Taste of the Nation LA; Mitsuwa's Gourmet Food Fair

CULVER CITY—It's Taste of the Nation time, June 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Media Park. See here the list of participating restaurants and bars, of note there's Campanile (since it's headed to LAX), The Bazaar, Roadhouse L.A., Lukshon, littlefork, and Bucato. Tickets cost $110 now, but those who roll VIP at $160 will also score Mission Chinese from chef Danny Bowien. Interesting. What brings him to LA? Remember, 100% of proceeds go to Share Our Strength, so in this case you're eating and drinking for a good cause. [EaterWire]

WEST HOLLYWOOD— This weekend is going to be a hot one (90° tomorrow in WeHo), so reclining poolside might not be a bad idea. Like last year, Mr. C hotel is hosting a Sunday pool party brunch situation, Mr. C Yacht Party, beginning this weekend through September 8. [EaterWire]

AROUND TOWN— For those into arcane Japanese treats, Mitsuwa's Gourmet Food Fair is probably an event you'll want to explore. Running June 13 to 16 at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Torrance, San Diego and Costa Mesa, specialty Japanese food providers will make appearances and sell their prized foodstuffs. There's a famous ramen master coming, but also purveyors of fried octopus, soba, sweet pumpkin waffles, and green tea desserts. Over 100 foods to try in total but see the schedule here. [EaterWire]

[Photo: Chef Ricardo Zarate at Taste of the Nation 2012.]