Daily Loaf

Try tasty Coq au Vin at the Toasted Pheasant's Thursday wine dinner

Wednesday, November 18: Cork and Olive Carrollwood
Winey Women Wednesday. This is the only time it’s good to be a “winey” woman. Bring a friend, leave with a buzz and a bottle! Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-868-3733)

Thursday, November 19: Total Wine
South African Roadshow. Discover sweet new surprises with South African wines like Brampton Cabernet Sauvignon, Brampton Chardonnay Un-Oaked, Hands Cabernet, Hands Chardonnay, Indaba Chenin Blanc, Indaba Sauvignon Blanc, Mulderbosch Cabernet Rose, Mulderbosch Faithful Hound Red, and Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc. Free. 1-6 p.m., 1720 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-350-9601)

Thursday, November 19: Toasted Pheasant
Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Dinner. In one of the best all-inclusive meal deals I’ve ever seen (not to mention a fabulous pre-weekend night of indulgence), the Pheasant offers a wine-accompanied three-course meal of your choice of one appetizer (choose from French onion soup with a swiss cheese crouton;  lobster bisque; salad with French vinaigrette; or mussels steamed in chardonnay and garlic), one entree (choose from coq au vin, [chicken with red wine and mushrooms]; roasted beef with béarnaise sauce; escargot tossed with garlic butter over linguini; grouper and shrimp provençale; or fried frog legs in a crispy beer batter), and dessert (French chocolate grandmarnier mousse and chantilly cream with strawberry  confit). $19.95. 14445 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-265-6700)

Many more events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

At this week’s Musical Festival feat. Samuel Adler, the renowned composer (who has written compositions for the Cleveland Orchestra, National Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, American Brass Quintet and more) visits Tampa to perform, observe and teach. Three Adler events are open to the public this week: the UT music faculty performs Adler’s chamber music at 7:30 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 12 in Plant Hall’s Fletcher Lounge; Adler leads an orchestration seminar at 4 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 13 in the Ferman Music Center; and the UT Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Glee Club, and Collegiate Chorale perform Adler’s music at 7:30 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 13 in Fletcher Hall. University of Tampa, Tampa, visit ut.edu for more info, free.

At tonight’s Children’s Home Fundraiser, Chris Markowski, (aka America’s Watchdog on Wall Street) and the Mortgage Banker’s Association of Tampa Bay host this fundraiser for the Children’s Home that includes live and silent auctions, butlered hors d’oeuvres, hand-rolled cigars, an open bar, a carving station and delicious desserts, valeted parking and live entertainment. Visit mbatampabay.org for tickets and info. Thurs., Nov. 12, 6:30-10:30 p.m., Westin Tampa Bay Hotel, Tampa, $50. Read the rest of this entry »

Sample a selection of Fontodi wines at Bern's Tuesday tasting

Tuesday, November 10: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Fontodi Wine Dinner. There’s no better way to start the week than with an elegant wine dinner, and this one truly delivers with its selection of six wines from the Fontodi estate specially paired with six modern Mediterranean cuisine courses by SideBern’s Chef extraordinaire, Chad Johnson. $125. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-253-0358)

Tuesday, November 10: American Spirits
Spanish Wines. Ben Carson of Ole Imports, which brings more than 100 Spanish wines stateside, offers a tasting of vinos from the Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda and Yecla regions. Free. 7-9 p.m., 280 Third St. S., St. Petersburg (727-895-8700)

Wednesday, November 11: Cork and Olive Carrollwood
Wine for Dummies. Learn the basic rules and etiquette of wine tasting and how to choose the right bottle for the occassion. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 10019 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-868-3733)

Thursday, November 12: Total Wine
Celebrate with Champagne and Sparkling. A trained sommelier helps you find the best bubbly for your budget and palate — it’s never too early to stock up for New Year’s. Taste eight zippy, fizzy sensations, including Crémant de Bourgogne, Cava and four stunning selections from Champagne. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 4880 Park Street N., St. Petersburg (727-544-6018)

Thursday, November 12: Cork and Olive Carrollwood
PACE Benefit Wine Tasting. Live music, hand-selected hors d’oeuvres and a holiday raffle round out this wine tasting to benefit the PACE Center for Girls. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 10019 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-868-3733)

