Friday, April 20

Kogi’s Roy Choi and Beastie Boy Mike D Pop-Up at MOCA
Michael Diamond aka Mike D is curating Mercedes-Benz “Transmission LA: AV” — a mix of art, design, music, film and food. The 17-day festival will also feature an outdoor pop-up restaurant by Chef Roy Choi (Sunny Spot, Kogi) and an interactive coffee bar.

• April 20-May 6. Free. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N Central Avenue, Downtown (map).

Silverlake Wine’s Bourbon Tasting at the Griffin
Kentucky Bourbon Distillers’ Hunter Chavanne will be conducting a tasting on some fine whiskeys, like a vintage 17 year and special limited Willett Family Reserve bourbons. But you have to call the Silverlake Wine store to reserve a spot. Hurry! Before they sell out!

• 7pm. $30. Griffin, 3000 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). Reservations: (323) 662-9024.

Saturday, April 21

17th Annual Los Angeles Times Book Festival: Cooking Stage
Don’t hold this year’s LA Times Book Fest location against it. Heh. The Cooking Stage alone is not to be missed, with its lineup of celebrity chefs and cookbook authors demoing and chatting. Look for Michael Voltaggio (ink), Josiah Citrin (Mélisse), Chris Cosentino (PIGG at UMAMIcatessen), and Debbie Lee (Ahn-Joo) doing cooking demonstrations. While Mozza’s Nancy Silverton will chat with LA Times’ Betty Hallock along with Voltaggio. If that gets you hungry, food trucks like Lobstatruck, Fry Smith and India Jones Chow Truck will be at the event.

• Saturday-Sunday. USC, University Park Campus (map).

Sunday, April 22

Taste of the Nation’s Backyard Pig Roast at Wilshire Restaurant
Enjoy succulent pig parts from belly to ribs to ears at this Top Chef intensive pig roast that benefits Taste of the Nation. Chefs Nyesha Arrington of Wilshire and Chris Crary of Whist as well as Los Angeles’ Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, and Top Chef Just Dessert contestants will prepare the fixings while mixologist Devon Espinosa (Pour Vous) and Michel Dozois (Neve Ice) create special “Trashcan Punches.” Other fine libations include beer from Firestone Walker, Smog City and Haven Gastropub as well as Handsome Coffee espresso drinks. Fancy!

• 12-4pm. $55. Wilshire Restaurant, 2454 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica (map).

Monday, April 23

New Spring Cocktail Debuts at Ray’s & Stark Bar
What better way to enjoy Ray’s & Stark Bar’s patio than while imbibing one of the bar/restaurant’s new spring cocktails which debut today. From the fragrant Rose Wishes & Lavender Dreams (gin, Chateau L’Afrique Cotes de Provence Rose, St. Germain, lavender syrup and lemon juice) to the fresh-from-Ray’s-garden Peaches N Herbs (Mezcal Vida, peach honey, lime juice). Lovely! And not to worry, customer favorites (Far) East of Manhattan and the Original Swizzle remain on the menu.

• 11am-11pm. Ray’s & Stark Bar at LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).