Urban Solace owners plan second restaurant in Encinitas: North Park's Urban Solace, which just celebrated its second anniversary, recently announced it will open a location in Encinitas at 25 East E St. in the spring. The new spot, which has yet to be named, will serve Urban Solace's signature comfort cuisine, such as Warm Cheese Biscuits and Skillet Shrimp and Chili Grit Cake, as well as menu items inspired by the ocean and the Encinitas community. A full-service bar with dining and entertainment area upstairs called Moonlight Lounge will offer small plates as well as the full menu. The restaurant will also feature a community table, wine-bottle chandeliers, an open kitchen, three patios, local art and more. Go to urbansolace.net.

Pacifica Del Mar turns 20: Del Mar's Pacifica Del Mar marked its 20th anniversary last week. The rooftop restaurant in Del Mar Plaza, overseen by executive chef Christopher Idso, holds the California Restaurant Association's Gold Medallion for Best Seafood Dining. The restaurant offers half-price wine nights on Thursdays and a two-course prix-fixe menu before 6 p.m. It also has a Future Fine Diners program, offering a fine dining menu for children. Call 858-792-0476.

Viejas opens Asian restaurant: On Oct. 22, Viejas Casino in Alpine opened Far East Winds, a restaurant that offers dishes from the four main regions of China: Cantonese (Southern China); Szechuan (Western); Mandarin (Northern) and Shanghainese (Eastern). The restaurant, near the casino's new main-floor poker room, opens at 5 p.m. weekdays and at 2 p.m. weekends. To celebrate the opening, members of the Kumeyaay tribe held a traditional blessing ceremony with birdsinging and a "smudging" by tribal councilmember Virginia Christman.

Fridays has new sandwiches: T.G.I. Fridays will offer four new sandwiches on its menu for a limited time: the Big Mex Burger, Teriyaki Bacon Burger, Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich and Ultimate Sicilian Chicken Sandwich. Visit www.fridays.com for locations.

Contestants sought for flauta-eating tourney: Jose's Restaurant in La Jolla is seeking contestants for its first sanctioned Jose's World Flauta-Eating Contest on Dec. 6. Officials with the International Federation of Competitive Eating will oversee the race to see who can eat the most of Jose's signature flautas (shredded chicken, wrapped in a flour tortilla and deep-fried) in the allotted time. Jose's has been serving flautas since the 1970s, and spokesman Bill McHugh said he expects the winner to consume 50 or more of the 1.5-ounce flautas (for cash prizes ranging from $500 to $2,000). Qualifying events will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 21 at Jose's, 1037 Prospect St. Register at 858-454-7655 or visit www.joses.com.

Debbie's 12 years: Debbie's Restaurant and Pie Shoppe in San Marcos recently celebrated its 12th anniversary. The restaurant serves homestyle food and homemade pies and also offers daily specials. It is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and is at 740 Nordahl Road, No. 114; call 760-741-5680.

Local produce director honored : Andrew McGregor of Temecula, the produce director of Henry's Farmers Market, was recently named 2009 National Produce Retailer of the Year by Produce Merchandising Magazine. McGregor started at Wild Oats Market in 1993 and moved to Henry's in 2004. Go to www.henrysmarkets.com.

Sammy's gift cards: Sammy's Woodfired Pizza is offering a "Gift Well. Feel Good. holiday gift card promotion through Dec. 31, where customers who buy gift cards online at www.sammyspizza.com can get a free pizza certificate with each $50 of cards purchased. Also, the first 75 people to buy $150 or more in gift cards will receive two tickets to the San Diego Zoo. Go to www.sammyspizza.com.

Savory adds menu items: Savory Casual Fare in Encinitas has added two sections to its menu: Home Style and Chef's Value. The Home Style section of the dinner menu includes comfort foods like Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast, Pork-n-Beans and Duck Leg Confit. The Chef's Value is a $40 three-course meal with choice of appetizer, entree and dessert from the dinner menu ($59 with wine pairing). Savory is at 267 El Camino Real; go to www.savorycasualfare.com or call 760-634-5556.

Prime rib Sundays: Tango Restaurant & Lounge in Escondido is now offering a Prime Rib Dinner, with potatoes and fresh vegetables, for $24.50 per person from 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays. Tango is at 417 W. Grand Ave. Call 760-747-5000 or go to tangoongrand.com.

W is for Wine: The W Hotel in San Diego is now offering "Thunder List Thursday," a pairing of specially selected wines and a three-course, $30 menu. Wine expert Gary Vaynerchuk, who uses the Internet to promote his video blog about wine, hand-picked a wine list for the hotel's RICE restaurant. On Thursdays beginning Oct. 8, diners can pick from a "red" or white" menu and buy the specially priced bottles to pair with the $30 menu. Go to thewsandiegohotel.com/rice.

Aqua Terra happy hour: The popular restaurant inside the Pala Mesa Resort is now offering happy hour from 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays, 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays and 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Discounts on appetizers, sandwiches, sushi and beer are included, as well as 50 percent off all sushi rolls and nightly drink specials. Also, Aqua Terra Bar now has a "Play the 19th Hole" special from noon to close that offers golfers who bring in their scorecards a first beer for the price of their scorecard. Also, guests wearing football jerseys receive $1 off their first beer. Go to palamesa.com.

Golden Door cookbook: The Escondido destination spa has released another cookbook, "Golden Door Cooks at Home," featuring favorite recipes from Golden Door Executive Chef Dean Rucker. The hardcover book sells for $40 and has recipes such as Creamy Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Cauliflower; Teriyaki Black Cod With Sticky Rice Cakes And Seared Baby Bok Choy; Adobo-Marinated Grass-Fed Flank Steak; Soft Rosemary-Lemon Polenta With Sweet Corn, Oyster Mushrooms And Rainbow Chard; and Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake With Orange Sauce. Go to goldendoor.com.

