Looking for food-filled fun this weekend? Try these options:
An Aquarium for the Pacific sea lion shows off his art
Photo: courtesy the aquarium
On Saturday, October 17, you can head to the sixth annual Sea Fare Fundraiser at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. From 6:30–10:30 PM, support the life aquatic while dining on dishes from more than 20 local restaurants, including King's Fish House, Parker's Lighthouse and Wokcano. Also on plate for the evening is an auction including art from the inmates ($100 per person; for tickets, call 562-437-FISH or click here).
Or you can Cultivate LA on Saturday. A benefit for United Friends of the Children, built around a garden party at a private residence in Brentwood, the event offers tastings of farmer's market–based dishes by Eric Greenspan (The Foundry), Susan Feniger (Street), Suzanne Goin (Tavern) and Akasha Richmond (Akasha). Locally produced olive oils, cheeses, chocolates, wines and artisanal beers will be on hand as well (6–9 PM; $100 per person; for information and tickets, click here).
Then on Sunday, October 18, the 25th annual Fall Food & Wine Festival hits the Parkway Grill in Pasadena. A benefit for Huntington Hospital's Center for Trauma Care, the dine-around of dishes from some 40 local restaurants includes the likes of Ciudad, Il Fornaio, Maison Akira, Yamashiro and, of course, Parkway Grill (5–9 PM; $150 per person; for information and tickets, call 626-397-3241 or click here).
Finally, you can get in costume early for the annual Halloween Ball, happening Sunday at The Depot. A benefit for The Pediatric Therapy Network, held in the parking lot adjacent to The Depot, the event includes a “Witch’s Cauldron Buffet” of dishes by chef Michael Shafer of The Depot, a martini bar, a costume contest and dancing to a "semi-live" band (4–9 PM; $100 per person; for information and tickets, call 310-328-0276, ext 218 or click here).