SAVOR THE SEASON: 'Tis the season, indeed. The grand tasting affairs won't stop until next year. Restaurants on tap: Bin 8945, Murano, Tanzore, Café Pierre, The Oinkster, Water Grill, Violet, Jar, All' Angelo, Violet and more. VIP ticket holders can visit a special garden where the Beer Chick Christina Perozzi, the Cheese Impressario Barrie Lynn, wine maven Bonnie Graves, chocolatier Hasty Khoei, and Saltistry's Joni Fay Hill and Denise Daclan will offer tastes and treats. Tickets are $250 for VIP, $100 regular admission, with proceeds going to Break the Cycle. 310.4242.2805. [Sunday, 5pm; Wallis Annenberg Building at Exposition Park, 700 State Dr.]
GREAT TASTES IN BRENTWOOD: For another good cause but not too high a price, this 20-year-old neighborhood event dishes fare from Chin Chin, Literati II, Luxe Hotel, Pecorino, and Susiecakes and more. $2 to get in or free with a canned good, food tickets cost extra. Benefits local Brentwood public schools. [Sunday, 12pm-5pm; on San Vicente Boulevard between Darlington and Bringham Avenue]
MONTROSE OKTOBERFEST: It's not quite the Alps, but you can see the San Gabriel Mountains from Montrose. The main drag in the foothill village closes down for a day of beer, brats, and strudel. Saturday from noon to 11pm.
