Now through Sunday, December 18: Palm Harbor House of Beer
Palm Harbor HOB wants to make the holidays merry and bright for local kids in need, so they're hosting the Suncoast Brotherhood's 31st annual Toy Run. Bring at least one unwrapped toy worth $10 or more (bring receipt) and receive buy-one-get one drafts on any of their 50 taps of craft beers. For more information about the toy drive, visit the Suncoast Brotherhood's website: www.suncoastbrotherhood.org or call the House of Beer. Promotion ends Sunday, December 18. 34970 U.S. Hwy 19N, Palm Harbor, 727-784-2337, palmharborhob.com
Wednesday, December 7: Joe Chillura Park, Downtown Tampa
Join Tampa Mayor Buckhorn downtown on the first Wednesday of every month for a lunchtime Food Truck Fiesta. In attendance each month will be a variety of local food trucks, like Taco Bus, Wiched ‘Wiches, Fire Monkey and more. Bring cash! Free event; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. E Kennedy Blvd and N Morgan St., Tampa, tastingtampa.com
Wednesday, December 7: 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 lobster ravioli with white truffle cream sauce 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 7: World of Wines South Tampa
To taste some great wines that would be perfect for your holiday fêtes, head to WoW's holiday tasting. Sample fine wines from Argentina, Italy, Spain and California, plus some tasty hors d'oeuvres. $10; 6-8 p.m. 3431 South West Shore Blvd, Tampa, 813-835-9463, worldofwinesofsouthtampa.com
Thursday, December 8: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits – Carrollwood
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. 14729 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, 813-264-1881, abcfws.com
Thursday, December 8: Aqua Bar & Grille
Ring in the holiday season at the Ryan Nece Foundation's Rockin' Holiday Party this Thursday. Guests will enjoy a complimentary cocktail, food, music by DJFelix Indahouse, and a visit from Santa and his sexy elves as well as some Bay area "celebs". Proceeds from the party benefit the Power of Giving Holiday Celebration for adolescents residing at Hillsborough County's Department of Children's Services. No RSVP required. $25 suggested donation at the door; 6-9 p.m. 7627 Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, 813-675,8700, aquabarandgrille.com, ryannecefoundation.org
Thursday, December 8: The Ale and the Witch
For this edition of Brewery Night, the Witch is featuring specially priced beers from Boulder Beer Company, featuring the Mojo IPA, Hazed and Confused, a special Pinot Noir barrel aged Buffalo Gold keg and more. Bayou Catering will be bringing their famous basil meatballs and will be selling them starting at 6 p.m. for $2 a plate. Live music by Shoeless Soul at 8:30 p.m. Free event with purchase; 6-11 p.m. 111 2nd Ave NE, St. Pete, 727-821-ALE3, thealeandthewitch.com
Thursday, December 8: Nova 35 Art Lounge
Get festive with the help of the Entrepreneur Social Club at their annual holiday party, featuring a CarnEvil Burlesque show, live music and Best of the Bay DJ Mega. Local bad boy TJ Halvorsen, of Foolish Pride Tattoos, paints live and will present 50 original pieces for sale. Shop the Holiday Bazaar featuring 600 Block vendors, enjoy sweet treats and take naughty photos with Santa — or steal a kiss in the Mistletoe photobooth! Proceeds go to Amir Academy's Charity Bikes for Children. $10; 6-11 p.m. 535 Dr. MLK St. N., St. Pete, 727-821-6682, nova535.com
Thursday, December 8: Toasted Pheasant Bistro
For Toasted Pheasan'ts final wine dinner of the year, they'll be serving up four French-inspired courses with four different wines. Call for more information and to RSVP. $45; 7-9:30 p.m. 14445 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-265-6700, toastedpheasant.com
Friday-Saturday, December 9-11: Sertoma Youth Ranch, Brooksville
Local homebrewers can partake in the Tampa Bay B.E.E.R.S. group's annual 24 hour Brewathon. Attendees will camp out for a night with fellow homebrewers and bring along their brewing equipment, with someone brewing continuously throughout the event. There will be a Cuban pig roast for Saturday evening and the BFBC beer trailer with homebrews flowing all weekend. No charge for this event other than camping fees ($15 per night, plus hookups) and a daily use fee ($5) to the campground if you choose not to camp. See the Tampa Bay B.E.E.R.S. website for more info. (Members of any AHA sanctioned homebrew club are welcomed. Non-members who want to attend are encouraged to join Tampa Bay B.E.E.R.S.) Friday evening until Saturday night. 85 Myers Road, Brooksville, sertomayouthranch.org, tampabaybeers.org
