Wednesday, November 16: Parkshore Grill
Celebrate Parkshore Grill's 5th anniversary. They'll be rolling out the red carpet and serving complimentary appetizers, Champagne, wine and drinks to say thanks to the community for five great years. Free event (cash bar); 5-7 p.m. 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete, 727-896-9463, parkshoregrill.com
Wednesday, November 16: 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 lemon basil shrimp linguine 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 16: Whole Foods Market
Learn all the aspects of basic bird preparation from Mark Malowski, former Executive Chef and current head of the Whole Foods Market Tampa Meat Department. Mark will show you how to expertly roast, brine, and even stuff a turkey. Please register by the exit lobby or by emailing Maria.Gumina@wholefoods.com. Free; 6:30 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Wednesday, November 16: Dunedin House of Beer
Get the opportunity to try some of Harpoon Brewery's rare seasonal beers — including one of eight kegs of the Chocolate Stout kegs in Florida — at this special Brewery Night event. Pints will be priced at $5 and $6. Free event; 7 p.m. 927 Broadway, Dunedin, 727-902-1671, dunedinhob.com
Thursday, November 17: Downtown Tampa/Ybor
Join City Bike Tampa on a progressive dinner tour — on bikes! The dinner will start at Sono Cafe at the Tampa Museum of Art, then travel to Pizza Fusion, Splitsville at Channelside, and end at Gaspar’s Grotto in Ybor for dessert and a raffle for prizes. Visit the website for more info and to RSVP. $10; 5:30-9:30 p.m. Sono Cafe: 120 West Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, citybiketampa.com
Thursday, November 17: Cru Cellars
Cru Cellars is sharing their second birthday bash with The Children’s Home of Tampa, raising funds for this child and family-centered organization through their Second Annual “Perfect Pairing” wine tasting event. Guests will have the chance to sample over 35 wines from around the world which will be paired with one of Cru's gourmet cheeses, small plates prepared by In Bloom Catering and artisan chocolates by Viktoria Richards. A portion of the proceeds to benefit The Children’s Home's outreach programs and the kids at their residential healing campus. Tickets can be purchased from Cru by calling or through their website. $50; 6-9 p.m. 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-1117, crucellarstampa.com, childrenshome.org
Thursday, November 17: Cassis American Brasserie
To honor the yearly celebration of the release of Beaujolais wine, Cassis American Brasserie will be hosting a Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Dinner. Guests can indulge in a three-course, prix fixe menu by Chef Jeremy that includes crab-stuffed trout, frogs legs, venison and more, paired with Beaujolais Nouveau from Georges Duboeuf. Local artist Bill Correira will capture the evening on canvas; the painting will be auctioned off at the end of the night. Call to RSVP. $45 (plus tax and gratuity); 6 p.m. 170 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete, 727-827-2927, cassisab.com
Thursday, November 17: Channel District
Channelside will be offering Tampa Bay folks the chance to dine under the stars at 'Flicks and Food Trucks' on the third Thursday of every month. The food will be provided by some of Tampa's best food trucks, of course, and participants will get to view short independent films by local students. 10-15 food trucks will be their selling their freshly made wares and guests (of legal drinking age) can purchase Cigar City's craft beers to wash it all down with. Free event (bring cash for food and drink); 6-10 p.m. 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, tampabaymarkets.com
Thursday, November 17: Tampa River Walk
Celebrate local artists and artisans in the Tampa Bay area at the Sustany Foundation's 4th Annual Sustainable Buzz on the Tampa River Walk, this Thursday. Partnering with The Straz Center, this event will feature a look "through the lens" at the cultural climate of Tampa Bay with works by local artists and photographers. In addition to the artsy side of this shindig, there will be plenty of sustainably sourced eats and drinks: locally made organic wines and craft beers to sample, as well as food made with locally grown, organic ingredients. Proceeds to benefit The Sustany Foundation which supports sustainable practices in the Tampa Bay region. Purchase tickets online here. $25, $40 per couple; at the door: $30, $50 per couple, 6-9 p.m. Straz Performing Art Center: 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa, sustany.org
Thursday, November 17: Whole Foods Market
Parmesan, mozzarella, blue cheese, Gouda, brie, goat, cheddar — who doesn’t love cheese? Learn the basics of cheese with WFM's cheese expert Erik Woody. You’ll also sample a few wines paired with the cheeses to bring out their flavor and richness. This class will be held in the store café. Please register by the exit lobby or by emailing Maria.Gumina@wholefoods.com. Free; 6:30 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Thursday, November 17: Twisted Cork Grille
Attend Twisted Cork's wine dinner to indulge in a five-course meal paired with fine French wines. Call to RSVP. $40 (plus tax and gratuity); 7-10 p.m. 3405 34th St N, St. Pete, 727-525-2675, twistedcorkgrille.com
