A taste of Flavor 574: Elkhart Oktoberfest

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -

Brewers in Goshen literally could not wait to kick off Oktoberfest, so they tapped the first keg of their special seasonal brews early.

Even Goshen Mayor Allan Kauffman was on hand to pour the first stein at Goshen Brewing Co.'s first day of Oktoberfest. For $30, patrons can get a one-liter commemorative mug that's theirs for keeps. You can read more details about the perks of being in the mug club in Flavor 574 columnist Marshall King's story here.

The brewpub is wrapping up its Oktoberfest celebrations with a big party on Oct. 3. But they aren't the only ones paying homage to the traditionally-German festival. Find other events happening in Elkhart County here.

Restaurant-owner Paul Cataldo is dishing up a new kind of rivalry between Notre Dame and USC. He's hosting a special dinner at Antonio's Italian Ristorante on Oct. 15, a few days ahead of the game, with a spirits versus wine theme.

He's done beer versus wine dinners before. This one will stay true to the Irish versus Trojans theme, though, with a new menu infused with Irish whiskey and California wines. To read more about the rivalry-themed dinner, and how you can land a reservation, click here.