This Monday evening some of the most talented culinary minds will be gathering at the Guthrie Theater to raise money and awareness about childhood hunger. As these folks so often do, they will be bringing the fruits of their labor to share with ticket holders. While tickets are still available for purchase, the Hot Dish has scored two tickets for one lucky reader.

As the hour for the historic vote drew near, Hell's Kitchen were the first to raise their hands and offer the opportunity for a same sex couple to celebrate their marriage at the restaurant, for free. People clamoured for the opportunity, other businesses jumped on the bandwagon in a fit of rainbow festooned solidarity. This weekend, Hell's Kitchen announced the winners as well as five "second place" winners.

When the semifinalists for the James Beard Awards were announced, the local food world was all a-twitter. Each year the James Beard Foundation hands out its awards recognizing excellence in the restaurant industry. The tales of the awards and ensuing after-parties are always tantalizing. To be a fly on the wall hanging out with such chefs as Jose Andres, Tim McKee, and Anthony Bourdain: What a thrill that would be for any food fan.

It turns out that one lucky food fan (and a guest--pick me!) will win a trip to the May 6 Beard Awards in New York City.

After penning his colorfully eloquent letter in support of gay marriage, Chris Kluwe has been everywhere. From CNN to peddling his own line of T-shirts to the cover of Out magazine, Kluwe has taken full advantage of his moment to speak out about the right of all Americans to marry. As Election Day approaches and Minnesotans consider voting to change our state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman, Kluwe is taking another step to support the Vote No cause. He has joined with the Strip Club Meat & Fish and CafeteriaCreative.com to auction off an all-inclusive dinner for four with him at the St. Paul restaurant.

Here's how to enter:

If you missed the Diamond Dog-eating contest at the Depot but still want your chance at belly-busting, Man vs. Food-style glory, you're in luck. As part of the festivities for the grand opening of its new location at Midtown Global Market, El Burrito Mercado is hosting a burrito-eating contest this Sunday, August 5.

Here are the details on when to show up and how much you have a shot at winning:

This year, six contestants bravely stepped up to the plate, but only one walked away with the top prize of 10 pairs of tickets to First Avenue shows, a $50 gift card to the Depot, and a platinum-level membership to First Avenue.

The nominees come from all over and include fish 'n' chips truck Cod Save the Queen in Los Angeles, Mighty Bean Espresso in Washington state, and something called Haulin' Balls in Las Vegas. But the truck we're pulling for is local newcomer Tot Boss, a glossy black vehicle emblazoned with the image of owner Dan Docken and a border of golden tots.