Advance Notice. Ellen DeGeneres at Barnes & Noble.

Ellen DeGeneres is one of my favorite comedians, and I'd love to meet her. I saw her once on La Cienega in a silver Porsche and that was exciting, but going to a book signing would be so much fun!

Luckily for Los Angeles, Ellen will be at the Grove's Barnes & Noble next Tuesday night celebrating the release of her new book, Seriously ... I'm Kidding.

If you haven't seen Ellen DeGeneres - Here and Now, rent or buy it ($6.99 on amazon) immediately.

Tuesday October 4 at 7:00 p.m. Wristband distribution with book purchase begins at 9:00 a.m. day of event. Info: barnesandnoble.com, (323) 525-0270

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Grand Central Publishing

Advance Notice. The Gold Standard 2011.

LA Weekly's food critic Jonathan Gold has become well-known even beyond just foodies and Angelenos, thanks to his simple and entertaining reviews of eateries and restaurants that we actually care about (and not just the snobby ones). He's always willing to offer up his own advice and tips, and that's become even more evident and possible with his Gold Standard event.

It's only the 3rd time this gluttony extravaganza has taken place, but it's already popular beyond words. But when you know the food's got Gold's stamp of approval, you also know you won't be disappointed. The Gold Standard 2011 is a tasting event taking place on Sunday, March 6th at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Expect bites from 40 Gold-approved local restaurants and food trucks (because you can't leave those out in LA!) like A-Frame, Chichen Itza, Jitlada, La Casita Mexicana, Manila Machine, Mozza, Park's BBQ, Slaw Dogs, Street, The Gorbals, and drinks from 30 wineries. A lot of food, a lot of wine, but you've got 4 hours, so hope for fast metabolism!

Tickets are $60 general admission (all food and drink is included!), $80 for VIP with early entry and a swag bag -- but if you act quickly, you can get $10 off that price by buying presale tickets until 10 a.m. this morning using the promo code GOLD 11. And don't hesitate! The event is popular, and no tickets will be sold at the door.

And if you need a primer, check out our review of last year's event. But don't worry, your stomach will surely leave this event happy.

The Gold Standard 2011 is happening Sunday, March 6th from 1-5pm at the Petersen Automotive Museum, located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. in Miracle Mile.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. Patchwork.

For those who love crafty, homemade things, Patchwork is returning to Long Beach June 27.

I attended their pre-holiday sale and found some super cool handmade jewelry, journals, tees, and all sorts of super cool, handmade things.

At their last LB show I was very impressed with all the things people can do just with their two hands and a dash of creativity. It's definitely worth checking out.

Patchwork is scheduled for June 27 from 11-5 p.m. at the Marine Stadium in Long Beach.

-- Lauren Williams

Eat Out. Thirsty Thursdays!

One of the many punk bars in Long Beach, Alex’s Bar on Anaheim Street has all the fixins’ of a good place to get a drink after work or spend the evening.

With over a dozen beers on tap, many of them craft brews, and wacky mixed drinks like the peanut butter and jelly sandwich shot, Alex’s manages to maintain a steady regular crowd of locals while still appealing to the cool, under-40 crowd.

The bar has a laidback atmosphere: sometimes on weekdays bartenders will let regulars smoke indoors. I often wander in wearing sweats and carrying a backgammon board.