1. Lobsterfest at Newport Beach
A shellshocking twist on the quintessential summer beach party grants grazers at this Aug. 6 festival a plate piled high with all the fixings for a gourmet surf-and-turf dinner. VIPs receive complimentary wine as well as reserved seating with table service and china. A portion of the event’s proceeds supports Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. 3pm, VIP tickets $150, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina
2. Bubbles & Brunch to End MS
Aug. 26, sip Champagne and browse silent auction items to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Following a delightful three-course sit-down meal, keynote speaker Ronda Giangreco will inspire attendees with a joyful tale of 52 Sunday dinner parties in her yearlong quest to fight a mental battle against the disease. 11am, tickets $100, sponsorships $2,500-$20,000, Island Hotel, Newport Beach
3. Community Table Dinner
The popular farm-to-fork dining series continues Aug. 27 with a multicourse meal from Carla and Chris Malloy, Ojai-area ranchers who dish out a savory story of their heritage through the food they grow, preserve and cook. The intimate evening (there are seats for 50 culinarians) allows for plenty of interaction with the chefs. 6pm, tickets $125, The Ecology Center, San Juan Capistrano
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