Friday, December 9: Bella Vino Wine and Cheese Market
It's Bella Vino's 6th Annual Holiday Wine Tasting bash! This year's theme is "Tiny Bubbles & Big Reds," which will feature over 30 Champagnes, sparkling wines and big reds, including Piper Heidsieck, Domaine Carneros, Cakebread and more. Get special bottle and case pricing at event. Limited to the first 60 guests. $25 at the door; 5-7:30 p.m. 100 Indian Rocks Road, Bellair Bluffs, 727-584-5552, bellavinowinemarket.com
Friday, December 9: Fine Wine & Spirits Warehouse
Fine Wines & Spirits will present a VIP charity wine tasting to benefit the Abilities Foundation and their job placement services for disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The event will be held at the home of Fine Wine & Spirits owner, Mike Kwasin, a long-time Abilities benefactor. Featured producers to include Roederer Cristal, Ferrari-Carano, Guigal, Cakebread, Mettler and more, and will be available for purchase at special prices. For more information call 813-837-8941 or email Finewines@Mindspring.com. Suggested donations: $30 per person, $50 per couple; 6-8 p.m. 3613 S. Beach Dr., Tampa, 813-837-8941, abilitiesfoundation.com
Friday, December 9: International Cellar Wine Shop & Wine Bar
Come thirsty and don your tackiest sweater for International Cellar's Holiday Tasting and Ugly Sweater Contest. Sample their newest selections of Champagne, sparkling and dessert wines, then participate in the ugly sweater contest. All sweaters will then be handed over and donated to a charitable organization in Pinellas County. Bonus: Attendees will get a live demonstration on how to sabre a Champagne bottle (aka: take off the cork with a big sword). $10; 6:30-9 p.m. 3689 Tampa Road, Suite 304, Oldsmar, 813-855-8099.
Friday, December 9: Vintage Wine Cellars
Get festive and spirited at Vintage's holiday wine tasting party. Try twelve different wines and bring your songbooks if you'd like, as spontaneous caroling is expected. RSVP. $10; 7-9 p.m. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-879-2931, vintagewinecellars.net
Saturday, December 10: Florida Estates Winery
In honor of their tenth anniversary, Florida Estates is opening their doors to the public for an afternoon of wine tasting, live music, door prizes, vendors with unique items and birthday cake. Free admission and parking, $3.50 for wine tasting; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 25241 State Road 52, Land O Lakes, 813-996-2113, floridaestateswines.com
Saturday, December 10: Tarpon Springs
The Food Truck Rally has made its way from Tampa to St. Pete to Largo and is now making a stop in Tarpon Springs. Foodies can indulge in the made-to-order delights from over 15 food trucks and trailers, including Fire Monkey, Killer Samich and Taco Bus, at this block party of sorts. In tandem with this event, Historic Tarpon Avenue will be featuring the wares of local artists, crafters, antique dealers, performing artists and art galleries. Free to attend; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 100 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs, tastingtampa.com
Saturday, December 10: Spa Beach Park, Downtown St. Pete
The food trucks are coming! The food trucks are coming! The St. Pete Holiday Festival at Spa Beach Park downtown will be hosting the St. Pete Food Truck Rally this Saturday, with a lineup of trucks and trailers offering a smorgasbord of tasty fare all day long. Fire Money, Wicked 'Wiches, Michelle Faedo's on The Go, Flying Sliders, La Creperia Café and many more will be in attendance. Bring cash and an adventurous palate. Festival admission: $5 adults, $3 12 and under; 12-10 p.m. Spa Beach Park: 615 Second Ave. NE, St. Pete, stpeteboatparade.org
Saturday, December 10: Hyde Park Village
Attend the Craft Beer Palooza at Hyde Park Village this Saturday, hosted by Pints for Prostates, to celebrate fine beers and raise money for a good cause. The event will feature over 100 offerings from upwards of 25 craft breweries, in addition to educational sessions, food and beer pairings, plus live music and entertainment. Ticket price includes a festival sampling cup, unlimited beer samplings, program and beer guide, and goodies from vendors. Proceeds to benefit Pints for Prostates and their efforts in raising awaremess for prostate cancer. $30 in advance, $40 at the door (21+); 1-5 p.m. 1621 W. Snow Circle, Tampa. Purchase tickets at craftbrewpalooza.com.
