Kiss My Bundt needs to sell 5,000 mini bundts to stay in business

The charming 3rd Street bakery Kiss My Bundt, which we have featured a few times in this blog (since its bundts and cupcakes are so tasty) is in a bit of trouble. Due to the recession and the rising cost of ingredients such as milk, butter, sugar and Belgian chocolate, the little bakery is struggling to stay afloat.

Last week, investor Erin Hill sent out an e-mail saying in part:

Chrysta [Wilson], the owner of the bakery, has been fighting valiantly since things got tough in January, but hasn't been able to build the business fast enough. So it has come down to the next few weeks, in which she has to sell about 5000 mini bundts to raise the money to keep her doors open into the Christmas season, when business will hopefully pick up.

It's surprising news, since the bakery has become a favorite with a lot of dessert-loving people I know and is often mentioned on popular blogs. Wilson even has a "Kiss My Bundt" cookbook coming out over Thanksgiving.

-- Jessica Gelt

Photo: A maple bacon bundt cake from Kiss My Bundt. Credit: Noelle Carter / Los Angeles Times

Sampler Platter: bacon candle, food stamps, cheesecake and sugary cereals

Food stamps and fancy restaurants, bacon candles and racist cookies -- it's a tale of two worlds in today's food news roundup.

--Gwyneth Paltrow's L.A. restaurant picks: Church and State, Gjelina, Shima, Madeo, Cecconi’s, Tavern, Animal, Osteria La Buca, Yong Su San, the Best Fish Taco in Enseneda, La Estrella Taco Truck, Kogi, Varnish. Goop
--Several sites are giving away pairs of tickets to Great Chefs of L.A., a benefit that happens on Nov. 8 for the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California.
--Costco to accept food stamps nationally. L.A. Times
--Living close to food is good for your waistline. Salt Lake Tribune
--Troy Smith, founder of Sonic drive-in chain, dies. Baltimore Sun
--UN delivers food aid by text message to Iraqi refugees in Syria. The Telegraph
--Sugariest cereals for kids get advertised the most. Consumerist
--Offensive Creole Creme cookies removed from Australian stores. 9News
--Chef Rick Gresh of David Burke’s Primehouse in Chicago brings his edible bacon fat candle to NYC. Gothamist
--Cheesecake? C'mon, what are New Yorkers really eating? New York Times
--Moderate amounts of protein, rather than a lot, might be best for muscle. Booster Shots
--Former combat marine turned chef serves up meals for seniors as a way of giving back to community. New York Daily News

-- Elina Shatkin

Photo: Residents gather outside the Sonic Drive-In after a tornado destroyed parts of Newton, Miss. in 2002. Credit: Rogelio Solis / AP

Three Food Events You Should Know About: Your Oktoberfest weekend begins with beer

ONGOING

Oktoberfest goes global October is for Oktoberfest, but at the Culver Hotel that doesn't mean all German food all the time. Instead the iconic, wedge-shaped hotel will serve an "Around the World" Oktoberfest menu (throughout the month) that pairs beers with their matching cultural comfort food. You get five courses in all, beginning with Germany (sausage, bacon and potato salad and Hefeweizen); then moving on to Japan (sesame-crusted ahi tuna and Sapporo); Southern California (organic butternut squash ravioli and Angel City Ale); Colorado (braised Colorado lamb and Hoptoberfest); and finally Mexico (churros with vanilla ice cream/Dos Equis). Best of all? The price. Dinner is $28; make that $38 with beer pairings. Sign me up! Culver Hotel, 9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City. (310) 558-9400. www.culverhotel.com.

SUNDAY

Tasting Abbot Kinney Join what's being dubbed an urban adventure with the very first Taste of Abbot Kinney. Walk the famed street on an eating and drinking tour of its many popular establishments. If you buy a ticket, you can get a taste from almost every restaurant on the street including the Tasting Kitchen, Joe's (which is also hosting a bartending competition), Marla's Kitchen, Three Square and Equator Cafe. Certain places will also offer wine or Champagne. Ticket holders will also receive discounts at many of the street's retail shops (Salt, Surfing Cowboys, Patio Culture and more). Proceeds benefit Inside Out Community Arts, a nonprofit that brings arts education to underserved L.A. school children. Check-in is at 920 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. (310) 397-8820. www.tasteofabbottkinney.com.

