Wow - these look absolutely scrumptious! "Unaffordable" is unfortunately a Mendocino catchphrase all too common. Lot's of people here have the money, but for some reason they never seem to want to acknowledge something's true value. Listen to "Trading Time" on the Menodcino NPR station, and you'll get an insight into this.

In any case I think you are on the right track by hitting as many events as you can.

We were recently told about the Chiarito Vinyard over off of Talmudge, and that they host food events. Might be another possiblity..

Most of all, I hope you are having fun!