Riva
For dineLA.com
Oct. 17: Make Mojitos with Mary Sue Milliken and Susan FenigerIt’s easy to drop $10 on a single mojito in this town. Why not learn to make your own. You’ll save money in the long run and impress your friends. Ciudad chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger will show you the way. The menu for the midday cooking class includes not only blood orange mojitos but Caribbean shrimp cakes, rum braised beef and a spiced pineapple upside down cake. $75 per person. 213.486.5171.
Oct. 19: Maui Brewing Company at Hudson House
Maui Brewing Company is in the house tonight, Hudson House that is, Brooke Williamson and Nick Robert’s spiffy Redondo Beach watering hole. The chef duo will be cooking up a host of tasty appetizers to go along with the four delicious brews from the Hawaii company. And the brew master’s mom, an Orange County resident, will be on hand to share a little insider knowledge with guests. 310.798.9183 or www.hudsonhousebar.com
Oct. 20: Whiskey Live
If Whisky is your liquor of choice, then buy a ticket (and perhaps book a nearby hotel room) for Whisky Live at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. There will be a dazzling range of whiskies to sample and food from Patina Catering. Tickets start at $99. www.whiskylive.com/usa/losangeles-2009/
Oct. 22: The Palm Restaurant West Hollywood Goes Italian
Jonathan Mitchell, one of the nicest and most knowledgeable wine guys in town, has put together an assortment of fab Italian wines for tonight’s “Evening of Fine Italian Wines and Cuisine” at The Palm Restaurant in West Hollywood. The menu is still being finalized. But no one leaves The Palm hungry. It’s simply not possible. What we’re really struggling with is the idea of going to the Palm and not getting a platter of those addictive fried onion strings, which are most certainly not Italian. Ah, well there’s always a next time. 310.550.8811.
Oct. 24: Evan Kleiman Comes to Westfield Fashion SquareEvan Kleiman, the sharp, funny host of KCRW’s Good Food and chef-owner of Angeli Caffe is doing several free, family oriented culinary events about town this Fall. Today’s theme: How to Get Kids to Eat Their Vegetables, during which the young ‘uns get to create their own salad dressings. 3 to 5 pm at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks. www.KCRW.com/soundsaroundtown
Oct. 25: Los Angeles Magazine’s The Food Event
25 Los Angeles restaurants, including The Foundry on Melrose, Loteria Grill, Westside Tavern and Gordon Ramsay at the London, will be dishing up delicious tastes at Los Angeles Magazine’s fourth annual culinary extravaganza, The Food Event 09: From the Vine. It all goes down at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, home to Semler and Malibu Family Wines, which will, of course be poured, along with a slew of other vinous offerings. $95 per person or $100 with a subscription to Los Angeles Magazine. www.lamag.com/thefoodevent/
Oct. 28: Cabernet Dinner at Upstairs 2
Upstairs 2, the restaurant atop West Los Angeles’ terrific wine shop, The Wine House, hosts a “Wine & Dine Wednesdays” dinner every week. Tonight’s theme is “Classic Cabernet from Bordeaux and Napa Valley.” Chef Todd Barrie will deliver four Cabernet friendly courses. Sommelier Marilyn Snee will speak briefly about the vino, or should we say vin, given the theme. $55 per person. 310.231.0316.
Nov. 2: Tequila Tasting and Dinner at El Cholo CaféRed Carpet Wine sponsors a tequila tasting and dinner at El Cholo Café in Pasadena. Rest assured, there will be margaritas. $59 a person. 626.441.4353 or www.redcarpetwine.com
Nov. 26: Turkey To Go from The Polo Lounge
Thanksgiving is a warm, wonderful holiday, especially for those who never have to don an apron. Why not give the cook a break this year. Let The Polo Lounge do the cooking. It’ll cost you: $350 feeds 6-8 people. But the menu, starring a 20 pound sage roasted organic bird and dried apricot, chestnut and brioche bread stuffing, sounds divine. They’ll even deliver (for a surcharge) to addresses within five miles of the hotel. 310.887.2777.