A tea tour If you're a tea fan, you might want to consider joining Kuvlov (founder of the Valentine's Tea Festival) for an in-depth tour of the Fowler Museum's exhibition "Steeped in History: The Art of Tea." The exhibition (and tour) focuses on the history and culture of tea in the East. The tour will be followed by a lunch created by chef Kristy Choo of Jin Patisserie. Last of all you'll wind down with tea purveyors 1001 Plateaus and a tasting of rare (and aged) Chinese teas. Fowler Museum, north campus, UCLA; enter campus lot 4 at Sunset Boulevard at Westwood Plaza. L.A. (310) 825-4361. www.fowler.ucla.edu.

-- Jessica Gelt

Photo: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

KCRW fans feast at Loteria Grill

"Good Food" host Evan Kleiman and Loteria Grill chef/owner Jimmy Shaw fed their fans the other night at a party for about 250 KCRW subscribers. If you subscribed to the public radio station during Kleiman's show one recent Saturday, you got an invite.

The menu mixed her rustic Italian menu and his Mexican dishes, including a butternut squash lasagna, big bowls of beautiful multicolored tomato salad, squash blossom quesadillas and beet gnocchi -- which one guest said looked like pink marshmallows.

Loteria on Hollywood Boulevard was filled with "Good Food" fans, who applauded Kleiman and Shaw with great enthusiasm, fueled perhaps by the bright pink prickly pear margaritas.

Desserts were nearly inhaled: cookies from Platine, plum cobbler from Kleiman and chili lime caramels from Little Flower Candy Co., among others.

"I want to thank all of you so much for your generosity in supporting the show," Kleiman said, standing on a chair to be seen over the crowd. She also thanked Shaw by saying, in part, "I want to knight this man."

-- Mary MacVean

Photos: Evan Kleiman and Jimmy Shaw at donors party. Credit: KCRW

Seven food events you should know about: Your weekend is all about the festivals

FRIDAY

Grecian yearn Open wide and say “Opa!” It’s time for the annual Los Angeles Greek Festival. Enjoy a wide variety of authentic Greek dishes and pastries, including spanakopita, Greek barbecue, pork souvlaki and baklava. Also on the menu: an appearance by celebrity hosts Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson; traditional Greek costumes; dancing; live music; Greek beer and wine; specialty shops; and more. Saint Sophia Cathedral, 1324 S. Normandie Ave., 5 to 11 p.m. Fri.; 1 to 11 p.m. Sat.; noon to 10 p.m. Sun. Adults, $5; children under 12, free. Friday night is free for all. (323) 737-2424. www.lagreekfest.com.

Crustacean elation Been longing for lobster all summer but haven't been able to make the trek to your favorite beachside dining spot? You're in luck because the Original Lobster Festival has arrived, featuring live Maine lobsters steamed in what is being called the "world's largest cooker." Nibble on all the sweet, buttery meat your hungry heart desires at the giant food court while listening to live music and watching other festival goers shake their bibs on the dance floor. Rainbow Lagoon, 400-403 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach. 5 to 11 p.m. Fri.; noon to 11 p.m. Sat.; noon to 10 p.m. Sun. Adults, $13 in advance, $15 at the door; children under 12, free. www.originallobsterfestival.com.

SATURDAY

A Delta deal It's Mississippi picnic time in L.A. For 33 years this event -- sponsored by the Mississippi Culture & Heritage Society of California -- has drawn devotees of the American South with its picture-perfect promise of a lazy picnic. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and smack your lips over deep-fried Yazoo City catfish and BBQ ribs from Romie's in Tupelo. To whet your whistle there will be free sweet iced tea from McAlister’s Deli in Oxford and free (while supplies last) Lazy Magnolia beer from the eponymous Mississippi brewing company. Montecillo de Leo Polito at Elysian Park, 2010 Stadium Way, L.A. Noon to 6 p.m. $20. (323) 967-3316. www.mississippipicnicla.com.

Splendor in the valley Join L.A. Weekly food writer and critic Jonathan Gold for a discussion called "the Rise of Regional Cuisines in the San Gabriel Valley." Sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Southern California, the event will give attendees a glimpse into San Gabriel Valley's fascinating journey toward becoming home to the largest Chinese population outside of Asia. Gold will talk about the many regions represented in the area's restaurants, along with their various specialties. Mark Taper Auditorium, downtown library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 10:30 a.m. Free. (323) 663-5407, http://culinaryhistoriansofsoutherncalifornia.org

Six food events you should know about: Your weekend just got foodier

ONGOING

Peachy keen: Craft has announced the arrival of its second annual peach harvest and tasting menu. The peaches come from Masumoto Family Farm in Fresno, where pastry chef Shannon Swindle and several other Craft employees traveled to help with the harvest. The resulting seven-course tasting menu includes wild John Dory, chanterelle mushrooms and pickled peaches; and braised veal breast, flageolet beans, mustard greens and peach jam. 10100 Constellation Blvd., Los Angeles. The menu will be served until the peaches run out. $100 with a $65 optional wine pairing. (310) 279-4180. www.craftrestaurant.com.

