For dineLA.com
January 23-28 and January 30-February 4: dineLA Restaurant Week
Mark your calendars. It’s that time of year. It’s dineLA’s winter restaurant week (more like two weeks if you’re counting). If you were looking for an excuse to try that buzzy new restaurant or revisit an old favorite, this is it. Hundreds of local restaurants are offering enticing prix fixe menus that often come out to significantly less than you’d pay normally. There are lunch and dinner options galore. And remember: you’re boosting the economy along with your palate. www.dinela.com/restaurantweek
January 23: Brewer-Clifton Winemaker Dinner at Noir Food & WineAs part of the Pasadena PinotFest, Noir Food & Wine is throwing a kickoff winemaker dinner with Greg Brewer, winemaker at Melville, and Steve Clifton, winemaker at Palmina. The five course dinner from executive chef Claud Beltran will feature upwards of a dozen delicious Pinots (along with a few Chardonnays). $139 per person. 626.795.7199 or www.pasadenapinotfest.com/Brewer-Clifton
February 3: Chinese New Year at Chi DynastySan Fernando Valley residents need not go Downtown to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Chi Dynasty is putting on their very own party as we move from the year of the tiger to the rabbit. There will be live entertainment and small bites and guests will receive red envelopes containing $8 in “Chi Bucks.” The festivities begin at 8:30 p.m. 818.753.5300 or www.chidynasty.com
February 7: Pizza Class at Olio Pizzeria
You’ve attempted making your own pizza. But it never comes close to the pros’ versions. Tonight, Olio Pizzeria chef Bradford Kent teaches a class at his Third Street restaurant that is sure to draw out your inner Luigi. The class, put on by the New School of Cooking, includes lots of pizza eating and wine too. $110 per person. 310.842.9702 or www.newschoolofcooking.com
February 14: Valentine’s Day at James’ BeachStill as cool and chic and comfortable as the day it opened, James’ Beach in Venice would be a swell spot to celebrate with your valentine. They are offering their regular menu. Which means if love to you is a great hamburger, then a great hamburger you shall have. And for those who want to go the more traditional aphrodisiac route, there will be a Maine lobster special for $28 as well as a flight of four bubblies for $30. 310.823.5396 or www.jamesbeach.com
February 28: Colgin Dinner at CapoHow to get the attention of a California wine aficionado? Say the name “Colgin” and watch them perk up. The wines of the Napa Valley producer will star in a very special dinner taking place tonight at Capo, the Italian beauty near the beach in Santa Monica. Wally’s, the West L.A. wine shop, co-hosts. The four course dinner will feature eight different Colgin wines. $399 per person. 310.475.0606 or www.wallywine.com
March 7: Caymus Dinner at TavernWally’s, the wine retailer in West Los Angeles, is sponsoring a Caymus dinner this evening at Tavern in Brentwood. Expect delicious eats from chef Suzanne Goin and her crew to go along with all that tasty Cabernet. Caymus’ Chuck Wagner will be in attendance. $150 per person. Book through Wally’s. 310.475.0606 or www.wallywine.com
March 17-20: Pacific Wine and Food Festival
Mark your calendar. The Pacific Wine and Food Festival is coming to Paramount Studios this weekend. Expect lots of great drink from around the world, food from local restaurants and trucks and several chichi events within the main event. www.pacificwineandfood.com
