FRIDAY, JULY 6: HAVE A GOUDA TIME
Learn about wine, beer, and cheese pairings at this laid back sampling party. Upgrade that cheese whiz to a fine Gouda, paired with some bubbly. Sparkling wine and several different cheeses will be available for your tasting pleasure. $25, reservations required. 7-9 p.m. Cheese Please, 4213 S Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 813-766-0060.
FRIDAY, JULY 6-SATURDAY, JULY 7: CIDER SPECIALS
This weekend, Crum's Bar and Grill features five different Woodchuck ciders on tap. Receive a free Woodchuck glass with purchase. Flights of all five ciders are $5. 2924 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 727-827-2831.
SATURDAY, JULY 7: NIGHT IN THE ISLANDS
Hopa! Come out to the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs for an evening in Greek Islands. Music from Florida Greek band Ellada. Greek dancing from the Levendia Dance Troupe. Traditional food, art, history, and more. FREE, 6 p.m., Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, 20 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs. 727-942-5605.
SUNDAY, JULY 8: BREAD MAKING CLASS
Executive Pastry Chef Michael Ostrander is ready to teach you the ropes of bread-making at his new location. Learn the foundations of baking bread and some recipes for your home kitchen. Classes last six hours. Price includes lunch and materials. $100, 9 a.m., Michael's Extraordinary Desserts & Baking Academy, 11151 66th St. N, #301, Largo, 727-744-6073.
MONDAY, JULY 9: FRENCH CUISINE
Learn how to cook classic French dishes such as Aioli shrimp, Blanquette de Veau, and flourless chocolate gateau. All of these dishes are demonstrated by Chef Dominique. $37.50 per person, 6:30 p.m., Cafe Largo, 12551 Indian Rocks Road # 18, Largo, 727-596-6282.
MONDAY, JULY 9: CIGARS, WHISKEY AND SCOTCH TASTING
This CDB's Southside Italian Restaurant event features cigars, whiskey and scotch, with accompanying foods. A portion of proceeds go to charity. $100, 7 p.m., 3671 S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-466-8514.
TUESDAY, JULY 10: FRENCH AND AMERICAN WINE DINNER
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa hosts a French and American Independence wine dinner featuring wines such as La Crema and Nuits St. George. Guests can enjoy three wines from each country paired with a four-course meal. $75 per person, 6:30 p.m., 105 N. Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor, 727-724-7725 ex. 7100
TUESDAY, JULY 10: CHOW AND CIAO
Learn to cook and speak Italian in this four-week course. Classes run July 10-31 and dinner is included.
$195 per person for four weeks, discount for couples. 6:30 p.m., CDB's Southside, 3671 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-466-8514.
This article appears in Jul 5-11, 2012.