Wednesday, May 12: The NoHo Bistro
Wine Wednesdays. The wine and tapas change weekly, so come back regularly and bring your BFFs, blind dates, co-workers, boy/girlfriends or, hell, someone else’s boyfriend. $15 for two glasses of wine paired with two tapas. 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)
Thursday, May 13: Florida Craftsmen Gallery
Feast for the Eyes. This is no run-of-the-mill pairing: tonight’s tasting combines not only wine and tapas, but adds original local art to the mix, too. You’ll sit at a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted table, set with cutlery, dishes, and table art — all specially made by St. Pete craftspeople. And the meal’s nothing to sneeze at, either. Tonight's artful menu, created by Chef Rita Fabula of the new fresh-food concept Fabula's, includes three small plates, each perfectly paired with wine. Everyone leaves with a handmade dining room object to create their own artful table. $75. 6-9 p.m., 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-821-7391)
Saturday, May 15: Dunedin House of Beer
Best Pizza in Dunedin Contest. As I type this, I'm trying to imagine a better end to the work week than chowing down on the city's best pizza and tipping back a few ice cold beers — and I'll be honest, I'm having a hard time coming up with anything. You'll sample slices from Mikey’s, Umberto’s, Bayshore Pizza, L’Oven, Bambino, Pan Y Vino, Jets Pizza and Joseph’s Little Italy; Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers joins a panel of judges to choose the best in Cheese, Cheese and Pepperoni, Veggie, and Specialty categories; and Sunset Bridge is jammin' out live. Awesome, all you can consume pizza, a drink ticket, and live music on deck? I dare you to find me a better Saturday night. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 6 p.m., 927 Broadway Ave., Dunedin (727-216-6318)
Saturday, May 15: Gaspar's Grotto
Athena House Crawfish Boil. These little sea buggers are an acquired taste, to be sure, but once you've gotten the hang of cracking the shell and sinking your teeth into the sweet, salty, often spicy meat inside, you'll likely be addicted. They're flying in 1,000 lbs. of 'fish for Saturday's boil, and proceeds benefit Tampa Crossroads. $40. 11 a.m., 1805 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa (813-248-5900)
Many more events after the break:
This article appears in May 5-11, 2010.