Bow Wow Ween Sunday, October 25, 2009

Costumed canines are on the agenda for Much Love Animal Rescue's Bow Wow Ween, an annual fund-raiser benefiting the volunteer-run organization that helps find homes for stray animals and neglected pets. Admission includes "family-friendly" activities like the Canine Costume Contest, wherein dog lovers compete for thousands of dollars in prizes by dressing up their pooches as ballerinas, cowboys, slutty nurses, what have you. The contest is judged by as-yet-unannounced B-list celebrities, so expect your Jerry O'Connells and Tori Spellings on scene. Oh, and you can adopt a dog, too. Topanga Community Club, 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga; Sat., Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $10; costume contest entry fee $25 per dog. Registration and info at www.muchlove.org. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, October 30, 2009.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 11:12 PM, ,

Blessed Sacrament's Fall Carnival Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Pupusas are the original Hot Pockets: oily patties of dough stuffed with cheese, refried beans, chicharrones, what have you. Thanks to a contraption known as the "pupusorno" — a giant griddle engineered to handle the enormity of flipping a 10-foot pancake — the folks at Liborio Markets supersized the savory Salvadoran snack. They broke the Guinness Book record for World's Largest Pupusa in 2007, and this Sunday they'll re-create their monstrosity at Blessed Sacrament's 56th Annual Fall Carnival. The festivities include rides, raffles, a beer and margarita garden, the crowning of the carnival's king and queen and, of course, tastings of the World's Largest Pupusa. Get ready for this catch phrase to sweep the nation: "Dude, I just ate the giant pupusa!" Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 6657 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; Fri., Oct. 16, 6-11 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 17, 4-11 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; free. (323) 462-6311 or www.blessedsacramenthollywood.org. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, October 16, 2009.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 1:14 PM, ,

Chocolate Salon Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon returns to the Pasadena Convention Center for its third year with twice the floor space as last time — 16,000 square feet — which should provide more than enough elbow room for chocoholics to satisfy their cacao cravings. And for alcoholics to satisfy their cravings: Entry guarantees you wine tastings with all the gourmet chocolate samples you can inhale. More than 35 chocolatiers, confectioners and wineries are set to be on scene, as well as event sponsor Taste TV's Chocolate Television. There's also a "Chocolate Chef Competition" and a VIC lounge ("Very Important Chocolate lover," whatever that means). Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Sun., Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $25, $20 in advance. www.LAChocolateSalon.com. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, October 9, 2009.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 1:42 PM, ,