Friday, November 13: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Cult Cabs Crush Hour. Movies, books and Christopher Walken all have cult followings — but so do a select (and tasty) number of wines. Tonight’s featured flavors (which garnered aficinado attention via high prices, limited production, famous winemakers and gushing reviews by wine critics) include Hartwell by winemaker Andy Erickson of Screaming Eagle, Robert Foley Vineyards, Sherwin Family Vineyards, Beau Vigne and more, accompanied by five hand-selected accompaniments from the Bern’s Cave du Fromage. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-253-0358)

Many more events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Music Reborn II: Forbidden and Forgotten is a memorial to the Jewish composers whose lives were lost in the Holocaust and tribute to the victims of Kristallnacht that includes performances by musicians Brian Payne, violin; Jason Jerald, viola; Debra Horne, Soprano; Mary Ann Scialdo, piano; and a special performance by Franciscan friar, Father Vit Fiala. After the concert, see a taped interview with Andre Kupfermunz, a Belgian captive who tells his story of survival. Proceeds benefit the Tampa Ameet Chapter of Hadassah. Call 813-982-1480 or visit carrollwoodcenter.org for info and reservations. Tues., Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m., Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa, $18-$54.

The first-ever exhibit at the newly-opened Mindy Solomon Gallery, Three From Korea, is in its final week on display. The collection makes sure strides towards the gallery’s goal of becoming”a haven for outstanding contemporary ceramics and 2D art” with its array of ceramic sculptures, drawings and prints by Sunkoo Yuh, Sung Jae Choi and Kang Hyo Lee. Visit mindysolomon.com for more info. On display through Nov. 13, Mindy Solomon Gallery, St. Petersburg. Read the rest of this entry »

Get squashed at Publix Apron's cooking class.

Wednesday, November 4: Snookers Grill
Champagne and Sushi. It seems like the words I’m reading are too good to be true, but unless my senses are deceiving me, it appears that Snookers is offering unlimited — yes, like, all you could ever imbibe — champagne and chef-selected sushi. Those just happen to be two of my favorite delicacies, and though I admit to never having tried them together, it sounds like a damn fine idea. $15. 7-9 p.m., 606 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. (727-937-6665)

Wednesday, November 4: Toasted Pheasant
Autumn Wine Dinner. Fall has finally come to Florida, and although that may not mean a changing of the leaves, it does mean that it’s cooling down at last — and we can swap our cooling whites for a sumptuous selection of warming reds at this wine tasting and dinner, with a menu that includes: autumn sausage and sage corn chowder paired with Shug Pinot Noir Sonoma; grilled asparagus and swiss strudel with a duet of tomato and asparagus coulis paired with Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc; a quail and beef short rib  duo of roasted quail filled with chestnut and sage with rich beef roast, paired with Mettler Zinfandel; and caramel apple ginger snap with cinnamon ice cream paired with Santa Alicia Late Harvest Muscatel. $45. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 14445 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-265-6700)

Wednesday, November 4: World of Wines
Holiday Wine Tasting. Warm up with toasty wines to heat the cockles of your heart, including: Kenwood Yulupa Cuvee, Piper Sonoma Brut, Caposaldo Prosecco, Cristalino Brut and New Age White Wine, accompanied by hand-selected, catered hors d’oeuvres. $10. 6-8 p.m., 3431 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463)

Thursday, November 5: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
Get Squashed. Learn to make the most of this seasonal staple with a menu that includes: butternut squash with curried shrimp; baked acorn squash filled with chorizo sausage; hubbard squash cheese soufflé; zucchini and yellow squash chutney; and a classic pumpkin pie. $35. 6:30 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)

Many more events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

(Want to follow all of CL’s Food, Drink and Restaurant news? Bookmark the food section of the blog, add the CL Food RSS feed to your reader of choice, follow @BrianRies on Twitter, or check out the Food Section page multiple times daily.)

