Wednesday, November 9: Bruegger's – Tampa
It's 'Free Coffee Day' at Bruegger’s on November 9th! Guests can stop by the Tampa location to receive a free medium drip coffee from open until 2 p.m. In exchange, they're takiing donations for All Children's Hospital. Bottomless Mugs will also be available for purchase which will get the buyer unlimited free refills of Bruegger’s coffee, tea or soft drinks for a full year; Bruegger’s will also donate a portion of proceeds to ACH. Free; 6 a.m.-2 p.m. 501 East Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-402-2989, brueggers.com
Wednesday, November 9: 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 mushroom ravioli with sausage and sage brown butter and a glass of wine for $19.95. The catch: only 10 orders will be made and it's first come, first serve. 6-8 p.m. 3215 S MacDill Ave. Suite G, Tampa, 813-837-2233, bianchisenoteca.com
Wednesday, November 9: Columbia Restaurant – Ybor City
Partake in this five-course winemaker dinner featuring the wines of Bodegas Muga from Rioja Alta, Spain, with Isaac Muga, third generation winemaker of Bodegas Muga. To RSVP, call or email: colybor@columbiarestaurant.com. $100 (all-inclusive); 7-10 p.m. 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961, columbiarestaurant.com
Thursday, November 10: Downtown and Hyde Park, Tampa
Gussy up in your bike-friendly finest for an evening on the town with tapas, an award-winning film, dessert and a few miles of urban cycling between. Sign-up for the low impact social ride is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Malio’s Prime; tapas at Mise En Place, 5:40-6:40 p.m.; seating at Cinebistro, 7-7:30 p.m.; screening of Bicycle Dreams, 7:30-9:25 p.m., and dessert at Timpano Italian Chophouse, 9:30-10:30 p.m. Admission includes a $10 donation to the ALS Association Florida Chapter, Cinebistro movie ticket and tastings. Register here. $32; 4:30-10:30 p.m. Malio's: 400 N Ashley Dr., Tampa, citybiketampa.com
Thursday, November 10: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits – Wesley Chapel
It's another installment of ABC's tastings featuring over 50 wine selections from around the globe and cigars. Each guest receives a souvenir wine glass and a coupon for $5 off any purchase the night of the event. $10, 6-8 p.m. 1845 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel, 813-782-1389, abcfws.com
Thursday, November 10: The Ale and the Witch
Celebrating the fabulous beers from the Brooklyn Brewery, The Ale and the Witch will be offering six different Brooklyn drafts and a few in bottle form on Thursday night. They'll also be raffling off a pair of Lightning tickets and the Emily Kopp Trio will be providing live entertainment starting at 9 p.m. Free; 6-11 p.m. 111 2nd Ave. NE, St. Pete, 727-821-2533, thealeandthewitch.com
Thursday, November 10: Lowry Park Zoo
One City Ministries and Lowry Park invite you after hours for a night of authentic African food, entertainment and some words from keynote speaker Kathy LeMay, founder and CEO of Raising Change and the author of The Generosity Plan: Sharing Your Time, Treasure, and Talent to Shape the World. In addition, there'll be African drums, stories, dance and song from Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet, an award winning local troupe. Purchase tickets here. $75; 6:30-9 p.m. 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, lowryparkzoo.com, onecity.ws
Thursday, November 10: MOSI
Chipotle Mexican Grill will be hosting a ‘dinner and a movie’ fundraiser for Sweetwater Organic Community Farm this Thursday at MOSI. Guests will receive a free burrito dinner and drink to enjoy during the screening of FRESH, a 72-minute film featuring innovative and inspiring leaders in the sustainable food movement. Free t-shirts to the first 100 people to attend! All proceeds to benefit Sweetwater Farm. $10 donation at the door, $5 with a student ID; 7 p.m. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, sweetwater-organic.org, mosi.org
Thursday, November 10: New World Brewery
Join Philanthropic Young Tampa Bay for an evening with members of the Florida Orchestra at New World. Enjoy drink specials, jam to the sounds of Thx Mgmt and feast on New World's mouthwatering barbecue. 7-9 p.m. 1313 E 8th Ave., Ybor, pytampa.org
Friday, November 11: 7-Eleven – all Bay Area locations
This Veteran’s Day 7-Eleven, Inc. is saluting active, veteran and retired U.S. military personnel and their immediate families with free, small Slurpee® drinks between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Presenting proof of current or former U.S. military service during that time is all that’s required to receive a free Slurpee. Customers can also show their support for U.S. troops by adding a $1 donation to the USO when they check out at participating 7-Eleven® stores which will then be used toward military care packages. Free; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 7-eleven.com
Friday, November 11: Pollo Tropical – all Bay Area locations
Grab the kids and head to Pollo Tropical this Friday to eat on the cheap. On 11-11-11, guests can snag a family meal — an entire famous Pollo Tropical marinated chicken, a family size side of white rice and beans, plus rolls for four — for $11.11 (one offer per customer). 4-8 p.m. pollotropical.com
