Local Dream Dinners stores are teaming to raise funds for the Eveland family of San Marcos, whose son Scott suffered a critical head injury during a football game Sept. 14 and is currently in Palomar Medical Center's critical care unit.

Each Dream Dinners location will host an open house from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Guests at each open house will be able to assemble one six-serving dinner for $25, and 100 percent of the profits will go to help offset the Eveland family's expenses. Participating locations are Carlsbad (1905 Calle Barcelona #206, (760) 436-3737); Poway (12218 Poway Road, Suite 100 (858) 679-3732); San Marcos (1641 Grand Ave., Suite 102 (760) 471-0055); Solana Beach (230 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, (858) 350-4546).

New products

CREEPY COOKIES: Williams-Sonoma's new cookie cutters, the Haunted Halloween 3-D Cookie Cutters, produce multipiece cookies that, once baked and decorated, fit together to create cats, witches, pumpkins and haunted houses that stand up. The set includes instructions and a recipe. A similar set is coming for Christmas and Easter. Available for $24 online at http://www.williams-sonoma.com.

Good causes

FOOD FEST: Friday's the day for the Rotary Club of Oceanside's sixth annual Crab and Rib Fest, which this year will benefit the Wounded Warrior Center at Camp Pendleton and local needy families during the holiday season. Emcee will be local comedian Vicki Barbolak, judged "Funniest Mom in America" by Nickelodeon. The fest starts at 5:30 p.m. in the courtyard at the Mission San Luis Rey Parish. Tickets are $35 in advance. Ages 6 and under eat free; cost is $10 for ages 6-12. Tickets are $40 at the door. To order tickets, e-mail to john@mortgagetown.com or chuck@phillipsabeycarpet.com, visit rotaryoceanside.org, or call (760) 631-6980.

ENTREES HELPING: Entrees Made Easy, 15817 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 102 and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, 4S Ranch Branch, are partnering for a special fundraiser to benefit the local club from Monday through Oct. 21. Ten percent of all sales during this week, either in-store or online, will be donated when the promotion is mentioned at time of sale, plus free assembly and delivery on an entree package with three or more entrees. Place orders in person at Entrees Made Easy, over the phone at (858) 487-3279, or online at www.entreesmadeeasy.com. Customers must use the code "B&GClub" when ordering online or by phone.

TASTE DE CUISINE: Chef de Cuisine Association of San Diego and the San Diego Brewers Guild host "Taste de Cuisine," a children's fundraiser featuring the fifth annual "Iron Apprentice" competition, and microbrewery and culinary competition. It runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Holiday Inn at the Bay, 1355 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, and benefits Becky's House and Hogar Infantil La Gloria. Tickets are $20 for the culinary ballroom only, or $25 to also have access to the beer hall. For tickets, call (619) 248-0538 or visit www.sdchefsdecuisine.com.

FLAVOR FUN: "Flavors of the Village" is the fourth Carlsbad Village restaurant tour, set for 3-6 p.m. Oct. 21, sponsored by the Carlsbad Village Business Association. The three-hour walking tour offers food and wine samplings from 15 eateries, and strolling musicians and small musical groups will be performing. Tickets are $25 and are on sale at the association office at 2579 B State St. and Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau, Carlsbad Village Farmers Market, Michel Petite Spa & Skin Care Gallery, Ohana Creations, Somewhere in Time Antiques & Fine Jewelry, Madison, Cosabella Home, HomeLife Village Realtors, Bwarie Gift Basket Co., participating restaurants, and other merchants. Or call (760) 434-2553.

PIE TIME: "Mama's Pie in the Sky" sale benefits Mama's Kitchen, San Diego's only free, countywide home-delivered meals program for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS or other critical illnesses. Pies are $20 each. Mama's Kitchen needs community volunteers and local businesses to sell pumpkin, pecan and apple pies to help make up for some of the loss in government funding. Pies are donated by San Diego's top bakers, caterers and chefs. Each pie pays for almost half of a client's weekly meals. Individuals and business volunteers will pre-sell Thanksgiving pies from Wednesday through Nov. 14. Select from more than 20 sites, including selected Wells Fargo Bank locations, to pick up pies Nov. 21, or buy online at www.mamaskitchen.org. Volunteers are needed to sell pies. Call (619) 233-6262 or visit http://www.mamaskitchen.org.

Events

WINE DINNER: Belle Marie Winery's Chateau hosts an "Oceans of the World" winemaker's dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday. The five-course meal will focus on seafood from around the world, paired with Belle Marie wines. Tickets are $89 ($79 for Wine Club members) all-inclusive. Call (760) 796-7557 or e-mail info@bellemarie.com. The winery is at 26312 Mesa Rock Road, Escondido.

