Wednesday, January 25: Carmel Cafe and Wine Bar
Sip wines straight from Napa Valley's finest vineyards, Plumpjack and CADE, while enjoying a five-course feast prepared by Executive Chef Steve Cook. Sea scallops and braised short rib are just two of the culinary highlights. Plumpjack's national wine manager will serve as the evening's wine guru. Reservations are required. $69.95; 6:30 p.m., 14306 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-265-1415, carmelcafe.com
Wednesday, January 25: Nature’s Food Patch
Dr. Paul Reynolds will host this Energetics of Foods cooking class. The menu will feature seasonal produce and ingredients. Learn how incorporating seasonal ingredients into your cooking, and Chinese medicine principles, can benefit your health. Free; 6:30 p.m.., 1225 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, 727-443-6703, naturesfoodpatch.com
Wednesday, January 25: Red Mesa Cantina
It's Ruleta Night at Red Mesa Canina Lucha Bar. Try your luck and spin the Ruleta Wheel. If you win, your drink is free. Win cool prizes on a Loteria Card. House and Well's drink specials will be available. Free; 7 p.m.-12 a.m., 128 3rd Street S, St. Petersburg, 727-896-TACO (8226), redmesacantina.com
Wednesday, January 25: Thirsty Marlin
Put on your party hat and check out Thirsty Marlin Anniversary Party. You will receive a free drink at the door, and will experience all of the ingredients of a bodacious birthday bash, including food specials, cake, prizes, party favors and t-shirts. 6 p.m., 1023 Florida Avenue, Palm Harbor, 727-784-FINZ (3469), thirstymarlin.com
Thursday, January 26: Ale and the Witch
Gator Nation is coming to St. Pete; specifically, brews from Gainesville's Swamp Head Brewery. Take advantage of the $4.50 pints of Big Nose IPA and Wild Night, and Keep the Pint Glass promotion. Also enjoy $5 Witch Flight specials, including Cotton Mouth and Irish Red. Enjoy live music from Amber Lynn Nicol Trio. Free; 6-9 p.m., 111 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, 727-821-ALE3, thealeandthewitch.com
Thursday, January 26: Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
If you have ever considered enrolling in a cooking class but was never motivated or interested enough, maybe this Cooking with Beer class will entice you. Chef David West will show you how to incorporate brewsky into your bread, soup, salad dressing, and even bread pudding, and may even slip you a few beer samples. $50 with beer or house wine included; 6:15 p.m., 2080 Badlands Drive, Brandon, 813-653-2418, rollingpinonline.com
Friday, January 27: Vintage Wine Cellars
Visit Napa Valley, California without leaving Tampa Bay, at Vintage Wine Cellars'; Napa Nobility Seated Wine Seminar. Eight of Napa Valley's finest wines will be showcased (five red, three white), including Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and Zinfandel Black Chicken 2009. Reservations are required, via phone or email ([email protected]). $25; 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., 3629 Henderson Boulevard, Tampa, 813-879-2931, vintagewinecellars.net
Friday, January 27: World of Wines
If you have visions of wine bottles dancing in your head, check out Twas the Night Before Gasparilla Wine Tasting at World of Wines. Sample "pirate-friendly wine treasures" from several origins, paired with hors d'oeurves. $10; 6 p.m.; 3431 S. Westshore Boulevard, Tampa, 813-835-WINE (9463), worldofwinesofsouthtampa.com
Saturday, January 28: Cheese Please
Ahoy Maties! Gasparilla may be the same day, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate Gasparilla a second time at this Gasparilla Tasting. Since you may already be amped up from the parade, Cheese Please is serving cheeses to complement your partying mood. $25; 7-9 p.m., Pre-paid reservation required, via website or phone. 4213 S. Manhattan Avenue, Tampa, 813-805-BRIE (2743), 813-766-0060, cheesepleasetampa.com
Saturday, January 28: Florida Estates Winery
Enjoy live music while checking out the vast selection of items at this Wine Festival and Market. Items include produce, breads, cheeses, smoked seafood, sandwiches, sauces and kettle corn. Samples will be offered. Shop for homemade arts and crafts, plants and Florida Estates Winery wines as well. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 25241 S.R. 52, Land O Lakes, 813-996-2113, floridaestateswines.com
Saturday, January 28: Gasparilla Pirate Fest Invasion Brunch
Arrrggghhh! Don't miss one of Tampa's biggest traditions...Gasparilla! Eat brunch with the pirates at Gasparilla Pirate Fest Invasion Brunch, being held at Tampa Convention Center. Enjoy ham and beef from Chef's Carving Station, typical brunch fare and cash bar. After your belly is full of treasures, head over to the parade. Order tickets online. $66.36; 10:00 a.m.-1 p.m., 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa, 813-274-8511, gasparillapiratefest.com
Saturday, January 28: Zen Glass Studios
Make your own wine glass, watch glass-blowing demonstrations, enjoy food from Salt Rock Grill, sip Italian wine and support an excellent cause simultaneously. This charity event, Now and Zen, will benefit Abilities Foundation, which helps disabled veteran find jobs. Purchase tickets online or by phone. $30 per person; $50 per couple; 7-9:30 p.m., 600 27th Street S, St. Petersburg, 727-538-7370 x 234, abilitiesfoundation.com
Sunday, January 29: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
Head to church and brush up on your Asian culinary skills at this Asian Foods cooking class. Chef John Lewis will be cooking up traditional items, including Spring Rolls, Moo Shu Pork and Tempura Shrimp. Aprons, utensils, ingredients and recipes are provided. 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.,1120 Curlew Road, Dunedin, 727-433-1889, foodies-r.us
Monday, January 30: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
What's for dinner? Soup! At this Soups for Dinner cooking class, soup is the star. Soups, chowders and stews from around the globe will be prepared. Buttermilk biscuits and fancy crackers will accompany these entree soups. $40; 6 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 813-926-4465, publix.com/aprons
Tuesday, January 31: Ale and the Witch
Head to Ale and the Witch for a brew that is available only once a year. The feature of the evening will be Hopslam, of the Bells Brews family. Other Bells Brews, such as Oberon and Special Double Creat Stout, will also be available. Also look forward to Bells Brews specials, raffles and live music from Bulgarian musician, Geri X. 6-11 p.m., 111 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, 727-821-ALE3, thealeandthewitch.com
Tuesday, January 31: World of Beer Carrollwood
If Duvel is one of your top choices of brew, then don't miss Duvel Keep the Glass Night at Carrollwood's World of Beer location. This Belgian strong blond ale will be the featured draft, and everyone who orders a glass will receive a complimentary Duvel glass. 6-9 p.m., 12904 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-968-7300, carrollwood.wobusa.com