Friday, November 11: Bern's Fine Wines & Spirits
For this Crush Hour, Bern's welcomes Joseph Swan Crush Hour with Winemaker Rod Berglund. Guests can enjoy eight Joseph Swan wines paired with five cheeses from the Bern’s Cave du Fromage. Call to RSVP. $25; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-250-WINE, bernsfinewines.com
Friday, November 11: Vincenzo's Grill
To pay homage to our service men and women, Vincenzo's Grill and The Abilities Foundation are teaming up to host a special Italian wine pairing dinner crafted by executive chef Vincenzo Longo and Zonin Wine's Jim Bodkin, complete with four courses of gourmet fare and paired with fine Italian vino selections and a live auction. Proceeds from this event will support job placement services for returning disabled veterans. RSVP to Lisa Johnson at 727-538-7370 x234. $60 (all-inclusive), 6:30 p.m. Vincenzo's Grill at St. Pete/Clearwater Marriott: 12600 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, abilitiesfoundation.com
Friday, November 11: Cheese Please
Taste seven to eight new cheeses each week at Cheese Please's Friday night tastings. This week they'll be featuring various "cheesy Cheddars". RSVP required. $20; 7 p.m. 4213 S Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 813-766-0060, cheesepleasetampa.com
Friday, November 11: Vintage Wine Cellars
Join Vintage for a seated wine tasting with a presentation of their recent journey to Napa and Sonoma during their harvest time. Sample 8 premium wines and top-tier wines. RSVP required. $25; 7-9 p.m. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-879-2931, vintagewinecellars.net
Saturday, November 12: Murielle Winery
Sample wines from a winery in our very own backyard in Clearwater. Murielle Winery is opening its doors and letting guests taste their wares, tour the winery and meet their maker — for free! Plus, get the chance to sample their Vintage Mad Port straight from the barrel. Free; 13131 56th Ct Suite 305, Clearwater, 727-561-0336, muriellewinery.com
Saturday, November 12: Total Wine & More – Clearwater
Meet winemakers Herve Begaud, owner of Domaines Fabre of the Bordeaux region of France, and Paul Sobon, owner of Sobon Estates in Amador County, CA, at this wine tasting meet-and-greet. Taste wines from their vineyards and get the chance to pick their brains about their craft. Free; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2528 State Road 580, Clearwater, 727-431-1010, totalwine.com
Saturday, November 12: Safford House
Watch Maria Pantelis demonstrate how to prepare Mermizeli (Kalymnian Greek salad) and Bacaliaros Plaki (codfish stewed with vegetables) at this Tarpon Springs Cultural Treasures cooking class. Registration required. $20; 12-2 p.m. 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs, 727-942-5605, tarponarts.org
Saturday, November 12: Thirsty Marlin
Take a leisurely bike bar "crawl" with the North Pinellas Pub Riders and visit five spots in Largo — dressed like pilgrims and Indians (i.e.: Native Americans). The ride starts at Thirsty Marlin Grill & Bar at ends at Boyle's Backyard Bar and Grill. Visit their website for more info. 5:30-10 p.m. Thirsty Marlin: 351 W Bay Drive, Largo, pinellaspubride.info
Saturday, November 12: Jonny Reno's at The Pier
In an effort to raise funds for the American Red Cross, Jonny Reno's is throwing a Gilligan's Island themed Hurricane Relief Party where a portion of the proceeds will benefit disaster relief efforts. Partygoers can enjoy live music, food and drink specials and can enter to win a paddle board from Reno Beach Surf Shop. Costumes are encouraged. Free; 5:30 p.m. 800 2nd Ave. NE (on the bottom floor of The Pier), St. Pete, 727-896-RENO, jonnyreno.com
Sunday, November 13: The Wine Shop of St. Pete
Taste over 75 wines at this special event and meet the wine reps. Complimentary cheeses, bread and pate will be served. RSVP required. $20; 2:30-5 p.m. 3157 4th St. N., St. Pete, 727-363-WINE.
Monday, November 14: Zen Forrest Restaurant
Join Zen Forrest as they welcome winemaker Anthony Bell of Bell Wine Cellars in Napa Valley. Chef Victor will be preparing a four-course meal paired with the stunning wines of Bell Wine Cellars. Seats limited; call to RSVP. $60 (plus tax and gratuity); 4148 Rowan Road, New Port Richey, 727-372-9545, zenforrest.com
Tuesday, November 15: Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bar
Timpano is hosting a tweetup exclusively for Tampa Bay foodies and Twitter fanatics. Attendees will enjoy complimentary cocktails, appetizers, dinner entrees and $25 gift card giveaways. RSVP (required) on twitter to @Timpano_Tampa or email: bdemartino@profilemarkpr.com. Free; 5:30-8 p.m. 1610 West Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-254-5870, timpanochophouse.net
Tuesday, November 15: Whole Foods Market
No holiday meal is complete without the perfect dessert to top it off! Join WFM for a free tasting of our holiday dessert selections — from pies to Panettone, classic cakes to tasty tarts — it’s their most decadent class yet! Also featuring vegan options so that everyone at your holiday table can enjoy dessert. Please register by the exit lobby or by emailing Maria.Gumina@wholefoods.com. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
This article appears in Nov 3-9, 2011.