The Whole Schmear: The Creation of Cream Cheese in America
The Culinary Historians of Southern California presents a talk by Rabbi Jeff Marx on how the Industrial Age transformed the making of cream cheese in America. And yes, there will be food afterward. Contrary to popular belief, it was the Yankees and not the Jews who introduced cream cheese to this country. Marx discusses how cream cheese went from English to French, introduces the salesman who created the Philadelphia brand, and concludes with the story of two brothers from Lithuania who brought cream cheese to the Lower East Side of New York City.
WHAT: The Whole Schmear: The Creation of Cream Cheese in America
WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 10:30 a.m.; a reception with refreshments will follow at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., downtown
COST: Free]
Morihiro Onodera and Salvatore Marino 12-course dinner
Onodera hasn't been cooking regularly since he sold his much-lauded restaurant Mori Sushi; instead he's been making exquisite ceramics for some of the best restaurants in town. On the weekend of May 9-10, you can eat from his plates when Onodera and Il Grano chef-owner Sal Marino cook a 12-course dinner together. The chefs, who have been friends for years, will create dishes including Hokkaido scallop with chrysanthemum pesto and risotto aglio olio with calamaretti and sea urchin. Many of the dishes will include rice from Onodera's own rice farm in Uruguay. 
WHAT: 12-course dinner at Il Grano
WHEN: May 9-10 
WHERE: Il Grano, 11359 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: $125 per person; does not include wine pairings. Make reservations with sal@ilgrano.com or call 310-477-7886.

Bite at the Beach
The inaugural Bite at the Beach food and beer pairing event features restaurants including MB Post, Fishing With Dynamite, Coni'Seafood, Darren's Restaurant and Paul Martin's American Grill. Local breweries include Ohana Brewing Company, Alosta Brewing Co., the Bruery, Strand Brewing, Dude's Brewing, Monkish Brewing and King Harbor Brewing. There also will be panel discussions. 
WHAT: Bite at the Beach
WHEN: May 17, from 2-7 p.m. 
WHERE: MBS Media Campus, 1600 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach.
COST: General admission $100 (includes food, beer, wine and panel discussions). VIP $200 (also includes hour prior to event start time with passed appetizers by Circa, tastings of Sam Adams Barrel Room Collection and a presentation by Pacific Gravity Home Brew Club).

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