Top 5 Weekend Food Events: The Big Lebrewski, Whole Beast Feast, Septemberfest, Pesto Madness, Social Sundays

The Big Lebowski, where the White Russians never stop flowing.

We've already mentioned the three-day Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro (think: Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla, food and carnival games), and in case we forget, Jar is also celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special dinner benefiting the Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai ($350/person). Here are a few other options:

The Big Lebrewski
In honor of Lebowski Fest (at the Wiltern), Beer Belly is offering a special menu and 50% off your first beer if you show your ticket stub or mention the festival. The Dude-themed menu features lingonberry pancakes with white Russian whipped cream, "You're entering a world of pain" pickled jalapeno hot wings, "We'll cut off your Johnson" hot dog (toppings on the side) and more. The Dude imbibes.
WHEN: Sep. 23, 6 p.m. - closing
WHERE: Beer Belly
COST: Free to enter

Whole Beast Feast
The first in a monthly series, exec chef Joseph Gillard's five-course menu features a whole roasted suckling pig as the main entree. Other courses include smoked diver scallops, chicken liver toast with muscat grape gelée and dark chocolate tart with orange marmalade.
WHEN: Sep. 23, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Napa Valley Grille, (310) 824-3322.
COST: $48/person; $22 extra for wine pairings. Reservations required.

Septemberfest
It's a festival of beer, food trucks and music minus the lederhosen and polka music. Sample over 150 beers as you enjoy (or try to ignore) the sounds of Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, indie rock "tribute bands." Admission includes unlimited pours; food sold separately).
WHEN: Sep. 24, 3 - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Santa Monica Pier
COST: $40, general (4 - 7p.m.); $50, VIP (3 - 7 p.m.)

Pesto Madness
This fundraiser for The Learning Garden gets visitors a pesto-making demo and a lunch of pesto pasta made with basil grown in the garden. Jar's of TLG's Famous Pesto will be on sale for $8 each.
WHEN: Sep. 24, 2 - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Venice High School: 13000 Venice Blvd., LA.
COST: $10

The Beer Chicks at Social Sundays
Head out to the poolside beer garden where Whist's new Sunday happy hour kicks off with a visit from Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune. The duo will celebrate this week's Oktoberfest theme by pairing Germanic brews (like Reutberger and Hopf Helle Weisse) with chef Tony DiSalvo's housemade sausages. Board games and cocktails will also be on hand.
WHEN: Sep. 25, 4 - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Whist at the Viceroy
COST: whatever you spend on booze and food

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