Wednesday, August 10: 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 Taylor Bay scallops fettuccine 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, August 10: Cru Cellars
$15 Wine Tasting Wednesday: Taste through five wines and then enjoy a glass of your favorite! Get a 10% discount on the featured wines. Email Jen at jen@crucellarstampa.com to RSVP or call 813-831-1117. $15; 6 p.m. 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, crucellarstampa.com
Wednesday, August 10: A Taste for Wine
Get a taste of the varying Pinot Noirs wines from the different wine regions of Oregon at this special tasting event. $12; 6-8:30 p.m. 241 Central Ave., St. Pete, 727-727-895-1623, tasteforwine.net
Wednesday, August 10: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits – Carrollwood
At this special tasting, sample over 60 craft beers from around the world, plus, get a coupon good on the night of the event and a souvenir beer glass. $10; 6-8 p.m. 14729 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-264-1881, abcfws.com
Wednesday, August 10: Taste Cafe
It's another edition of 'Wednesday Wine School' lead by "Tampa Wine Woman", Jodi Fritch. Get four three-ounce pours for $12 (add on tapas for $3 more) and a whole wealth of knowledge on wine. This week's featured wines will be from Spain. $12; 6-8 p.m. 500 Main St., Safety Harbor, 727-723-1116, tastesafetyharbor.com
Wednesday, August 10: Whole Foods Market
With the kids going back to school soon, learn to prepare a variety of go-to quick and easy meals that take very little prep time and even less cooking time at this free class. Please register by the exit lobby or by emailing Maria.Gumina@wholefoods.com. Free; 6:30-7:30 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Thursday, August 11: The Roosevelt 2.0
Join like-minded, food-loving folks who are passionate about where their food comes from at this special screening of Farmageddon — a documentary exposing the battle between big agribusiness and the small family farms who are threatened by misguided bureaucracy and government regulations. The event, hosted by The Roosevelt 2.0, will welcome local farmers with their organic wares in tow, as well as people involved in the food growers movement and even the film's producer Kristin Canty — all of whom will speak before and after the screening. Food will also be provided by three local organic restaurants. For more information about the film, visit: farmageddonmovie.com. Thurs., Aug. 11, 6-9 p.m. (Screening starts promptly at 7:30 p.m.) Admission: $10, $6 for students and those on fixed incomes. 1812 N. 15th St., Tampa, creativityincommerce.com.
Thursday, August 11: Pinkberry – Citrus Park
Scoop up some free fro yo at the opening of Pinkberry's second Tampa location in Citrus Park. Pinkberry specializes in frozen yogurt made with real nonfat yogurt and nonfat milk that is rBST hormone free, and is the leading brand of its kind. Enjoy one of the signature flavors, topped with fresh fruit, organic gummy bears, granola or Belgian chocolate shavings. Free; 6-10 p.m. 7002 Gunn Hwy (inside Citrus Park Mall), Tampa, 813-792-1349, pinkberry.com
Thursday, August 11: Dunedin House of Beer
For this 'Keep the Pint Night' the HOB will be pouring Stone Stone Brewing Co. beers — like the Stone IPA, Levitation Ale, Oaked Arrogant Bastard, Pale Ale, etc. Buy one of these drafts and get a nifty Stone glass to take home. 7 p.m. (while supplies last); 927 Broadway, Dunedin, 727-216-6318, dunedinhob.com
Friday, August 12: Castellano & Pizzo Market
To celebrate a year of ownership, Rob and Mandy will be throwing a special birthday soiree and tasting. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the work and mission of Best Buddies Florida — a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities, leadership development and employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. RSVP at least 24 hours in advance by calling or visiting their website to sign up. $10 in advance, $15 at the door; 5-7 p.m. 4200 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-289-5275, CastellanoandPizzo.com
Friday, August 12: World of Wines of South Tampa
World of Wines invites you to 'Get Your Zork On!', as they'll be sampling tasty new wines from Leese Fitch and Plungerhead that are 'zorked' instead of corked (must be seen to be believed, I take it). Compliemntary hors d'oeuvres will be served as well. $10; 6-8 p.m. 3431 South West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-835-9463, worldofwinesofsouthtampa.com
Friday, August 12: Bern's Fine Wines & Spirits
Join Bern's for this Silver Oak Crush Hour tasting, featuring the Silver Oak (Napa Valley bottling) Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot from their sister winery Twomey. They will also be releasing the the 2007 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Call to RSVP. $25; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1002 South Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-250-9463, bernsfinewines.com.
