A round-up of weekend food and drink events that start the holiday season off right, as well as celebrate the great outdoors with great beverages and bites.
• Started more than 30 years ago, Tampa Greek Festival uses wonderful food and inventive spirits — plus dancing, music and shopping — to immerse locals in the rich history and culture of Greece. Snack on a Mediterranean-style pastry (or three) while perusing the marketplace or before busting a move at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Menu items include lemon chicken, gryos, slow-simmered lamb shank, baklava and meatballs. The fest starts at 11 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. $2, free for military & family. 2418 W. Swann Ave., Tampa.
• A three-course, prix-fixe meal is in the spotlight during Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse's Restaurant Week, which kicked off earlier this month. Available at the classic churrascaria through Friday, Nov. 16, this one-off lunch and dinner special features the gourmet salad bar, 15 cuts of fire-roasted beef, pork, chicken, lamb and shrimp, and a signature dessert from 11:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Reservations are recommended. $34.95. 1108 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-999-4332.
• The 12th Annual Taste of IRB, taking place from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, is one big showcase of local flavor at Chic-a-Si Park. More than 20 restaurants and businesses offer their specialities for sale, including gourmet dipped chocolate, blue crab cakes and curried butternut squash bisque — plus gift items like hand-blown glass and jewelry. Bring beach chairs and blankets (no dogs or coolers) to catch the live music. In the past, Taste of IRB has drawn crowds of almost 5,000. Free, money for goodies. Fourth Avenue North & Second Street, Indian Rocks Beach.
• Also on Saturday, get into the holiday spirit with Daddy Kool Records. The 600 Block shop's annual Sidewalk Sale + Canned Food Drive allows music lovers to nab some discounts between 6:03 and 9:03 p.m. as they spread do-goodery through the donation of nonperishable foods. A turntable from Audio Technica is up for grabs during the raffle, and two cans (or $5) is equal to one raffle ticket. Free, money for goodies. 666 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-5665.
• Universal Fine Wine & Spirits' largest sampling of the year highlights 80-plus festive spirits and wines. Experts are on hand to assist shoppers throughout the private Holiday Wine & Spirits event, where exclusive offers and a Riedel tasting glass await. Expect complimentary hors d'oeuvres, too. Find tickets online. $25 in advance, $35 at doors. 1542 U.S. Highway 19, Holiday. 727-937-8330
This article appears in Nov 8-15, 2018.