Pinnacle Restaurant rolls out fall/winter menu: Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery in Temecula has revamped its menu for the fall/winter season while keeping customer favorites, such as Lobster Mac & Cheese and Black Angus Cheeseburger, on the menu. New items include the Ahi Crunchy Salad (thinly sliced blackened ahi on baby greens with soy onion dressing, pickled ginger, crunchy wontons, black sesame seeds and Mandarin oranges), Portobello "Monte Cristo," Chipotle Lime Pasta (blackened chicken breast in a chipotle-lime cream sauce), Pan-Seared Salmon (in a lobster-shrimp cream sauce) and more. Pinnacle also offers half-price wine bottles Monday through Friday. Go to falknerwinery.com.

Lobster at George's: George's California Modern offers a Lobster Tasting Menu to celebrate the start of the local spiny lobster season. Executive Chef Trey Foshee's five-course menu is $90, or $125 with wine pairings. Dinner includes poached lobster salad with Thai dressing and wasabi tobiko; Chino Farms corn soup with a spicy tomato-braised lobster; butter-poached lobster with butternut squash, apples, spinach, uni and truffle; "Surf and Turf" of spiny lobster and grilled hanger steak, smoked garlic, spinach, potato puree and red wine lobster sauce; and a choice of dessert creations by Pastry Chef Trang Huyhn. Go to georgesatthecove.com/california-modern or call 858-454-4244.

Harrah's Rincon food specials: Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort in Valley Center has some food deals for the fall. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays in November, the International Buffet will hold a New Orleans Jazz Buffet featuring New Orleans favorites like Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Remoulade, Chicken Creole, Dirty Rice, $1 glasses of champagne and more. At the Sports Pit, happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday includes half-off draft beer and well drinks, and Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays have a half-off pregame menu (with items like Lightning Wings, Green Bay Nachos and Texas Toothpicks). Also, the International Buffet and Fiore Steak & Seafood will have Thanksgiving menus. Go to harrahsrincon.com.

BICE opens: BICE, which offers guests a mix of traditional and contemporary trends in Italian cuisine, opened Wednesday in the Gaslamp Quarter on the corner of Island and Fourth Avenue. BICE features homemade pastas and offers dishes like Pappardelle al Telefono, Ossobuco, whole Mediterranean sea bass roasted with garlic and rosemary on a bed of potatoes and more. BICE has a Cheese Bar and a private dining room. Appetizers are $9 to $12; pastas are $10 to $16; entrees are $16 to $28; and a chef's prix-fixe dinner with wine pairing is $40. Go to www.bicesandiego.com or call 619-239-2423.

Murrieta author honored: Murrieta cookbook author Linda J. Amendt won two awards in the National Best Books 2009 Awards. Her book "400 Sensational Cookies" won in the Baking/Bread category, and "175 Best Jams, Jellies, Marmalades & Other Soft Spreads" won in the Canning & Preserving category. Go to www.lindajamendt.com.

Pie donation: Market St. Cafe Bistro & French Bakery is donating one pie for each five it sells to Oceanside's Life Christian Church, which is attempting to provide 500 dinners for Thanksgiving. The cafe is at 1080 San Marcos Blvd., Suite 104; go to www.marketstcafe.com or call 760-471-7646.

Pechanga restaurant hours change: The restaurants at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula have new hours. Blazing Noodles is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday, with Dim Sum Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Paisano's is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday); Seafood Grotto is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday (closed Monday and Tuesday); and Great Oak Steakhouse is open from 5 to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Go to www.pechanga.com/dining.aspx.

Easy entertaining: San Diego Authentic Flavors makes Thanksgiving meals easy by making them for you. With a minimum 72-hour notice by Nov. 20, the meals can be made for $199 for eight to 10 people and $299 for 12 to 15 people. Turkey only is $75 for eight to 10 people and $125 for 12 to 15 people; dishes without the turkey are $200 for up to 15 guests. Dishes include fresh free-range turkey, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes with sauteed onion and fresh parsley, pumpkin pie and more. Go to www.sdauthenticflavors.com or call 858-404-0606.

Marie Callender's feasts: Marie Callender's is offering full meals for six to eight people for the holidays starting at $99.99 for a Turkey Feast (oven-roasted turkey breast with cranberry sauce, apple-sage stuffing, turkey gravy, fresh mashed potatoes, chef's vegetables, sweet yam casserole, fresh-baked cornbread, whole pumpkin or apple pie, and Marie's special blend coffee). Other feasts are Ham Feast ($109.99); Ultimate Whole Turkey Feast ($119.99); Ham and Turkey Combo Feast ($139.99); and the Ultimate Ham and Turkey Feast ($149.99). Trimmings are also available a la carte; order by Nov. 24. Marie Callender's restaurants are also offering Thanksgiving dinners in-store beginning at 11 a.m. Nov. 26. Go to www.mariecallenders.com.

Ex-local heads Kiwi winery: Just over 10 years ago, San Diego State University graduate Quintin Quider was a local sea urchin diver. Today, he and his wife, Avril, own Wild Earth Winery in New Zealand's Central Otego region. The Quiders established their vineyard in 1998 and produced their first wines in 2004. Last year, the company's 2006 Wild Earth Pinot Noir won the Champion Red category at the London International Wine Challenge, and its 2007 Pinot earned five-star and No. 1 ratings in a number of wine guides. The vineyard's wines are now at stores in San Diego, Del Mar and Carlsbad, as well as Palm Desert, Orange County and L.A. Wines are $25, the limited edition 2006 prize-winning pinot is $55 and its 2007 pinot is priced from $38-$45. Visit www.wildearthwines.co.nz.