Friday, August 12: The Wine Shop of Largo
Test your wine wits at this blind Pinot Noir tasting. Bottles will include: Belle Glos, Duckhorn, Goldeneye, Mondavi, Charles Krug, Hess Sequana, Pali, Estancia Reserve, Domaine Drouhin and more. Cost includes wine, cheeses and other nibbles. $15; 7 p.m. 251 Clearwater-Largo Road N., 727-588-9463, bbwineshop.com
Saturday, August 13: Total Wine & More – St. Pete
Learn to paint a masterpiece while sipping on some fabulous wines at Watercolors and Wine. Award-winning artist and teacher Colleen Cassidy will guide beginners or advanced painters (no experience needed) with easy step-by-step instructions. Complete an original watercolor painting during a two-hour session. Everything is included: Instructions, watercolor paper, use of brushes, palette and paint. The wine and cheese are complimentary. RSVP required: Call Lisa at 941-924-1200. $30; 4 p.m. 4880 Park Street N, St. Pete, 727-544-6018, totalwine.com
Saturday, August 13: Craftsman House Gallery
Chef Warren Caterson, author of the award-winning cookbook Table for Two — The Cookbook for Couples, will be showing off his dishes with free cooking demos, kitchen tips and samplings during the Downtown Gallery Walk. Free; 5:30 and 7 p.m. 2955 Central Ave., St. Pete, 727-323-ARTS, craftsmanhousegallery.com
Saturday, August 13: Dunedin House of Beer
Wing connoisseurs and those who just love finger lickin' wings, listen up: The Dunedin HOB will be offering an array of chicken wings from various Dunedin eateries on a wing buffet of epic proportions at this weekend's Wingfest. For only $15 it's all-you-can-eat wings, plus your choice of one of HOB's 40+ craft beers on drafts will be included. Live music by Tahoe Fox. $15; 6-9 p.m. 927 Broadway, Dunedin, 727-216-6318, dunedinhob.com
Saturday, August 13: The Florida Aquarium
Cool off this summer andenjoy elegant food and wine at the Easter Seals' annual event, Vino, Java & Jazz. CDB’s Southside, Ricky P Po’s, Red Rose Inn and Maid 2 Party will serve delicious culinary creations, and American Standard and Buddy Brew will curb your caffeine cravings. Local bands Bickley Rivera NuJazz Group, Daniel Joiner, MoGrav, and the Funky Panda’s, will lay down the jazz sounds. Tickets can be purchased by calling 813-769-5923 or going online to fl.easterseals.com. Proceeds from the event will benefit the children with disabilities and special needs. $75 in advance, $95 at the door; 7 p.m. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-273-4000, flaquarium.org
Monday, August 15: Independent Bar and Cafe Tampa
Join the "ShIndie" for their first monthly beer dinner. This month's installment will be featuring the beers of Cigar City Brewery. Guests can enjoy a 4-course meal paired with CCB brews while learning all about the craft from their representatives who will be present. RSVP required; email: independentbeer@gmail.com. $45; 7-10 p.m. 5016 N Florida Ave., independenttampa.com
Tuesday, August 16: Datz
Since it's her birthday, Chef Nikki will be sharing a few of her favorite things at these two 'Chef's Kitchen' events. Guests will learn to make (and then eat): Summertime cucumber salad and pasta aglio e olio (garlic and oil). Reserve your spot on 'Events' page on their website. $20; 12:30 and 6 p.m. 2616 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, 813-831-7000, datztampa.com
Thursday, August 18: Morean Arts Center
In honor of National Cupcake Day (Aug. 18), The Morean Arts Center is asking local folks to show off their skills in the The Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest. To enter, budding bakers must submit 12 cupcakes (of the same batch) that will then be tasted by a few "celebrity judges". The person with the tastiest cakes will receive a one-of-a-kind glass cupcake trophy created by the glass artists at the Morean Glass Studio and Hot Shop, as well as their creation featured on the Morean Arts website and bragging rights. $10 per batch submitted and multiple submissions will be accepted. The judging portion at 5 p.m. is free and open to the public to watch. See more details and official contest rules at moreanartscenter.org. $10 to enter, free to attend; 4-6 p.m. 719 Central Ave., St. Pete, 727-822-7872, moreanartscenter.org.
This article appears in Aug 11-17, 2011.