Datebook 10/15/08: Beer vs. Wine Dinner at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego

FRIDAY

Beer vs. Wine Dinner: A topic for the ages: wine or beer with dinner? While enjoying a six-course meal by newly appointed chef de cuisine, Steven Rojas, sip on connoisseur-picked wine and beer, and vote which fermented drink best complements each meal. 6 p.m., El Bizcocho at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, (858) 675-8550. www.ranchobernardoinn.com. $125, excluding tax and gratuity.

SATURDAY

Learn About Wine’s Monterey Wine and Jazz: Enjoy live jazz and the marina views while tasting wine from more than 40 participating wineries. Cafe del Rey serves appetizers as guests browse items in a silent auction to benefit Heal the Bay. 1:30 to 4 p.m., Cafe del Rey, 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, (310) 451-7600. www.learnaboutwine.com. $69 online, $40 for members.

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival: Head north for the weekend to the “World Pumpkin Capital,” where more than 3,000 tons of pumpkins await. Find the perfect orb and enjoy home-style treats including pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin caramel apples. Or go all-out with Brussels sprouts drenched in zesty marinara sauce, artichoke hearts steamed with garlic, hot beef sandwiches, fried calamari and roasted turkey legs for your savory tooth. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Main Street between Miramontes and Spruce streets, Half Moon Bay, (650) 726-9652. www.miramarevents.com. Admission is free.

SUNDAY

Fall cooking class: Discover how to prepare a classic roasted chicken with insider’s tips on bringing out the best flavors, plus the secret to great caramelized roasted vegetables. Take home tasty recipes in time for the holiday season. Reservations recommended; limited class space is available. 10 to 11 a.m., Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine, 1112 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, (818) 241-0154. www.williams-sonoma.com. Free.

DATEBOOK SPOTLIGHT

OCTOBER 23

Olive oil tasting: Breadbar hosts local author and food historian Linda Civitello to lead a tasting of Californian, Spanish and Italian olive oils. Guests are invited to sip olive oils to differentiate flavors, from delicate and light to fruity, spicy and bitter. Civitello will discuss production methods and history, and a seasonal five-course menu will be prepared by executive chef Rogelio Marhx. 6 to 8 p.m., Breadbar, 8718 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (310) 205-0124, www.breadbar.net. $30 per person. Space is limited to 30; call for reservations.

--Compiled by Alene Tchekmedyian

Submit datebook items at least two weeks before publication date. Mail to Food Section Datebook, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; or e-mail to: fooddatebook@latimes.com