FRIDAY

Hot August nights: The Wine Assn. of the Duke of Bourbon presents a "wine concert" featuring vintages from four California wineries: Diamond Creek Vineyards from Calistoga, Rombauer Vineyards from St. Helena, Napa Valley's Orin Swift and Silver Oak Cellars from the Napa and Alexander valleys. Bread and cheese will be served, but eat dinner in advance. You'll need a full stomach to get through this packed evening. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills. 7:15 p.m. $48. (818) 341-1234. dukeofbourbon.com.

SATURDAY

Tasting Eagle Rock: Sample food from some of Eagle Rock's most popular restaurants, including Brownstone Pizzeria, Larkin's, Senor Fish and the new CaCao Mexicatessen. Proceeds from the event, which is being hosted by the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council and the Chamber of Commerce, will benefit the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness. GLAD, 2222 Laverna Ave., Eagle Rock. Noon to 4 p.m. $25 for adults, $10 for children 12 and younger. (323) 478-8000. www.gladinc.org.

A wholesale party: Purchase a variety of fine gourmet imports at the same wholesale prices that many of the city's notable restaurants pay. French specialty food store and cafe Nicole's Gourmet Foods and its import and distribution company, Gourmet Imports, will host a one-day event during which customers can visit the warehouse and choose from a variety of discounted artisan cheeses, charcuterie, specialty olive oils, vinegar, mustard, pasta, salts and more. Barbecue will be available if all that shopping makes you hungry. As an added bonus, Alex Brown of Hot Knives is the cheese impresario for Gourmet Imports. Gourmet Imports, 961 S. Meridian Ave., Alhambra. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (626) 570-6900. www.nicolesgourmetfoods.com.

8 food events you should know about: Summer festival weekend edition

FRIDAY

Wines of the people Join James Beard award-winning wine importer Terry Theise for a tasting of boutique Champagnes made by farmers (he calls them "Farmer Fizz") as well as a selection of Rieslings from a single vineyard. Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar, 104 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. 5 to 8 p.m. $33 for a flight of three. (310) 393-7693. www.pourtal.com.

Eating downtown Celebrate the downtown renaissance with the "Taste of dtownLA" festival. A feast cooked by downtown restaurants Magnolia, Provecho, Remedy, Maria's Italian Kitchen, Urth Caffe, the Daily Grill, Takami, Rock 'n Fish, Gram and Papas and Wokano will help celebrate the launch of dtownLA.com, which dubs itself "the only online fashion and lifestyle publication catering to downtown residents." There will also be cocktails and a silent auction benefiting the Midnight Mission. Brunswick Studio, 843 S. Los Angeles St., L.A. Food tasting, 6 to 9:30 p.m., tickets $40. Launch party, 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. $40, alcohol included. www.dtownla.com.

SATURDAY

Deepak thoughts If you've wondered what kind of mystical calm Deepak Chopra lives in, you can find out at a dinner hosted at his 2-acre Palos Verdes estate, which is fashioned after a Tuscan villa. "Dancing With the Stars" dancer Jonathan Roberts will show off his moves and chef Enrico Glaudo of Frascati Ristorante in Rolling Hills Estates will prepare an Italian-themed menu of pizza, quiche, pork medallions, caprese salad and more. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Palos Verdes Art Center. Time and address provided with reservation. (310) 541-2479. www.pvartcenter.org.

Cajun fun It's time for the 16th-annual Long Beach Crawfish festival featuring dancing, live Cajun, Brazilian and Zydeco music as well as plenty of delicious crawfish, red baby potatoes, corn on the cob and remoulade dipping sauce. Rainbow Lagoon, 400-403 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach. Sat. noon to 11 p.m.; Sun. noon to 10 p.m. $13 in advance, $15 at the gate. www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com.

