Five food and drink events to get you through Halloweekend on either side of the bay. Highlights include everything from the spooky to the boozy.
Kick off the fun on Friday with a bottle launch from Pair O' Dice Brewing Company. The barrel-aged Caviste' Quad, a Belgian quadruple, is another collaboration with Luekens Liquors and part of the Clearwater beer maker's Haunted 4th Anniversary celebration. Between 5 and 8 p.m., guests can get their hands on the high-ABV release, aged in glorious bourbon barrels (thanks, Knob Creek) for eight months. Bottles are $20 and limited to one per person. Free, money for beer. 4400 118th Ave. N. #208, Clearwater, 727-755-3423.
Pinellas Chocolate Factory Tasting is Friday's answer to an expert pairing of locally made sweets and fine wines. Pinellas Chocolate Company has collaborated with Time for Wine to bring guests imported vino from around the world, alongside a complementary lineup of specialty chocolate made in-house. The tasting starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available online. $25. 10550 72nd St. N. #504, Largo, 727-914-9866.
On Saturday and Sunday, The Bricks' themed Goth Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the last time, so come dressed for the pre-holiday festivities. Diners can expect a spooky spread of "Black-Hearted Marys," "Bloody Mimosas" and seasonal beers (including the pumpkin kind), in addition to brunchtime eats. Free, money for food and drinks. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1785.
Learn to make hard cider with HiFi Homebrew and BBQ Supply. Hosted from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Cider 101 teaches students everything they need to know about pulling off a cider recipe at home. Topics include juice and yeast selection, fermentable versus nonfermentable sugars, and spices. The class fee, which is surprisingly yet awesomely low, can be applied to any in-store purchase. Space is limited. $5. 1650 N. Hercules Ave. #I, Clearwater, 727-240-0804.
During the first EDGE District Sip & Stroll, all things EDGE-y are in the spotlight. Enjoy bites and beverages (even on the street in designated event cups!) throughout the convivial walking tour's 27 stops from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Participating food and drink joints include Red Mesa Mercado, Brooklyn South, Bavaro's, Green Bench Brewing Co., Independent Bar and Buya Ramen. Local shops and boutiques are also showcased. Get tickets online in advance, and pick up a cup and map at the Welcome Booth upon arrival. $15. Southeast corner of 11th Street and Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, 727-329-8869.
This article appears in Oct 26 – Nov 2, 2017.