Wednesday, February 22: EATS! American Grill
This charity dinner will benefit Voices for Children and celebrate EATS! American Grill's approaching debut on Food Network's Heat Seekers. Former Bucs offensive lineman and current Sports Animal Radio co-host, Ian Beckles, will serve as celebrity bartender. Silent auction will also take place. Reservations can be made by calling 727-434-1431 or emailing director@vfcgal.org. $20 minimum donation serves as "cost" and includes appetizer, entree and two drink tickets (wine or beer). $10 minimum donation serves as "cost" for children (twelve and under), and includes entree, dessert and unlimited soda. Select from 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. seatings. 4502 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-835-3287, eatsamericangrill.com.
Thursday, February 23: Bern’s Fine Wine and Spirits
Splurge on six courses of award-winning Chilean wine and SideBern's renowned cuisine in one evening. This Montes Wine Dinner will feature this prized wine of Chile, straight from Montes' winery, which is a two-time recipient of Winemaker of the Year award by Wine Spectator magazine. Montes' US brand ambassador will be the special guest of the evening. $125; 6:30-10:00 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-250-9463, bernsfinewinescom.
Friday, February 24: BGR The Burger Joint
Visit BGR with BGR "ink" and get handed a free hamburger. This "ink-fest" is in anticipation of next weekend's Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. So show your love for arts, burgers and ink. The BGR logo may be painted or sketched, or henna, anywhere on the body. If you are bonkers for BGR, go all out and get a real tat for the occasion. 12-1 p.m., 12913 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-962-4050, bgrtheburgerjoint.com.
Friday, February 24: Corey Avenue 4th Friday Food Truck Festival
Get truckin' to this festival and start your weekend off right. Over a dozen favorite food trucks will be parked, including FireMonkey, Wicked Wiches and Killer Samich Truck. Enjoy live music by Dixieland Jazz, Big Jim Allen and Eddie James while noshing. Then, check out the craft vendors' goods. Free admission and parking; 5-9 p.m., Just off Gulf Blvd. in downtown St. Pete Beach, 727-498-8778, coreyave.com.
Friday, February 24: International Cellar
Enjoy wine and jazz simultaneously at this Evening of Wine Tasting and Live Jazz event. Smooth jazz trio In2Rhythm will provide the smooth entertainment. Wine specials will be available in addition to the featured wine samplings. $5 admission (good towards wine purchase); 6:30-10:00 p.m., 3689 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 813-855-8099, internationalcellar.com.
Saturday, February 25: Al Lopez Park
Celebrate anorexia and bulimia survivors at NEDA Walk. This walk commemorates National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 26 – March 3). After you walk, check out the informational expo and raffle. FOX 13's Jennifer Epstein and president and CEO of NEDA, Lynn Grefe, will be in attendance. Register online at fighteatingdisorders.com or call 727-422-3668. $20 pre-registration per adult ($25 day of), $10 children under 12; 10 a.m., 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, 727-422-3668, fighteatingdisorders@tampabay.rr.com.
Saturday, February 25: Dunedin Brewery
Puff on a hand-rolled cigar and indulge in rich stout brews and stout chocolate at Stogies and Stouts 2012. Blues artist Ben Prestage will provide the background tunes. $35 including souvenir glass, Los Blancos cigar, stout chocolate or stout sampler; 7 p.m., 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com.
Saturday, February 25: Old Palm Harbor Main Street
Enjoy the blues while sipping brews at Blues and Brews. Local and Big Apple craft brewers will supply the brews. A combination of local and international acts, including Steve Arvey and EG Kight, will supply the blues. This event is free; 4 p.m., 1190 Georgia Ave., Palm Harbor, 727-787-4700, oldpalmharbormainstreet.net.
Saturday, February 25: Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
Be a man and wear an apron at this Real Men Wear Aprons class. Chef Todd Lopez will teach you how to prepare a romantic dinner for the lady in your life. Include her in this experience if you prefer, or fly solo. Espresso rub pork tenderloin with raspberry bourbon and pancetta-wrapped scallops are among the menu highlights. Free beer and wine included. $50; 5:30 p.m., 2080 Badlands Drive, Brandon, 813-653-2418, rollingpinonline.com.
Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26: Renaissance Festival (MOSI)
See the Wonders of the World at this weekend's segment of Renaissance Festival. Compete in the BBQ or eggroll-eating competitions. Feast your eyes on the belly dance competition, while taking advantage of free wine tastings and world market finds. Participate in the grape stomp and pub crawl as well. Admission is $18.95, free parking; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 11315 N. 46th St., Tampa, 800-966-8215, bayarearennaissancefest.com.
Sunday, February 26: Ruth Eckerd Hall Cake Decorating Competition
Watch recreational and professional cake decorators of all ages create Pirates around the Bay-themed masterpieces. Attendees will enjoy samples from these cakes, ice cream, coffee, demonstrations, games and cash bar. This event will benefit the Zonta Club charity, which prevents violence and human trafficking. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for age 18 and under. $25 entry fee for cake decorating participants. 1-4 p.m., 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-791-7400, zontaclubpinellas.org.
Monday, February 27: Publix Apron’s School
It is okay to wield a knife at this Basic Knife Skills class. Learn how to slice, dice, chiffonade and julienne like a pro, while preparing gazpacho, miso-glazed carrots, Szechuan ratatouille, salsa and vichyssoise. You will even receive a Zak! Designs bowl and Kyocera knife to practice your new skills, free of charge. $50; 6 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 813-926-4465, publix.com/aprons
Tuesday, February 28: Carmel Café and Wine Bar
Bring your appetite for this five-course dinner, complete with a five-course wine accompaniment. These are not just random wines, either; they are top selections from Wine Spectator magazine. View and customize the menu and learn wine tidbits, courtesy of the customized iPad that will be available. Reservations are required. $59.95, plus tax and gratuity; 6:30-8:00 p.m., 14306 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-265-1415, carmelcafe.com.
This article appears in Feb 16-22, 2012.