Art in the Age Soda Fountain at BLD

BLD is teaming up with Art in the Age Spirits in a celebration of beloved soda fountain treats. Pastry chef Mariah Swan will be at the counter mixing shot-sized samples spiked with liquor, in flavors such as chocolate snap egg cream, rhubarb-strawberry soda float, and a twist on classic root beer. The taste test menu includes eight shots — four sodas and four of the accompanying spirits — for $15. Choose your favorite fountain blend and order a full pint version for $12. To accompany the drinks, BLD has put together a menu of classic diner-inspired food such as housemade patty melts and chili-cheese tater tots.

WHAT: Art in the Age Soda Fountain at BLD

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 10, 5-10 p.m.

WHERE: BLD, 7450 Beverly Blvd., Fairfax District; 323-930-9744

COST: Tasting menu $15, drinks $12, plus food. Reservations recommended.

Anne Willan Discusses Her Latest Book

One Souffle at a Time, the latest book from Anne Willan, is part memoir and part cookbook; you'll find recipes for chocolate snowball and sole Provençale alongside anecdotes from La Varenne Cooking School, the legendary Parisian institute Willan opened in 1975. Willan will discuss the writing of the book writer Amy Friedman at the Central Library downtown, hosted by Culinary Historians of Southern California. Stop by to hear original stories about James Beard and Julia Child, as well as tips from a historian with 50 years of cooking experience.

WHAT: The Culinary Historians of Southern California Present: “Whisking Up One Souffle at a Time: A Conversation with Anne Willan and Amy Friedman.”

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

WHERE: Central Library, 323-663-5407

COST: Free, no RSVP necessary.

A KCRW UpClose Panel on California Cuisine Moderated by Ruth Reichl

KCRW's Evan Kleiman hosts a panel of foodists to discuss California cuisine. Moderated by Ruth Reichl, the panel will include food truck revolutionary Roy Choi, La Brea Bakery owner Nancy Silverton, Sang Yoon of Father's Office and other local innovators in the culinary scene. From organic farming culture to the rise of the food trucks, their opinions will highlight the evolution of California cooking and its effect on the rest of the world.

WHAT: California Cuisine: What It is and Why It Matters.

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 13, 3 p.m.

WHERE: New Roads School's Ann and Jerry Moss Theater, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica; 310-314-4635, kcrw.com/events/upclose-archive.

COST: Tickets for the event are $30.

Want more Squid Ink? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.