Mimi's Royal Graphic Novel; La Cocina Gala & Auction

OAKLAND—New graphic novel Over Easy, from cartoonist Mimi Pond, details her '70s coming of age working the counter at the long-running Mama's Royal Cafe. "The whole place was one giant inspiration...to this day, the people working there really seem to specialize in clever repartee," says Pond in an interview. [The Bold Italic]

THE MISSION—La Cocina's annual gala is just around the corner, and while tickets to the dinner portion are sold out, supporters can still attend Monday's cocktail reception, featuring wine from A16, drinks from Rye on the Road, and snacks from Delfina, La Ciccia, Pican, and more. Or bid on an item in their killer online auction, with offerings like a private dinner with Ashley Christensen and Traci des Jardins, dinner for 4 from Melissa Perello, and pizza-making lessons for 12 at A16 Rockridge. [EaterWire]

THE MISSION—The enormous Grim Reaper bobbing over Amber Dhara yesterday was meant to protest its failure to hire union carpenters, but given how empty the massive restaurant usually is, passersby could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. [Uptown Almanac]

UNION SQUARE—Celebrate Tacolicious' new line of Williams-Sonoma salsas and braising sauces tonight at the Union Square flagship store, as the restaurant dishes up bites made with their products beginning at 6 pm. Everything in the store is 10% off, and 20% of purchases of Tacolicious products will go to support their Tacolicious School Project. [EaterWire]