Los Arcos offers Puerto Nuevo-style lobster north of the border: Mexico-based restaurant company Los Arcos has opened a restaurant in Chula Vista that specializes in Mexican-style seafood and cuisine but until now San Diegans had to drive across the border for. The restaurant, open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, offers fresh seafood, Puerto Nuevo-style lobster dinners, and daily lunch specials, as well as live entertainment from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. The restaurant was recently voted "Best Mexican" restaurant in San Diego Magazine's 2009 Best Restaurants issue. Operated by brothers Alejandro Angulo and Eduardo Angulo, the Chula Vista location is at 89 Bonita Road. Call 619-934-4063 or visit www.grupolosarcos.com/losarcos/homesandiego.html.

Whisknladle duo tour Italy on gastronomic adventure: Arturo Kassel and Ryan Johnston, the co-owners of La Jolla's Whisknladle and Prepkitchen restaurants, have embarked on a fact-finding mission to Italy to do research for their next dining concept, a planned Italian restaurant. Since mid-October, the duo have been touring the homes, farms, factories and working worlds of Italian cheesemakers, olive oil producers, fisherman, cattle rangers, truffle-hunters and restaurateurs to learn about authentic Italian cuisine. To keep diners abreast of their travels, Kassel and Johnston are posting reports on their Prepkitchen blog (prepkitchen.wordpress.com), on their Twitter page (twitter.com/prepkitchentogo) and on their Facebook page (visit Facebook.com and type in "whisknladle hospitality LLC").

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Dining events

Denim and brunch: Azzaria Denim Lounge in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is hosting "Blue Jean Brunch" on Sundays in November, where customers can enjoy breakfast food while consulting with denim stylists on a new pair (or more) of jeans. Azzaria is at 2029 San Elijo Ave.; go to shopazzaria.com.

Wine and art walk: The La Jolla Gallery & Wine Walk will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday and features more than 25 La Jolla galleries, food from the village's restaurants and wine along the way. More than 15 restaurants will offer samples. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, with proceeds benefiting Promote La Jolla. Call 619-233-5008 or go to lajollabythesea.com/gallery.

Beer Week: San Diego will hold its first Beer Week from Friday through Nov. 15 to celebrate the local brewing scene and encourage people to drink local craft beer. For those 10 days, San Diego bars, restaurants and hotels will host variety of events, including beer and cheese tastings, "Meet the Brewers" nights, classes and tours. The week will kick off with the San Diego Brewer's Guild's Beer Festival with more than 80 San Diego-brewed beers being poured. Go to sdbw.org.

Winemaker's dinner: The Salerno Winery, a Ramona boutique winery, and Bistro 39 will hold a five-course "Local Harvest Winemaker's Dinner" at 7 p.m. Saturday at Bistro 39 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Del Mar. There will be locally grown and caught fish, poultry and meats, as well as farm-fresh vegetables from Chino Farms and hand-crafted wines from Salerno Winery. Dinner is $43.95 per person; go to www.bistro39sandiego.com or call 858-720-9500.

Chef cookoff: A handful of local celebrity chefs will square off in a cookoff at the First Big Green "Egg Fest" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, hosted by Fixtures Visions for Living at its showroom, 9340 Dowdy Dr. in San Diego. The chefs will use more than 20 Big Green Egg ceramic smoker and grills to create dishes for a Thanksgiving meal, using local ingredients. The event will feature food, music and more; all-inclusive entrance fee is $25 (children 11 and under are free). Go to www.fixturesliving.com or call 858-966-3600.

Thornton winemaker dinner: Thornton Winery will hold an End of Harvest Progressive Winemaker Dinner at 7 p.m. Saturday with a four-course meal and Thornton wines and champagne. Dinner items include Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad, Maple Roasted Pork Tenderloin and more. Dinner is $70; go to www.thorntonwine.com or call 951-699-0099.

Harvest Celebration: Temecula wineries will participate in the Harvest Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday throughout Wine Country. A two-day ticket allows guests to visit more than 20 wineries, which each offer food and barrel/tank samples. Tickets are $89; go to temeculawines.org.

"We Like It Wild Dinner": Project Wildlife and Chef Deborah Scott of Island Prime/C Level Restaurant co-host this fundraising benefit from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at 880 Harbor Drive, San Diego. Program includes food, drinks, Polynesian dancers, live music, silent and live auctions, live animal exhibits, celebrity guests and more. Tickets are $95 ($250 VIP package available). Call 858-866-0555, ext. 201.

Experience Jsix: Jsix restaurant and Chef Christian Graves will begin offering the "Chef's Kitchen Experience" on select Sundays through December. The experience includes an outing to the Hillcrest Farmers Market to select ingredients that will then be prepared as part of a three-course meal. Transportation to the market and back, the three-course meal, wine or cocktail pairing with each course and parking are included for $120 per person. Dates are Sunday and Dec. 13 (sessions begin at 10 a.m.). Call 619-531-8744; the restaurant is at 616 J St. in the Gaslamp Quarter. Go to jsixsandiego.com.

Champagne and sushi dinner: Moet & Chandon and Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine will pair champagne and sushi at 6 p.m. Tuesday at its San Diego and La Jolla locations. The dinner will include three sushi courses, a Wagyu beef entree and dessert; Moet champagnes will be paired with each course. Dinner with pairings is $75; space is limited. Go to www.roysrestaurants.com or call 619-239-7697 (San Diego) or 858-455-1616 (La Jolla).

Military meals: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants will honor active-duty and U.S. veterans with a free meal at its nearly 2,000 locations on Wednesday for Veterans Day. Guests with proof of service can pick an entree from six favorites from lunchtime through dinner (dine-in only). Go to www.applebees.com/vetsday.

Hunter Steakhouse hosts holiday wine/food tasting: Hunter Steakhouse will host a holiday wine-tasting event at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at 1221 Vista Way in Oceanside. Two red and two white wines from California and Southern Tuscany will be served with food tastings to complement each wine (including cranberry turkey crostini, beef tenderloin tips in whiskey peppercorn sauce, smoked salmon new potatoes and chocolate torte). Cost is $25 plus tax and gratuity and reservations are required to 760-433-2633.

