RecipeMuncher

If you’re one of the unlucky ones (or lucky however you look at it) not headed out to Cochella this weekend, there is plenty of music, food and booze to enjoy here in sunny So Cal.  Start your weekend off cheap at Soup Kitchen Fridays at the Edison, or head out to Pasadena for some live jazz music.  Should also be a beautiful weekend for heading out to Sunset Beach for some roasted pig, wine and live music or for taking a delicious food tour of the Farmer’s Market. On Sunday check out a scavenger hunt in downtown or head out to spend some time at the beach at a wine festival or cruising the harbor on a brunch cruise.

Friday, April 17

Soup Kitchen Fridays at the Edison
Downtown Los Angeles (5pm-7pm)
Relive the old days with 35 cent gin and whiskey, free tomato soup and grilled cheese, no cover. The Edison is at 108 W. 2nd St., btw. Main St. and Spring St.

Pasadena Jazz: Live Music from the LA Jazz Collective
Pasadena (8pm)
Spend the evening at the venue that is fast becoming Pasadena’s hottest spot for live jazz: the Pasadena Jazz Institute’s new home at the Paseo Colorado. Audiences will enjoy ongoing sets of music, performed by some of the most talented newcomers and veterans from the world of jazz. Tickets are only $10. To purchase tickets and for more info, check out their web site.

Saturday, April 18

Roasting Pig, Bold Wines, and Rockabilly
Sunset Beach (4:30pm-9pm)
Head on over to Brix Wine on Saturday for some roasted pig, bold wines and live music. Ron Thomas, world famous BBQer, will be roasting a pig all week and bringing it down to Brix to pair off with big bold wines. Music starts at 7:30 pm. This event is only $25 and tickets can be purchased online.

Farmers’ Market and West 3rd Street Food Tasting Tour
Farmer’s Market at 3rd and Fairfax (9:30am)
Spend a Saturday morning sampling delicious world cuisine. This walking and tasting tour from Melting Pot Tours includes tastings at various stops in the Farmers’ Market at 3rd and Fairfax. Then, heading west along 3rd Street, you’ll enjoy additional small gourmet bites at specialty eateries and a visit to a renowned cookbook store. Tickets available for $30 at Goldstar.

Sunday, April 19

Downtown LA Scavenger Hunt
Downtown LA (2pm-5pm)
Hidden in Downtown LA is art & architecture full of history and stories. Highlights of this urban safari include the Bradbury Building and the galleries of the Central Library. Bring one digital camera per team for the photo challenges. No prior knowledge of Downtown required, prizes to the winning team! The cost is $25 per person, with up to 6 people per team. Exact starting point emailed upon registration. Call 323.799.1374 to register your team or for more info check out their web site.

The Sixth Annual Charity Ultimate Wine Festival
Manhattan Beach (6pm-9pm)
The owners of ROCK’N FISH, Shade Hotel and Mucho Ultima Mexicana are hosting “The Sixth Annual Charity Ultimate Wine Festival”. Once again the event will be hosted at Shade Hotel and proceeds from the tasting will be donated to the Manhattan Beach Middle School. General admission tickets are $125 and can be purchased online.

Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise Around Marina Del Rey
Marina Del Ray (12pm)
Take in the sights, listen to relaxing music, linger in the sun and enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch on this two-hour cruise. Hornblower Cruises’ lavish brunch buffet features a savory selection of all your favorites and includes complimentary free-flowing champagne. Tickets are available for $35 at Goldstar.

Upcoming:

April 23 - The Mystery of Sake, A Sake & Food Tasting Event benefiting the Little Tokyo Service Center at the California Science Center. Unlimited sake from various vendors and Hors d’ Oeuvre Stations by LA’s Top Restaurants.

April 25 - Get your cast iron grill ready for battle. The Grilled Cheese Invitational returns on April 25. Registration begins on April 2, location is yet to be decided.

May 1 - At Taste of the Nation in Orange County, more than twenty-five of the area’s finest restaurants, wineries and beverage purveyors will participate in Taste of the Nation Orange County, providing a uniquely memorable evening that highlights the best that The OC has to offer in food and wine. Admission to the OC event is $75 per person.

