Food and Fests a Ways Away

As the October joys of epicure.sb wind down, it might be time to think about getting out of town before the holidays. Here’s a trio of tempting travel reasons:

Border Grill’s Delicious Day of the Dead: Call them the Two Hot Tamales, call them the best not-winners on Top Chef Masters, but don’t call them late for calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls). Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are brewing up a special Day of the Dead demo class and multicourse lunch (with signature cocktail and recipe booklet) for folks eager to dive in to Mexican culture. Saturday, October 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Border Grill, 445 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. Call (213) 486-5171. See bordergrill.com.

San Diego Beer Week: At this point, seeing San Diego, the relatively undisputed brew capital of America, throw a beer week (which, notice, is longer than seven days) is like Naples, Italy, celebrating pizza — well, of course! There are more than 170 events currently on tap, and those kick off with a Karl Strauss Brew Your Own Beer Brunch and a Stone Rare Beer Breakfast. If you rarely have beer for breakfast, you owe it to yourself to get to SDBW. November 4-13. All around San Diego. See sdbw.org.

The Ahwahnee Vintners’ Holidays Series: These two- and three-day packages, set in the dramatic backdrop of the historic Ahwahnee Hotel amid Yosemite’s grandeur, highlight the magic of living in California — gorgeous scenery matched by brilliant food and drink. Each session features four wineries (locals-made-good Hitching Post and Jaffurs among them), tastings, seminars, and hikes, and then culminates in a five-course finale candlelit dinner by executive chef Percy Whatley in The Ahwahnee’s grand dining room. Eight sessions, November 6-December 8. Yosemite National Park. Call (801) 559-4884. See YosemitePark.com/Vintners.