Cookbook signing: Su-Mei Yu, cookbook author and chef-owner of Saffron Noodles & Sate and Saffron Thai Grilled Chicken, will sign copies of her latest book, "The Elements of Life: A Contemporary Guide to Thai Recipes and Traditions for Healthier Living," at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at UC San Diego's International House. Go to slowfoodsandiego.org.

Ravonettes dining deals: Before the Nov. 12 Ravonettes show at the Belly Up, Wild Note Cafe will have a menu of $9.49 food items and will offer guests a chance to win a painting created in the cafe that night. David Gough will begin painting at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 9. Go to www.bellyup.com.

"Taste of Opera" events: San Diego Opera is bringing back "Taste of Opera," events that introduce the 2010 season with dinners and events. Great News! Discount Cookware and Cooking School and Chef Katherine Emmenegger will hold cooking classes themed for the four operas in 2010: "Nabucco" (Israeli/Persian, 6 p.m. Nov. 13), "Romeo and Juliet" (romantic; 6 p.m. Dec. 11) and "La Traviata (champagne; 6 p.m. Jan. 15). Classes are $69; call 888-GR8-CHEF or go to www.great-news.com. Also, a number of restaurants will hold "Entertaining Entrees to Opera" throughout the rest of the year. Call 619-533-7000 or go to www.sdopera.com/experience/tasteofopera (also has menus).

Green Flash anniversary: Green Flash Brewing Co. will celebrate its seventh anniversary beer festival from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at 1430 Vantage Ct. in Vista. Tickets are $35 and include 10 4-ounce tastings and a meal token, and it will include several local breweries. Go to www.greenflashbrew.com or call 760-597-9012.

Cal-a-Vie Culinary Week: Vista's Cal-a-Vie Health Spa will celebrate Culinary Week from Nov. 15 to 22 with hands-on cooking experiences, classes, tours and more for its guests. Guests will learn how to prepare healthful meals with flavor and style, including dishes for the holidays. Spa programs are three, four or seven days long and include fitness classes, spa treatments, meditation and more. Also, during Culinary Week, guests can take classes such as "How to Host a Healthy, Yet Elegant Holiday Party," pizza making, basics of sauteeing, and a food and wine pairing night. Go to cal-a-vie.com or call 866-772-4283.

Yappy Hour at the Sheraton: The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa has teamed with Dogs on the Run to hold a Presents for Pets collection drive now through Nov. 21; those who bring in a pet supply item are invited to a "Yappy Hour" from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 21 on the lawn, with live music, dog contests, treats, a raffle, appetizers and more. Call 760-827-2603.

The Shores monthly pairings: The Shores Restaurant in the La Jolla Shores Hotel continues to offer monthly "Savor & Sip" tasting menus. Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine Augie Saucedo have created the menus to highlight each seasonal ingredient, and Lisa Redwine has paired wine or beer with each course. The three-course menus are available from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Call 858-456-0600 or go to www.theshoresrestaurant.com.

-- November: Brandt beef ---- menu options include Macadamia Beef Satay, Stout Beer Braised Prime Short Ribs, Heirloom Apple Pecan Cake and more; $35 with wine pairings, $25 without.

-- December: Lobster ---- menu options include Sweet Potato Lobster Chowder, Lobster Blue Crab Risotto, Stone Fruit Vanilla Bread Pudding and more; $40 with wine pairings, $30 without.

High-tide breakfasts: The Marine Room in La Jolla will offer winter high-tide breakfasts, where diners can enjoy the high surf while dining on a buffet by Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine Ron Oliver; the buffet includes chilled seafood, wild mushroom frittata, Julian apple and tart cherry cheese blintzes, Virginia ham quiche and sweet treats. Buffet is $32 and does not include beverages, tax or tip. Call 858-459-7222 or go to marineroom.com. The breakfast dates:

-- 7 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 14

-- 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 5

-- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6

-- 7 to 10 a.m. Dec. 29-30

Fall winemaker dinner: Temecula's Ponte Winery will hold its seventh annual Fall Winemaker Dinner at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at 35053 Rancho California Road. The six-course meal, with menu items like Heirloom Carrot Consomme and Filet of Venison Wellington, will be paired with Ponte wines. Tickets are $130; go to pontewinery.com or call 951-694-8855.

South Coast wine dinner: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa will host a five-course dinner with new wine release samples at 6 p.m. Nov. 14. Executive Chef Dean Thomas and winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores will be on hand at the event; tickets are $125. Call 951-587-9463.

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival: Cooking Light magazine will sponsor the annual festival, scheduled for Nov. 15-22 in San Diego. This year's festival will feature wine-tasting seminars, cooking classes, reserve tastings, wine dinners, and the Grand Tasting Event, an all-day showcase of more than 800 wines, 70 local restaurants and 30 gourmet foodmakers. Guest chefs this year include Brian Malarkey, Bernard Guillas, Sam "The Cooking Guy" Zien, Alex Stratta, Billy Strynkowski and Paul Bartolotta, along with winemaker Peter Mondavi Jr. and master sommelier Joseph Spellman. Tickets are on sale at 619-342-7337 or worldofwineevents.com.

Thomas Arvid Wine Dinner at Fleming's: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in San Diego will host Napa Valley still-life artist Thomas Arvid, who specializes in painting wine bottle scenes, at a five-course wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at 380 K St. The dinner, with Napa Valley wine pairings, is $125. Call 619-237-1155.

Local Thanksgiving dinner: Slow Food Urban San Diego will host a local Thanksgiving dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at UCSD's International House. Turkey from Womach Ranch Farms will be prepared by Chef Jeff Jackson of A.R. Valentien, and other dishes using local ingredients will also be served. Tickets are $25; go to slowfoodsandiego.org.

