Ramen Yokocho Fest

Weekly LALALA, the L.A.-based Japanese free magazine, is presenting the first Ramen Yokocho Festival, a two-day noodle extravaganza, in Torrance. Billed as the “largest ramen festival in the U.S.,” the event will have 12 vendors, from Japan, Hawaii, Las Vegas, San Jose and L.A. Local ramen shops attending include Tsujita L.A., Daikokuya, Jidaiya and Ikemen.

WHAT: Ramen Yokocho Fest

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, & Sunday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

WHERE: Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive,

Torrance; (310) 329-1533.

COST: Free admission and free parking.

Timothy Hollingsworth's Pop-Up Taqueria

Timothy Hollingsworth, formerly chef de cuisine at the French Laundry, gives a sneak peek at the food of his upcoming L.A. taqueria with a pop-up at Shade Hotel. This will be an informal cocktail party (it's a taqueria, not a Thomas Keller production) with tray-passed tacos, salads and salsas — and cocktails. And you'll get to hang out with the chef.

WHAT: Pop-Up Taqueria

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 6-9 p.m.

WHERE: Shade Hotel, 1221 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach; (310) 546-4995.

COST: $75 per person, plus tax and tip. Call the hotel for reservations or make them online.

Thai Food Festival 2013

Chef and Thai Culinary Ambassador Jet Tila hosts the first Thai Food Festival. Organized by the Thai Trade Center in Los Angeles, with presenting partners, including the Royal Thai Consulate General and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the festival will have culinary discussion panels and demonstrations with guest chefs, food and drink tastings, and live entertainment. Who's coming? Not only Tila, which is reason enough, but chefs Evan Kleiman, Andy Ricker, Susan Feniger, Sang Yoon, David LeFevre and Kris Yenbamroong. And the food? From Jitlada, Ruen Pair, Pa Ord, Thai Society, Thai Nakorn, Bhan Kanom Thai, Lum Ka Naad, Sapp Coffee Shop and Siam Sunset.

WHAT: Thai Food Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 29, 3-6 p.m.

WHERE: Paramount Pictures Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 956-5000.

COST: General admission $50, VIP tickets $75.

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