Tuesday, October 27: Snookers Grill
Champagne and Sushi. It seems like the words I’m reading are too good to be true, but unless my eyes are deceiving me, it appears that Snookers is offering unlimited — yes, like, all you could ever imbibe — champagne and chef-selected sushi. Those just happen to be two of my favorite delicacies, and though I admit to never having tried them together, it sounds like a damn fine idea. $15. 7-9 p.m., 606 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. (727-937-6665)

Wednesday, October 28: Splash! An Ocean Grill
Kennedy White House Wine Dinner. It’s no run-of-the-mill wine pairing, that’s for sure. Sommelier and foodie Perry Thomas dares you to test your tastebuds against the personal favorites of the Kennedy family, with a menu that includes: Clams Jaqueline, Little Neck clams stuffed with  pernod spinach and watercress, topped with asiago bread crumbs and oven roasted, paired with Chateau La Freynelle, Bordeaux Blanc, 2007; Homard en Bellevue, rock lobster medallions stuffed with a shrimp mousse and asparagus, served in a chilled lobster consommé with caviar-stuffed new potatoes, paired with Jadot, Pouilly Fuisse, 2007; Spring Lamb a la Broche aux Primeurs, lambsickles pan seared and glazed with a rosemary and garlic mint aspic, served with pan roasted thumbelina carrots and truffled fingerling pommes frites, paired with Chateau Bellevue Peycharneau, Bordeaux Superior, 2005; Salade Mimosa, fresh baby spring greens tossed in a light champagne-horseradish vinaigrette, garnished with sliced avocado, lump crab and chopped egg yolk, paired with Piper-Heidsieck 1785 Champagne; and Strawberries Romanoff, Plant City strawberries macerated in Grand Marnier topped with crème anglaise and chantilly cream, paired with Chateau Laribotte, Sauternes, 2003. Reservations required. $90. 7 p.m., 3973 Van Dyke Road, Tampa (813-269-8611)

Many more events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

(Want to follow all of CL’s Food, Drink and Restaurant news? Bookmark the food section of the blog, add the CL Food RSS feed to your reader of choice, follow @BrianRies on Twitter, or check out the Food Section page multiple times daily.)

Wednesday, October 21: The NoHo Bistro
A Palette for Your Palate. The bistro’s ingenious culinary team pairs five tapas tastings with a new wine each week. Tonight’s Pinot Grigio palette promises to be lip-smackingly lovely. $15. 5-8 p.m., 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)

Wednesday, October 21: Rigatoni Tuscan Oven
Wild Tuscan Wednesdays. Indulge in decadent seafood at dirt-cheap prices on high-end items like all-you-can-eat Alaskan snow crab and oysters, along with beer and pasta specials. $7-$22. 5-10 p.m., 3437 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-879-7000)

Thursday, October 22: Michael’s 717 South
Wine and Music Series. Winemakers Dan Whitaker and Ben Benvenuti host tonight’s installment in the samping series, and offer Mairena’s wines of Argentina –like Malbec, Bonarda and Sauvignon Blanc — paired with assorted cheese. Half Circle and Friends provide live tunes. $10. 7-9 p.m., 717 South Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-1661)

Thursday, October 22: Carrollwood Cultural Center
Teach and Taste Wine. Wine guide Charles Visalli leads this series of workshops on wine etiquette, how to sample wine when dining out, wine varietals, the art of pairing food with wine and more. This week’s focus is “the art of blind tasting.” E-mail timeforwine@tampabay.rr.com to reserve a spot. $25, $20 for CCC members. 6-7:30 p.m., 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa (813-269-1310)

Many more events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

(Want to follow all of CL’s Food, Drink and Restaurant news? Bookmark the food section of the blog, add the CL Food RSS feed to your reader of choice, follow @BrianRies on Twitter, or check out the Food Section page multiple times daily.)

Wednesday, October 14: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping in for SideBern’s gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one-stop wonder is cassolette with pork belly, lamb, white beans and an herb crust . $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Wednesday, October 14: Cafe Dufrain
New Twist Vodka Tasting. Most of us need a little pick-me-up by mid-week, and this free tasting, featuring Hangar One vodkas,  is just what the doctor ordered. Free. 6-7:30 p.m., 707 Harbour Post Dr., Tampa (813-275-9701)

Wednesday, October 14: Rigatoni Tuscan Oven
Wild Tuscan Wednesdays. Indulge in decadent seafood at dirt-cheap prices on high-end items like all-you-can-eat Alaskan snow crab and oysters, along with beer and pasta specials. $7-$22. 5-10 p.m., 3437 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-879-7000)

