Friday, Jan. 25th

Don’t be frightened by the spicy ghost pepper, head over to the East Bay where Little Shop Artisan Box and Canvas Underground are hosting a pop up five course dinner titled “Spice-adelic” meant to appeal to any foodie who wants to enjoy local delights with a fiery twist. $40/ticket (purchase here)  @ The Sound Room, 2145 Broadway Oakland, CA. (510) 463-4269

In case you haven’t heard, there is growing buzz surrounding the ever-expanding list of places to try across the bridge in Oakland. Now is your chance to try something new during the last few days of Oakland Restaurant Week. Prix fixes menus at hot spots like Camino, Flora and the Trappist range from $20-$40 (a steal compared to a few of SF’s best…) and run through Sunday the 27th. Book a reservation here

Monday, Jan. 28th

It's time to think about eating what grows under your feet this week as Jardeniére takes on the taste of roots for their Monday night prix fixe menu (it includes drinks!). Stop in to enjoy the earthy winter flavors of carrots and beets at their best. $49/ person @ 300 Grove St. 415-861-5555

Saturday, Jan. 26th

Expand your knowledge on swine and poultry in this week’s “Meet the Farmer” series, put on by newly opened Belcampo Meat Co. in Larkspur. Guests will get an inside-look at farm life from Swine and Poultry Director Kylan Hoover while getting to indulge in free porky treats, including BBQ spare ribs. 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur (415) 448-5810

The Spoonbar is kicking off 2013 with a new dinner series titled Chefs and Somms, where Spoonbar’s Executive Chef Louis Maldonado will collaborate with culinary stars to create exceptional and innovative dishes. This Saturday, Chef James Syhabout and Sommelier Mark Bright will join Chef Maldonado in creating their first special menu theme of the four-part series, “Going Global”. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. $110 /person see more details here.

Monday, Jan. 28th

Calling all whisky lovers! Hopscotch will sample whiskies from around the globe in their “Whiskies of the World Dinner”. Guests will be dining and sipping amongst whisky experts such as the Keeper of the Quaich, the Senior Master of Whisky and Spirit Judge and mixologist Steve Beal. The cuisine will be regional American food “with Japanese sensibility” pairing perfectly with whisky. $80 /person @ 1915 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Tickets can be purchased here.

Additional text by Jessica Schimm