Beer expert Dennis Hartman taps into rare and coveted ales from Germany, the Czech Republic, Ireland, France and Belgium, in a six-course dinner to be held from 6:30-9 p.m., June 25, at the Wine Vault and Bistro. The menu will include red curry shrimp, grilled chicken breast, roasted lamb and more. The cost is $39.50 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. 3731-A India St., 619-295-3939.

The Italian Community Center will offer free travel and restaurant tips about Rome, Florence and Venice, from 5:30-7 p.m., June 17 at Acqua Al 2 in the Gaslamp District. The session will also cover common Italian phrases and complimentary Italian cuisine, presented by the restaurant’s owner and executive chef, Martin Gonzlez. Wine flights will also be available for $12 per person. 322 Fifth Ave., 619-230-0382.

Award-winning Chef Tina Luu of Heaven Sent Desserts in North Park has rolled out a new menu of confections tailored for summer. Look for cinnamon stick coolers served over ice with a squeeze of fresh orange, “summer solstice shortcake” featuring an assortment of fresh stone fruits, and light lemon chiffon cake soaked in lemon syrup and layered with mascarpone crème. 3001 University Ave., 619-793-4758.

ForbesTraveler.com has ranked the annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival as one of the top U.S. events to visit. The event draws more than 60 of the area’s top chefs and nearly 150 wine makers to the Embarcadero Park North each fall and features cooking classes and auctions over a four-day period. This year’s fifth annual festival is scheduled for November 12-16. Tickets go on sale Sunday (June 15). For more information, call 619-342-7337 or visit the web site: worldofwineevents.com.

Chic accents, glass chandeliers and a modern color scheme have made their way into Humphrey’s Restaurant, famous for its waterfront views and nightly live entertainment. Chef Paul Murphy complements the new, sophisticated look with a reinvented menu that embodies culinary influences from Asia, North Africa, the Americas and more. 2241 Shelter Island Drive, 619-224-3577.

San Diego Chef Sean Magee will pair his culinary concepts to several varietals of wine at a fund-raiser for Resources Affordable Housing, from 6-11 p.m., June 30, at Wine Steals in Point Loma’s Liberty Station. The event also features a silent auction for artwork, handcrafted jewelry, restaurant vouchers and gift certificates for personal chef services. The nonprofit housing organization provides affordable single-family homes to the vanishing middle class. For more information, call event organizer Erik Estes at 619-618-8384.