Thursday, October 15: Restaurant BT
Organic, Shaken and Stirred. Pick up your autographed copy of Organic, Shaken and Stirred: Hip Highballs, Modern Martinis, and Other Totally Green Cocktails, along with two tickets for drinks detailed in the book. $30, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 1633 W. Snow Ave., Tampa (813-258-1916)

Many more events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

See "Sideways" for movie night at WineMall

(Want to follow all of CL’s Food, Drink and Restaurant news? Bookmark the food section of the blog, add the CL Food RSS feed to your reader of choice, follow @BrianRies on Twitter, or check out the Food Section page multiple times daily.)

Wednesday, October 7: Cafe Dufrain
Wine Down Wednesday. Most of us need a little pick-me-up by mid-week, and this free wine tasting is just what the doctor ordered. Free. 6-7:30 p.m., 707 Harbour Post Dr., Tampa (813-275-9701)

Wednesday, October 7: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping in for SideBern’s gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one-stop wonder is stuffed peppers with merguez sausage, caramelized onion and parmesan cheese . $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Wednesday, October 7: Rigatoni Tuscan Oven
Wild Tuscan Wednesdays. Indulge in decadent seafood at dirt-cheap prices on high-end items like all-you-can-eat Alaskan snow crab and oysters, along with beer and pasta specials. $7-$22. 5-10 p.m., 3437 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-879-7000)

Thursday, October 8: WineMall
Movie Night. Sample a selection of wines (but no Merlot!) while drinking in a screening of Sideways, starring Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church (pictured),  Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen. Free. 6:30-9 p.m., 11246 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-855-7711)

Thursday, October 8: West Palm Wines / Beaune’s Wine Bar
Manincor Wine Dinner. Cultivated with a combination of Italian and German influences, a collection of wines from Northern Italy’s Manincor region (including Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Cabernet, Merlot and more) are paired with traditional cuisine like duck with porcini mushrooms on endive; tirolese canederli, a Trentino soup made with speck dumplings in broth; roast pork with blueberry sauce and polenta; and cheese and chocolate trays. $50 in advance. 6:30 p.m., N. 22nd St., Tampa (813-241-8587)

Thursday, October 8: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
The Shoestring Gourmet. Learn creative cooking methods for making gourmet worthy, family-pleasing dinners that won’t drain the piggy bank of its last penny. The menu includes: grilled bruschetta with rosemary, white bean purée and heirloom tomatoes; chicken roasted with 40 cloves of garlic; pecan crusted skirt steak; baby yukon potato salad with shallots, chives, bacon and lemon vinaigrette; and bittersweet chocolate tart with salted caramelized pistachios. $35, 6:30 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)

Many more events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Tuesday, September 29: Datz Deli
From Tree to Bottle: The Flavors of Olive Oil. It’s not just for frying — olive oil has a flavor all its own, and this course covers the essentials. What elements should be present for dipping? baking? sauteing? Chefs on the Loose guide the class through an oil tasting, followed by a menu of dishes inspired by the golden stuff, like a tomato ciabatta stack with arugula, mozarella and spicy olive oil; goat cheese laced with floral olive oil; red snapper tepanade with potatoes mashed with olive oil and lavender; flank steak marinated with olive oil, balsamic syrup and garlic aioli; and olive oil cake with strawberry, olive oil gelato. $55. 6:30 p.m., 2616 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-7000)

Tuesday, September 29: blu figs
Beer Gourmand Dinner. Tis the season to drink hearty (it’s Oktoberfest, after all), and this tasting allows you to do just that. Executive Chef Alex Knezevic shares the secrets behind tonight’s pairings, which begins with brie on baguette with peppered honey and citrus caviar paired with Amadeus Biere Blanc; followed by grilled triple tail sea bass with salsa verde and mustard gnocchi paired with Drop Top Amber Ale; seared tenderloin filet with carrots, roi trompette champignons arugula pistou, and blue cheese bubbles paired with Fire Rock Pale Ale; and chocolate souffle and raspberry sorbet paired with Black Wattle Seed Ale. $60. 7 p.m., 15463 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Northdale (813-963-3447)

