While online gastro-commentator Food Dude has been railing on the non-ripe incarnation of the recently reopened Gotham Tavern (check out portlandfoodanddrink.com, yikes) another former ripe project is being resurrected. Thursday, Sept. 14, Simpatica Dining Hall hosts Matthew Stadler's Back Room, a lit + food event boasting filmmaker Sutapa Biswas. Check out thebackroompdx.com for details. Simpatica's slated for a second Back Room with author Mary Gaitskill Thursday, Sept. 21. >> A hungry source says Tom Hurley is working up some major menu changes at his eponymous local restaurant. Chef is moving away from teeny-weenie plates toward full-sized appetizers, entrees and desserts... >> American Cowgirls Bar & Grill (500 NE Martin Luther King Blvd., 233-2211) hosts the Northwest Flair Bartending Competition Sunday-Monday, Sept. 17-18. The Cocktail-style competition features the No. 1 female flair bartender on the World Pro Tour, Terri Leeseberg—who just happens to work at Cowgirls. Rookie competition is Sunday, the pros toss on Monday.