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O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7 M A C O N M A G A Z I N E | 25 Toast & Taste at Hay House A SINGULAR OPPORTUNITY to sample spirits from Georgia wineries, distillers and brewers, as well as the cuisine of Macon's restaurants, caterers and its best amateur chefs, Toast and Taste returns from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Hay House. This festive affair will benefit the operations, preservation efforts and educational offerings of Hay House, Macon's 1855 National Landmark House on Georgia Avenue, known by many as the "Palace of the South." One of Macon's finest live auctions will punctuate the evening, featuring private performances by world-renowned musicians, special meals with great chefs in historic houses, weekend getaways and other items offered for competitive bidding. A rollover raffle will feature numerous items and gift certificates with each ticket gaining an additional chance to win a Big Green Egg ceramic grill. Event tickets are $40; raffle tickets are $10. Get tickets online at hayhousemacon.org or by calling 478-742-8155. MARGARITAS NEW MENU ONE OF OUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANTS JUST GOT BETTER. Margaritas in Mercer Village has tweaked its menu. Owners Brad and Valerie Cork have a successful formula that serves them well. But the menu additions reflect current trends. For example, the taco menu has expanded to include more than a dozen selections. From Sweet Chili Chicken Tacos to Chorizo Y Papas Tacos, you're sure to find something to tempt your taste buds. Personal fave at the moment: Luis' Taco De La Calle, three open-faced corn tortillas topped with steak, chorizo, cilantro and onions. Another new menu item is Juan's Mango Chicken, a grilled chicken breast cooked in a mango salsa with onions and mushrooms. As is the case with everything at Margaritas, it's all prepared using fresh ingredients. PROST! RAISE A STEIN FOR OCTOBERFEST IT'S EVERY BEER LOVER'S FAVORITE SEASON: Octoberfest. For the third year, Middle Georgians can raise a stein in support of a good cause. Macon Octoberfest will take place 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 21 in Cherry Street Plaza in downtown Macon. A beer garden will feature plenty of Georgia-made craft brews as well as Bavarian cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients. Keep kids entertained with activities from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the lawn of the Tubman Museum. Even the family dog can get in on the fun with a wiener dog race and all-breed dog costume competition benefiting All About Animals Rescue from noon-2:30 p.m. on the lawn of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Live music is happening most of the day, with Hank Vegas and Widow Pills headlining later in the evening. Proceeds benefit the L.H. Harris Ecology Center and All About Animals. For tickets and more information, visit maconoctoberfest.com.