It’s great to be cheesy: The Macaroni and Cheese Festival is cutting the cheese big time on Aug. 23 at the Avila Beach Golf Resort from 2 to 6 p.m. (you will be unbuttoning the top of your jeans by the time the day is through, so why not don your new jeggings?). Gobble up a range of fancy mac ’n’ cheese concoctions and vote for your faves while you jive to the sounds of Harliss Sweetwater and The Tumbleweed Wanderers … Mark your calendars, this is going to be big: Pismo Beach is set to host the first ever BubblyFest by the Sea, a celebration of sparkling wines slated for Oct. 24 to 26 (like on Facebook for updates and ticket info) … It’s almost time for barefoot ballroom/tango dance lessons at Windrose Farm in Paso Robles! The first class kicks off Aug. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. (more info and reservations: call 517-917-4745) … Follow the food from its natural origin to your tummy with the Farmer’s Market Tour and Farm to Fork Lunch at The Casitas coming up Oct. 8. Learn to shop like a true locovore while checking out the incredible views from this exclusive, hidden-away Arroyo Grande bed and breakfast (claim your advance tickets by ringing 710-1587).

You should know

Thrifty nifty Granada is serving up their new Bistro Boxes for $18 apiece. Snag one and discover the seasonal fresh offerings as they rotate throughout the year (each comes with a mix of proteins, veggies, carbs, and starches for a complete experience). Better yet: Enjoy this mini feast atop their stylish rooftop terrace, open Wednesday through Sunday … Courtney Coleman of the Cookwell with Courtney (cookwell.com) blog is teaching locals how to eat whole foods in new, creative, and tasty ways (check out her free recipes and healthy tips, live now) … Bang the Drum Brewery is now open for business at 950 Orcutt Road in SLO, so I suggest you grab a handcrafted brew and bang on while the summer’s still steamy.

For a good cause 

For a good cause: The SLO Wine Country Association is currently seeking important local causes to benefit from the 24th Annual Harvest Festival kicking off Nov. 7 to 9 (applications available at slowine.com or by ringing 541-5888) … Villa San-Juliette Winemaker Matt Ortman is thrilled to release two new offerings (the first VSJ wines to feature 100 percent of his handiwork), a 2013 Sauvignon Blanc and 2013 Pinot Gris (both superb varietals for hot, sticky days) … The Gardens of Avila at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort will host a winemaker dinner featuring the wines of Tablas Creek this Aug. 27, so be sure to grab a hot date and a perhaps even a towel for a bit of after dinner soaking.

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