Do It. L.A. Beer Float Showdown at LA Beer Week.

Well as a great follow-up to Leslie's latest post -- it's LA Beer Week (but isn't it always?). Actually, that's a misnomer, considering the event is set to last two weeks, and takes place in Los Angeles and Orange County. But either way, it's set to be a celebration.

As expected, there'll be a slew of fun festivities revolving around drinking the brew, but one particular highlight will surely be the L.A. Beer Float Showdown. Is there anything more fun than a beer float? Then take into account that you'll be pairing up the best in brewmasters -- from the Tustin Brewery, Firestone Walker, Beechwood BBQ, Eagle Rock Brewery and more -- with some fun chefs, like Thi Tran and Nguyen Tran of Starry Kitchen, Top Chef alums Ilan Hall and CJ Jacobsen, and Laurent Quenioux, and you've definitely got a showdown. What kind of crazy concoctions will they come up with? Gotta show up to find out.

The L.A. Beer Float Showdown takes place this Saturday, Oct. 15 from 1pm-4pm at Eagle Rock Brewery, located at 3056 Roswell St. in Eagle Rock. Tickets at $35. And click here for more info on the rest of LA Beer Week.

-- Chau Tu

Drink It. Fall beers.

Cheers to fall beers!

While Oktoberfest festivities are coming to an end, liquor stores and supermarkets are well-stocked with Oktoberfest and Pumpkin brews. Sam Adams, a master of seasonal varieties, makes a truly delicious Harvest Pumpkin Ale. Other BEAT favorites include Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale, Blue Moon Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale, and Shipyard Brewing Co.'s Pumpkinhead Ale.

More pumpkin.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Samuel Adams

Do It. Wernerfest!

There's no denying that German filmmaker Werner Horzog is a strange, strange man. But his arresting personality has lent itself to intriguing filmmaking that's unlike anyone else's. From documentaries to dramas to action films, Herzog can do it all -- even 3D, as Leslie saw back in April.

Herzog's work is quite extensive, and surely even most fans haven't watched a great majority of his work. But novice or expert fan, Wernerfest is the best excuse to dive right on in. The 12-hour film marathon takes place this Saturday, Oct. 8, from noon to midnight and features 13 of Herzog's early and classic works. There's his 1978 Nosferatu, his debut short Herakles, and even yes, Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe. Stay the whole time or just watch a block -- it's only $10! And Herzog himself might be making an appearance too -- surely don't want to miss out on that.

Wernerfest! A Marathon of Werner Herzog Discoveries takes place this Saturday from noon to midnight at Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, 5750 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100 in Miracle Mile.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles

Check It. Drive.

Drive is the best movie I've seen in a long long time. An unexpected end-of-summer treat, Ryan Gosling is at his absolute coolest as a stunt driver / getaway driver in Los Angeles. The film is beautifully shot, and I think Angelenos will especially appreciate the opening driving scene. Carey Mulligan is perfect as Irene, a subtle and sweet neighbor down the hall. There's so much to love about Drive. See it! Now playing at the ArcLight Hollywood (my favorite), and other theaters worldwide.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: via Collider

Eat Out. DineLA restaurant week.

At long last, it is that time of year again. DineLA restaurant week is back in full force, and you better get your reservations in soon. Some of my picks for this year: Santa Monica's Josie Restaurant (as a fancy preview to the new and less expensive Josie Next Door), Lukshon (from the mind behind Father's Office), the buzzworthy Picca (don't miss the mindblowingly smooth Avocado Project).

Check out the whole list here, and happy eating!

dineLA restaurant week is Oct. 2-7 and Oct. 9-14.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Striped tops.

I have been stripes-obsessed for quite some time now. It's great to see that this trend is still in full swing for fall, judging by J. Crew's current collection. Stock up this week with a free shipping offer on their women's tees and knits - offer though Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The Long-stripe boater tee pictured is $72. Their Vintage cotton stripe shoulder-zip tee ($42.50) in 'spicy cinnamon' would be perfect gear for casual fall cooking nights with friends and good red wine.

Gap's Supersoft striped crewneck T is also a great basic striped top. Petit Bateau's Women's marinière too.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: J. Crew

the monthly BEAT: Miracle Mile/Mid-City/Fairfax. Oktoberfest at Wirsthaus.

Fall is, in fact, here now, and October is just around the corner. So time to celebrate!

One of L.A.'s newest German restaurants (among a slew of others), Wirsthaus, just kicked off its Oktoberfest festivities. Expect live music, fun costumes (lederhosen!) and, of course, great food and drink specials. The fun ends on Oct. 8th, so take advantage while you can.

Wirsthaus is located at 345 N La Brea Ave. in Mid-City. Check their Facebook for more Oktoberfest info.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Wirsthaus

Eat In. The Mozza Cookbook.

Mozza is easily one of L.A.'s most quintessential restaurants: you can't sit a table without being able to reach out and touch any one of Hollywood's major leaguers (but please don't, because that would be weird), and the delicious cuisine there is the work of superstar restauranteurs Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich.

As such, it's not always easy to book a table at the establishment, and it probably isn't always easy on your wallet. But now you can bring Mozza right into your home. Silverton's own The Mozza Cookbook: Recipes from Los Angeles's Favorite Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria was just released yesterday, and features many of Mozza's most beloved dishes, from the fried squash blossoms with ricotta to fresh ricotta and egg ravioli with brown butter to fennel sausage, panna, and scallion pizza.

I'm salivating just thinking about it! So if you happen to master some of these amazing dishes, you know who to invite over (hint: me!). Happy cooking!

-- Chau Tu

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

Do It. Eagle Rock Music Festival.

Another weekend, another great chance at seeing live entertainment for cheap in L.A.!

This time around, it's the Eagle Rock Music Festival, featuring performances from especially good local acts like Flying Lotus, HEALTH, Mia Doi Todd, Nosaj Thing (the entire Low End Theory stage is fantastic), Shadow Shadow Shade, Rooney and more for just a $5 suggested donation. It's all going down this Saturday, Oct. 1 from 4pm-10pm, right on Colorado Blvd. L.A. couldn't be more good to us music fans.

The Eagle Rock Music Festival takes place this Saturday on Colorado Blvd. between Argus & Eagle Rock Blvd. in Eagle Rock.

-- Chau Tu