CHECK OUT NEWS AND TIPS WINE AND FOOD EXTRAVAGANZA.

Byline: - Daily News Staff and Wire Services

ark your calendar. Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff will be hosting the 18th annual American Wine and Food Festival 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16 on Universal Studios' backlot. Guests will have an opportunity to sample food creations from 30 chefs from around the country, as well as wine from 60 vintners. Proceeds from the event will benefit various Meals on Wheels programs and the Los Angeles Department of Aging. Tickets are $250 per person if purchased by Sept. 13 and $300 thereafter. For information and tickets, call [phone].

Fish taco update

After restaurant critic Larry Lipson rated fish tacos from six different places in the Aug. 2 food section, readers were invited to share their favorite places that were not included. Several readers wrote that the fish tacos at Sharky's (various locations including Sherman Oaks, Westlake Village, Woodland Hills, etc.) are terrific. ``For the best killer fish tacos, nothing beats Sharky's tempura battered fish tacos,'' wrote Bob Cramer, adding ``I highly recommend this place.'' Renee Binnall is also a big fan of the Sharky's chain, noting that ``they have the best fish tacos and Mexican food around.'' Miriam B. also noted that Sharky's has two great fish tacos - charbroiled and tempura battered. ``All of their (Sharky's) fish tacos are great,'' said Chip Mochel.

Besides Sharky's, Laura An pointed out that Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas and Islands (various Southland locations) respectively make robust and decent fish tacos. You be the judge.

Freebie leaflet

If you're like most cooks and looking to get dinner on the table in a hurry, you'll probably appreciate Fast, Fabulous Meals, a colorful brochure by Sargento Foods featuring six creations with shredded cheeses. They range from Sausalito Grilled Pizza to Grilled Tarragon Tuna Salad, Grilled Portobello Cheddar Melts and more. For a free copy, call [phone] Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., and ask for Department WCS.

Cookbook pick

Just in time for the DNC, get the flavor of what they eat in Vice President Al Gore's hometown of Carthage, Tenn., in the recently released cookbook, ``A Taste of Carthage,'' by Doreen Stewart and Jennie Stewart (Rutledge Hill Press; $14.99). The collection of 300 recipes includes many prized Southern recipes, including Pauline Gore's (Al's mother) Spiced Cole Slaw along with Old Fashioned Pound Cake, Tennessee Chicken Casserole and more. Sprinkled throughout the book are photographs and narratives to depict the people, history and traditions of the town.

Quick read

Taylor Temp-Rite single-use disposable sensors offer a quick solution for checking the temperature of beef and poultry. They're accurate and easy to use. The poultry sensor changes color (from black to red) and the beef sensor indicates three levels of doneness. A package of 18 costs $6 through Sur La Table mail order at [phone].