From cool-water salmon to incendiary hot peppers, there’s something for every palate in this week’s food & drink events.
Wed., May 30—Tues., June 5
Seasons 52. ’Tis the season for salmon; specifically, Alaskan Copper River Salmon. This copper-colored fillet is served with asparagus, red peppers, dill mustard sauce and summer corn risotto. If you’re in the mood for wine (and who isn’t?), the Lioco Indica Rose, Mendocino ’11, complements the salmon. Available for dinner or lunch. 204 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-286-1152, seasons52.com.
Thur., May 31
The Ale & The Witch. Head to this Terrapin Brewery Night for some tasty brews, including Side Project Phlux Capacitor, Easy Rider and Hopzilla. Get lucky and win prizes during the giveaways (7-9 p.m.). Listen to live music by Applebutter Express Band (9-11 p.m.). 6:30-11 p.m., 111 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-821-2533, thealeandthewitch.com.
Cru Cellars. Fly on down to Cru Cellars for Food Flight Night Thursday. The chefs and sommeliers will use their imagination and select a variety of small bites items (three to be exact), along with the most complementary wine for these bites. $20; 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-1117, crucellarstampa.com.
Fri., June 1
Dunkin’ Donuts. America runs on Dunkin’ everyday, but on June 1, America will be running to Dunkin’ for a free donut. In honor of National Donut Day, purchase any beverage and receive a free donut (while supplies last). Occurring at participating Tampa Bay locations, dunkindonuts.com.
World of Beer (Carrollwood). This marks the kickoff of the Pints to Paradise contest. Purchase all eight of WOB’s specialty Belgian beers between June 1 and June 30, and be entered in the contest to win a trip to Belgium. So start the month off right, with a Belgian beer in your hand. 12904 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-968-7300, carrollwood.wobusa.com.
Sat., June 2
Dunedin Brewery. Hop on over to Dunedin Brewery’s 4th Annual IPA Festival, for “very hoppy beer” and festivities. Over 25 IPAs, DIPAs and other brews will be featured. Enjoy live music by Ultraviolet Hippopotamus. Purchase tickets on DB’s website. Ticket price includes all of the IPAs and a festival souvenir glass. $35; 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com.
Foodies. If you like sugar and spice and everything nice, check out this Sugar and Spice cooking class. “Spicy” desserts will be featured, such as pink peppercorn panna cotta with macerated berries and devil’s food cake with black pepper icing. Register by phone or website. $45; 6:30 p.m., 3462 Bayshore Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-216-9546, foodies.net.
Publix Apron’s Cooking School. Wine and dine in California without leaving Tampa at this food and wine pairing demonstration class. Pair some of wine country’s best wines with some of the region’s best culinary selections. Menu items include crispy pork belly, Ancho beer-braised short ribs, roasted fruit with almond cakes and much more. Register on website. $45; 6:30 p.m., 7835 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, 813-926-4465, publix.com/aprons.
Total Wine and More. Wines will be poured by Carlos Macias, the founder of Baronia del Montsant winery in Spain. Montsant wines are a bit unfamiliar as far as Spanish wines go, so don’t miss this tasting event. Free; 12-3 p.m., 1720 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-350-9601, totalwine.com.
Brunch Cruise. All aboard for this historic river cruise along the Hillsborough River. Float by the University of Tampa, Straz Center, Curtis Hixon Park and other spots, all while enjoying a buffet brunch, featuring breakfast and lunch items from the StarShip menu. $34.95 for adults, $19.95 for children; 12 p.m., Yacht StarShip, 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-223-7999, yachtstarship.com.
Sat.-Sun., June 2-3
Pinellas Pepper Fest. Spice up your weekend at the Pepper Fest. Lots of spicy foods, salsas, sauces and more will be available for sampling and purchasing. Pepper plants and pepper arts and crafts will be on sale. Pepper eating contest, “spicy lolly lick-a-thon” and food fight will be among the highlights. $2 for adult admission, children 12 and under are free; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, England Brothers Bandshell Park, 5010 81st Ave. N, Pinellas Park, 727-423-8433, pinellaspepperfest.com.
Sun., June 3
Indian Cuisine Cooking Class. If you enjoy Indian food and vegetarian selections, this class is for you. Surinder Dhaliwal will prepare vegetarian selections such as spicy chickpea and potato curry, matter paneer, cucumber raita and Indian whole-wheat bread. Register on website. $45; 3:30 p.m., Allegro at East Lake, 1755 East Lake Road S, Tarpon Springs, 727-667-8369, fineindiancuisine.net.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium. Learn how to make a brunch menu that is comparable to a restaurant’s menu. Eggs Sardou, cinnamon bread pudding French toast with bourbon sauce, grilled Andouille sausage and Bloody Marys will be prepared. Enjoy complimentary house wine, beer or soda during this demonstration class. $45; 12 p.m., 2080 Badlands Drive, Brandon, 813-653-2418, rollingpinonline.com.
This article appears in May 31 – Jun 6, 2012.