Sake Nights at Kabuki Hollywood, November 18, 25, December 2
Also taking place at the Japanese chain's restaurants in Huntington Beach, Pasadena and Valencia on different nights each week, Kabuki's "Sake Night" fall series will be hosted by Yuji Matsumoto, the only Master Sake Sommelier in America, and will showcase four different sakes served both hot and cold. Each spirit will be paired with a dish from Executive Chef Masa Kurihara, like salted cured salmon and kiwi to go with a Nanbubijin Tokubetsu Junmai sake. Get your reservations in now though since each tasting is limited to 12 participants. To check dates and times at the other locations, visit www.kabukirestaurants.com.
1545 N. Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90028, (323) 464-6003

Thanksgiving Wine-Tasting at Froma, Saturday, November 21
Not sure what wine to serve with your turkey this year? Stop by Froma on Melrose for a wine-tasting event with sommelier Cara Bertone of Veritas Imports that will feature affordable French wines ranging from a Gewurztraminer to a Bordeaux Cabernet that will be perfect for pairing with your all-American meal. You have to RSVP, and the event costs $20 per person, but how can you put a price tag on the peace of mind that comes with serving just the right wine with just the right course?
7960 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046, (323) 653-3700

Thanksgiving Cooking Class at Café Pinot, Saturday, November 21
Terrified of tripping up the biggest meal of the year? Fear not! Café Pinot's Executive Chef, Kevin Meehan, will teach you how to prepare an entire menu for the evening including sumptuous dishes
cafe pinot downtown
Cafe Pinot, Downtown and (really) near the main city Library. (mylawedding.com)
like butternut squash soup with autumn spices; chestnut and ricotta ravioli with Brussels sprouts and cinnamon oil; turkey sous-vide, brioche stuffing and cranberry; and butterscotch panna cotta with pumpkin ice ream and gingerbread streusel. The class starts at 10:00am and lasts three hours, so it's pretty intense, but that's what you want when you're paying $90 a person (including lunch and recipes). Make your reservation by calling (888) 269-5269. If you're already a Turkey Day pro, consider taking the class the same day and time at sister restaurant, Nick & Stef's Steakhouse with Executive Chef Brian Kiepler, where you'll learn how to "French" a rib-eye steak and to bone a fresh fish sounds naughty.
700 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071, (213) 239-6500

Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Dakota
Sway and scat as you sip and chew on brunch at the Roosevelt Hotel's Dakota Chop House on Sundays thanks to music from the Bob Gail Jazz Duo. Every Sunday from 11:00am-3:00pm, the band will serenade you as you eat your way through the brunch menu starting at $18 per person for the buffet, and $28 per person for the buffet plus an entrée and side from the menu. Free music with your food? Sounds like a relaxing way to spend a Sunday to us.
7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, (323) 769-8888

Wines by the 9's at Asia de Cuba
From now until December 31, you can enjoy some of the finest, most expensive wines from Asia de Cuba's cellar for just $99 or $199 a bottle. That might not sound like such a deal during this recession, but keep in mind that that bottle of Opus One Meritage 2005 for $199 (or $39 per glass) will usually go for $395. Or a 2005 Turley "Dragon" Zinfandel that costs $150 will run you just $99. To accompany these "classic" wines, the restaurant is also bringing back some old favorites on the food menu including a miso-cured Alaskan Butterfish, as well as a pre-fixe menu for $67 per person. So eat, drink, and enjoy the discounts!
8440 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, (323) 848-6000