Cancer Fundraiser at Counterpoint

GOLDEN HILL— The hospitality industry is gathering around a cherished friend currently fighting cancer by organizing a public fundraiser that starts at 4 p.m. this Sunday, April 2 at Counterpoint. There will be specials on food and drink, plus raffle prizes and a silent auction, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Gerde Fund. [EaterWire]

LITTLE ITALY— On Sunday, April 9 from 1 to 6 p.m., Kettner Exchange will be taken over by KEX FEST, the restaurant’s first annual seafood and spirits festival that features a champagne lounge, tap takeovers in the rooftop cabanas and samplings of Cutwater Spirits — more than 15 wine, beer and spirits tastings will be available throughout the venue. The epic afternoon will also feature an oyster bar, made-to-order ceviche station, Devil’s Dozen doughnuts plus speciality cocktails by beverage director Steven Tuttle and guest bartenders, a pop-up bun shop from executive chef Brian Redzikowski, a tuna butchering demo by chef de cuisine Nick Devries that will pair with a sake tasting. If all that isn’t enough to entice you, there will also be fresh seafood cooked over a wood burning grill. Tickets are $45. [EaterWire]

LA JOLLA— The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ executive chef Jeff Jackson is launching a new monthly dinner series at The Grill at Torrey Pines. Dubbed “Playing with Fire” and held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the restaurant’s patio overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course, the dinners include draft beer and will be prepared on The Grill’s custom-built, wood-fired grill and rotisserie by Jackson and superstar guest chefs: Nine-Ten’s Jason Knibb kicks things off Monday, April 10 while Urban Solace’s Matt Gordon is set for Monday, May 8 and George’s at the Cove’s Trey Foshee is scheduled for Monday, June 12. Seats are limited; tickets are $40 per person. [EaterWire]