Spicy! Atascadero is gearing up for its first-ever Tamale Festival this Jan. 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at Sunken Gardens. Chow down on spicy, flavorful goodness while the kids partake in a bounce house and you take in some live music (admission is free). The best part? Stocking up on enough tamales to last the rest of winter and into spring (get more details at atascadero.org) … Restaurant Month continues through Jan. 31, so get out there and try something new (and well-priced) before your chance runs out (prix fixe menus feature three courses and range $30 to $40). And don’t forget to tip your hardworking waiter! It’s slow out there!

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Bubbles, cheese, and pinot, oh my: Take part in a wine, cheese, and chocolate pairing event in Laetitia’s Arroyo Grande tasting room this Feb. 11 and just try to stick to your New Year’s resolution diet plans (I feel your pain) ... Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles is holding a lovey dovey dinner for Valentine’s Day with a host of pairing flights crafted by love doctor/chef Maegen Loring, so you don’t have to plan a big, romantic gesture. Did someone say smoochfest? Get more wine and Valentine’s Day gift ideas at slowine.com ... Hint: Chocolates pair well with everything.

Coming up!

Looking for a good zin? Mark your calendars for Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend this March 18 through 20. This year, the event has expanded to include a Zinposium Seminar, so you can learn all about Paso’s original flagship grape while sipping it! Of course, it pays to work hard and play hard. Take part in a Z-Nightcap After Party after the seminar and mingle to your heart’s content (get more details about the weekend and tickets at pasowine.com). Into film and wine? Movie buffs should get on board for an epic night at Presqu’ile Wines in Santa Maria this March 2 for the Wine Film and Flights Festival (winefilmflights.eventbrite.com). Movies, wine, and buttery popcorn? I’ll save the date for that.

Want a bite? Send your best romantic foodie events, drink obsessions, and newsworthy nibbles to [email protected].