• Season five of Bravo's "Top Chef" premieres Wednesday at 10 p.m., and for the first time residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania can root for someone from the home team. Contestant Jill Snyder, now executive chef of Red Maple in Baltimore, was born and raised in Latrobe. According to her "Top Chef" bio, Snyder credits her passion for food to "helping on her uncle's farm, picking berries and baking cookies to sell at the local farmers' market."

• On Nov. 14 you can have whiskey (and lots of other liquors) or you can have beer, but you're probably going to want choose one or the other.

The Pittsburgh Whiskey Festival is back at Heinz Field that day, and this year premium whiskeys from around the world will be joined by tequilas, vodkas, rums, gins and cognacs; in total, more than 100 brands from around the world. Guests can sample liquors straight or sip a wide variety of cocktails. Watch a cocktail competition between Pittsburgh bartenders, check out display of diamonds and luxury cars, play golf or "Guitar Hero," and don't forget about the displays of food that will be not only delicious, but also educational -- learn what food goes best with what liquor.

The festival will start at 6 p.m.; tickets are $85 in advance and $95 at the door. For more information visit www.pittsburgh whiskeyfestival.com or call 412-281-2681.

• Meanwhile, over at Bar Room & Saddle Ridge in Station Square, from 6-9 p.m., the Pittsburgh Rugby Football Club will hold a Brufest, bringing together dozens of brewers with the people who love them, including Brewery Ommegang from Cooperstown, N.Y.; Terrapin Beer Company from Athens, Ga.; as well as local breweries including the East End Brewing Co., the Erie Brewing Company and the Victory Brewing Company from Downingtown, Chester County. The event will include a raffle and auction. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Visit www.pghrugby.com to buy tickets.

• You can also join The Andy Warhol Museum and Big Burrito on the second Friday of every month, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for Good Fridays beer tastings. You can socialize while sampling The Warhol's art and featured regional micobrews while representatives discuss the qualities of their brews. Complimentary light food included. Tickets $20 are. 412-237-8300.