Ojai resident and “Vegetarian Epicure” author Anna Thomas just released her fourth cookbook, “Love Soup,” inspired by her trips to the local farmers market and by the three years she spent cooking in a tiny kitchen. Thomas, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter who teaches at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, makes time to cook no matter how busy she gets. “It’s a creative experience that is so much more immediate than filmmaking,” she says. “You go shopping in the morning, make something out of what you got, call your friends, eat it, enjoy it. In film, you may get an idea for a movie and, five years later, you’re still trying to get it made."
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Already famous for the rotisserie chicken served at its original site in Northridge, Bonanos Fine Peruvian Cuisine introduces arroz chaufa mariscos, tallarin saltado and anticucho de corazon (chunks of beef heart marinated in vinegar and Peruvian spices) to diners at its new spot in Ventura. When it comes to dessert, don’t forget the alfajores.

Oct. 9: Hitching Post and Terravant Wine Co. team up for Avant Tapas and Wine, a winemakers’ dinner , 7 p.m. at Terravant’s winemaking facility in Buellton. Required reservations: 688-0676.

Oct. 11: Australian wines featured during a wine dinner organized by WINO at Eric’s Restaurant in Newbury Park. 484-4196.

Oct. 15: Learn how to mix the “perfect cocktail,” make “delicious appetizers” and “sharpen your skills at the casino table” when chef Didier Poirier teams with Aces & 8’s Casino Parties for a Cocktail & Casino Night class, 6 to 9 p.m. at 71 Palm restaurant in Ventura. 653-7222.

Oct. 17: Fall soups are the focus of a cooking class from 11 a.m. at Ojai Culinary Studio. 646-1124.

Oct. 24: Cooking class from 1 p.m. at La Dolce Vita in Oxnard’s Heritage Square includes recipes for stuffed grape leaves with pork and couscous and apple tart with almond cream. Required reservations: 486-6878.

She may be one of the best known in the bunch, but “Vegetarian Epicure” author Anna Thomas of Ojai isn’t the only Ventura County resident to have written a cookbook. Here’s a look at five other recipe collections with local connections, including one by “Top Chef” fan favorite Fabio Viviani.

The Taste of Home Cooking School & Showcase Expo is guaranteed to be an engaging, informative, and fun event. Fifty different vendors, including title sponsor Pacific Sales, will be showcasing their products and services, providing complimentary food samples.