September 12: Save New Orleans Cocktail Hour
Restaurants and bars across the nation including Employees Only, Freeman's, and Flatiron Lounge in New York will serve New Orleans classic cocktails like the Pimm's Cup, the Hurricane, and the Sazerac from 5 to 7 p.m. All receipts from the $10 drinks will be donated to a relief fund established by the Museum of the American Cocktail, Go to the website for a full list of participants.

September 12: Grand Opening of Pioneer Bar-B-Q and Beer Garden
Pioneer Bar-B-Q's grand opening includes "Good Food, Bad Art:" a menu including Frito-crusted Salmon with fried green onions, Pulled BBQ Pork Shoulder, and Red Hook Jambalaya with shrimp, seafood and sausage, alongside the New York City home to the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA), a Boston-based museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms. Many of the pieces in the opening night exhibit were purchased in thrift stores, found in trash bins, or received in holiday gift exchanges. Opening night also features the antique country music band The Sidewinders, playing 2-sets live in the beer garden beginning at 7 PM. Admission for all activities is free. 318 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, 718-624-0700.

September 12: Vino Italiano, The Regional Wines of Italy
Well-known restaurateur Joeseph Bastianich and award-winning journalist David Lynch speak on the regional wines of Italy. Bastianich is the co-creator of Babbo, Otto, Lupa and Esca; he also collaborates on wine menus with his mother, chef Lidia Bastianich. Lynch, Babbo’s wine director, owns Italian Wine Merchants in New York and was previously the senior editor of Wine & Spirits magazine. They are co-authors of Vino Italiano! and Vino Italiano Buying Guide: The Ultimate Quick Reference to the Great Wines of Italy. 12-1 PM (yes, you'll have to sneak off during lunch), $16, at Makor, 35 West 67th Street. Tickets can be purchased online.

September 14: Uncork New York
The New York Wine and Grape Foundation will be holding Uncork New York, a VIP walk-around tasting of outstanding New York wines, at the New York Rihga Royal Hotel on September 14 from 2 to 5pm. R.S.V.P. to Philip Ruskin or Jamie Gaul at 212.749.5511, or info@ruskininternational.com.

September 14: New Orleans Relief Effort Benefit at Jacques-Imo's
Jacques-Imo's is holding a fundraiser for New Orleans, where they'll be serving New Orleans' food, providing an open bar, live entertainment, and holding an auction, with 100% of the proceeds are going to relief efforts in New Orleans. 7 PM. Tickets are $30.00 in advance and $40.00 at the door. Call 212-799-0150 for tickets. Jacques-Imo's, 366 Columbus Avenue @ 77th Street.