BASIC or Bust: Following the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk on Nov. 22, BASIC Urban Kitchen + Bar on 10th Avenue near Petco Park will host "BASIC or Bust," where walkers dressed in pink will receive discounts on food and drinks. Draft craft beers will be $3, wines by the glass will be $6, pink "Tatatini" martinis will be $5 and there will be pizza samples. Also, 10 percent of all proceeds at BASIC will be donated to Susan G. Komen For the Cure. Go to www.barbasic.com or call 619-531-8870.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Cafe Sevilla: The San Diego restaurant will host a three-course Thanksgiving feast and will entertain guests with rumba and flamenco guitarists; the nightclub will be open and includes a complimentary Thanksgiving buffet from 8 to 10 p.m. with the $5 cover. Back at the restaurant, the Thanksgiving menu is $27.95 per person and $12.95 for a children's menu (under 12). Go to cafesevilla.com or call 619-233-5979.

Orfila Futures Parties: Orfila Winery will hold its Merlot Futures Party at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21 to celebrate the release of the Ambassador's Reserve Merlot. The black-tie event, which is for customers who have already purchased a case of Merlot Futures at $275, includes an outdoor wine tasting, five-course meal and wine pairings, entertainment and dancing. Tickets are $125; go to orfila.com or call 760-738-6500, ext. 2

Candlelight dinner: Callaway Winery in Temecula's Wine Country will host a Holiday Candlelight Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The four-course gourmet dinner, which is paired with Callaway wines, starts with a sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres reception and is $85 per person. Go to www.callawaywinery.com or call 951-676-4001.

Holiday cheer at lunch: The Marine Room in La Jolla is offering a little holiday cheer and views of the Pacific Ocean during December (through Dec. 18) with lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The special holiday lunch menu includes seafood crepes, Nebraska center-cut filet mignon, cashew-spices Baja shrimp cocktail and more. Call 858-459-7222 or go to marineroom.com.

Christmas at The Marine Room: The Marine Room in La Jolla will have a special Christmas menu from noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 25 at 2000 Spindrift Drive (regular menu will not be available). A la carte offerings include Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese Brulee, Pistachio Butter Basted Australian Lobster Tail, Julian Apple Pecan Cake and more. Go to www.marineroom.com or call 858-459-7222.

New Year's Eve at Roppongi: Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar in La Jolla will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu on New Year's Eve. Menu options include Kabocha Squash Bisque With Lobster Dumpling, Ginger and Scallions; Meyers All Natural Filet Mignon With Shiitake Mushrooms Black Garlic Puree, Okinawan Sweet Potato And Brussels Sprouts; Roasted Banana Mango Spring Roll With Coconut Gelato and Passion Fruit; and more. The dinner is $55; go to www.roppongiusa.com or call 858-456-8018.

New Year's Eve at The Marine Room: The Marine Room in La Jolla will hold two seatings, at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., for New Year's Eve. The first seating will have a three-course menu for $75 per person that includes options like King Oyster Mushroom Bisque and Brandt Beef Filet Mignon. The second seating will be a Gala Dinner, a five-course meal for $125 that includes options like Maine Lobster Trilogy and Tasmanian Salmon Tour Confit. Guests can listen to music by Kamau Kenyatta, enjoy party favors and sip a glass of champagne at midnight. Go to www.marineroom.com or call 858-459-7222.

New Year's Eve at The Shores: The Shores Restaurant in the La Jolla Shores Hotel will hold a $65 four-course menu from 5 to 10 p.m. New Year's Eve. Dishes include Baja Shrimp, Iceberg Lettuce Wedge Salad and Macadamia Butter-Basted Main Lobster Tail. Dinner also includes party favors and live entertainment from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Also, for $12, guests can create their own signature cocktails. Go to www.theshoresrestaurant.com or call 858-456-0600.

New Year's Eve at Wilson Creek: Wilson Creek Winery will hold a New Year's Eve Mardi Gras Extravaganza at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. The event features a sit-down dinner, wine, feather masks and beads, and music by Audiocast. Tickets are $160; go to www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or call 951-699-9463.

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Thanksgiving Day specials

The Shores, La Jolla: Buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 8110 Camino del Oro (inside the La Jolla Shores Hotel). Dishes include Portobello Mushroom Bisque, Savory Herb Butter Basted Tom Turkey, Cilantro Coconut Spiced Rum Cured Salmon, Pumpkin Pie and more. Buffet is $41 for adults, $18.95 for children 7 to 12, and $3 per year for children 6 and under; prices do not include beverages, tax and tip; regular menu not available. Go to www.theshoresrestaurant.com or call 858-456-0600.

The Marine Room, La Jolla: Special menu from noon to 7 p.m. at 2000 Spindrift Drive (regular menu not available). A la carte offerings include Pecan Creole Gulf Prawns, Apple Cider Glazed Sonora Free Range Turkey Breast, Five Spice Pumpkin Pie and more. Go to www.marineroom.com or call 858-459-7222.

Temecula Creek Inn, Temecula: Buffet with all the trimmings from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Temet Grill, Temet Lounge and Kiva Ballroom. Buffet is $42.95 for adults and includes bloody Marys and champagne; children 5 through 12 eat free with each paid adult. Each additional child is $17.95. Menu items include Smoked Salmon Mousseline Canneloni With Whole Grain Mustard Cream Sauce, Traditional Roasted Tom Turkey With Veloute Sauce, Braised Beef Stew With Pearl Onion And Cremini Mushrooms and more. Temet Grill will also have an a la carte menu beginning at 5:30 p.m. Go to www.temeculacreekinn.com or call 951-694-1000.

