A Flickr photo.

​With the advent of such groundbreaking documentaries as Food, Inc., more than ever, we're learning about the cultural and environmental consequences of our diets -- particularly the consumption of meat. Food, Inc. was decades behind the times, though: Since 1985, people from around the planet have been trying to educate their peers about the benefits of going vegetarian (and the health and environmental dangers inherent in eating meat) via the Meatout, an annual event that takes place on March 20. (Which makes this year the 25th anniversary of the Meatout!)

Individuals in different regions, countries, states and cities put together talks, informational sessions, outreach programs and other such events to encourage people to "kick the meat habit." It's the world's largest annual grassroots diet education campaign -- and ironically, as healthy as Colorado is, this state has only two Meatout events planned: A retail outreach and public vegetarian meal on the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, March 21, and a Durango information table and retail outreach from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Natural Grocers, 123 Camino Del Rio.

A Flickr photo.

​Looking for something culinary to do this (potentially snowy) afternoon? Look no further than Old South Pearl Street, because every Friday, the Culinary Connectors host a walking restaurant tour of the district.

They call it the Friday Afternoon Club.

Lori Midson

​If you've been wanting to try Fuel Cafe, the groovy, lively and seriously good River North restaurant at 3455 Ringsby Court that's only open for dinner Thursday through Saturday, tonight's multi-course feast, paired with Italian wines from Vias Imports, is as good an opportunity as any.

And if chef Bob Blair's menu is any indication of what you have to look forward to, then you're in for a delicious night of cooking.

​This year will be the tenth annual Soup for the Soul fundraiser, which supports Porter and St. Anthony Hospices, helping ease the end-of-life transition for people suffering from various illnesses. (The two hospices together provide five times the state average of charity care.) It's a great cause -- and you'll enjoy great food with it when you fork over the $95 entry fee.

​Last month's Boulder Blind Cafe was such a hit that event organizer Brian Rocheleau (aka Rosh) has brought it back for a second round.

The Blind Cafe features a vegetarian meal created by chef Marcus McCauley, which is served and eaten entirely in the dark, with musical accompaniment by One Eye Glass Broken, spoken-word poetry and other entertainment.

​There are plenty of St. Patrick's Day events (some of them even food-related!) that you can enjoy across the city today -- visit our extensive calendar listings for a full rundown.

But if you're looking for something in the culinary scene that won't require you to wear green, then head to Il Posto, 2011 East 17th Avenue, for today's luncheon with Salvatore Ferragamo.

​Firenze a Tavola, the special Tuscan-centric dining room at Parisi, 4401 Tennyson Street, is offering up something special at 7 p.m. tonight: the Ultimate Tuscan Experience.

Italian guest chef Daniele Raddi will re-create the flavors of Tuscany in four courses. The meal is $48, which doesn't include tax or tip; to make a reservation, call 303-561-0234 or visit www.parisidenver.com.

For information on dozens of culinary events around town, visit our online Food & Drink listings.

A Flickr photo.

​It's a week of whiskey, green beer and Italian wines. Here's just a taste of what's ahead on the Denver dining scene:

Monday, March 15:

Enjoy a five-course pig feast, complemented by handpicked local brews from Odell, at Hooves & Hops, which starts at 7 p.m. tonight at Osteria Marco, 1453 Larimer Street. The cost is $45; call 303-534-5855 or visit www.osteriamarco.com for more info.

A Flickr photo.

​Pork and beer -- two great tastes that taste great together. If you agree, head to Osteria Marco, 1453 Larimer Street, which is serving up a Hooves & Hops dinner at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

The five-course pig feast will be complemented by handpicked local brews from Odell. Reserve a seat, $45, by calling 303-534-5855, or go to www.osteriamarco.com.

For information on dozens of culinary events around town, visit our online Food & Drink listings.

​Yes, we've all heard that the Biennial coming to Civic Center Park in July -- but did you know that the Denver Piennial will be served up at the same time?

Find out all about it at 3 p.m. today at the kickoff event for the Piennial -- "a celebration of all things PIE (or Pi for the mathematically inclined)" -- at Rooster & Moon Coffee Pub at 955 Bannock Street, where both free pie and a performance by Danielle Ate the Sandwich will be served up.

Get all the delicious details at www.facebook.com/DenverPiennial