The 11th annual Feast of the Olive is only one week away! On January 28, foodies, locals, and travelers are invited to feast at Sonoma Valley’s traditional Olive Season Celebration. The finest chefs from the Valley will prepare a sumptuous multi-course meal showcasing the olive, affectionately known as “the other fruit”. Ramekin’s Culinary School will host the lively event as guests wine, dine and socialize in the intimate candlelit setting.

From January 5 – February 26, 2012, Gumpʼs San Francisco presents The Year of The Dragon. Beautiful and legendary, the dragon’s power and mystique have captivated the world for thousands of years. It is these qualities that have both influenced and inspired our stunning new installation of Asian-inspired treasures including fine art, ceramics, and decorative accents for your home. Folklore dictates that the dragon is a symbol of good luck, a fitting theme for you and your home as we begin a new year.

Gear up for four days of food, wine, education and fun when The American Institute of Wine & Food’s celebrates its 30th Anniversary Savor Wine Country Enthusiast Weekend. From January 18 to January 21, world-class restaurants and wineries are set to host exclusive dinners, vineyard tours, wine tastings and auctions to commemorate the 30th anniversary. Locals, tourists, and foodies alike will savor exciting day and evening experiences suited for every palette.

Join Baker & Banker’s this Wednesday, January 18th for a most scrumptious guest chef dinner with Locanda’s famed Chef, Anthony Strong. Known for modernizing classic Italian cuisine from his previous role at Delfina and now as the Executive Chef at Locanda, Strong is set to showcase a unique 5-course menu that will be a departure from his normal cuisine.

Thousands witnessed San Francisco history on the morning of January 8, 2012 when Ed Lee became the city’s first elected Asian-American Mayor. The fun-filled festivities began at 10 a.m. with live music from the San Francisco Symphony and ethnic dance performances. The inauguration ceremony then began at 11 a.m., as Former Mayor Willie Brown introduced San Francisco’s 43rd Mayor.

Once again, the Ferry Building Marketplace gives us another reason to make our way to the waterfront. Always known for its artisan marketplaces delivering fresh and inventive food, the Ferry Building Marketplace brings us the 2nd annual Good Food Awards. This special event was created to celebrate sustainably harvested food around the nation. Festivities will begin with a black-tie optional gala on Friday night, to be followed by a spectacular marketplace on Saturday.

San Francisco starts the year with food galore when the 11th Annual Dine About Town returns on January 15-31, 2012. This is a most fabulous opportunity for locals, visitors, and foodies alike to experience San Francisco’s finest restaurants. Enjoy 16 days incredible cuisine at discounted prices. On Thursday, January 12, Dine About Town kicks off with a swanky celebration at the Metreon. Festivities start at 6pm, and participating restaurants include…

The 11th Annual Martini Madness makes its way to Sonoma on Friday, January 13. The fun-filled event is set to take place at Saddles Steakhouse at MacArthur Place Inn & Spa from 5 – 7 p.m. Sponsored by Skyy Vodka, visitors and locals will witness master martini makers put their alchemy skills to the test. Guests will have the opportunity to sample the martini master creations, then vote for their martini.

The Bay Area gem of Yountville, CA celebrates their best food, wine and hospitality from January 1 through February 20, 2012. Participating restaurants, wineries and hotels are offering world-class culinary and wine experiences at discounted prices. Special values include prix-fixe menus, wine tastings and luxury travel packages.