Friday, January 22: World of Wines
Flavor of Italy. Wineries offering their wares include Codici Montepulciano, Ricossa Barbera D'Asti, Cecchi Sangiovese, Layer Cake Primotivo, Capasaldo Prosecco and Batasiolo Moscato D'Asti, each perfectly paired with hors d'oeuvres. $10. 6-8 p.m, 3431 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463)
Saturday, January 23: Tank's Tap Room
Fourth Anniversary Celebration. You'll barely have time to mourn the end of the football season (though, if you're a Bucs fan, you've probably been in mourning all year) at tonight's fantastic fourth birthday in business bash. It's a special Blue Point brewery night with six varieties on tap, live music, free beer tastings galore and more. Free. 4 p.m., 13150 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-961-2337)
Saturday, January 23: The Tampa Wine Institute
The Wine of France. An introduction to all the major growing areas, followed by an eight-wine roster that includes Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc. $25. 4-6 p.m., 2009 N. 22nd St., Tampa (813-241-8587)
Saturday, January 23: Vino 100
"The History Chef" Book Signing. Author/food historian Andrew Caldwell discusses his new book, Their Last Suppers: Legends of History and Their Final Meals, which looks at the lives of 60 historical figures who died before their time. Instead of a mere biography, Caldwell focuses on the last food to pass their lips, and includes a recipe in case you'd like to follow in their footsteps. Er, you know, eatingwise at least. He'll be at the store at 3 p.m., but there's also an all-day wine tasting starting at 1 p.m. along with wine pairings with recipes from the book. Free. 1-8 p.m., 5056 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-522-8466)
Saturday, January 23: Victoria's Fifth Avenue Salon
Wine Tasting for Ta-Tas. The "breast" way to spend your Saturday is browsing frou-frou boutique wares while sipping wine -- and proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. $25. 6-9 p.m., 6512 Us Hwy 41 N., Apollo Beach (813-645-0109)
Sunday, January 24: Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe
Farm to Fork. Nervous Turkey frontman Ernie Locke's "Southern-gourmet" restaurant, hosts a screening of Fresh, along with a performance by Whiskey and Co., and guest appearances by local chefs and the farmers who grow our (pesticide-free and sustainable) food, from chicken to dairy, eggs, pork, produce and honey. 3 p.m., 5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa (813-234-1000)
Monday, January 25: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
Italian Techniques. So you probably won’t learn to shave garlic to a paper-thin slice with a razor, a la Good Fellas, but you will learn a boatload of useful tips and tricks for cooking in the style of three distinct Italian regoions. The three week course includes: Week One: Islands of Italy: leg of lamb cacciatora; fava bean puree with pancetta and shrimp; cheese panzerotti; and eggplant caponata. Week Two: Central Italy: fried dough in honey; crescent cookies; pizza quatro stagioni; and mozzarella fried in bread. Week Three: Northern Italy: capellini with pesto; parmesan baked cabbage stuffed with chicken and sausage; polenta lasagna; and woodsman Swiss chard bread soup. $150 for three classes. 10 a.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)
Wednesday, January 27: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping by for gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one pot wonder is truffled beef stroganoff with wild mushrooms, fresh egg noodles and crème fraiche. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)
