Wednesday, September 8: Brio Tuscan Grille
Meet fellow green-minded folks at this monthly networking event hosted by Green Drinks Tampa Bay, a non-profit group aimed at bringing together folks who work in the environmental field (though anyone is welcome to attend). Free event; 6 p.m. Brio Tuscan Grille- International Plaza Mall on Bay Street, Tampa. Please contact Advait Mantri with any questions (813-453-0242) or advait61@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, September 8: Tampa History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center and the Columbia Cafe are partnering for 'A Taste of History', a hands-on culinary workshop series exploring classic recipes from Florida’s oldest restaurant. Beginning September 8th, three culinary workshops will explore the origins and stories behind several of the Columbia Restaurant's signature dishes. Under the direction of the Columbia Cafe's Executive Chef, you'll then build your own Cuban Sandwich, mix your own 1905 Salad™ and stir your own batch of red sangria. CL's own Food and Drink contributor and food historian, Andy Huse, will educate participants on the history of each dish and how it evolved over time. The first event will be held on September 8. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Each session $35 for members and $40 for non-members; the three-workshop series is $95 for members and $110 for non-members. 6 p.m. TECO Hall- 801 Old Water St., Tampa. For more information, please contact Visitor Services at (813) 228-0097 ext. 0.
Wednesday, September 8: Bella Vino Wine & Cheese Market Can you taste the differences between California and French wines? Put your palate to the test at this tasting that will pit the Old and New World wines against one another. Register online here. $39; 6:30 p.m. 100 Indian Rocks Rd., Belleair Bluffs. (717-584-5552)
Thursday, September 9: Various locations around Tampa Bay
Cruzan is unveiling their newest creation, "9", on 9/9 (how appropriate) at tasting events around Tampa Bay. The flavors of vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon in this new rum is perfect for autumn and winter libations (but I'm sure it still tastes great in the Florida heat) and you can sample it — along with tasty Cruzan 9 drink specials that will be available for purchase — at one of the 9 free tasting events.
- Bar Louie: 2223 N. Westshore, Tampa (in Int'l Plaza's Bay Street); 8-10 p.m.
- Bishop Tavern: 260 1st Ave N., St. Pete; 9-11 p.m.
- Brown Boxer Pub & Grille: 483 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach (Pelican Walk Shopping Center); 9-11 p.m.
- Daquiri Deck: 14995 Gulf Blvd., Maderia Beach; 9-11 p.m.
- Georgie's Alibi: 3100 3rd Ave N., St. Pete; 9-11 p.m.
- Green Iguana Westshore: 4029 S. Westshore, Tampa; 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- Green Iguana Brandon: 6264 Winthrop Town, Brandon; 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- Hula Bay: 5210 W Tyson, Tampa; 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- The Undertow: 3850 Gulf Blvd., Pass-a-Grille; 9-11 p.m.
This article appears in Sep 2-8, 2010.