If you've always wanted to attend a Houston Chowhounds throwdown but haven't been in the past, the upcoming Ceviche Throwdown is a can't-miss occasion and for one spectacular reason: The Chowhounds are trying to rasie $5,000 to help struggling Gulf fishermen in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster and oil spill. Jim Gossen of Louisiana Seafood will ensure that the money reaches those who need it most, and Jenny Wang will be hosting a silent auction during the event with prizes donated from Chowhound members and restaurants across the city.

The throwdown will be held at Soma Sushi on Monday, July 19, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets for the event, which feature ten area chefs competing to create the best ceviche dish of the evening, are $60 and include a commemorative T-shirt as well as a bounty of food. Tickets can be purchased online and should be purchased ASAP, as the throwdowns always sell out quickly.

Starting tonight, the Houston Museum of Natural Science will be hosting its popular weekly summer series of soirees: Mixers & Elixirs. Every Friday evening at 6 p.m., the HMNS opens its doors after closing to the public for music and mingling amongst priceless jewels and dinosaur bones (yes, it's every bit as fun as it sounds). Tickets are $14 for members or $17 for non-members, and tonight's musical guest is Mango Punch, while fans of the '80s will groove to Molly & the Ringwalds next week. Appetizers are complimentary, but remember to bring money for the cash bar.

If you're a World Cup fan, you've got until July 11 to enjoy the matches and the excitement that only comes once every four years. Why not enjoy it in the company of other enthusiastic fans as well as great food and beer? Check our directory for listings of area restaurants and bars that are hosting World Cup viewing parties throughout the next month. Gooooooool!