Be sure to check out our Valentine's Day/Weekend Dining Guide to see what some Tampa Bay area restaurants are offering for the occasion.
Wednesday, February 9: Cru Cellars
Offering a Valentine's inspired wine tasting complete with gourmet chocolates from local chocolatier Viktoria Richards. Taste through six wines and enjoy a glass of your favorite. Featuring wines that pair well with Viktoria's chocolate. Visit her chocolate station for samples, then create your own custom box of chocolates for yourself or for your Valentine. RSVP to [email protected]. $15; 6-8 p.m. 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa. 813-831-1117; crucellarstampa.com
Thursday, February 10: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits - South Tampa
Another installment of ABC's tastings which feature over 50 wine selections from around the globe. Each guest receives a souvenir wine glass and a coupon for $5 off any purchase the night of the event. $10, 6-8 p.m. 3110 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa. 813-839-7167.
Thursday, February 10: Why Not Boutique
Stop by to peruse some of the eco-friendly and fashionable items to wear on V-Day at Why Not Boutique and join in on their Pre-Valentine's Day Party. Hors d'oeuvres, cupcakes, and "Love Potion Punch" will be served. Attend and enter to win a $50 gift certificate! Free event; 6-8 p.m. 3217A South MacDill Ave., Tampa. 813-374-2394; whynotboutique.com
Thursday, February 10: The Grape at International Plaza
Unscrew Your Valentine!: Presented by Tampa Bay Uncorked, this tasting event will be featuring eight fine wines from Australia, New Zealand and California, along with gourmet fare from The Grape. Bring your favorite Valentine or come in search of your next great love. Proceeds for the event will benefit St. Joseph's Pediatric Cardiology Department and a child in need of heart surgery. Purchase tickets online here. $25 in advance, $30 at the door; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 2223 North Westshore Boulevard, Tampa. 813-354-9463, yourgrape.com
Friday, February 11: World of Wines South Tampa
A "pre-Valentine's Day" tasting of Freemark Abbey, Murphy-Goode and Gaga Vineyards wines with tasty hors d'oeuvres. $10; 6-8 p.m. 3431 South West Shore Blvd, Tampa. 813-835-9463, worldofwinesofsouthtampa.homestead.com
Friday, February 11: City Street Sweets
Indulge in decadent chocolates paired with Prosecco and four red wines frm around the globe. $25; 7-8:30 p.m. 1601 West Snow Circle, Hyde Park Village, Tampa. 813-664-1430, ewinetaste.com
Saturday, February 12: USF St. Pete
TEDx Live Webcast and Discussion "Changing the Way We Eat" at USF St. Pete. The goal of "Changing the Way We Eat" is to create new connections and collaborations across disciplines, to unite different areas of the food movement and to introduce the audience to the exciting and innovative work being done in the field of sustainable food systems. Join in for a day of amazing speakers and discussion of our own sustainability. Please RSVP on the MeetUp page connected to the TEDxManhattan.org site. The viewing is co-hosted by St. Petersburg’s Saturday Morning Market, the USFSP Student Government, Slow Food Tampa Bay, and Mindful Meals. Registration begins at 9:30 am, webcast is at 10:30 am and ends at 6 pm. Free event, must RSVP; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Davis Bldg., Rm. 130, 552 3rd Ave S, St Pete.
Saturday, February 12: Pssghetti's/Our Savior Lutheran Church
Not only will you be benefiting the Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf at this Valentine's-themed spaghetti luncheon, you'll also get to meet Chef Robert Hesse of Hell's Kitchen fame. One price gets you all the spaghetti, appetizers, salad, drinks and dessert you can eat. RSVP to [email protected] or 727-374-9020. $15; 1 p.m. 4825 East Bay Dr., Clearwater.