TUSCAN WINES: Via Italia Trattoria hosts a "Vini di Toscana" wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday featuring Tuscan wines. Guests are Pamela Lenzi, owner of Fattoria Petroio in Italy, Genevieve Edwards of Villa Italia Wine Imports, and Bruno Cumar of Maddalena Vineyard. Reserve to (760) 479-9757. Cost is $85 plus tax and tip. The restaurant is at 569 S. Coast Highway 101, between D and E streets in Encinitas.

OKTOBERFEST: Mount Palomar Winery hosts Oktoberfest from 2-6 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $8.95 adults, $4 children. Beer drinkers, bring your own stein and we will fill it for you. Call (951) 676-5047, Ext. 112 or 118 or www.mountpalomar.com.

HALLOWEEN DINNER: Thornton Winery hosts a Hypnotic Halloween Dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 27. The dinner is four courses paired with wines and costs $75, including entertainment by celebrity hypnotist Kevin Stone. Reserve to (951) 699-0099. The winery is at 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

OKTOBERFEST: Oceanside Ale Work's Oktoberfest takes place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 27 at 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite #105, Oceanside. Two new ales will be introduced: a Dark Munich Ale and an Oktoberfest Marzen. Call (760) 721-4ALE or check www.oceansidealeworks.com. Half gallon and gallon jugs will be for sale. Cost is $3 tastings (6 samples), $6-$7 souvenir logo glasses filled with ale, $2-$3 pint refills. Oceanside Ale Works is open for tastings from 3-7 p.m. Fridays or noon-4 p.m. Saturdays.

BEER DINNER: Join Samuel Adams Brewer Grant Wood as he unveils the 2007 Limited Edition Samuel Adams Utopias, available this holiday season, at a food and beer pairing dinner. It's from 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 30 at El Bizcocho at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Reserve to Chuck Mirarchi, (212) 827-3740 or e-mail to cmirarchi@mww.com.

BRIGANTINE BEEF: The Brigantine restaurants feature Creekstone Farms Angus beef and wines from organic Bonterra Vineyards during their special Beef and Red Wine Pairing event now through Nov. 23. Reserve to your local Brigantine or at www.brigantine.com.

The Health and Wellness Exposition presented by Fresh Dining, Southern California's daily gourmet "weight-loss and wellness" home meal delivery program, will be held at the Bernard Winery in Poway on Nov. 1 and at the Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas on Nov. 8. The event, held from 4-8 p.m. each day, will feature a variety of foods from Fresh Dining, wine tastings, live music, local celebrities and personalities, interactive demos, and a health fair offering top-of-the-line skin care products, massages and more. Open to the public, tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit www.lifestylesinfocus.com or call (619) 987-9937 to purchase tickets.

Classes

CAFE MERLOT: Cafe Merlot at the Bernardo Winery offers cooking and wine classes from 5:30-8:30 p.m. the second and last Tuesday of the month. Register to (858) 592-7785. Upcoming:

Oct. 30: Cooking for Crowds! Organization ideas, menu planning and menus sure to please everyone. Cost is $50 and includes items prepared and wine.

HEALTHFUL ITALIAN: Larry Colicchio of Art & Accents in La Costa now offers healthful Italian cooking classes. "Soups of Italy" will be taught at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Oct. 24 and 1 p.m. Oct. 18 and 25. Cost is $25. Register to (760) 943-8221. Art & Accents is at 7740-A El Camino Real, Carlsbad.

DISHY DECOR: As part of a festival of Italian culture, Larry Colicchio of Art & Accents presents a show of Vietri imported Italian ceramics, glassware and home accessories from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2. Visiting will be Vietri President Franco Ammannati and several master artisans. See the art, meet the artists and enjoy food and wine samples. Also, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 3, Colicchio will be signing his new cookbook, "Ciao Italia Due." Register to (760) 943-8221. Art & Accents is at 7740-A El Camino Real, Carlsbad.

CANCER PREVENTION, SURVIVAL: The Cancer Project offers a free Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Course from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays at Jimbo's … Naturally!, 1633 S. Center City Pkwy., Escondido. Register to (858) 793-7755, Ext. 114. Learn more at www.CancerProject.org or call (202) 244-5038. The schedule:

Today: Planning Healthy Meals

Oct. 18: Antioxidants and Phytochemicals

Oct. 25: Immune-Boosting Foods

Nov. 1: Maintaining a Healthy Weight

CANDY COOKERY: "Cooking With the Candy Man (Mark Jacobson)" is offered at these North County sites and dates. Learn to melt chocolate and make your own take-home box of chocolates:

• Carlsbad: 5-7 p.m. today at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Cost is $25 resident or $35 nonresident, plus $10 ingredient charge. Register to www.carlsbadconnect.org or call (760) 602-7510.