May 7-8 - Lebowski Fest is returning to the City of Angels on May 7th & 8th for Lebowski Fest LA 2009! They will kick things off on May 7th at the beautiful, historic Wiltern Theater complete with proper seating so you can take ‘er easy while you sip your White Russians. On May 8th go bowling at the Cal Bowl with costumes, trivia, bowling and other contests.

May 9 - Craft Beer Fest at the Echoplex. Your admission includes delicious pub grub, seminars from local brewers and beer-themed food like ale cupcakes and Scoops’ beer gelatos.

May 9-10 - Drink:Eat:Play presents the 2nd annual Los Angeles BBQ Fest. The best BBQ from around the country all in one location.

May 9 and June 6 - The Santa Barbara County Wine Futures Tastings
The Winehound and The Wine House are delighted to announce their Santa Barbara County 2009 futures tastings, featuring a dazzling roster of the central coast’s famous (and soon-to-be-famous) labels. May 9 in Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History) and June 6 in Los Angeles (The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel ).

June 6-7 - The LA Wine Fest returns to Raleigh Studios. 500+ wines, spirits, and craft beers. $55 a day or $100 for the entire weekend.

June 13 - The 3rd Annual Italian Festival and Bocce Tournament in Hawthorne features Bocce ball, Italian food and music. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Memorial Park, 3901 W. El Segundo Blvd.

June 14 - At Taste of the Nation, Los Angeles’ top chefs, restaurants and winemakers came together to donate their time, talent and their passion to end childhood hunger at Media Park in Culver City. This charity event helps raise money to ensure no kid in Los Angeles grows up hungry. Admission to the LA event is $125 per person.

Article continued from here.Next morning we had breakfast in Tiganjica.The amount of details in the restaurant is incredible. From the hand embroidered tablecloths, to the carved wooden bar, and a great deal of antique artifacts.The plan for the day was to visit The Royal Bog (Carska bara) one of Serbia’s most beautiful nature reserves, but the weather was very bad so we decided to return to

March 27-29 - ISU World Figure Skating Championships
Staples Center, Downtown LA (times vary)
The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which the worlds’ elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion. This event is the most important annual figure-skating competition. Skaters compete in the categories of men’s singles, ladies’ singles, pairs, and ice dancing. Ticket prices start at $20.

March 27 - Cocktails in Historic Places
Hollywood (6-8pm)
The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles hosts their latest excuse to booze in a historical setting with a tour of the soaring Art Deco wonder that is the Kress — now a Hollywood club but formerly a department store built in 1934. (You might also know it as the flagship Frederick’s of Hollywood boutique.) In its latest incarnation, the Kress’ original marble stairway, brass railing, ornate Italian-designed ceiling and Art Deco facade have all been preserved. The event is free, the booze is not.

March 28 - Quality Seafood’s Clam Chowder Cook-off
Redondo Beach (1-4pm)
Clam chowder lovers, come chow down and raise some money for a great cause. Quality Seafood is bringing together local restaurants and individuals to square-off in a cookoff to benefit The Wellness Community South Bay Cities. Tasting kits are $6. Check out their web site for more info.

March 28 - Patton Oswalt and Friends
Los Angeles (9pm)
Here’s a great reason to check out the new-ish Largo at the Coronet. Comedian Patton Oswald brings fellow funnyman David Cross along for a one night stand at Largo. It’s sure to be side splitting good time. Tickets are $25.

March 29 - Santa Anita Uncorked
Arcadia (3pm)
The 2nd annual Santa Anita Uncorked takes place on Sunday, March 29. It’s a grand culinary festival featuring fine wines, cuisine sampling from popular local restaurants, the Paddock Art Show and a full day of races. Tickets are $60 and includes parking, clubhouse admission, official race program, wine tasting, cuisine sampling, art exhibit, souvenir wine glass and an excellent seat for live racing. Tickets can be purchased from Santa Anita ticket office.

Upcoming:
April 4 - Sip Savor Soiree presents Cherry Blossom Night. A night of endless sushi, bottomless beer, sake served chilled or warm, with part of your ticket purchase donated to Children Hospital Los Angeles.

