DATEBOOK

Today

New Asia Cuisine: Singapore chef Sam Leong prepares a six-course dinner at the Regent Beverly Wilshire. 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Reservations required. (310) 275-5200.

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You’re the Judge: In this five-course dinner, two wine merchants compete for your palate’s affection. Each course is paired with two wines, one selected by the representative of the Wine Warehouse and the other by the representative of the Henry Wine Group. 6:30 p.m. Top O’ the Cove, 1216 Prospect St., La Jolla, (619) 454-7779. Reservations required. $85 per person.

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Salmon Enchanted Evening: McCormick & Schmick chef Alfredo Olmos shows how to prepare a four-course seafood meal that students may eat after class. 6 to 8 p.m. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. (626) 405-0064. Reservations recommended. $29.

Thursday

Great Garnishes: Learn to handle the tools of the garnishing trade. 11 a.m. Gelson’s Cooking Connection, 22277 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. (818) 906-5711. Reservations required. $40.

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Aussie Wine Tasting: Taste the newest imports from Veritas, Magpie, Galah, Torbreck and Fox Creek. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wine Exchange, 2368 N. Orange Mall, Orange. (714) 974-1454. Reservations recommended. $28.

Friday

Meet Jean-Georges Vongerichten: The New York chef signs his new book “Jean-Georges: Cooking at Home with a Four-Star Chef,” and a four-course menu from the book prepared by Campanile chefs is offered. Reservations taken 5:30 to 11 p.m. Campanile, 624 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 938-1447. $95. On Saturday, the American Institute of Wine and Food presents a lunch featuring Vongerichten’s recipes prepared by Jozu chefs. Noon. Jozu, 8360 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. For reservations call (310) 535-6090. $75 for members, $90 for nonmembers. Also Saturday, Vongerichten signs books and conducts a cooking demonstration at Bloomingdale’s. 4 p.m. Bloomingdale’s, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City. (310) 772-7142. Free.

Saturday

Meet Stephan Pyles: The chef-owner of two Dallas restaurants signs his newest book, “New Taste From Texas.” 11 a.m. Cook’s Library, 8373 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. (213) 655-3141. Free.

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Puck’s Great American Cookout: Wolfgang Puck again brings together some of America’s best chefs and wineries for his annual Meals on Wheels benefit. Alice Waters, Paul Prudhomme and Charlie Trotter are among the chefs 6 to 11 p.m. Universal Studios Back Lot, Universal City. (310) 652-3706. $200.

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Family Ties: Victor Valle, author of “Recipe of Memory: Five Generations of Mexican Cuisine,” discusses the role food plays in preserving culture and demonstrates recipes. Mary Pickford Education Center, Autry Museum of Western Heritage, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. (213) 667-2000 ext. 341. $15.

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Vin du Pasadena: Sample the offerings from Black Rock Wineworks, a small winery in Pasadena. Winery at 171 Waverly Drive, Pasadena, (626) 844-8796. $5.

Sunday

Brentwood Street Festival: More than 25 food and drink booths plus live entertainment are featured at Great Tastes of Brentwood. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 11611 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood. (310) 442-1384. Free admission; food $2 to $6.

Monday

Food and Wine Feast: Joseph Phelps wines, including Pastiche, a Rho^ne blend, are served with dinner at Claes Seafood Restaurant. 6:30 p.m. Hotel Laguna, 425 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. (949) 494-1151. Reservations required. $65 per person.

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Spanish Fiesta: Learn to make sangria and paella. 6 p.m. Pottery Shack, 1212 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Reservations suggested. (949) 494-1141. $30.

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Basic Cooking: A 12-week course, “Introduction to Culinary Arts,” begins today and continues on Tuesdays Oct. 6 through Dec. 15. Macy’s Kitchen, 10861 Weyburn Ave., Westwood. (310) 206-8120. Reservations required. $525.