Check out these upcoming drink and food events around L.A. and O.C. including specialty cocktails, Oktoberfest celebrations, a lesson in tequila, and more!

September 2011 – February 2012

Lola’s to celebrate 15 years in West Hollywood with a new dinner menu paired with cocktails inspired by L.A. landmarks.

Menu:

Grilled Pork Chop
Mashed potatoes, sautéed broccoli & pancetta-sage gravy
Suggested Pairing: The Ambassador
Spiced Rum, Lime, Coconut Water & Orgeat Syrup

Grilled Choice 10oz New York Steak
w/béarnaise or demi-glaze, mushroom bread pudding & grilled asparagus
Suggested Pairing: The Sunset Marquis
Honey Jack, Angostura Bitters, Fresh Lemon, Peach Puree

Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry
Suggested Pairing: The BHH
Vodka, Nigori Sake, Ginger Liqueur, Yuzu Juice & fresh Mint
w/a citrus cream sauce, mashed potatoes, sautéed baby spinach

Parmesan Crusted Halibut
Suggested Pairing: The Roosevelt
Bombay Gin, Lemon Juice, house infused Lavender Syrup, & Blueberry puree
w/fresh horseradish-sage sauce, roasted Red Baker potato wedges & grilled asparagus

Grilled Pacific Swordfish
Suggested Pairing: The Bel Air
Stoli Orange, Nigori Sake, Hibiscus syrup & Pear juice

Chimi-Churi Arctic Char
Garlic spinach cous cous & sautéed seasonal vegetables
Suggested Pairing: The Chateau Marmont
Muddled jalapeno & fresh Strawberry, Stoli Strawberry, Rock Candy, splash of OJ & Cranberry

Bacon Wrapped Salmon
Lemon butter sauce, mashed potatoes & sautéed seasonal vegetables
Suggested Pairing: The Hotel Georgia
Plymouth Gin, egg white, Lemon Juice, Orgeat Syrup, sprinkle of Nutmeg

Pumpkin Cheesecake
Suggested Pairing: The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martini
Stoli vanilla, crème de cacao white, Godiva dark & house made peanut butter infusion

Where?
Lola’s
945 North Fairfax Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90046

Wednesday, September 28

Drago Centro just released a new fall lineup of seasonal cocktails. To celebrate, they’re offering cocktails for $8 on Wednesday, September 28 only.

Menu:

A Penny’s Worth – Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Plymouth Sloe Gin, Crème de Violette, Oregano, Fever Tree Tonic

Blessed Bliss – Karlsson’s Vodka, Cardamaro, Underberg Bitters, Fresh Ginger, Fresh Apple, Fresh Rosemary

Hot Bellied .45 – Bulleit Bourbon, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Cocchi Americano, Art in the Age Snap, Fee Bros. Lemon Bitters

Lushington – Templeton Rye, Quince Gastrique, Egg White, 25 Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Moment of Clarity – Sombra Mexcal, Dolin Vermouth Blanc, Fee Bros. Grapefruit Bitters

No Place Like Home – Campo Encanto Pisco, Art in the Age Rhuby, Fresh Lemon Juice, Fresh Aloe, Fresh Pomegranate Arils

Organized Confusion – Tanteo Cocoa Infused Tequila, Fresh Banana, Fresh Lime, Espelette Pepper Tincture

Scottish Cashmere – Highland Park 12 Year Scotch, Fig & Basil Infused Water, Single Ice Cube

Song of the Siren – Appleton VX Rum, Cruzan Blackstrap Rum, Amaro Cio Ciara, Velvet Falernum, Apry, Sour Cherry Bitters, Fresh Lime

White After Labor Day – Nolet’s Gin, Green Chartreuse, Fresh Lemon Juice, Lavender Water, Egg White, Fernet Branca Mist

Pinzimonio – Jacopo Poli Grappa, Fresh Tomato, Fresh Orange, Olive Oil Foam, Hangar One Vodka, Cucumber Water, Fresh Pepper, Fresh Basil, Assorted Vegetables ($18)

Cost?
$8

Where?
Drago Centro
525 South Flower St. Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Monday, October 3 @ 7 PM

Public School 612 is hosting ‘Tequila 101′ with tasting, appetizers and a lesson in tequila.

Cost?
$35. For reservations call 213-623-1172.

Where?
Public School 612
612 S Flower St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017

Wednesday, October 5 @ 5:30 PM – 9 PM

Food Truck Fare After Dark to launch at the OC Fair & Event Center. The lineup of each week’s food trucks will be announced on Twitter and Facebook.

Cost?
Free admission & free parking

Where?
OC Fair
88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Sunday, October 9 @ 3 PM – 11 PM

Nelson’s at Terranea Resort to celebrate Okoberfest with a special menu.

Menu:

Obazda
Traditional Bavarian Cheese Spread,
Sweet onion rings, Baguette $10

Knusperige Schweinshax’n
House made Potato Dumplings, Natural Gravy $19

Pair of Bayerische Schweins Wuerste (Bavarian Pork Sausage)
Roasted, Fresh Sauerkraut, Mustard, Bread $10

Original Riesen Wiener Schnitzel
Brat Kartoffeln, Preiselbeeren $18

Bayerische Desserts
Apfelstrudel Nach Großmutter
Vanilla Sauce $7

Bayerische Crème Biscuit
Waldbeeren Compote $7

Where?
Nelson’s at Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Photo: the wine cellar at Drago Centro in downtown L.A.