Tuesday, February 23: IHOP
National Pancake Day. It may not be the classiest event we've ever included in this list, who would turn down free pancakes? That's exactly what you're getting today — though you might consider giving a portion of what you'd pay for your short stack to the Children's Miracle Network, for which IHOP raised 1.3 million on Pancake Day 209. 7 a.m.-10 p.m., visit ihoppancakeday.com for a location near you.
Tuesday, February 23: Blu Figs
Uncork Wine Dinner. Tonight's edu-tasting includes a five-course paired meal of: cheeses paired with Greek ouzo; beet salad “herbs du Provence,” Humbolt Fog goat cheese, and a champagne vinaigrette paired with Chateau La Freynelle 2007 Blanc; sauteed sea bass with chick pea panisse, pea tendrils, and a hibiscus reduction paired with Abadia Retuerta 2007 “Rivola" ; espresso-crusted filet mignon, potato confit, and vanilla shallot jam paired with a mystery wine; and for just desserts, Madagascar vanilla panna cotta with a pinot noir reduction, paired with Zonin Prosecco. $52. 7-9 p.m., 15463 N. Dale Mabry Blvd. (813-963-3447)
Tuesday, February 23: Uncorked Fine Wine and Spirits
Uncorked Wine Academy. Hit the books (and the bottle!) with a certified sommelier at this wine-centric course that covers pairing food and wine; tasting techniques; grape varietals; how wine makes it from the vineyard to the glass; and how to distinguish the flavors that make your tastebuds tingle. Reservations required. $50. 7-9 p.m., 2706 Fourth Street N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)
Wednesday, February 24: Restaurant BT
Jazz Night. Big Rich lays some mellow sounds down on your ear drums, and Patron Citronage martinis and house wines are just $5 a pop, making BT an affordable way to forget your working Wednesday. 6-9 p.m. 1633 W. Snow Ave., Tampa (813-258-1976)
Wednesday, February 24: The NoHo Bistro
Wine Wednesdays. The wine and tapas change weekly, to come bakc regularly and bring your BFFs, blind dates, co-workers, boy/girlfriends or, hell, someone else's boy/girlfriend. $15 for two glasses of wine paired with two tapas. 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)
Many more events after the break:
