Food and Wine Celebrations

“90210” debuts Tonight

International pop sensation and Grammy nominee Natasha Bedingfield will headline the opening night of Taste of Beverly Hills, on 9-02-10. Larry King is the master of ceremonies of the event featuring gourmet food options from world-renowned chefs, with a special appearance from Wolfgang Puck of Spago Beverly Hills and Cut Beverly Hills. Taste of Beverly Hills continues throughout the weekend. Tickets are available by going to http://thetasteofbeverlyhills.com. 9900 Wilshire Blvd.

Foodies Unite

The Los Angeles Times Celebration of  Food and Wine at Paramount Studios will be held on Sunday, September 5 from noon to 8 p.m. Some of the top chefs in Los Angeles will participate in cooking demonstrations and panels. Sample cuisine from some of the top food trucks while listening to live entertainment. Tickets are $55 for adults and (VIP tickets are sold out). Children under 9 are admitted with a ticketed adult. For tickets, go towww.events.latimes.com/foodandwine.

Cocktail of the Month

Petrossian in West Hollywood is now serving caviar stuffed olive martinis made with vodka, dry vermouth, and orange or Angostura bitters (optional). This tasty libation is served with a caviartini skewer of an olive-stuffed with caviar, cocktail onion and Petrossian caviarcube, pressed caviar made exclusively by Petrossian. 321 N. Robertson Blvd. (310)271-0576.

New Menu Items at Greenleaf Gourmet

Beverly Hill’s Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop known for its healthy, custom-made eco-friendly salads, wraps and sandwiches, recently added grilled pizzas and entrees to their menu. They also opened a second location in Century City at 1888 Century Park East, (424)239-8700; Beverly Hills, 9671 Wilshire Blvd. (310)246-0756.

Winner of the Food Network Challenge

Executive pastry chef at Montage Beverly Hills, Richard Ruskell, won a record fifth championship on the Food Network’s Ultimate Cookie Clash with his Asian-inspired cookies.  For the past three years, he has appeared 11 times on the popular show.  This actor-turned pastry chef has a gift for combining unusual but delicious ingredients into award winning desserts. 225 North Canon Drive (310)860-7800.

Happy Hour with Music

Coupa Café in Beverly Hills might be known for their coffee, but they’re becoming popular for their daily Happy Hour, from 5 – 7 p.m. Now, every Thursday, live music accompanies Happy Hour, and lasts until 10 p.m.  Beers are $3, wine by the glass is $6, cocktails are $7, and appetizers are $5. 419 N. Canon Drive, (310)385-0420.

Sushi Pop Art

Artistic sushi chef, Kenny Yamada, presents a pop up dinner on Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9 at Royal/T from 6-10 p.m. Known for his appearance on Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen and the opening of Katsuya restaurant in Encino, Yamada will prepare two prix-fixe menus including a 7-course menu for $45 and a 13-course option for $90 with handcrafted Japanese small plates.  8910 Washington Blvd, Culver City, (310)559-6300.

New Fall Cupcake Flavor

One of my favorite cupcake stores, Sprinkles Beverly Hills, is unveiling a new flavor on Friday, September 3, Almond Dark Chocolate.  It’s described as a moist almond cake studded with sliced California almonds and topped with bittersweet chocolate frosting.  It’s only available until September 12, so hurry over to enjoy yours!  9635 Little Santa Monica Blvd. (310)274-8765.