Changes to a new Blacksburg pub. Photo by Daniel Lin l The Roanoke Times.

On this lovely, clear Monday morning, I would like to share a smattering of food-related news:

* Growlers have arrived at Blue 5 in downtown Roanoke, which means you can take home 64 ounces of your favorite beer in a big ol’ jug. Prices vary.

* Local Roots Restaurant in Grandin Village is hosting a dinner on Oct. 18 to benefit the Western Virginia Land Trust. The non-profit works to preserve natural resources in the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Montgomery, and Roanoke. That evening, 15 percent of the dinner profits will be donated to the land trust. The regular menu will be available. For more information, contact the restaurant at 540-206-2610.

To see much more food news, click “Read More.”

* The week before Thanksgiving has been declared Virginia Cider Week by the state general assembly. That gives us a great excuse to enjoy some Virginia-made hard cider. It also means we are approaching apple season and there are two restaurants having cider dinners with Foggy Ridge Hard Cider of Carroll County:

Sept. 20, 5 to 8:30 p.m., hard cider dinner at The Bank Food and Drink, 101 North Main St., Pearisburg. Experience Foggy Ridge Hard Cider paired with four courses prepared by executive chef Michael Behmoiras. Seatings available every half-hour. Cost is $38 per person; $12 per cider flight (taxes and gratuities not included). For reservations or more info, call 540-921-2981.

On Nov. 15, Local Roots Restaurant will host Cider & Mr. Jefferson: A Monticello-Inspired Dinner with Foggy Ridge Hard Cider. The rustic, French-inspired dinner will include vegetables grown in the Local Roots garden with seeds purchased at Monticello. Price per person TBA; call 540-206-2610 for more information.

* Tickets are selling fast for “Remembering the Miller & Rhoads Tearoom,” a luncheon that will take place at the Roanoke Country Club on Oct. 12. For more information about the event, including how to purchase tickets, click here.

* The Prevention Council of Roanoke County and Salem YMCA are hosting the 9th Annual Family Day Dinner at the Salem YMCA on Sept. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. The purpose of the event is to remind parents that getting the family together around the dinner table on a regular basis is an effective way to combat substance abuse problems in children. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

* Only a few months after it opened, Castle’s Kettle & Pub in Blacksburg has changed names, dropped one co-owner and lowered some prices. Owner Tony Faulds has changed the name of the restaurant at 607 North Main Street to T. Flynn’s Pub. To read about the rest of the changes, check out Travis Williams’ story here.

* Speaking of Irish food, this Friday’s Taste of Culture in downtown Roanoke will feature the food and customs of Ireland. It is sponsored by the Vikings of the Valley and Flanary’s Irish Pub. If you go, you’ll get a chance to experience shepherd’s pie, Dublin stew, fish and chips and Irish music and dancing. Lunch costs $5. The event takes place on Wall Street next to the City Market and runs from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.