Outside the county, but serious food activity...

Outside the county, but serious food activity nonetheless: The 8th Annual California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria on Saturday and Sunday--a worthy food event itself and just minutes outside Ventura County--will, for the first time, hold a series of avocado baking and cooking contests.

Categories for adults include main dishes, desserts, appetizers, guacamole, baked goods, and “other food items.” There will also be a children’s baked goods category.

“It will really be like a county fair,” said organizer Debbie Murphy. “Whether it’s avocado scones or avocado-shaped pancakes, somehow it has to be made with avocados, look like an avocado, be in an avocado shell--somehow tie in with the theme of avocado. Who knows what somebody might cook up. An avocado malt? Avocado chocolate cake?”

Entries are not being taken in advance. Instead, they will be accepted at given times on the day of the contest, either Saturday or Sunday. For specific times and other entry information, call 684-0038.

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It’s not too early to reserve a spot at the Wheeler Hot Springs Champagne Truffle and Tasting Dinner, hosted by Executive Chef Gael Lecolley on Oct. 26. The date is a bit off, but the reservation list is filling quickly.

This culinary event will highlight the talents of Lecolley combined with champagnes presented by Jean-Louis Carbonnier of the Champagne News and Information Bureau.

Carbonnier will bring along some of the biggest names in champagne production, including samplings of Dom Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon, and Bollinger. Meanwhile, Lecolley will prepare a five-course meal featuring exotic truffles from the United States and France.

Hors d’oeuvres and champagne will be served at 7 p.m. with dinner to follow. Tickets are $95 per person and seating is limited to 120 people. Call 646-8131.

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Don’t forget the City Bakery Soup and Salad Class to be taught by Chef Rose Burtchby on Saturday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. She’ll be teaching two soup recipes, several pasta salads, and some salad dressings. Admission is $35, but class size is limited so call (643-0861) in advance.