Three reasons to celebrate this weekend, plus where to explore France, the farm and an old-school revival.
Head to Angry Chair Brewing for A Taste of Mortar & Pestle before the Seminole Heights newcomer brings the traditions of yesteryear with a modern twist to Florida Avenue. The event with Mortar & Pestle's "food and bev lab" will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. 6401 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-238-1122.
Hosted by Savory Spice Shop, Explore France Pt. 2, which is part of the Explore Pairing Series from Appellation catering company, will include four pairings: cheeses and small plates using herbs and spices from France's Loire, Provence and Rhone regions. The gathering, led by chef Raymond Cotteret and sommelier Jessica Arkwright from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, will also have wines from Opici Family Distributing on hand. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. $39. 400 Beach Drive #173, St. Petersburg, 727-290-9893.
On Saturday, mix art with booze at Cage Brewing's 1 Year Anniversary Party! or Year of the Rooster: An Explosion of Color at The Bricks. Year of the Rooster, which will kick off at 8 p.m. inside the Ybor City hangout, will showcase local art exploring color and roosters to celebrate the Chinese New Year, while Cage's St. Petersburg anniversary at 7 p.m. will highlight an art show with various local works and live music. Free, money for drinks. Cage: 2001 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-201-4278. The Bricks: 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1785.
In Tampa, the Grand Opening Party for c.1949 will also kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday. To thank its guests and local businesses for the warm welcome, the dog- and family-friendly neighborhood bar will spotlight a free keg until 11 p.m., prizes from local breweries, DJ Banker and the Around the World Burgers food truck. Can't make it? Get to the watering hole's first beer brunch on Sunday. Free, money for drinks. 6905 N. Orleans Ave., Tampa, 813-990-8883.
Hang out with the great outdoors. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Sweetwater Organic Community Farm's walking Organic Farm Tour will feature information about what's in season, how the small-scale Tampa farm operates and organic agriculture. Bring something to drink, wear closed-toe shoes and apply sunscreen and bug spray before meeting up at the farm's fire pit. Supervised children and well-behaved leashed dogs welcome. RSVP via email (programs@sweetwater-organic.org). Free. 6942 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa, 813-887-4066.
This article appears in Jan 12-19, 2017.