One of the bay area's best non-profits gets some mighty fine assistance by way of the Zonin Italian Wine Dinner to Benefit Abilities this evening.
O’Bistro, a longstanding Abilities partner, has planned an evening with cuisine paired with "flavor-packed" Zonin Italian wines. Plated Courses: Primo (first course) — Sarde alla Griglia (grilled sardines with fried capers) with caramelized ciopollini, tomatoes and pancetta, lemon- and basil-infused oil; Secondo (second course) — Pappardelle al Sugo di Coniglio (slow-braised rabbit with sweet peppers and olives, roasted tomatoes with fresh oregano); Terzo (third course) — Agnello con Fichi e Finocchio (roast stuffed leg of lamb with figs and fennel) plus natural jus infused with fresh bay leaves and white pepper and goat cheese polenta; Tavolo di Dolce (dessert cart) — cannoli, tiramisu, panna cotta, biscotti, fresh fruit and cheeses (Madonna mia!).
Even better yet, proceeds support job placement services for disabled veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Zonin Italian Wine Dinner at O’Bistro is $95 per person, all inclusive. Seating is limited; 6661 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. For reservations, call 727-381-1212. Wines will also be available for sale at discount prices. obistroonline.com. Photo by JBPhotos.com.
Restaurants are the place to be this hump day. At the Lobster Pot's Clearwater Beach location (near Shepard's) you can catch some top-notch jazz by way of sax player Butch Thomas (Sting, Jaco Pastorius).
He's backed by esteemed locals LaRue Nickelson on guitar, Tim George on bass, Dave Rinehardt on drums and Ignacio Marin on percussion. 8 p.m.-midnight, Lobster Pot Bistro, 731 Bayway Blvd., Clearwater Beach. lobsterpot.com.
Okay, most of us can't afford either of the above, so here's a much more economical option: Get a heaping helping of the emotionally resonant and dynamic musical stylings of Latin-indie wonder Acho Brother (a.k.a. Hector Mayoral) for free at New World Brewery. In addition, it's NW's barbecue night; the pub's smoker provides some mighty tasty and affordable fall-of-the-bone 'cue for you non-vegetarians out there. Regular menu's available, too, and its friendly toward non-meat-eaters and vegans. 7-9 p.m., 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City. newworldbrewery.net.
This article appears in Feb 17-23, 2011.