Datebook

Saturday

Karp on Figs: David Karp, who writes the Farmers Market column for the Times Food section, holds forth on fig varieties, their history in California and the peculiar sex life of the fig wasp. Fig tasting afterward. Sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Southern California. 10:30 a.m. Mark Taper Auditorium, Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. (213) 228-7101. Free.

Sunday

Great Chefs Benefit: The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California benefits from this food-tasting fund-raiser. California wineries pour wines to go with food samples from restaurants including Drago, Joe’s, Asia de Cuba, Restaurant Katsu, Jozu, Lucques, the Dining Room of the Regent Beverly Wilshire, Patina, Chaya Brasserie, Rockenwagner and Vida. 2 to 5 p.m. Courtyard of Le Merigot, Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1740 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, (800) 926-9524. To purchase tickets, call (800) 243-4220. $85.

Monday

Food, Wine & Cheese: The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills teams with the Farm of Beverly Hills to present a five-course meal combined with a learning experience. Each food course is paired with one cheese and one wine. 7 p.m. The Farm, 439 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 273-5578. For reservations, call The Cheese Store, (310) 278-2855. $80.

New Year’s Demo: Representatives from the Jewish Community Center of Orange County explain the traditions and history of Rosh Hashanah and serve samples of traditional New Year’s foods. 7 p.m. Community Room, Whole Foods Market, Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. (949) 574-3800. Free.

Tuesday

Student Fund-Raiser: The Orange County chapter of the Roundtable for Women in Foodservice holds a tasting event and silent auction to benefit students in the culinary and food service programs at Orange Coast College. Restaurants including Cafe Francais, Chanteclair, the Daily Grill, French 75, Sage Restaurant and Zov’s Bistro provide food. California wineries provide wine. Cocktail attire. 6 p.m. Pacific Club, 4110 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. (949) 955-1123. Call (949) 798-8770 for tickets and information. $75.

Moroccan Mood: Learn to make Moroccan lamb with okra and olives and three other dishes in this hands-on class. Bring a chef’s knife, towel and apron. (Participants may invite guests to join them at 8 p.m. to eat the foods created.) 6 p.m. Happy Trails Catering, 207 S. Fair Oaks, Pasadena. (626) 796-9526. $60.