Pumpkins may be in short supply, but don't let that stop you from jumping into other October finds. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Think you've graduated from drinking experiences that center around a keg? Think again: Wine lovers are becoming reacquainted with kegs at restaurants that offer pours straight from the barrel.

• Jamie Oliver's revolution will be televised, and we're all for it. Using his new prime-time TV show and cookbook as the medium, this British chef aims to get America cooking healthfully.

• We're can't stop sprinkling this sea-fed line of salts over our dinner. Harvested from the Pacific by a Mendocino-based couple, their "Seasoning Sand" makes the perfect sweet-salty rub.

• Get a taste of Irish hospitality at Rì Rà, a collection of pubs from two Dublin expats who aim to bring the best of Ireland across the pond.

• Throw a top-notch dinner party without taking out Grandma's china with help from the new Forking Fantastic cookbook. Its recipe for "Crack Ham" will please any crowd.