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Food and Fests a Ways Away

Yummy Events in L.A., S.D., and Yosemite

Wednesday, October 26, 2011
By George Yatchisin

As the October joys of epicure.sb wind down, it might be time to think about getting out of town before the holidays. Here’s a trio of tempting travel reasons:

Border Grill’s Delicious Day of the Dead: Call them the Two Hot Tamales, call them the best not-winners on Top Chef Masters, but don’t call them late for calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls). Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are brewing up a special Day of the Dead demo class and multicourse lunch (with signature cocktail and recipe booklet) for folks eager to dive in to Mexican culture. Saturday, October 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Border Grill, 445 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. Call (213) 486-5171. See bordergrill.com.

San Diego Beer Week: At this point, seeing San Diego, the relatively undisputed brew capital of America, throw a beer week (which, notice, is longer than seven days) is like Naples, Italy, celebrating pizza — well, of course! There are more than 170 events currently on tap, and those kick off with a Karl Strauss Brew Your Own Beer Brunch and a Stone Rare Beer Breakfast. If you rarely have beer for breakfast, you owe it to yourself to get to SDBW. November 4-13. All around San Diego. See sdbw.org.

By Courtesy Photo

The Ahwahnee Vintners’ Holidays Series: These two- and three-day packages, set in the dramatic backdrop of the historic Ahwahnee Hotel amid Yosemite’s grandeur, highlight the magic of living in California — gorgeous scenery matched by brilliant food and drink. Each session features four wineries (locals-made-good Hitching Post and Jaffurs among them), tastings, seminars, and hikes, and then culminates in a five-course finale candlelit dinner by executive chef Percy Whatley in The Ahwahnee’s grand dining room. Eight sessions, November 6-December 8. Yosemite National Park. Call (801) 559-4884. See YosemitePark.com/Vintners.

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