The Grand Del Mar, Carmel Valley: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Capella will have a brunch including Salmon En Croute, Whole-Roasted Turkey and more; brunch is $85 per adult and $25 per child ages 6 to 12. Call 858-314-2000. At Amaya, a three-course tasting menu from noon to 9 p.m. will have items like Roasted Squab Breast With Sweet Corn Cake, Sweet Potato Pie With Maple Bourbon Ice Cream and more; menu is $65 per adult ($90 with wine pairings) and $25 per child 6 to 12. Call 858-314-2727. And Addison features a four-course dinner from 2 to 8 p.m. with Baby Sea Scallops With Crispy Creminis And Sweet Curry, Turkey Roti With Caramelized Cornbread and more; dinner is $98 per person. Call 858-314-1900; go to www.thegranddelmar.com.

Lael's, San Diego: During the day, diners can visit the buffet from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., priced at $59 for adults, $49 for seniors (65 and over) and $9.95 for children ages 4 to 12. Dinner options include a three- or four-course prix-fixe menu ($35-$40), the buffet or the regular menu. Lael's is at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place. Call 619-358-6735.

Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula: Buffet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Creekside Grille with items such as homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta, spinach and butter sage; butternut squash soup; and hand-carved roast turkey with giblet gravy, mushroom and sausage stuffing. Buffet is $50 per person and includes a glass of almond champagne; children ages 6 to 12 are $24.95, and children under 6 eat free. Go to wilsoncreekwinery.com or call 951-699-9463.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula: Celebration from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with items such as a traditional roast turkey meal ($34) and lobster, scallop and shrimp turnover with Riesling cream, spinach and honey carrots ($38). For children under 17, a turkey dinner with soup and dessert is $17. Go to southcoastwinery.com or call 951-587-9463.

Hotel del Coronado, Coronado: Buffet from 12 to 6 p.m. in the Crown Room and Ballroom is $85 for adults, $37.50 for children ages 6 to 10 and free for children 5 and under. Also, 1500 OCEAN will have a four-course menu from 4 to 9 p.m. E-mail deldining@hoteldel.com or call 619-522-8490.

Arterra, Del Mar: Three-course prix-fixe menu from 3 to 7 p.m. with items such as Roasted Chino Farms Kabocha Squash Soup With Smoked Chestnut, Duck Confit Hash and Nutmeg Creme Fraiche; Lock Duart King Salmon With Chino Farms Butternut Squash Puree, Marble Potato Hash, Haricots Verts and Lemon-Sage Brown Butter; and Braised Prime Beef Short Ribs With Truffle Potato Mousseline, Chino Farms Baby Vegetables, Forest Mushrooms and Cipollini Mushrooms. Cost is $39.95 for adults and $19.95 for children under 10; go to www.arterrarestaurant.com or call 858-369-6032.

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Classes

Alchemy of the Hearth: Offers cooking classes at its new location, 960 Rancheros Drive, Suite L, San Marcos. Go to alchemyofthehearth.com or call 760-233-2433.

Behind the Scenes Catering & Events: The catering company teaches customers to prepare not-so-typical foods on the grill ---- pizza, sliders, salad and pork loin ---- in its kitchen at 9888 Waples St., San Diego. Call 858-638-1400 or go to btscenes.com.

Cafe Merlot: The restaurant in the Bernardo Winery holds wine and cooking classes at 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte in Rancho Bernardo; $50 per person; call 858-592-7785.

-- 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: Super Easy Holiday Parties

Callaway cooking class: Callaway Vineyards and Winery in Temecula will hold a Yuletide Traditions cooking class with Meritage Executive Chef Mike Henry at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Recipes include shrimp and crab tamales with chile verde and crema, cider-brined pork tenderloin with pomegranate salsa and roasted yams and more. Class is $50; go to callawaywinery.com or call 951-676-4001.

Captain Cook's children's classes: Captain Cook's Culinary Academy for Kids hosts children's classes with a new organic menu each week: "Lil Explorers" (ages 4-7) from 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; "First Mates" (ages 7 to 13), 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays or Thursdays. Captain Cook's is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite C. Call 760-431-2278 or go to www.captaincooksculinaryacademy.com.

-- Thursday: Halloween Munchies ---- Mummy Pizzas, Mini Pumpkin Pies, Caramel Apple Witches; $35; children ages 7-13 only

Captain Cook's has Mommy and Me classes for children ages 3 to 5. Classes meet from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays and occasionally from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays; classes are three for $75.

Captain Cook's adult classes: Captain Cook's Culinary Academy for Kids offers adult classes at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Cost is $45 (or $120 for three). Captain Cook's is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite C, Carlsbad. Call 760-431-2278 or go to www.captaincooksculinaryacademy.com.

Ciao Italia: Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. at Art & Accents, 7740 El Camino Real, at La Costa Avenue, in Carlsbad. Classes are $29; call 760-943-8221.

-- Thursday: One More Spanish Night ---- Garlic Shrimp With Manchego, Potatoes With Pepper, Saffron Chicken

-- Wednesday: A Night in Northern Italy ---- Bread and Cabbage Soup, Scallops Venetian Style, Torta d'Aosta (walnut torte)

-- Nov. 12: Fresh and Simple Italian Basics ---- Farro Salad (two kinds), Lentil And Rice Soup, Espresso Granita

-- Nov. 18: Holiday Brunch ---- Strata Milano, Lemon-Scented Olive Oil Muffins, Almond And Date Biscotti

Cooking@Home: Phillis Carey will teach simple meals to cook at home at the Center for a Healthy Lifestyle, 533 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Classes are $45 and start at 6 p.m. E-mail phillis@philliscarey.com.

Falkner wine class: Falkner Winery in Temecula's Wine Country will hold a wine appreciation class with in-house sommelier George Myers from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 14. Class is $45; go to www.falknerwinery.com or call 951-676-8231.

