Advance Notice. Global Street Food Fest.

Los Angeles, of course, is never short of global food options. But with the rise in popularity of the food truck came the arrival one thing we may have been missing out on: street food. Obviously, we've all been exposed (/tortured) by those wonderful-smelling carts on street corners selling bacon-wrapped hot dogs and other sizzling goodies late at night, but what is honest-to-goodness street food exactly? And why should we care?

That'll surely be some of the questions posed by Evan Kleiman, L.A. chef and KCRW host, as she heads up the Good FoodGlobal Street Food fest on May 1st. There, she'll be conversing with a few foodie experts, including OC Weekly's Gustavo "Ask a Mexican" Arellano and food writer Robyn Eckhardt, about street food and how it can shape a culture or city (the subject of Los Angeles, I'm sure, will be touched upon). And then, after that intellectual enlightenment, guests will get to savor that street food firsthand, with tastings available from five food trucks: India Jones Chow Truck, Mariscos Jalisco, Piaggio Gourmet on Wheels, Let's Be Frank and the Nom Nom Truck.

Get to understand the food, and indulge afterward. For better or for worse, you may never look at a bacon-wrapped hot dog in the same way again.

The Global Street Food Fest is taking place May 1st at the Broad Stage, located at 1310 11th St. in Santa Monica. Tickets are on sale now for $40-$42.50.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser in Conversation at USC.

If you've ever thought in-depth about where the food we eat comes from and why, and considered how the industrialization of the food industry has affected people's health and the environment, you've probably been influenced in part by either Michael Pollan or Eric Schlosser. Pollan is the author of In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, primarily writing about food in its natural state, and how food and culture intersect. Schlosser is the author of Fast Food Nation, which went behind the scenes of how food is processed for wider consumption.

In terms of personal health and the environment, it's important to try and remind ourselves of such issues. To get a primer, head out to USC for an event featuring these two well-respected voices, and hear their take on the things we eat. They'll be joined by Evan Kleiman, the host of KCRW's "Good Food" and the owner and chef at Melrose's Angeli Caffe. It's sure to make you think twice before hitting the drive-thru at McDonald's, and your health and stomach is sure to be grateful for it.

Food, Inc., Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser in Conversation is occurring Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7pm at USC's Bovard Auditorium, located at 3551 Trousdale Parkway near downtown. The event is free for everyone, but you should make reservations by clicking here.

-- Chau Tu