The Maple Bar's Soft Opening; Lady and the Tramp Dinner

MAPLE LEAF—After a soft opening that started last weekend, The Maple Bar will officially launch August 23. Maple Leaf Life reports that the restaurant in the former Maple Leaf Grill space is serving an early, reduced-price menu while it works out the usual opening kinks from now until August 22. Apparently the neighborhood is ready: 100 people stopped in on Saturday. [Maple Leaf Life]

PIONEER SQUARE—Nord Alley serves as the backdrop for this Thursday's Lady and the Tramp dinner, with four-courses of Italian food (including spaghetti and meatballs,) an accordion player, and the movie projected on a wall in the background. The 5:30 to 8:30 event costs $150. [EaterWire]

BALLARD—Skillet Diner hosts a three-course barbecue this Sunday that includes "massive Mesquite grilled Tomahawk ribs," homemade pretzel sticks, prosciutto salad, and grilled strawberry shortcake. Make reservations for the $35 meal by calling 206-512-2000; kids eat for free. [EaterWire]