I have just updated my EVENTS page with listings as far south as Los Angeles and north to Mendocino in the mid of winter. Here are just some of the highlights:

Bay area events kick off appropriately at Omnivore Books, a darling hole in the wall of a bookstore all about food, in the big SF on November 12, followed by a festive evening at Mrs. Dalloway’s in Berkeley the next night. Ann Leahy, co-owner of this delightful “Literary and Garden Arts” store, has done a wonderful job cultivating the East Bay community’s love of the written word and giving local authors like me a place to call home. They specialize in books about the garden, but have a delicious section on cookbooks, and other great reads besides. Then it’s back across the bay for more fun at the locally owned Booksmith in the Haight and Book Passage at the Ferry Building.

Later in the month, I’ll be appearing on West Coast Live, at Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, so hope you will tune in or drop on by on November 21st. Yes, that’s live radio folks, me along with tennis champ Andre Agassi (my brother is like no way!) and music by Tuck and Patti. I have no idea how this happened, but it ought to be very fun if not a little intimidating. Come cheer me on. You can buy tickets for the show at ticket web or by calling 415-664-9500. And hang on to your hats, I’m hoping to host a book party with music and more that afternoon at the ever bohemian Caffe Trieste, a North Beach institution now in my neighborhood. Will keep you posted.

Next stop, Los Angeles, city of glimmer and glitz and way outside my social sphere. So, darn if I don’t need your help sending people my way. Book Soup in the heart of West Hollywood is where I will be on December 1st before skedaddling down to la costa Santa Barbara for a reading at Chaucer’s on the 3rd. Marty Ransohoff, producer of the 1965 love story The Sandpiper among other award winning films and TV shows, and whom I interviewed for my book, just might make an appearance in LA. If you didn’t know, The Sandpiper starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, was filmed on the Big Sur coast and Nepenthe had a role in the film playing itself. My uncle Kaffe Fassett choreographed the dance scenes. See a fabulous trailer for the film narrated by Burton here.

California wine country is giving me a lovely reception come the holiday season. Come sip on Gary Pisoni wine, made by this namesake and larger than life wine-making family (and featured in my book) and nosh on tasty treats from my kitchen on December 13th at Reader’s Books in Sonoma. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon with me and you, some Big Sur trivia and an excellent glass of vino. A week later, I’ll be doing a “meet and greet” at Copperfield’s in Pataluma, so be sure to stop by.

First and foremost, don’t forget–this Saturday, October 24th at Nepenthe, for the official Book Launch Event: book signing from 1-3 at the Phoenix Shop and a fiesta and reception starting at 4 on Nepenthe’s terrace, followed by belly dancing. Buy your books online at the Phoenix Shop today and receive a signed copy.

If by chance you can’t make it down, I’ll be doing a “meet and greet” at Sweet Elena’s Bakery in Sand City on November 7th at 4pm. Elena is my stepmother, a French/Italian baker and fabulous cook, who was closely involved with my grandmother (Lolly) and her Sunday night dinner soirees. At 6 there will be a dinner in celebration and remembrance of Lolly’s Kitchen (also a chapter in my book). To make reservations for the dinner call 831-393-2063.

Note: Many of you have asked and I’m pleased to say I now have an event, come January, in the South Bay at the venerable Kepler’s Books in downtown Menlo Park. We are working on others.