Greer's OC: Foodie extravaganza in Laguna

Four days of food heaven are descending on Laguna Beach, when the annual "Laguna Beach a la Carte – A Food & Wine Experience" returns Thursday and continues through Sunday. The four-day culinary event celebrates world-class cuisine, with local restaurants and wineries offering prix-fixe menus, food and wine pairings, chef demonstrations, events and specials.

Here's a highlight of planned food and wine events:

From 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, experience a Taste of K'ya Bistro at The Rooftop Lounge & Hotel La Casa Del Camino. Award-winning chef Craig Connole will be creating stations to showcase Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Cost is $30 per person for signature tastes; no host bar. For reservations, call (949) 497-2446.

The signature event, "Laguna Beach Uncorked! – An International Wine & Food Fest," happens from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Festival of Arts. Guests can sample tastings from 22 Laguna Beach restaurants and 30 international wineries, enjoy live entertainment and chef demonstrations.

A portion of the ticket sales benefits Children's Hospital of Orange County. Tickets can be purchased at lagunabeachfoodies.tix.com. The general admission cost is $75, or $95 at the door. VIP admission cost is $125.

Boutique hotel Pacific Edge will be offering a "Snack, Sip & Surf" event from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. It's an afternoon full of food, fun and friendly competition, including the best local mixologist, taco, and paddleboard team. Proceeds will go to Mauli Ola, benefiting children with cystic fibrosis.

At the hotel's surf-themed ocean view cabanas, a mixologist will create a signature cocktail. Attendees can vote on their favorite, and the winning drink will become the cocktail of the summer.

The taco competitors include Olamendi's, Basement Table and La Sirena Grill serving up specialty tacos for guests to taste and vote on their favorite. And a paddleboard relay race will take place with four-member teams. Guests can enjoy tray-passed appetizers throughout the day.

For details on more Laguna Beach a la Carte events, restaurant offers and hotel packages, visit http://www.lagunabeachfoodies.com.

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Burgers for a good cause

At 6 p.m. Saturday, come out and support the Boys & Girls Club of the Harbor Area in Costa Mesa for a fun night of food and philanthropy at the "Slide into Spring" burger bash tasting event. As a guest you can sample unlimited tastes and enjoy drinks from a hosted bar from 6 to 7 p.m.