An Evening with Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa

Thurs. Nov. 15, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m.
Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd.

Evan Kleiman will interview the Food Network star, then it’s your turn for a Q-and-A with the Contessa. Bet you didn’t know she used to work at the White House! The pièce de résistance? Price of admission includes a signed copy of the best-selling author’s new cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust.

Mockfest Film Festival

Fri. Nov. 16-Sat. Nov. 17, various times
Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave.

Ever wanted to attend a red carpet movie premiere? Here’s your chance to dabble in the life of the stars…or maybe just their stunt doubles. Showcasing the best comedies and mockumentaries, this year’s Mockfest Film Festival specializes in all things funny, eyeroll-inducing, and scifi. Grab some popcorn and a sense of irony and you’re good to go!

The Chocolate Invitational Fall Festival

Sat. Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Great Spirits Ranch, Mulholland Highway, Malibu

This chocolate tasting offers small bites, art, photography, music, beverage samples, truffle-making classes, tea ceremonies, and, of course, copious amounts of chocolate. With something called “chocolate meditation” — um, sitting in a chocolate bath and thanking the world for this yummy invention? — and some proceeds benefitting animal rescue, we’ll gladly stay the whole day!

OC Roller Girls Home Team Championship

Sat. Nov. 17, 6 p.m.
The Rinks, 5555 McFadden Ave., Huntington Beach

Remember how envious you were of Ellen Page and Kristen Wiig with their epic display of girl power in Whip It? Ditch the green jealousy for bright orange and cheer on Orange County’s team of real life, really fierce roller derby girls in their home championship. With an afterparty to follow all the great competition, this event may whip you into trying out for the team!

Romeo and Juliet Opera

Sun. Nov. 18, 1 p.m.
Casa Italiana Cultural Center, 1051 N. Broadway, Chinatown

Sophisticated Sunday? Worldly weekend? Classy concert? We know, we know — alliteration may lose its charm after a while, but luckily this Shakespearean classic never will. Performed as an opera by an entirely volunteer cast and orchestra, this rendition of the tragic love story is served with a lot of talent and a four-course Italian meal.

Thanksgiving Fiesta at Tortilla Republic

Wed. Nov 21, 4-7 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close
616 N. Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Whether you want to make it an early dinner or a late night snack, this special foodie event is def worth starting Thanksgiving eating early! Share lots of delish Mexican small plates with your family or bring your girls for the specials on margaritas, Spanish wines, and Mexican beers.

Introducing M Cafe’s Macro-Hour

Every weekday, 4-7 p.m.
7119 Melrose Ave., Hollywood

Add even more “happy” to your happy hour and get a little “healthy” in there, too! M Cafe is hosting a macro-hour that features off-menu small plates and juice shooters made only of the freshest seasonal ingredients. No need to feel guilty about that extra glass of pinot when you ditch starchy, greasy bar food for these yummy sugar/dairy/eggs/meat/poultry free nibbles!

xx, The FabFitFun LA Team

Photo Credit Cora Reed / Shutterstock.com

Posted on November 15, 2012