Wednesday, December 21: Bianchi's Enoteca
It's "Pasta Wednesday" at Bianchi's and that means they're serving up yet another pasta special. This week, get a dish of angel hair pasta with roasted teardrop tomatoes and a glass of wine for $19.95. The catch: only 10 orders will be made and it's first come, first served. 6-8 p.m. 3215 S MacDill Ave. Suite G, Tampa, 813-837-2233, bianchisenoteca.com
Wednesday, December 21: Whole Foods Market
Take a tour around the store with Healthy Eating Specialist Curtis Whitwam and learn valuable tips for shopping healthy on a budget. This class will be held in the store café. Please register by the exit lobby or by emailing Curtis.Whitwam@wholefoods.com. 7-8 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Thursday, December 22: Publix Apron's Cooking School
Make the holiday cookie making a no-hassle affair with these easy cookie recipes that will leave you time to enjoy the holiday season. Register here. $45; 6 p.m. 7835 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, 813-926-4465, publix.com/aprons/schools/Tampa
Friday-Sunday, December 23-24: Total Wine & More – all locations
Stop by for a free tasting of a variety of wines from around the globe to make your holiday sparkle. Free; 12-6 p.m. (both days). 2528 State Road 580, Clearwater, 727-431-1010; 4880 Park Street N, St. Pete, 727-544-6018; 1720 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-350-9601, totalwine.com
Friday, December 23: Gratzzi Italian Grille
Join Downtown St. Pete restaurant owners Dan Harvey, Steve Burns and Jon Reno La Budde for their annual holiday celebration. Held at Gratzzi this year, this party is open to the public and is a great opportunity for all to gather in the spirit of the season for great food, dancing, a cash bar and good conversation. No RSVP necessary. For more info, contact: weeklyburgblast@aol.com or 727-510-1921. Free; 8:30 p.m. 211 2nd St. S., 727-623-9037, gratzzigrille.com
Friday, December 23: The Refinery
Head to The Refinery for a "sure-to-please-possibly-offend-very-merry Christmas Eve Eve Holiday Show", complete with drink specials, music, food and plenty of holiday cheer. Call for more info. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. 5137 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 813-237-2000, thetamparefinery.com
Saturday, December 24: Publix Apron's Cooking School
In this hands-on class, learn how to make a basic bread dough that will be the base for making different holiday breads — like stollen and panettone — each type having different flavors, shapes and baking techniques. Register here. $40; 10 a.m. 7835 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, 813-926-4465, publix.com/aprons/schools/Tampa
Saturday, December 24: Mangroves Seafood Grille and Bar
Not to forget the festive season of Hanukkah that's upon us, the Tampa Jewish Community Center will be hosting 'Vodka Latka' this Saturday evening. This alternative mixer for Jewish professionals will offer drinks, light nosh, a DJ and dancing. Bring two non-perishable food items to be donated to Jewish Family Services for a free drink, like the signature Potato Vodka Latke Martini or beer or wine. $36; 8:30 p.m. 208 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-769-2813, jewishtampa.com
Wednesday, December 28: Willard's Tap House
It's Keep the Pint Night featuring Highland Brewing. Try their Kashmir IPA, Black Mocha Stout, Cold Mountain Winter Ale, and Thunderstruck Coffee Porter, and keep the logo pint for free. Free with purchase; 7-10 p.m. 2500 Starkey Road, Largo, 727-581-8600, willardstaphouse.com
This article appears in Dec 15-21, 2011.