A weekend guide to five CL-recommended food and drink events, everything from beer parties to a chili competition and a kimchi workshop.
The Yellow Tail Food Truck’s monthlong tailgate road trip — which plans to hit 32 cities like Boston, New York and Philly before ending in Minneapolis for the Super Bowl — is making a few stops in Tampa Bay. But B-21 Fine Wine & Spirits in Tarpon Springs is the first. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, a team of chefs pair $1 football-friendly sandwiches curated by Food Network star Jeff Mauro (think pastrami Reuben on rye and veggie buffalo cauliflower on brioche) with Yellow Tail wine samples. Free, money for food. 43380 U.S. Highway 19 N., Tarpon Springs, 727-937-5049.
On Saturday, the inaugural Seminole Heights Block Party for Mermaid Tavern and 7venth Sun Brewery kicks off at noon. Expect craft beer, barbecue, a vintage and craft market, local vendors, video games, and live tunes spread out across the two businesses. Crash Mitchell, John Nowicki and Jack Sprouse provide the musical performances. Free, money for beer and food. 6719 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-238-5618.
Ring in the First Anniversary of Saint Somewhere Brewing Company's tasting room, Brasserie, and new brewery — both a long time coming. Deals on bottles and drafts (maybe even a surprise beer or two), a food truck, games and prizes are in store for Saturday's celebration from 2 to 11 p.m., along with the tradition of a bottle share in the brewery. As Saint Somewhere puts it on the Facebook event page: "All the funs." Free, money for beer and food. 312 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-935-5988.
Bring at least two quarts of your finest chili to partake in this Rapp Brewing Company food battle between 3 and 6 p.m. Saturday. Chili Competition #4 is free to enter, plus free for the crowd to judge, and entrants receive two beer tickets on the house. Prizes go to first, second and third place. But there are a couple of rules — recipes must be hot and ready by 3:30 p.m., and contestants are asked to bring a serving spoon and spoon rest. The brewery provides the bowls, spoons, power for the slow cookers and chafing dishes. Sign up in the tasting room by Jan. 13. Free, money for beer. 10930 Endeavor Way, Seminole, 727-544-1752.
Participants will learn — and taste — why kimchi is a popular choice among fermented food aficionados, like Caroline, the Sweetwater Organic Community Farm instructor who leads Sunday's informational, hands-on Kimchi Fermentorium workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. The history and science behind fermented eats are discussed, as well as a how-to on DIY kimchi. Sweetwater provides the materials, while participants take home their own jar of fermented goodness. $15. 6942 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa, 813-887-4066.
This article appears in Jan 18-25, 2018.