Mexican Independence Day

Celebrate Mexico’s Independence from Spain at Antonio’s with two special traditional dishes. The Chiles en Nogada a la Alfonso is a stuffed chile pepper with ground beef, potato, coriander and onion topped with a white cream sauce. The colorful dish honors the colors of the Mexican flag.  Or try the “national dish” of Mexico, Chicken Mole covered in a rich chocolate Mole sauce with ingredients from all over Mexico. Be sure to have one of Antonio’s famous margaritas, or taste one of his many specialty tequilas. 7470 Melrose Ave. (323)658-9060.

Traditional Mexican Celebration

Today at Olvera Street, there will be a special event with folklore dancers and a Mariachi band from noon to 7 p.m. to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. This weekend, the fiesta continues on September 18 and 19 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., with popular and traditional entertainment groups, cultural activities, historic displays, food, arts and craft exhibits.  845 N. Alameda Street, (213)625-7074.

Bistro Garden Celebrates

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Bistro Garden in Studio City will offer selected menu items at their original prices from the original Bistro and Bistro Garden on September 24 through October 3. On September 24, 20% of the proceeds from the dinner will go to the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research, which provides funding for cancer researchers worldwide. 12950 Ventura Blvd. Studio City (818)501-0202.

Cooking with Chef Andreas

This Saturday, September 18 at 1 p.m., Executive Chef Andreas Nieto will be offering a “Back to the Classics” Part 2 cooking class at the Westin Bonaventure. Chef Andreas will demonstrate to guests how to make a traditional Caesar dressing, steak au poivre, LA Prime white cheddar macaroni, and hand churned honey-almond ice cream. The cost of the cooking class is $40 and participants must be 21 years of age.  For reservations, contact Claudia Lambaren at [email protected]

Roy’s Late Night Aloha Hour

After a night at the Staples Center or L.A. Live, step into Roy’s Los Angeles for a drink or appetizer. All items on the Aloha Hour menu in the bar are $5 or less. Every Sunday through Friday from 9 p.m. to closing, Roy’s offers Kona “Fire Rock” Pale Ale for $3 and a $5 Lobster California roll. 800 S. Figueroa Street, (213)488-4994.

Mexican Cooking Workshop

Breadbar is offering a “Regional foods of Mexico” workshop and three-course dinner for $65 on Sunday, September 19.  From 5-8 p.m., author and educator Nancy Zaslavsky will focus on the cultural and culinary history of Mexico while demonstrating how to make veal meatballs in Ancho chile sauce, chicken breast in a puebla-style green pumpkin sauce, and Nancy’s chocolate chile mole brownies with Mexican vanilla bean ice cream. Seating is limited.  Call (310)205-0124. 8718 W. 3rd Street.

Italian Street Food

From September 21-26, both Dominick’s and Little Dom’s will offer a special Feast of San Gennaro dinner menu. Some of the special items include Stiglioli – grilled steak topped with smoked mozzarella, BBQ balsamic vinegar short ribs, crab fritters and their famous rice balls. Dominick’s, 8715 Beverly Blvd. (310)652-2335.  Little Dom’s, 2128 Hillhurst Ave. (323)661-0055.

Taste of Paso Robles

Enjoy live music, art, and tastes of wine and local cuisine from more than 29 restaurants and 14 wineries this Saturday, September 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25.  Call (805)238-4103 or visit www.pasoroblesdowntown.org

California Wine Month

Monte de Oro Winery is hosting the first Temecula Valley Wine and Culinary showcase on September 17 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wine owners, winemakers and chefs will offer tastings and samplings from their winery and local restaurants.  Tickets for the event are $65 per person.  Go to www.temeculawines.org for more information. 34567 Rancho California Road. (800)801-9463.

Danish Days

Take a drive up to Solvang to experience their Danish food, music, folk dancing and living history exhibits from September 17-19.  Admission is free.  Over a dozen tasting rooms offer award-winning wines from the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley.  Taste an aebleskiver (Danish pastry ball) and medisterpolse (Danish sausage). For more information call (805)688-6144 or go to www.SolvangUSA.com