Grand Del Mar Culinary series: These monthly two-hour sessions take place year-round, conducted by the resort's chefs. Call 858-314-2000. The Grand Del Mar is at 5300 Grand Del Mar Court. Classes are in the resort kitchen unless otherwise noted. Upcoming:

-- 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18: Traditional Thanksgiving Family Feast ---- Recipes for Thanksgiving, including Roasted Turkey, Cranberry Stuffing and Potato Puree; $75

-- 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2: A Baker's Holiday ---- Chocolate Ganache Buche de Noel, Pumpkin Creme Brulee, Painted Cookies and Citrus Panna Cotta; $65

Great News! Discount Cookware & Cooking School: The San Diego school hosts cooking classes at 1788 Garnet Ave. (in the Pacific Plaza at Garnet Avenue and Jewell Street); reserve to 858-270-1582, ext. 3, or go to www.great-news.com. Reserve early; classes fill quickly.

-- 10:30 a.m. Thursday: Making Your First Thanksgiving Dinner; $49

-- 6 p.m. Thursday: Fast and Fabulous Chicken Breasts; $49

-- 6 p.m. Friday: Authentic Toscana ---- A Holiday Feast; $59

-- 1 p.m. Saturday: Holiday Favorites From The Diva And The Queen of Cooking; $75

-- 6 p.m. Monday: Beer and Cheese with Karl Strauss & Venissimo; $55

-- 11:30 a.m. Tuesday: Quick and Easy Lunch ---- Fall Flavors; $29

-- 6 p.m. Tuesday: Do-Ahead Thanksgiving Dinner; $49

-- 6 p.m. Wednesday: Demystifying Convection Cooking; $49

-- 10:30 a.m. Nov. 12: Do-Ahead Thanksgiving Dinner; $49

-- 6 p.m. Nov. 12: Captivating Cuisine; $59

-- 6 p.m. Nov. 13: Opera Classics ---- Nabucco; $69

The Kitchen Witch: The Encinitas school hosts cooking classes at 127 N. El Camino Real; call 760-942-3288 or go to www.kitchenwitchonline.com.

-- 6 p.m. Thursday: Fall Flavors; $59

-- 11 a.m. Saturday: Holiday Pie Shop (hands-on); $69

-- 11 a.m. Tuesday: Fall Entrees; $59

-- 6 p.m. Nov. 12: Sushi for Celebrations; $69

-- 6 p.m. Nov. 13: Winter Holiday Barbecue; $59

-- 11 a.m. Nov. 14: Knife Skills; $49

Macy's School of Cooking: The school is in the Macy's Mission Valley Home Store, 1555 Camino de la Reina, San Diego. Call 888-424-FOOD or go to macys.com/events and type 92108 in the ZIP code field.

Ro Z's Sweet Art Studio: Rosanne Zinniger's cake decorating shop and studio at 277 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, San Marcos, offers classes in cake decorating. Call 760-744-0447 or visit rozsweetartstudio.com.

-- 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17: Cake Design 4

San Diego Botanic Garden: Chef Elizabeth Podsiadlo, the "Opera Singing Chef," holds cooking classes at San Diego Botanic Garden (different teacher as noted); classes are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers and include recipes and tastings. Call 760-436-3036, ext. 206, or go to sdbgarden.org.

-- 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5: Kitchen Gifts ---- Pumpkin-seed brittle, herbes de provence (used in herb bread with a creamy herbed butter), sweet-caramel-chocolate layered fudge

San Diego Natural History Museum: The museum will hold a series of lectures on sustainable food this fall. Lectures and kick-off party are $5. Go to www.sdnhm.org/sustainableplanet:

-- 6:30 p.m. Tuesday: Cultivating Justice Through Sustainable Food Systems

-- 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1: Sustainable Agriculture: A Necessary Tradition

-- 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12: Ecology of Soil: A Public Health Concern

-- 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2: Eating Greener: The Ecology of Food

-- 6:30 p.m. March 2: Victory Gardens: Join the Garden Revolution

-- 6:30 p.m. May 4: Developing Sustainable Foodsheds: The Next Steps in Eating Local

South Coast cooking class: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa will host a Wild Women of Wine Country cooking class at 11 a.m. Dec. 7. The $25 class will cover how to cook with wine. Go to southcoastwinery.com or call 951-587-9463.

Tea service classes: Barbara Barker of Memories English Tea Garden in Vista offers themed classes and afternoon teas in a private Vista garden. For directions, call 760-945-0476.

Teen cooking: Alchemy of the Hearth and the Poway Adult School are teaming to offer "Teen Chefs in the Making" and "Teen Pastry Chefs in the Making." Classes for ages 13 and up will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Rancho Bernardo High School. Call 858-668-4000 or go to www.powayadultschool.com or www.alchemyofthehearth.com.

-- Wednesday through Dec. 1 (three classes): All About Beef, Pork, Poultry; $109

-- Dec. 2-9 (two classes): Chocolate & Candy Making; $69

-- Dec. 8 (one class): All About Breakfast & Lunch; $29

Thornton cooking class: Thornton Winery in Temecula will hold a Holiday Cooking Class at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Recipes include roasted butternut squash soup, maple-roasted pork loin and cranberry cherry compote. Class is $55; go to www.thorntonwine.com or call 951-699-0099.

Vines and Wines: The Wine Smarties and Wilson Creek Winery will hold a "Vines and Wines 101" class at 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at Wilson Creek. The class is for aspiring wine professionals or wine lovers who just want to know more. Class is $50; call 951-699-9463.

The Whole Journey: The Whole Journey, a holistic counseling and product awareness company, will offer free grocery tours at Seaside Market at 2087 San Elijo Road, 760-753-5445 in Cardiff, free health and nutrition seminars at Whole Foods at 8825 Villa La Jolla Drive in La Jolla 858-642-6700, and cooking classes at Sur La Table at 1915 Calle Barcelona in Carlsbad 760-635-1316. Call to reserve a space; go to thewholejourney.net.