Saturday, December 10: Cornerstone Pub, Carrollwood
Give your taste buds a treat at Cornerstone Pub’s Annual Chili Cook-Off. Attendees can sample all of the hopeful entrants' bowls o' red and vote for their favorite. Bring 3 cans for the food drive to receive a free drink. Proceeds benefit Metropolitan Ministries. Free to attend and taste; 3 p.m. 3895 Northdale Blvd., Tampa, 813-269-9688
Saturday, December 10: Spa Beach Park, Downtown St. Pete
Also part of the St. Pete Holiday Festival, the St. Pete Chili Challenge will pit local restaurants against one another to see whose bowl o' red reigns supreme. Holiday Festival attendees can taste all submissions and vote for their favorites from 3-6 p.m. At 6:15 p.m., all winners will be announced. Taste offerings from 400 Beach, Crowley's, Moon Under Water and more. Free with festival admission: $5 adults, $3 12 and under; 3-6 p.m. Spa Beach Park: 615 Second Ave. NE, St. Pete, stpeteboatparade.org.
Saturday, December 10: Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill
Have a jolly good time at the 2011 Holiday Food Festival benefiting Toys for Tots. Get grub from food trucks — like King's Bistro, Burger Culture — enjoy live music all afternoon long, a pet costume contest from 4-5 p.m, and bring the kids along to meet Santa from 3-5 p.m. Every unwrapped toy donation means an chance to win a free meal from one of the vendors in the raffle, 2 winners being drawn every hour. Call 813-504-1721 for more info. 3-8 p.m. 1320 Central Ave., St. Pete, 727-822-4562, fergssportsbar.com
Saturday, December 10: Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market Tampa’s Annual Holiday wine and recycled art exhibit is back! Sample reds, whites and bubblies and tasty appetizers, then view the art show featuring recycled crafts, jewelry, sculptures, pottery, and more from local community artists. 100% of proceeds to benefit the Best Buddies of Tampa. $5 for food and wine, free to view art show; 6-8 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Saturday, December 10: Dunedin House of Beer
To say "thanks" for another great year, the Dunedin HOB is hosting a holiday party for their customers. Beginning at 7 p.m., guests can grab $4 pints (yes, all 40 taps) and free food at this spirited shindig. Free event; 7 p.m.-close. 927 Broadway St., Dunedin, 727-216-6318, dunedinhob.com
Monday, December 12: Whole Foods Market
Just because you are living a healthy lifestyle, does not mean that you can’t indulge yourself and enjoy some holiday goodies! WFM's Healthy Eating Specialist Curtis Whitwam will show you how to make some amazing, divine treats. Please register by the exit lobby or by emailing Curtis.Whitwam@wholefoods.com. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Tuesday, December 13: Middle Earth Olive Oil Company
Celebrate the opening of this new, gourmet shop in the Westfield Countryside Mall. Ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. and a sampling of their food selections — olive oils, vinegars and more — afterward. Free event; 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 27001 US Highway 19 N., #2052 (located next to Macy's second floor), Clearwater, middleeartholiveoil.com
Wednesday, December 14: Cru Cellars
For Cru's second annual 'Holiday High Roller's Wine Tasting', get the chance to try some highly-rated small-production wines from around the globe. Selections to include: Charles Simon Brut Champagne, Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Diraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 and more. RSVP. Purchase tickets on Cru's website or by calling. $25; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-1117, crucellarstampa.com
And be sure to peruse this week's Dining Guide for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining offerings from local restaurants.
This article appears in Dec 1-7, 2011.