BACK BAY — Celebrate Diwali with a special dinner at The Cafe at Taj Boston this Thursday and Friday, October 23 and 24. The prix-fixe meal ($45) is available for reservations between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. both days. Specialty chef Gurminder Gidda is preparing achari paneer tikka, nalli ghost, meethi khoj, and more. Call 617.598.5255 for a reservation. [Eaterwire]
KENMORE — JP Beer Garden, a future restaurant that is currently popping up around town, will host its next event at The Hawthorne this Sunday, October 26, promising a "day-drink', sausage-slingin' party." The Hawthorne team will be serving beer cocktails, while the JP Beer Garden will offer up sausages (including a vegetarian one) and pretzels. There'll also be beer in non-cocktail form. Buy a ticket in advance for $20 or at the door for $30, which includes a stein of beer and plenty of food. Additional beverages available for purchase. Also, beer swag. [Eventbrite]
HUB-WIDE — During November and December, a large number of area restaurants are participating in Hearth Shares, a charity initiative that gives diners the option to add one dollar to their bill (post-tax). The proceeds are donated to Hearth Inc., Friends of Boston's Homeless, and other non-profits working to end homelessness in the Boston area. Here's the list restaurants that have signed on so far, including Cinquecento, Mistral, Blue Dragon, and more. [Official Site]
