot habanero cheese fritters). Through the end of February, a portion of every Great Balls of Fire order will be donated to Oregon Heat, a non-profit organization that helps local low-income families pay for heat each winter. More information here.

OLD TOWN: This Thursday (January 26), community kitchen/incubatory space KitchenCru plays host to a "Small-Scale Meat Production" seminar conducted by Slow Food Portland. During the two-hour session, ranchers and meat processors will hold a panel discussion about the local meat supply chain, giving guests an inside look at how animals go farm-to-table. Registration is required.

NORTHWEST/ALPHABET: A date change to report for the Bent Brick's previously announced zukuski party with Bull Run Distillery: According to Scott Dolich, the event has been pushed back one week, to January 30th.

Image of Departure courtesy Facebook