Local food tastings, beverage-driven happenings and more round out CL's favorite food and drink events this weekend.
At 7 p.m. Friday, architecture nerds should visit Sarasota's Round House, also known as the Hilton Leech Art Studio, to drink, talk and munch. Part of SarasotaMOD Weekend, which honors celebrated architect Paul Rudolph, the event will have designer Tatiana White giving tours of the 18-foot-tall building, featuring glass panels that let natural light into the downstairs spaces where watercolorist Leech used to hold classes. An open bar and hors d'oeuvres will also be offered, and tickets are may be purchased online. $100. 4433 Riverwood Ave., Sarasota.
Grab an outdoor lunch or a cocktail from The Bends from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the November Street Festival, hosted by the St. Pete Indie Market. Festivalgoers can shop for local handmade gifts and quirky finds from more than 50 vendors, as well as enjoy bites from food trucks parked along the street. The downtown St. Pete bar will offer drink specials and also serves up a full bar for guests. Free, money for food and drink. 919 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-202-8931.
The Safety Harbor Wine Festival, a local all-ages favorite, will bring tons of wine, arts and crafts, live entertainment on multiple stages, food and more to downtown Safety Harbor. Tunes will be provided by acts such as The Stingerz and The Juke Joint Kings, and all the dog-friendly event's proceeds will benefit five charitable and civic orgs in the area. Also note that Main Street will be closed from Bayshore to Eighth Avenue from noon to 1 a.m. Free, money for wine and food. Main Street, Safety Harbor.
Between noon and 5 p.m. Sunday, get a tasty three-course spread during this Afro Caribbean Brunch. The meal will be hosted at Green Gators Bar & Grill in Tampa, and the menu will feature dishes like jerk chicken skewers and Parmesan shrimp 'n' grits. Individual and couples' tickets are available. $22.76 per person, $36.98 per couple. 9202 Anderson Road, Tampa, 813-304-2260.
Sample toothsome chili creations by local craft beer enthusiasts and vote for your favorites from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Each entry into Three Palms Brewing's 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff incorporates a beer from the Tampa brewery. Admission comes with a commemorative cup, one free pour and access to the chili tasting, and guests may get tickets online in advance. $10. 1509 Hobbs St., Tampa, 888-813-4856.
This article appears in Nov 5-11, 2015.