“Save the Waves” Fundraiser

Support the Long Beach chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental advocacy group, with a multicourse, seafood-centric dinner from local chefs. The menu includes albacore tartare (from David LeFevre and Ray Hayashi of Manhattan Beach Post), smoked trout with kumquats (Chris Krajacic of Pier 76), lobster salad (Omar Gonzalez of Nick's on 2nd), seared scallops with spaetzle (Arthur Gonzalez of Roe), short rib with crispy rice (Anne Conness and Justin Lewis of Simmzy's) and caramel apple tart (Roderic Reiswig and Deborah Hirt of Scratch Baked Goods). Beers from Smog City, El Segundo Brewing, Monkish, Strand and Golden Road Brewing complete the meal.

WHAT: “Save the Waves” Fundraiser

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Simmzy's Belmont Shore, 5271 E. Second St., Long Beach.

COST: $55 per person; $100 per couple. Email Dorothy@simmzys.com for a reservation.

Ray Garcia Lobster Demo

Join chef Ray Garcia of Fig for a lesson on cooking California spiny lobster to highlight its mild, sweet and succulent flavors. With its rosy hue, it's just in time for Valentine's Day. Event sponsors Seafood for the Future, Edible Westside and A Sustainable Kitchen intend to encourage sustainable cooking practices.

WHAT: Ray Garcia Lobster Demo

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

WHERE: Surfas Culver City, 8777 Washington Blvd., Culver City.

COST: Free

“Food as Subject for Craft”

What happens when artists take on food as their muse? That's the question driving a new exhibition at the Craft in America Study Center. (Picture, for example, polymer sculptures of candy.) Mingle with the artists at the launch party.

WHAT: “Food as Subject for Craft”

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 5-7 p.m.

WHERE: Craft in America Study Center, 8415 W. Third St., L.A.

COST: Free. Email rsvp@craftinamerica.org or call 323-951-0610 to RSVP.

Mexican Market Tour and Lunch

Take it from Mexican food expert Nancy Zaslavsky, Mexican cuisine need not be experienced in restaurants alone. She leads a whirlwind tour through downtown's wholesale markets (stocked with fruits, chiles and cooking equipment), a bakery (renowned for pan dulce and tamales), and the Alameda Swap Meet (a street-food temple from seafood to churros) before concluding with lunch at the celebrated La Casita Mexicana.

WHAT: Mexican Market Tour and Lunch

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown and East L.A.

COST: $95. Email zaslavsky@roadrunner.com to reserve a spot.

La Descarga Rum Tasting

The rum-centric bar La Descarga is the ideal spot to ramp up your knowledge of this versatile liquor. Stop by for “unlimited” tastings of rum and rum-based cocktails, with complimentary snacks from the Vizzi food truck.

WHAT: La Descarga Rum Tasting

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 5 6:30-9:30 p.m.

WHERE: La Descarga, 1159 N. Western Ave., L.A.

COST: $20

Downtown L.A. Dishcrawl

It seems a new restaurant opens downtown every week, so here's an opportunity to make progress on your “to-do” list and visit four spots in one night on a guided tour. Which eateries? Dishcrawl says it's a “guessing game” but will give hints on Twitter.

WHAT: Downtown L.A. Dishcrawl

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown L.A.

COST: $45

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