DATEBOOK

TODAY

Beer Education: Brian Vessa talks about the history, styles and qualities of beer. He also introduces you to the world of beer tasting, brewing and judging. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Westside Extension at West Los Angeles College, 9000 Overland Ave., Culver City. (310) 287-4475. $39 plus materials fee. Continues next Wednesday.

THURSDAY

Food Fare: Some of Southern California’s best chefs and cookbook authors cook and sign books to support Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. There is also a silent auction. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 395-0098. $100 for day session, $115 for evening session.

A Slow Night: The leaders of Slowfood USA explain their cause at this dinner. Southern Indian food is served. 7 p.m. Angeli Caffe, 7274 Melrose Ave., L.A. (323) 936-9086. $35.

SATURDAY

Looking It Up: The Culinary Historians of Southern California hosts a panel of experts on research who discuss how to use news sources, the Internet and the library to explore food history. Panelists include Myra Appel, head of the humanities and social sciences department at Shields Library, UC Davis; Russ Parsons, Times food editor; and Dan Strehl, manager of the Frances Goldwyn Hollywood Regional Library. 10:30 a.m. Mark Taper Auditorium of the Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., downtown L.A. (213) 228-7101. Free.

MONDAY

Beer Dinner: Brewmaster Victor Novak explains the differences between cream ale, Irish red ale, India pale ale and Hefeweizen in this four-course dinner. Dishes include mini-crab cakes and a blackened Angus rib chop. 6:45 p.m. TAPS Fishhouse & Brewery, 101 E. Imperial Highway, Brea. (714) 257-0101. Call Gretchen Kurz of the American Institute of Wine & Food to sign up at (714) 777-2302. $70.

MARCH 13

Fill Up for Phil: The Los Angeles Philharmonic Assn. hosts this wine-tasting, silent auction and dinner to raise money for its Music Matters program, which funds children’s music education. More than 100 wines will be available for tasting with hors d’ oeuvres. Chefs Joachim Splichal of Patina, Octavio Becerra of Pinot Bistro, Michael Cimarusti of the Water Grill, Josiah Citrin of Melisse and Nicola Mastronardi of Vincenti prepare a five-course meal. 5:30 p.m. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. (213) 972-3051. $500. Wine tasting and auction only, $100.