Julia Child’s birthday, Melisse series, Salt’s Cure anniversary, summer grilling

Sip-tember cocktail competition: In honor of Julia Child’s birthday on Thursday, her hometown, Pasadena, is celebrating with the launch of a citywide cocktail competition. Starting with 64 drinks from 32 restaurants and bars, patrons can vote for their favorite cocktails in this annual bracket challenge. The last four cocktails remaining will face each other in a sip-off on Sept. 26 at the Rose Bowl. Brackets and a list of participating restaurants are posted online.

Child’s birthday bash at Vertical: From Tuesday to Aug. 18, Vertical Wine Bistro will be offering a three-course Julia Child-inspired dinner. The dinner, for $39 per person, will feature some of her most recognizable dishes, such as beef bourguignon with red wine, bacon, onions and mushrooms; and lemon cheesecake. Wine pairings for each course will be avaliable for an additional $25. 70 North Raymond Ave, Pasadena, (626) 795-3999.

Mélisse dinner series: Josiah Citrin of Mélisse is launching a series of eight themed dinners dubbed Something Different in the Auggie Roomi, to be served in Mélisse’s private dining room, the Augustin Room, named after Citrin’s son. The first dinner, to take place Thursday, is themed From the Grill and will include grilled summer corn sorbet with corn blini and lime; Dungeness crab with fennel and grilled tomatoes; and grilled smoked beef ribs with cactus, sweet onions and clover. The meal is $125 per person. 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, (310) 395-0881.

Salt’s Cure third anniversary: On Tuesday, Salt’s Cure will host its Pink Anniversary, a dinner and rosé pairings, to celebrating the restaurant’s third anniversary. The four-course, all-grilled meal includes grilled oysters with rosé butter paired with Caraccioli Cellars 2007 Brut Rosé; a salad of bitter greens, peaches and cheek bacon with Banshee Rosé of Pinot Noir 2012; squid, chorizo and crispy rice served with Turley Napa Valley White Zinfandel 2012; and grapefruit pie. The cost is $45 per person. 7494 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 850-7258.

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