April 23 - The Mystery of Sake, A Sake & Food Tasting Event benefiting the Little Tokyo Service Center at the California Science Center. Unlimited sake from various vendors and Hors d’ Oeuvre Stations by LA’s Top Restaurants.

May 9 - Craft Beer Fest at the Echoplex. Your admission includes delicious pub grub, seminars from local brewers and beer-themed food like ale cupcakes and Scoops’ beer gelatos.

May 9-10 - Drink:Eat:Play presents the 2nd annual Los Angeles BBQ Fest. The best BBQ from around the country all in one location.

Say hello to the little green fairy with an Absinthe dinner at Morton’s, or do something good with your money and help the Tap Project get clean water to millions of children around the world by paying for water in select restaurants or attending any number of events this weekend. Plus, there are plenty of wine tastings and dinners going on this weekend to please every grape lovers palate. And finally, explore the flavors of extra virgin olive oil with a tasting hosted by Neal Fraser of Grace.

March 20 - Absinthe, The Green Hour @ Morton’s
Burbank (6pm)
Morton’s The Steakhouse in Burbank is hosting an “Absinthe, The Green Hour” tasting to give guests a chance to experience Pernod Absinthe. Pernod gained notoriety in the 19th century as artists, poets and writers and patrons of Paris cafés popularized the pleasures of absinthe, which was often called the “Green Fairy” in part to its characteristic green color. Priced at $45 per person, this event will be hosted in Morton’s private boardroom and will feature three Pernod Absinthe cocktails and Pernod Absinthe served in the traditional ritual. Guests will also enjoy oysters Rockefeller made with absinthe, crab-stuffed mushrooms, sliced tenderloin on crostini and Morton’s miniature cheeseburgers. A Pernod Absinthe expert will guide guests through the tasting event and each guest will receive a complimentary gift. Call 818-238-0424 for reservations.

March 20-22 - Paso Robles Zin Festival
Paso Robles
If your down for a beautiful drive up the 101 this weekend you’ll be rewarded at the end of your trip with lots of great wine.The Zinfandel Festival is made up of three events, the RESERVE event on Friday evening and the Wine Country Auction and Zinfandel Grand Tasting on Saturday evening. A portion of the proceeds from the Zinfandel Festival will be donated to causes benefiting health, education and community services for the vineyard worker population in the local community. Prices vary at the different wineries, but you can buy tickets in advance for the Reserve and Grand Tasting events.

March 21-22 - LA TAP Project Kick-off
Santa Monica & Hollywood
The TAP Project kicks off in LA on Saturday with the Tap With A Beat event at the Ikeda Auditorium in Santa Monica from 3-5:30pm. Featuring Orlando Bloom, Alyson Stoner, Teo Olivares, Quincy Brown, Miki Ishikawa along with a raffle of select items from the celebrities and performers. Great event for the kids, and tickets are only $10. Then on Sunday, a little something for the adults. DJ Alex Merrell, DJ Roundhouse, DJ Frank Dizzle, DJ Hideo & DJ Tony Jr. will be at Bardot at the Avalon for the Blue Party. Tickets for this are only $10 and can be purchased online. Donate at various restaurants around town or join in on the fun online at Tap Project Radio starting at 9am on Sunday.

March 21 - Exploring the Flavors of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Los Angeles (12-4:15pm)
Iron Chef winner Neal Fraser of Grace Restaurant and ECCM are pleased to invite you to a special olive oil education and tasting workshop. The science of sensory assessment of olive oil; How to taste olive oil; How to identify defects in olive oil; Health benefits of good quality olive oil; Cooking with olive oil; Tasting comparisons with fresh mozzarella and vinaigrette. Cost: $100 per person, $85 for Slow Food Members and patients of the Eastern Center for Complementary Medicine. Contact information: (323) 551-5962 christine@herbalroom.com

March 21 - Aussie Wines @ Mel & Rose
Los Angeles (5-7pm)
Discover the unique qualities of the Australian region and compare the interesting range of these wines. Their main focus is on small production vineyards with affordable prices. Choose from red, whites or both. The idea is to relax, taste and enjoy the wines featured that day with some cheese. Wine and entertaining are nearly inseparable. The tasting is $15, for more info check out their web site.

