I have a half-written summary of my trip to Berlin, but haven't managed to finish it yet. Since I returned, I went up to Maine for Thanksgiving, returned to NYC, and am now sitting in the airport waiting to board for my trip to Thailand (with a layover in Tokyo). It'll be the longest flight I've ever been on, but I know it'll be worth it; I couldn't be more excited to explore another part of the world. Many thanks to Dad & Joan for helping out, to all who have given me recommendations & tips, and to Kim & Rachel - see you in Thailand!

I just returned from a trip to Berlin (more on that later). Bottom line: loved it. I was there for a conference, but plan to return when I have more free time to explore. Before that I had gone to Boston (twice in one week), Portland, OR, DC, and Portland, ME all in fairly quick succession. I'm home in NYC for a few days before heading back to Portland, ME, for Thanksgiving, then flying back home on Saturday. The following day, I'm off to Thailand. When I get back, I plan to stay put for a while.

A pretty fall cocktail from The Beagle -- the North Atlantic: Calvados, Madeira, Benedictine, Angostura, nutmeg.

- You'll find David Wondrich behind the bar in the back dining room -- now known as the Bar Room -- at Brooklyn Fatty 'Cue tonight. Two punches adapted from Wondrich’s latest book, Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl will be served. 7pm.

- On Saturday, you'll have the chance to taste holiday cocktail concoctions aplenty at the Dizzy Fizz Holiday Spirits Bazaar at Astor Center from 6:30 (VIP entry) or 7:30 (regular entry) - 10 pm.  A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the Childrens Aid Society, to get you into the spirit of giving. In case you need a little extra incentive, sponsors include: Hudson Whiskey, Bulleit Bourbon, Cointreau, Beefeater 24, Plymouth Gin, Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Chairman’s Reserve Rum, Russian Standard Vodka, Catdaddy Moonshine, Denizen Rum, Becherovka, Bluecoat Gin, Vieux Carré Absinthe, Penn 1681 Rye Vodka, XXX Shine Whiskey, Iceberg Vodka, Cockspur Rum, Redemption Rye, Redemption High Rye Bourbon, Scorpion Mezcal, Midnight Moon Apple Pie Moonshine and Innis & Gunn Cask-Aged Beer.  $55 tix for regular entry, available online.

- And, as promised, here's a brief summary of PDX Cocktail Week. Will add a few personal extras soon.

At the James Beard house, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the automobile with Mercedes-Benz and the amazing folks pictured above (including John Besh, Daniel Humm, Karen DeMasco, Julie Reiner, and Dan Kluger) . Talk about dream team . . .

Torrisi Italian Specialties is delicious, taking Italian American food into the realm of haute cuisine without turning stuffy, using local, seasonal ingredients and creativity. That said, it's tough to get in -- you have to get there right when it opens to put your party's name down for a seating that may end up to be several hours later (not that grabbing a drink at nearby 1534 or Mother's Ruin is a bad way to pass those hours).  Except tonight.

If you are a MasterCard holder, through their Priceless New York program, you can score a reservation for a 6pm or a 9pm seating tonight for an extended menu featuring wine pairings for $125. Go forth and dine.