• Escondido: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the East Valley Community Center, 2245 E. Valley Pkwy. Cost: $25 plus $5 ingredient charge. Register to (760) 839-4691.

• Encinitas: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday at the Encinitas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Cost: $20. Register to (760) 943-2250.

CHOCOLATE CLASS: Chef and cookbook author Carole Bloom offers Chocolate Indulgence I and II from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and Nov. 3 at her Carlsbad home. Cost is $60 for one class or $100 for both. Reserve to (760) 931-5920 or visit www.carolebloom.com.

KITCHEN WITCH: Kitchen Witch Gourmet Shop offers these classes and more at 127 N. El Camino Real, Suite D, Encinitas. Call (760) 942-3228 or visit www.kitchenwitchonline.com:

Monday: An Evening With Pacifica Restaurant guest chef

Tuesday: Tantalizing Thai

Wednesday: Fast Fish Entrees

Oct. 18: Mushroom Season Specialties

Oct. 18: Mexican Fusion Cuisine

Oct. 20: Perfect Pasta (Hands-on)

Oct. 24: Fast & Fabulous Chicken Breasts

Oct. 25: Entrees Made Special

ESCONDIDO ADULT SCHOOL: These courses and more are offered through Escondido Adult School. Register to (760) 739-7300 or visit www.escondidoadultschool-rop.org:

6-9 p.m. Nov. 13: Thanksgiving Made Easy! $10 plus $30 food fee.

6-9 p.m. Dec. 19: Holiday Desserts, $10 plus $30 food fee.

In the spirits

SOUTH AFRICAN WINES: VINO 100 presents "All About South African Wines" at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday with South African appetizers and guest speaker Kevin Slane, a member of the American Society of Wine Educators. Cost is $15. Reserve to (760) 591-9113 or to info@vino100sanmarcos.com. Vino 100 is at 133 S. Las Posas Road, Suite 142, San Marcos.

WEEKLY TASTING: Wine Street Inc. hosts tastings from 5:30-8 p.m. Fridays. Appetizers to match are served. Wine Street is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite D, in Carlsbad. Call (760) 431-8455 or visit www.winestreet.com:

Friday: New fall releases, $20.

Oct. 19: Devaux Champagne, $15.

Noon-3 p.m. Oct. 20: Winemakers from Spain's Cillar de Silos, Arzuaga and Izadi; $20 prepaid or $25 at the door.

Oct. 26: World-class Australian Reds with Dave Townsend of the Grateful Palate, $15.

HOLIDAY TASTES: Holiday Wine Cellar hosts these tastings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted at 302 W. Mission Ave., Escondido. Call (760) 745-1200:

Tonight: Wine and Food Pairing Class, $25.

Oct. 18: French Champagne Tasting, $35.

6-8 p.m. Oct. 19: Oktoberfest Beer Tasting, $15.

Oct. 25: Halloween Tasting/Deep, Dark, Scary Varietals, $18.

Oct. 27: Taste of Argentina, $18.

Nov. 1: Holiday Port Tasting, $25.

THE WINE SPOT: Hosts tastings from 4-8 p.m. Fridays, 1-8 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays at 2801 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad. Call (760) 434-9463 or visit the-wine-spot.com.

Friday-Sunday: Wines From Down Under - including the best wines from Aussie and New Zealand.

Oct. 19-21: Pinot-Fest - great pinots from Oregon, California and a superstar from New Zealand.

Oct. 25-28: Trick-or-Treat blind-taste test - test your knowledge on six brown bag wines. Prizes given for closest guesses.

WINE TASTING: Carlsbad Wine Merchants hosts a "Wine Is a Cabernet" tasting at 5 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday for $10 at 5814 Van Allen Way, Suite 155, Carlsbad. Call (888) 750-WINE or visit www.CarlsbadWineMerchants.com.

Now open

Healthy Creations in Encinitas is a meal preparation service that features organic meals. The shop opened in June at 376 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas. Call (760) 479-0500, e-mail to info@healthycreations.com or visit www.healthycreations.com.

New on the menu

Optimal Nutrition, a customized organic meal delivery service based in San Diego, has recently added vegetarian dishes, gluten-free organic dishes and gluten-free meal replacement bars to their fresh weekly menu. Every ingredient used is sourced fresh from the finest organic farms and manufacturers with no additives or GMO foods. Visit www.optimalnutritioninc.com or call (858) 764-2564.

- Send information about local food products, food events or classes to Food Editor, North County Times, 207 E. Pennsylvania, Escondido, CA 92025, fax to (760) 745-3769, or e-mail to features@nctimes.com.