Whether you follow a plant-based diet or get high on the hog for meat, this week’s food events have something to offer. The week starts off with a monthly meeting of San Antonio’s best vegan vendors and ends in a heated barbecue battle. In between, indulge in two cheesy events. Bon appétit, y’all.

Wednesday, November 7

Vegan Stop Shop at Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex
This monthly event proves there’s no shortage of tasty choices when it comes to eating vegan. For November’s installment, Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex rounded up more than 20 unique plant-based vendors selling baked goods, vintage clothing and jewelry, cruelty-free bath and body products, and art. Treat yourself between 6-9 pm.

Friday, November 9

Chef Cooperatives Bites for Business at LiftFund
Some of San Antonio’s best independent chefs are giving back to the community at this farm-to-table feast benefitting nonprofit Launch SA. Graze on seasonal bites, groove to jams from DJ Scott Kimrey, and bid on exclusive live auction packages. Finish the evening with a nightcap courtesy of some of Texas’ acclaimed breweries and wineries. Tickets are $45 and the fun starts at 6 pm.

Saturday, November 10

SA Grilled Cheese Festival at St. Paul Square
From 1-5:30 pm, chow down on some ooey-gooey goodness at this deliciously cheesy fest. The $30 general admission includes a drink ticket and 10 quarter sandwich samples that are sure to make you melt. Need some time between tasting rounds? Browse for gifts from local vendors or bop along to live music.

Queso Meltdown at Christian Assistance Ministry
Double up on the dairy on Saturday as San Antonio’s premier queso competition returns. Starting at 1 pm, guests can vote for their favorites while enjoying live tunes, vendors, food trucks, and a bar filled with cool margaritas. At the end of the day, one cheesy warrior will be crowned the best in the city. Tickets are $5 and includes plenty of chips.

Gwendolyn Charcuterie Workshop at Cherrity Bar
As the finale to San Antonio’s sixth annual Charc Week 2018, this workshop teaches guests the art of preparing cured, smoked, and fermented meats with guidance from top area chefs like La Gloria’s Johnny Hernandez, The Cookhouse’s Pieter Sypesteyn, and Restaurant Gwendolyn’s Michael Sohocki. Don’t butcher things up. Buy your $45 ticket for the 10 am-1 pm class before it sells out.

Sunday, November 11

The Texas Kosher BBQ Championship at Congregation Agudas Achim
For the sixth year in a row, competitors across Texas will go head-to-head in the most heated kosher barbecue competition in the state. From 10 am-3 pm, enjoy tons of samples from 22 pit teams, then vote for the winner of the People’s Choice award. The event will also feature live entertainment, hot dog and pickle eating contests, and carnival-style rides and games for the whole family. The event runs from 10 am-3 pm and tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children between 6-11, and free for kids 5 and under.