Wednesday, January 18: Nature's Food Patch
Watch Chef Debby DeGraaff create delicious vegetarian and gluten-free Tex-Mex items. The menu will include Tangy Tomato Lime Soup and Enchilada Casserole. 6:30 p.m., 1225 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, 727-443-6703, naturesfoodpatch.com
Wednesday, January 18: Pollo Tropical
Get souped up for National Soup Day by visiting Pollo Tropical and getting a cup of Caribbean Chicken or Split Pea soups for only $1, all day. All you have to do is wish the cashier a "Happy Soup Day," and you'll receive a $1 cup of soup. Limit two cups per customer. 3134 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 727-230-0002; 3900 Park Boulevard, Pinellas Park, 727-362-9600; 6276 W. Waters Avenue, Tampa, 813-319-6360; 3285 W. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, 813-319-1850, pollotropical.com
Thursday, January 19: Whole Foods Market
Learn your ABCs of cheese at Whole Foods' Cheese Basics event. Be cheesy and try several types, including blue and mozzarella, with complimentary wines to compliment them. Register in the lobby or via email ([email protected]). Free; 6:30 p.m., 1548 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Thursday- Saturday, January 19-21: Cafe Largo
Don't miss this three-day opportunity to enjoy some "classique" French fare and wine, at Cafe Largo's Cuisine Classique wine Dinner. Enjoy Filet Rossini, Grande Marnier Souffle and Dole Sole, with accompanying wines to compliment the selections. Reservations required. $54.50 without wine, $74.50 including wine; 5 p.m., 12551 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, 727-596-6282, cafelargo.com
Friday, January 20: American Spirits Fine Wine and Liquor
Be charitable while enjoying wines from around the globe, at American Spirits Benefit Tasting. Occurring the third Friday of each month, featuring a different charity each month. $10; 7 p.m., 280 3rd Street, St. Petersburg, 727-895-8700
Friday, January 20: Bern's Fine Wines
Start your weekend off right by heading to Burgundy Crush Hour at Bern's Fine Wines. Louis Jadot will be the featured wine of the evening. Free; 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Avenue, Tampa, 813-250-WINE, bernsfinewines.com
Friday, January 20: Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Sample over 20 barley wines and enjoy some Cajun cuisine at Cajun Cafe on the Bayou. The Beer Passport will serve as a beer tally card. Bragging rights go to the person with the best card. Receive a souvenir glass. $30; 6-9 p.m., 8101 Park Boulevard, Pinellas Park, 727-546-6732, dunedinbrewersguild.com
Friday, January 20: Tosti's Spirits and Fine Wines
It will be a showdown of vodkas at Tosti's Spirits and Fine Wines' vodka tasting. Try them all and determine your favorite. Ketel One, Absolut and 360 will be among the highlights. Free; 6:30-8:30 p.m., 5125 34th Street, St. Petersburg, 727-867-7772
Friday-Saturday, January 20-21: Cafe Ponte
Celebrate Cafe Ponte's silver anniversary by attending their exclusive six-course wine dinner, complete with live music to enhance the mood. Since several menu options are available for each course, you can create the six-course dinner of your dreams. $75; 5:30-10 pm. Reservations are required. 13505 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater, 727-538-5768, cafeponte.com
Saturday, January 21: Top Chef Largo Event
Head to Largo for the biggest, baddest chili cook-off in Pinellas. This competition includes local cooks, restaurants and over 30 food truck vendors. Enjoy an interesting entertainment lineup of "fire eating," magic tricks and live music by Noah and the Groove. $7; 7 p.m., Intersection of Largo Road S and 2nd Avenue SW, Largo, 727-517-6821
Saturday, January 21: FrankCrum Building
Enjoy the art of Plien Aire Cottage Artists, who donated their works in honor of this annual fundraiser, which benefits Clearwater Free Clinic. Stroll around the gallery setting with a martini or glass of wine in hand. Enjoy live entertainment and food from Clearwater's best restaurants. Drawings will be held for the featured masterpieces, valued up to $4,000. $175; 7 p.m., 100 S. Missouri Avenue, Clearwater, 727-447-3041 x107, martinisandmatisse.org
Saturday, January 21: St. Pete Bagel
St. Pete Bagel proudly introduces the addition of freshly baked donuts to their menu lineup, and is sharing them with St. Petersburg. Stop by and receive a free donut (one per person). Choose from over 35 varieties, including red velvet. 8 a.m., 7043 4th Street N, St. Petersburg, 727-522-3377, stpetebagelco.com
Monday, January 23: Maestro's at the Center
Visit Napa Valley without leaving Tampa Bay, at Wine and Cuisine of Napa Valley. This four-course wine dinner will be held at Straz Center's Maestro Restaurant, with a beautiful view of downtown Tampa's skyline. $75, plus $8 service charge. Reception begins at 5:30 p.m., Dinner begins at 6 p.m., 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 813-229-7827, strazcenter.org
Tuesday, January 24: Carmel Cafe and Wine Bar
Sip wines straight from Napa Valley's finest vineyards, Plumpjack and CADE, while enjoying a five-course feast prepared by Executive Chef Steve Cook. Sea scallops and braised short rib are just two of the culinary highlights. Plumpjack's national wine manager will serve as the evening's wine guru. $69.95; 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required. 2548 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-724-4228, carmelcafe.com
Tuesday, January 24: Wine Madonna
Five wines, both red and white varieties will be featured at Wine Madonna Tasting. Take advantage of the outdoor area and Wine Madonna’s prime location, in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. Reservations required (via phone or in person). $5 in advance (good towards your wine purchase); 7 p.m., 111 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, 727-289-7257, winemadonna.com