Umami Burger is launching its next “Artist Series” today in collaboration with renowned Spanish-American chef, José Andrés (The Bazaar) with a special burger and select tapas menu.  The burger consists of a pork and prosciutto patty on a Umami Burger bun, topped with a piquillo pepper confit, caramelized onion, and Manchego cheese ($15). One dollar from each burger purchased benefits World Central Market —a humanitarian organization that works toward solutions to end hunger and poverty. The $2 tapas menu includes:  patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy bravas sauce and garlic aioli); date and cured ham pinxtos (serrano ham wrapped dates); and green olive pintxos (olives, anchovies and piquillo pepper confit).

Warren’s Blackboard in North Hollywood just launched a new brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. The eclectic highlights include warm pecan sticky buns, short rib hash, stone crab benedict, house made gravlax, BLT and egg sandwich, prime Angus chilaquiles, banana stuffed challah French toast, roasted lamb sandwich, and more. 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, 818-255-7290

Pedalers Fork in Calabasas and Gourmet Wine Getaways are partnering for an evening of Italian wine, food and watching the Giro d’Italia bike race on May 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Five Italian wines will be paired with assorted appetizers for $55 per person, tax and tip included. You don’t have to be a cycler to enjoy the event  (anyhow, who needs an excuse to enjoy food and wine?)  

Gourmet Wine Getaways’ international wine expert Peter Kerr will be on hand to discuss the wines and answer questions.  Space is limited to 40 guests and a waitlist will be taken once reservations hit capacity. Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card with cancellations accepted only 48 hours in advance. Call or email for reservations: Heidi@pedalersfork.com 818-225-8231.