Tasting San Pedro Another festival is upon us: the 21st-annual Taste in San Pedro, which features food and drink from many of the area's favorite restaurants as well as live music, dancing, fireworks, face painting, photo booths and a Ferris wheel with gorgeous ocean views. Point Fermin Park at Gaffey and Paseo del Mar, San Pedro. Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $10, adults; $7 seniors; $5 children 6 to 17. (310) 832-7272. www.tasteinsanpedro.com.

Sharpest knife in the drawer Get your knives, scissors and garden tools professionally sharpened while you shop at Red Carpet Wine & Spirits Merchants. They'll have a pro on hand in the parking lot and during that time you'll also get 10% off your purchases. Red Carpet Wine & Spirit Merchants, 400 E. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Knives $5, scissors $8, gardening tools $6 to $9. (818) 247-5544.

Cooking at the market Join JoAnn Cianciulli, the author of "L.A.'s Original Farmers Market Cookbook," for a showcase of her summer grilling recipes. She'll heat up the grill to make grilled barbecue chicken pizza, skirt steak tacos and avocado-corn salsa. Samples will go out to the crowd and she'll sign copies of her new book "Barbecues Galore." Farmers Market Plaza, 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A. 5 to 7 p.m. Free.

SUNDAY

Brunch for singles If you're looking for Mr. or Ms. Right, you may enjoy the "Stylish & Single in the City" brunch at Catherine Malandrino Cafe. Celebrity stylist Marcella Reynolds will be there to dish out advice on appearance so wear or bring a photo of your favorite outfit for dates, and "dating expert" Evan Marc Katz will provide mini-consultations to the first 15 RSVPs. A complimentary 100-calorie TY KU cocktail will be served with brunch, so you can get boozy and watch your figure all at once. Catherine Malandrino Cafe, 651-653 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $30. (310) 652-0078.

-- Jessica Gelt

Photo: A pile of shellfish rubble sits on the table where seafood lovers spend the evening shucking crawfish, crab and shrimp at the Boiling Crab, a popular Little Saigon eatery. Credit: Los Angeles Times  

Four food events you should know about: Boozier than ever (weekend edition)

FRIDAY

National tequila day: Mexico Restaurante y Barra is teaming with Casa Noble Tequila to present a spicy, three-course fiesta dinner featuring a special margarita and dishes made with tequila, including watermelon and verdolaga salad with cotija-tequila vinaigrette; shrimp sautéed in tequila and a tequila ice cream sundae. The menu is available through the weekend. Mexico Restaurante y Barra, 8512 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. Food, $25. Margarita, $12 after 7 p.m., $5 during happy hour. (310) 289-0088. www.gogomexico.com.

SATURDAY

A cure is brewing: Drink delicious beer for a cause as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosts its second annual "Brew Haw Haw," featuring beer from Angel City Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Mad River Brewing Co. and many more along with catering by Stonefire Grill, Bon Appetit at the Getty Center and co-host BJ's Restaurant. All proceeds benefit the foundation. Autry National Center, Pine Meadows Lawn, 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A. 3 to 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary, beginning at $50, and tickets will not be sold on the day of the event. (323) 655-8525. losangeles.cff.org

Eastern cooking: Join chef Mohan Ismail of RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen for his cooking class series, "Flavors of Southeast Asia." This one is called "Street Foods of Singapore." Ismail, a native of Singapore, is delighted to share his recipes and tips. The class menu includes Singapore chile shrimp, baked Chilean sea bass and teh tarik (pulled milk tea). RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen, Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. 9 a.m. to noon. $75. (310) 552-9988. www.rocksugarpanasiankitchen.com.

SUNDAY

La dolce vita: Forget your summer diet and join more than 15 bakeries and a variety of local restaurants, including the Geisha House, Milk and the Kress, for the third annual "Dessert Decadence." Mingle with other sweet tooths and sample crème brûlée, gelato, fruit tarts, dessert bars, gourmet ice cream and more. A cash bar will be available for those in need of dessert wine or cocktails. Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, 1755 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. 5 to 8 p.m. $40. (310) 709-3969. www.drinkeatplay.com.

-- Jessica Gelt

Photo: Mexico Restaurante y Barra specializes in tequila drinks including, from left, the Cadillac Eldorado, Jump on a Horse, the Ruby and the Silverrano. Credit: Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times

Five food events you should know about: Now with extra cheese

TODAY

Charity in the kitchen Join Orange County chefs Art Gonzalez, Adam Navidi, David Slay and Paul Squicciarini for a dinner in support of Culinary Action Direct, Miracles for Kids and Share Our Selves. Soak up cooking demonstrations and enjoy a menu of specialties from around the world. Orange County Wine & Food Center, 1570 Scenic Ave., Costa Mesa. 6:30 p.m. $65. (714) 960-0534. (714) 641-9922, www.great-taste.net.