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In the spirits

Acqua Al 2: The Gaslamp Quarter restaurant hosts wine tastings during "Uncorked" the first Wednesday of every month at 322 Fifth Ave. in San Diego. For $20, guests taste four wine/spirit selections paired with four appetizers. Reservations are required; call 619-230-0382 or go to acquaal2.com.

Carlsbad Wine Merchants: Hosts tastings at 5 p.m. Fridays and 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays for a fee at 5814 Van Allen Way, Suite 155, Carlsbad. Call 888-750-WINE or visit www.CarlsbadWineMerchants.com.

The Collective: Tasting lounge features one-of-a-kind, handmade boutique wines at 28544 Front Street in Old Town Temecula. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 10 p.m. Sundays. Call 951-693-4567 or go to tvwinecollective.com.

Decanter Wine Lounge & Restaurant: The Rancho Santa Fe restaurant and wine lounge hosts wine tasting classes Wednesdays at 18025 Calle Ambiente (in the Cielo Hillside Village). Tastings are $15; reservations are required. Call 858-756-9333 or go to decanterwinelounge.com.

ENO-Versity at the Hotel Del: ENO, the wine, cheese and chocolate tasting room at the Hotel del Coronado, has announced its 2009 classes for ENO-Versity. Classes are $35 per person and start at 4 p.m.; call 619-522-8546 or go to hoteldel.com/ENO-wine. The Hotel Del is at 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado. ENO is also offering "Tasting Tuesdays" from 5 to 8 p.m., offering 10 wine samples for $10; "Say Cheese" Wednesdays from 5 to 10 p.m. with half-off cheese flights; "Bubbly Thursdays" from 5 to 10 p.m. with half-off sparkling wine by the glass or bottle; and $5 Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. with $5 glasses of wine.

Fifty Barrels Winery and Tasting Room: Hosts tastings from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays at 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 106, Oceanside. Call 760-696-2998 or go to carlsbadcoastal.com.

Harvest Ranch Market Del Mar: Wine tastings from 5-7:30 p.m. plus appetizers for $10-$20. The store is at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Suite 203, Del Mar. Call 858-847-0555.

Holiday Wine Cellar: Daily tastings from 5:30-7 p.m. at 302 W. Mission Ave., Escondido. Wine Down Mondays feature five wine tastes for $5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, and "Hop Over the Hump Wednesdays" are weekly beer-tasting events for $5. Call 760-745-1200.

-- 5:30 p.m. Monday: Maddalena Cellars pouring Jizake Sake; $5

-- 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14: Vintage Port Declaration; $15

-- 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16: South American wines with Hunees Vintners; $5

-- 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20: Aline Imports wine and cheese; $15

-- 5:30 p.m. Nov. 23: Thanksgiving wine selections; $5

-- 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30: "Nothing but Bordeaux"; $5

-- 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3: Melinda LeBlanc of Duckhorn Winery; $20

-- 5 p.m. Dec. 6: Grand Holiday Spirits Tasting; at La Tapatia Restaurant; call 760-805-0875

-- 3 p.m. Dec. 19: Grand Holiday Tasting; $20

The North County Wine Company: Tastings daily at 1099 San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, plus special events from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Call 760-744-2119 or visit www.NorthCountyWineCompany.com.

-- Friday and Saturday: Very Sexy Wine Flights; $15

Stone Brewery: The Escondido brewery and restaurant is hosting a series of pairings in the next few months at 1999 Citracado Parkway in Escondido. Call 760-471-4999 or go to www.stonebrew.com.

-- 2 p.m. Sunday: Ultimate Beer & Chocolate

-- 6 p.m. Monday: The Tomme Arthur Experience

-- 6 p.m. Tuesday: "Dual not Duel" Russian River and Allagash

-- 5 p.m. Wednesday: Meet the Brewer: Patrick Rue

-- 7 p.m. Wednesday: Beer U ---- Intro to Craft Beer

-- 12:30 p.m. Nov. 12: AleSmith & Stone Brewmaster's Lunch

-- 2 p.m. Nov. 15: Belgian Beer & Cheese Tasting

T&H Prime Meats & Sausage: The shop now offers tastings from 10 San Diego wineries from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays for $5, which includes four tastes and a San Diego Vintners Association souvenir wine glass, at 735 E. Mission Road, San Marcos. Call 760-471-9192.

Vine to Glass: The Oceanside wine bar holds tastings six days a week and has biweekly events for $10 to $15; small-production boutique wines are available by the glass or bottle. Beer tastings are $6; antipasto platters are $15. The bar is open 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Vine to Glass is at 210-A N. Coast Highway in Oceanside; call 760-757-2254 or go to vinetoglass.com.

Vino100: Wine tasting events are offered at 5 p.m. at 133 S. Las Posas Road in San Marcos. Call 760-591-9113 or go to vino100sanmarcos.com.

Vinz Wine Bar: Full restaurant menu with wide wine menu by the glass or bottle. Tastings are from $5-$10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and come with charcuterie and cheese. Live music on Saturdays. Vinz is at 201 E. Grand Ave., Escondido. Call 760-743-8466 or visit vinzwinebar.net.

The Wine Spot: Tastings at its new location, 2917 State St., Carlsbad. House tastings are offered any time; call for the tasting of the week. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; call 760-434-9463 or visit the-wine-spot.com.

Wine Street Inc.: Weekly tastings from 3-7 p.m. Fridays, with appetizers. Wine Street is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite D, Carlsbad. Call 760-431-8455 or visit www.winestreet.com.

Wine Styles: The Encinitas wine store hosts tastings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 1-6 p.m. Saturdays. Cost is $15 or $10 for WineClub members and includes six to eight wines and snacks. The shop also hosts WineDown Fridays, where guests enjoy wine and live music and can bring in food to socialize. Call 760-633-0057.

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