March 21 - Spring Wine Fest at Mr Marcel
Los Angeles (1-5pm)
Come taste the season’s newest wines and beers featured at the World Famous Farmers Market. Wine and cheese will be provided by Monsieur Marcel and other featured beer and wine bars from the Market. The event takes place on the upper dining deck and tickets are $15 presell or $20 at the door. Call 323-939-7792 or visit the Market to purchase your tickets.

March 22 - Wine Class @ Riva
Santa Monica (1-3pm)
Starting February 21, 2009, Riva, Santa Monica’s newest neighborhood dining destination for seasonal coastal Italian cuisine, will host a series of monthly Italian wine education classes for $65 per person including food pairings. Executive Chef Jason Travi will complement each wine tasting with generous food pairings featuring his boldly flavored dishes inspired by the rustic cuisine of the Italian coastline using the highest quality of ingredients found at the neighboring Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. More info at SocialDomain.

Besides hanging out all week in Irish Pubs like Casey’s, Tom Bergin’s, Molly Malone’s, Finn MacCool’s, Sonny McLean’s, or Brennan’s, there are plenty o’ Irish events going on. I’m talking about parades, Irish music galore and drinking of course. UPDATE: Just found this over at Los Angeles Mag.

March 14 - Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Hermosa Beach (11am-5pm)
The fifteenth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at Pier Avenue and Valley Drive, making its way westbound to Hermosa Avenue, ending at 8th Street. For more inofrmation contact 310.318-0280 or go to www.hermosabch.org. The parade is free.

March 14 - Young Dubliners at the Key Club
Hollywood (7pm)
The Young Dubliners play a St. Patrick’s weekend show at Hollywood’s Key Club. Blending rock and Celtic influences, the group is currently touring the nation behind their latest album of high-energy rock anthems, Saints and Sinners. Also scheduled to perform: Thhe Gobshytes, The Janks. Tickets for $12.50 available at Goldstar.

March 14-15 - Third Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival
O. C. Fair & Event Center (9am-4pm)
Irish jigs and reels, Celtic ballads and songs and a Leprechaun will be part of the colorful salute to Ireland during the Third Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet at the O.C. Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Orange County based Irish dance schools, all of them with numerous honors and credentials, will be performing throughout the two day event. A variety of food concessions including mexican food, handmade churros, barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, sausage, pizza, pretzels, Italian ice, beer and soft drinks. Admission is $2, more info on their web site.

March 16 - Hitching Post Wine Dinner
Sherman Oaks (7pm)
Whilst not entirely related to St Patty’s day, it’s still drinking and worth mentioning. Mistral restaurant in Sherman Oaks welcomes the inimitable Gray Hartley, winemaker extraordinaire, from Hitching Post Wines for a night of fantastic food and wine. Five courses, five wines. There will also be an opportunity to buy the tasted wines at a discounted offering through Flask Fine Wines. The dinner is $92 and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant. Menu and contact info on their web site.

March 17 - St. Patty’s at the Farmer’s Market
Los Angeles (all weekend)
Farmer’s Market at 3rd and Fairfax presents live music by Irish Bagpiper Matt McNicoll from 12:30-2:30 pm and Jerry McLean and Blackthorne Aire from 6-8:30pm on the West Patio. Magee’s Kitchen will be serving their famous corned beef and cabbage. Plus green beer at 326 and EB’s.

March 17 - Los Angeles St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
Downtown LA (11am-7pm)
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade through downtown Los Angeles will take place on St. Patrick’s Day. For 2009, they are reversing directions and the parade will begin at Main Street and Arcadia Street and proceed to 5th and Pershing Square. The festival will include Lorenzo Lamas singing the National Anthem and a performance by the Young Dubliners at Pershing Square immediately after the parade. Anyone wearing green is welcome to join in the parade. The event benefits the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society. The event takes place from Main and Arcadia near Olvera Street to Pershing Square.