Thursday, January 7: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
It's a Southern Tradition. Whether you're a Southerner by birth or by choice, some dishes offer down-home comforts, like tonight's menu of: jalapeño cornbread; hoppin’ John; pot liquor greens; chicken fried steak with country gravy; and molasses pecan pie. $35. 6 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)
Friday, January 8: Uncorked Fine Wine and Spirits
Flashing Tie and Psychedelic Pink Sweater Wine Tasting. This third annual event celebrates the most unwanted, ugliest, tacky-beyond-belief Christmas gifts that many of us were unfortunate enough to receive this year. At least it’s good for something — the most awful among them wins a prize. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 Fourth Street N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)
Friday, January 8: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Crush Hour. Four vintages of “Bosché” Cabernet Sauvignon and four vintages of “Sycamore” Cabernet Sauvignon are on the pour tonight led by tonight's tasting guide, Luis Reyneri from Freemark Abbey. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)
Saturday, January 9: Florida Estates Winery
Wine Fest. Sure, you can sample the Winery's variety of offerings at today's fest, but the palate-pleasing adventure doesn't end there: taste a plethora of homemade sauces, browse locally-made arts, crafts and jewelry, boogie to live music by Sam Osborn and more. $3.50. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 25241 SR 52, Land O Lakes (813-996-2113)
Many more events after the break:
This article appears in Jan 6-12, 2010.