If you're looking to dial up the creepy factor this Halloween but aren't much for dress-up, this unusual culinary event might be the ticket. Called "Beer and Bugs," the dinner is precisely what it sounds like: a pairing of craft beer and cricket canapĂŠs at the Victory Cafe. Think of it as Fear Factor meets beer fest. Chef duties will be handled by Cookie Martinez with beer pairings from Beerology's Mirella Amato. Rather than spoof, the idea here is to put together a meal that's memorable for more than just the quirky main ingredient.

Despite the icky registers that eating bugs likely has for most people, there's actually a burgeoning movement to increase the consumption of insects on account of their status as a sustainable food source. And while insects are far from a staple in Western diets, entomophagy is common throughout the world. There's even energy bars made with crickets. As to how crickets pair with beer, I can offer no impressions or words of comfort. But I know I'd dig in just for the hell of it.

Tickets are still available for tonight's event, and will be sold for $40 at the door should space remain.

Photo by soozika on Flickr