Friday, November 18: Bella Vino Wine and Cheese Market
Featuring 20 wines at this special tasting that would pair perfectly with your Thanksgiving feast, including Chalk Hill, Lincourt and Domaine Carneros. Hors d'oeuvres and artisan cheeses will be served as well. RSVP required. $15 at the door; 5:30-7:30 p.m. 100 Indian Rocks Road N., Belleair Bluffs, 727-584-5552, bellavinowinemarket.com
Friday, November 18: World of Wines of South Tampa
Sample some 'perfect-for-the-holidays' wines at this week's tasting event. Featuring Bridlewood, Alamos and Ca’De’ Medici along with tasty hors d'oeuvres. $10; 6-8 p.m. 3431 South West Shore Blvd, Tampa, 813-835-9463, worldofwinesofsouthtampa.com
Friday, November 18: Bern's Fine Wines & Spirits
At this Crush Hour tasting, sample several Pahlmeyer wines from Napa Valley, as well as 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 18: International Cellar Wine Shop & Wine
Taste new wines and get the chance to chat with the wine reps at this holiday-themed tasting. In2Rhythm jazz trio will be playing and there will be specials at the bar. Admission charge can be used toward wine purchases this evening. $5; 6:30-10 p.m. 3689 Tampa Road, Suite 304, Oldsmar, 813-855-8099
Friday, November 18: Tampa Woman's Club
The French-American Business Council of West Florida (FRAMCO) and the Tampa Woman’s Club will be hosting a tasting of the 2011 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, coupled with a delectable buffet of traditional charcuterie and fromages from Whole Foods Market. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the University of South Florida jazz ensemble throughout the evening as well. RSVP to president.framco@gmail.com. Before November 16: $45 for FRAMCO members, $55 for non-members; after November 16: $50 for FRAMCO members, $60 for non-members; 6:30-9:30 p.m. 2901 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, framco.org
Friday, November 18: Cheese Please
Taste seven to eight new cheeses each week at Cheese Please's Friday night tastings. This week they'll be featuring both cheeses and beers to enjoy during Thanksgiving. RSVP required. $20; 7 p.m. 4213 S Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 813-766-0060, cheesepleasetampa.com
Friday, November 18: Vintage Wine Cellars
Join Vintage for a tasting of great wines to pair with your Thanksgiving meal, including three newly released Beaujolais Nouveau, four whites and several reds. RSVP required. $10; 7-9 p.m. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-879-2931, vintagewinecellars.net
Saturday-Sunday, November 19-20: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort
Sip on some choice wines on a picturesque white sand beach at the Clearwater Beach Uncorked Food and Wine Adventure this weekend. Attendees will be able to sample world-class food, wine and beer from area chefs, winemakers spirits producers, culinary experts and local venues. Proceeds to benefit the Abilities Foundation and ProStart charities. Purchase tickets here (21+). $55 per day; 12-4 p.m. (both days). 301 South Gulf View Blvd., Clearwater Beach, ClearwaterBeachUnCorked.com
Saturday, November 19: Willard's Tap House
For this edition of 'Keep the Pint Night', Willard's will be offering beers by Stone Brewing Co. They'll also be tapping a few firkins: Ruination with Simcoe and Amarillo hops and Sublimely Self-Righteous with Columbus dry hops. Plenty of Stone on tap and raffle prizes to be won. Free event (with purchase); 8 p.m.-3 a.m. 12500 Starkey Road, Largo, 727-581-8600, willardstaphouse.com
Saturday, November 19: Largo
The people have spoken and Pinellas will get its very own food truck fest on Sat., Nov. 19. Like the Tampa Food Truck Rallies before it, the Pinellas Food Truck Rally will feature a multitude of trucks and trailers serving tasty fare. Come hungry (and early) and bring cash! Free admission (food and drink sold separately); 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 500 West Bay Drive, Largo, tastingtampa.com
Saturday, November 19: Straub Park – St. Pete
This Saturday brings Chillounge Night back to Downtown St. Pete. Straub Park transforms into a pop-up "lounge" where guests can relax under the stars while enjoying food from local eateries, fancy cocktails, a high-energy fashion show, Brazilian Samba parade and a fireworks display at the end of the night. 21+. $20 in advance, $25 at the door; 6-11 p.m. 350 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Pete, chilloungenight.com
Monday, November 21: Willow Herbal Delight Gardens
Add rich flavors and aromas to your Thanksgiving feast with herbs and spices which also provide healing qualities like aiding digestion, and explore their charming herbal lore and history at this workshop. Call for more info. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. At the end of Ray Road (off of S. Miller Rd., 1/3 mile south of Lumsden; Valrico Church of Christ on corner), Valrico, 813-643-7285.
Monday, November 21: Willard's Tap House
Stop by Willard's for a sampling of Paul Unwin's fantastic Cajun fare from Cajun Cafe on the Bayou in Pinellas Park, including: crawfish. cornbread, red beans and rice, Jambalaya, and creole pork. Then wash it all down with one of Willard's many craft brews on tap. Call for more info. 7 p.m. 12500 Starkey Road, Largo, 727-581-8600, willardstaphouse.com
This article appears in Nov 10-16, 2011.