Saturday, February 12: The Fresh Market South Tampa
Local chefs will lead a free, step-by-step presentation on how to prepare Balsamic Glazed Beef Tenderloin with Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Sun Dried Tomato Rice Pilaf. Plus, you'll get to taste when they're done! Free; 1-4 p.m. 3722 Henderson Boulevard, Tampa. 813.-875-7400, thefreshmarket.com
Saturday, February 12: Taste Cafe
Indulge in this wine, beer, tapas and chocolate tasting with your special someone. Listen to the live music and get the chance to purchase up to two bottles of wine for half price at the event. Event tickets are limited. Call 727-723-1116 to purchase. $15, 7-10 p.m. 500 Main St., Safety Harbor. tastesafetyharbor.com
Sunday, February 13: Sweetwater Organic Farm
Chef, author and raw foods educator, LindaJoy Rose, Ph.D. will host this two-hour cooking demo/workshop on delicious, heart-healthy recipes that are raw, vegan and the perfect treat for Valentines Day. Recipes and instruction provided. Following the workshop, stay for the Raw Pot Luck facilitated by LindaJoy Rose. Bring some organic fruit or a vegan, raw dish to share. Please contact Jenny Anderson with any questions or to RSVP to: [email protected] or 813-887-4066. suggested donation of $20 for this workshop (Cash only); 12:30-2:30 p.m. 6942 West Comanche Ave, Tampa. sweetwater-organic.org
Sunday, February 13: 1883 Safford House Museum, Tarpon Springs
Learn to prepare a meal in true Victorian fashion as Tarpon Springs resident
Connie Boone, graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Home Economics education, guides you through making citrus and strawberry salad, crepes, tea sandwiches, birthday cake and more. She will also discuss Victorian kitchens, cooking techniques, etiquette, food availability and storage, and interesting anecdotes about Victorian traditions. Meal will follow the demonstration. Class is limited to 15 participants. Advance registration and supplies fee is required. Go to www.tarponarts.org or call 727-942-5605 to register. $10; 2 p.m. 23 Parkin Ct., Tarpon Springs.
Monday, February 14: Pollo Tropical
Two can dine for $9.99 at Bay area Pollo Tropical locations on Valentine's Day (or one, if you're really hungry). Deal includes two entrees with choice of a small TropiChop or Quarter Chicken meal with rice and beans, two regular size fountain drinks and a regular size order of yuca sticks or sweet plantains, plus tey're throwing in a flan to share for free. Deal available all day on 2/14. 3900 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park; 3285 West Hillsboorough Avenue, Tampa; 6276 W. Waters Avenue, Tampa; 3134 Tampa Road, Oldsmar.
Monday, February 14: IKEA
Spend a romantic evening at the IKEA cafeteria's special Valentine's dinner. Dinner includes your choice of entree, including beef tenderloin, chicken piccata or soy-ginger glazed salmon, sides, an assortment of desserts and a complimentary Champagne flute with a sparkling beverage. Call to make reservations. $14.99 for adults, $2.49 for kids; 5-7:30 p.m. 813-623-4042 ext.1208, ikea-usa.com/tampa
Thursday, February 17: Total Wine & More St. Pete
This tasting and seminar includes the wonderfully elegant white and red wines produced in the Pacific Northwest. Taste Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs produced within Oregon's famed Willamette Valley. Wonderful wines of Washington State are also presented, including top-notch Merlot, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla and the Columbia Valley. Class includes wine selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the wine presented in class. $25; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 4880 Park Street N, St. Pete. 727-544-6018, totalwine.com
Weekdays: Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar
Monday- College Night: 2-4-1 happy hour with college or faculty ID, 5 p.m.- close; Tuesday- Half-priced wine bottles, 5 p.m.- close; Wednesday- 2-4-1 glasses of wine. 5p.m.- close; Thursday- $12 unlimited drafts, 8-10 p.m. 2822 E. Bearss Ave., Tampa. 813-341-2900, wood-firedpizza.com
Mondays: Peabody's
Penny pitchers! Buy one pitcher get the second for a penny, including well liquor pitchers and select draft beers. 15333 Amberly Dr., Tampa. 813-972-1725, peabodysbilliards.com
Tuesdays: Cafe Alma
Who needs a Friday or Saturday date night? Get out on a Tuesday to indulge half-priced bottles of wine and tapas all evening, starting at 4:30 p.m. Being frugal never tasted so good. 260 1st Avenue S., St. Pete. 727-502-5002
Tuesdays: Beak's Old Florida
Get 25% off Palm Plate entrees of steaks, pork and choice seafood dishes for "T-Bone Tuesdays" at Beak's (dine in only). 2451 Central Ave., St. Pete. 727-321-9100
Tuesdays: MacDinton's
Specials from 7-close, including: $2 Sam Adams Seasonal drafts, $2.50 Smirnoff vodkas, and $4 Smirnoff shots, and $3 build-your-own-burger. And free karaoke makes this night even better. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. 405 South Howard Ave, Tampa. 813-251-8999; macdintons.com
Wednesdays: World of Beer (all locations)
Half-off select drafts and, if you kill one of the kegs, you'll be the lucky winner of a $10 gift card to spend on even more beer at WOB. Open-close. www.wobusa.com
Fridays: Taps Wine and Beer Eatery
Ladies receive $4 martinis from 5-10 p.m. 777 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa. 813-463-1968, www.tapswineandbeer.com
Tampa Bay Fresh Markets: Click here to see a list of weekly markets in Tampa Bay.
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