THURSDAY

Summer wines There are few places as ideal as Descanso Gardens to sip wine at sunset. Fortunately, the Patina Group's themed wine-tasting series is back, featuring wines paired with a variety of tasty appetizers. This time the event is called "Mediterranean Musings" in the Rose Pavilion. Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. 6 to 8:30 p.m. $54. (818) 790-3663. www.descansogardens.org.

Affordable elegance Grab a seat at Il Tiramisù Ristorante & Bar for a wine dinner featuring Maloy O'Neill Vineyards from Paso Robles. Winemaker Shannon O'Neill will be on hand to dish on the varietals. The four-course menu includes summer salad with arugula, shrimp, sea bass and Dijon mustard dressing; prime New York steak braised with apple cider vinegar and peach panna cotta. Il Tiramisù Ristorante & Bar, 13705 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. 7 p.m. $50. (818) 986-2640. www.il-tiramisu.com.

Block party Cool off with a block party hosted by Hugo's Tacos, which will be holding an ice cream social featuring low-cost sundaes, cups, cones and root beer floats. Venues along Glendale Boulevard will also throw their doors open. Expect DJs, art exhibits, dancing and more. Hugo's Tacos, 3300 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village. 6 to 10 p.m. (323) 664-9400. www.hugostacos.com.

Cheesy fun The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills invites you to get cheesy with three summer-centric French Pinots paired with French cheeses. Sharkey's patio, 435 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. 7 to 9 p.m. $50. (310) 278-2855. www.cheesestorebh.com.

-- Jessica Gelt

Photo: Owner Norbert Wabnig at the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. Credit: Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times

Four Food Events You Should Know About: Weekend edition

SATURDAY

Tamales and wine If you've never been to Mama's Hot Tamales Cafe in MacArthur Park, you're really missing out. Not only does the restaurant make fantastic tamales, it also tutors the community in how to make and sell tamales. And it fosters new businesses in the area. Now it hosts wine tastings featuring fresh tamales and wines provided by San Antonio Winery. All for a worthy cause, furthering the good work that Mama and the restaurant already do. Live music will be performed by Laberinto! Mama's Hot Tamales Cafe, 2122 W. 7th St., L.A. 6 to 9 p.m. $25 per person, $45 per couple, so bring that guy you've been meaning to ask out. (213) 487-7474. www.mamashottamales.com.

A sensory treat Join the Saban Free Clinic for its 12th annual "Extravaganza for the Senses" food and wine festival. You can sample sweet and savory bites from more than 40 local restaurants, including La Boheme, Milk, Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop and Locanda del Lago, as well as wine from more than 100 wineries. You can also participate in some spirited bidding when more than 200 luxury services and products are put on the block. Best of all, net proceeds benefit the clinic, which provides free medical, dental and social services to the homeless, uninsured, working poor and runaway and high-risk youth. 20th Century Fox Studios, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A. 7 to 10 p.m. $100. (323) 330-1670. www.thesabanfreeclinic.com.

Support the arts with food Get classy with the Associates, a support group of the nonprofit Palos Verdes Art Center, as it hosts its fifth annual "Celebrate Chefs" gourmet dining festival. Today's event is called "the Great Gatsby" and it takes place in the "five-acre Rolling Hills gardens and vineyards of Carole and Norman LaCaze." You are encouraged to dress up in your summer whites for this 1920s-inspired lawn party. Get ready to nosh on lobster, filet mignon, wild salmon and creme caramel prepared by Christine Brown, the chef and owner of Christine in Torrance. Also on the menu: mint juleps, classic cars, live jazz and croquet.  Address and time provided upon receipt of reservation. $135. (310) 375-6917.

SUNDAY

For the children Join Club Culinaire of French Cuisine for a very special dinner and fundraiser for baby Sebastien Daniel, who is fighting leukemia. A four-course meal paired with wine will be prepared by chefs including Josiah Citrin, Walter Manzke and Josie Le Balch. On the menu: foie gras terrine, seared Alaskan halibut, roasted lamb chop and more. La Cachette, 10506 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $115. (949) 295-0506. www.clubculinaire.us.

-- Jessica Gelt

Photo: Sandra Romero of Mama's Hot Tamales Cafe. Credit: Stefano Paltera / For The Times