LET’S GET TO IT… Normally I roll out the red carpet in the first few paragraphs of Food Chain for a parade of thoughts to sashay into this weekly party. This week, there is so much stuff in my inbox I’m getting right down to business.

On Friday, March 23, the Friends of the Monterey County Fair will be having their annual fundraiser. This year’s theme is “A Night in Italy.” Look for a pasta dinner served family style, auctions, even a bocce tournament. It takes place at the Fairgrounds and begins at 5:30, so call Vivien Lindley 596-9909, Mary Hansen 594-0605 or Peter Odello 596-7926.

CASA Monterey is doing great work as advocates for children caught up in the frustrating world of the Juvenile Dependency System. Saturday, March 31, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, please come for CASA’s 10th anniversary gala fundraising event, “Lighting the Way.” They’ll be recreating the Cotton Club with a 17-piece big band led by Dennis Murphy, food by Mark Ayers of Highlands and Clay Purcell of Hyatt, great Monterey County wines, dinner and dancing followed by a live and silent auction with all proceeds benefiting CASA Monterey. Call CASA at 455-6800 and buy some tickets, then come and spend a bunch of money on auction items.

By the way, I have been informed that CASA is in desperate need of more volunteers. It now has a workload of 207 kids to advocate for—an all-time high. The program is seeking responsible adults—especially bilingual men and women. The next 30-hour training for volunteer advocates begins on April 17, with screening and pre-training interviews taking place throughout March and early April. Call 455-6800 or visit casamonterey.org for info.

WHERE IT’S AT… The folks at The Covey Restaurant at Quail Lodge have brought in longtime industry veteran Tom “Big Fish” Fichera, whose last gig was as Food & Beverage Manager at Ventana, to whip the Covey back into its world-class form. Tom will have The Covey humming and add an element of excitement.

The “Five at Five” weekday specials are packing them in with drinks and apps for $5 each. The patio is going to be the place to be on those lazy early evenings when the lighting is perfect and life is just the way we like it here in Paradise. 620-8860, quaillodge.com.

Hey, don’t forget the great tasting coming up at Christopher’s on Lincoln. Surf n’ Sand is doing fine wines with food, tasting, music, commemorative glass, Fermin, Ryan and Brian, discounts on case sales—the works. It’s happening Tuesday, March 27 from 5 to 8pm, so call 624-1805 now.

Chris “Caw-Caw” Caul has been crowing about starting up Monday Night Mexican Night at Christopher’s. He did that a few years back at the Vintage Café and it became the most popular night of the week. Great classic Mexican dishes, lots of wonderful beers, tequila, Mariachis, naked women…wait, that was something different…call or go down there right away and catch the fire, 626-8000, christophersonlincoln.com.

OUR KIND OF PEOPLE… Whoa…Kerry Loutas is breeding. Loutas, talented chef/owner of L’Escargot in Carmel, and wife Allison are expecting their first little snail. If you are an avid reader of this column you’ll remember they got married last year. Well, like a good Irish couple (they’re actually not Irish, but it’s the St. Patrick’s Day season) they’re expecting a wee one. Congratulations to the happy newlyweds.

Pebble Beach insider Valerie “Long Tall Sally” Ramsey told me that current Club XIX Chef Ressul Rassallat is one of the best chefs that storied property has ever had. I have definitely got to get down there to experience the grandeur of that room, the elegant service, outstanding wines and exceptional food…hey, it’s Club XIX.

Start penciling in April 6 for a date with Peppoli’s fabulous “Under the Tuscan Moon” event. The Spanish Bay eatery will be hosting guest chef Chris Cosentino of Incanto Restaurant in SF. He and Peppoli Chef Arturo “Willie” Moscoso will each create a special four-course dinner. You can choose courses from each—add the list of great Italian wines to go along and you’ll feel like you’re having dinner, well, under the Tuscan moon. Call 647-7433.

EXTRA SPECIAL FUN… The Monterey Chapter of AIWF is hosting its monthly restaurant crawl on Tuesday, March 27 at the Whaling Station in Monterey. Dinner will be in the Oak Room offering a special a la carte menu of Whaling Station favorites. Special guest Michel Escoffier will be joining the festivities and a complimentary wine tasting by Hahn Estates begins at 6:15pm, with dinner at 7:15pm. To RSVP or for info, 624-8944 or salgargone@aol.com.

Drew Chernoy, co-owner of Clementine’s Kitchen, let me in on some great news: David Babcock, chef and co-owner, will be teaming up with Dorothy McNett—who has been teaching classes at CK—on a new television show called, “Perfect Cooking.” It began taping a few days ago and will have Dorothy showing similar recipes she uses in her classes, along with David doing his wacky thing. Their home recipes are guaranteed to come out perfect. Viking Kitchen Tabletop Appliances is a sponsor and there is strong interest from wineries and gourmet food suppliers. To sponsor, give Drew a call at 392-1494 or drew@clementineskitchen.com. Look for the show to begin airing soon, probably in April. Also, check CK’s annual Clearance Sale, March 23-25.

Got a great story about Kurt Grasing’s Chateau Christina dinner last week, but no room…could use a few more inches (in the column, you pervert)…so that’s it; I’m outta here.