Food adds so much to the equation of living well. It can be all the things — luxurious, cheap, communal, intimate, simple and complex. In Baton Rouge, the culinary scene ranges the complete spectrum of senses.

This weekly space brings you insider foodie news, helpful tips and details of food/wine events for all of your bon vivant aspirations.

New (food and drink) on the block 

Solera, 4205 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, has tomato basil soup with manchego cheese croutons for a limited time. 

There’s a new special at Library Wine and Provisions, 7530 S. Burnside Ave., Gonzales. The veal chop is paired with mushroom peppercorn marsala and a touch of garlic confit. 

To round out November, drink for a cause at DiGiulio Brothers, 2903 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, with their Tito’s Martinis That Matter campaign to support Second Harvest Food Bank. For every seasonal pumpkin spice espresso martini sold, Tito’s Vodka will donate $1. 

Pork carnitas are now available at El Pollo Loco, 10335 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge.

Thai Kitchen, 4550 Concord Ave., Baton Rouge, introduced yellow curry to the menu with potatoes, onions and a side of rice. Choose a spice level and a protein.

In the know

Wine advent calendars are in at Total Wine & More, 7074 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge. There’s something for everyone in the package — crisp whites, full-bodied reds and refreshing rosés. Hurry in before they sell out. 

Taco Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at La Mexicana, 7034 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge 

Enjoy $1 tacos every Taco Tuesday at La Mexicana with your choice of meat, toppings and more, plus two-for-one margaritas for $7.99. 

Thanksgiving Buffet: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, at Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge, 4728 Constitution Ave., Baton Rouge

Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Crowne Plaza with dishes like seafood gumbo, roasted turkey, tuna wontons, fig stuffed pork loin and more. Tickets are $75 for adults, $45 for kids ages 6 to 12 and $30 for kids under 6 years old. Call (225) 925-2244 to make reservations.

Thanksgiving Potluck: 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, at Hayride Scandal, 5110 Corporate Blvd., Baton Rouge

Take a break from the turkey-related stress for a night of feasting and fun. Bring your favorite dish to share and/or bring a canned good to donate. Call (225) 400-9677 for more information.

Potluck at Big Dog Saloon: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, at Big Dog Saloon 7857 Florida Blvd., Denham Springs 

Employees and customers will gather for a Thanksgiving potluck dinner. Bring a dish for everyone, and enjoy food, fun and friendship.

Santa in Southdowns: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Phil’s Oyster Bar, 4335 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge

For the third annual Christmas extravaganza, Santa is coming to Southdowns. Enjoy food, drinks, activities, local vendor pop-ups and more in the area. 

Markets and more 

Local Pop-Up Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, at Electric Depot, 1509 Government St., Baton Rouge

Join local makers and food vendors on Small Business Saturday for the Local Pop-Up Markets at Electric Depot.

Family Night: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Tin Roof Brewing Company, 1624 Wyoming St., Baton Rouge

Tin Roof will kick off Family Fridays each first Friday of the month with balloon animals, face painting, live music, a bounce house and food from The Outpost, Tin Roof’s food truck.

Merry Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Food Trucks at Oak Grove, 17186 Old Jefferson Highway, Prairieville

Enjoy live music from noon to 3 p.m., craft vendors, food trucks and family fun at this monthly market. 

Mark your calendar

Jingle Bell Brunch: 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Jubans, 3739 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge

Enjoy a three-course brunch and kids menu, pictures with Santa, a hot chocolate station and Christmas cookie decorating. Tickets are $110 for adults and $75 for kids, available for purchase at bontempstix.com.

Wine dinner: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Cocha, 445 N. Sixth St., Baton Rouge

Explore Italian wines paired with a five-course meal inspired by chefs Saskia Spanhoff and Enrique Pinerua’s recent travels. Tickets are $150 per person, available for purchase by calling (225) 615-8826. 

Holiday wine pairings: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Martin’s, 6463 Moss Side Lane, Baton Rouge

Add a touch of magic to your holiday dishes with a lesson from Martin’s. Learn how to pair wine with classic holiday dishes. The event will feature 16 different wines and various dishes like cornbread dressing, marinated herb pork loin, praline sweet potatoes and bread pudding.

Tickets are $50, available for purchase at eventbrite.com. 

Gingerbread house making: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Saia Recreation Center, 855 N. Donmoor Ave., Baton Rouge

BREC is hosting a gingerbread house-making event with a movie and hot chocolate while participants build their houses. Tickets are $5 per person, available for purchase at brec.org for ages three and older.