Tuesday, September 29: The NoHo Bistro
Tapas and Tastings. This benefit for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital includes a deliciously decadent array of cuisine, accompanied by a variety of wine and beer selections. $25. 6-9 p.m., 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)

Wednesday, September 30: A Taste for Wine
Fall Festival Tasting. Start the new season off right — there’s no reason not to get a little toasty, even if it’s still pretty toasty outside. Tonight’s selections include: a German Riesling; an Oregon Pinot Noir from Henry Estate; a French Chardonnay; Heidsieck Monopole Rose Champagne; and 2004 Arrowood Cabernet. $15. 6:30 p.m., 241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-895-1623)

Wednesday, September 30: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping in for SideBern’s gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one-stop wonder is spaghetti carbonara with pancetta, zucchini and soft egg. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463) Read the rest of this entry »

Tuesday, September 22: The NoHo Bistro
Harvest Wine Dinner. Underdog Wines are paired with each of the meal’s five courses, which include crudites and red pepper aioli, seared scallops with cauliflower puree, a green salad with sweet potato crisps, a duet of veal or a vegetarian option of polenta and wild mushrooom torta, and cardamom-buttermilk pie. Call in advance for reseravtions.  $45. 6:30-9 p.m., 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)

Wednesday, September 23: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping in for SideBern’s gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one-stop wonder is coq au vin  with carrots, mushrooms and potato puree. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Wednesday, September 23: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
Not Your Average Pasta. There’s nary a macaroni and cheese or marinara sauce in sight — instead, the menu includes: orzo salad with feta cheese and avocado; tagliatelle with fava beans, mascarpone and prosciutto; tortellini with grilled chicken in a dijon caper cream auce with sundried tomatoes and basil; and shrimp and casarecci carbonara. $40. 6 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)

Thursday, September 24: Carrollwood Cultural Center
Teach and Taste Wine. Wine guide Charles Visalli leads this series of workshops on wine etiquette, how to sample wine when dining out, wine varietals, the art of pairing food with wine and more. This week’s focus is “discovering champagne and sparkling wine.” E-mail timeforwine@tampabay.rr.com to reserve a spot. $25, $20 for CCC members. 6-7:30 p.m., 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa (813-269-1310) Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, September 16: Whole Foods
Cheese Course Erik Woody leads this tasting of French cheeses. Contact sherell.white@wholefoods.com to register. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 1548 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-874-9724)

Wednesday, September 16: The NoHo Bistro
A Palette for Your Palate. The bistro’s ingenious culinary team pairs five tapas tastings with a new wine each week. Today, enjoy a Pint Grigio palette. $15. 5-8 p.m., 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)

Wednesday, September 16: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping in for SideBern’s gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one-stop wonder is shellfish risotto with fennel, arugula and mascarpone cheese. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Thursday, September 17: Mike Kwasin
Seeds of Hope Tasting. Owner of Fine Wine and Spirits Warehouse, Mike Kwasin, hosts this tasting of wines like Darioush, Artesa, Beringer, Nickel & Nickel, Opus One and more to benefit the Seeds of Hope foundation, which works to eradicate malnutrition in the Dominican Republic. Includes light hors d’oeuvres. $25 per person and $40 per couple. 3613 S. Beach Dr., Tampa (813-837-8941) Read the rest of this entry »

Winter Park singer/songwriter Mike Dunn makes music that evokes freedom and wind in your face. His grabby, anthemic tunes send out a whiff of Americana, but at core they are pure, pop-infused rock ’n’ roll. Dunn pulls from a list of 11 confederates to make up his backing band, the Kings of New England, on any given night. No word on how many will show up at New World for this gig, but the safe bet is it won’t be all 11. Atlanta’s Rick Brantley opens, making the same kind of big-gesture rock, buoyed by his appealingly weathered voice. Will Quinlan makes a guest appearance and, well, we all know Quinlan, the dour dean of Tampa Bay’s Americana scene. (Pictured: Mike Dunn. Photo by Tessa Cox) 9 p.m. Thurs., July 2, New World Brewery, 1313 E. 8th Ave., Ybor City, $7, 813-248-4969 (Eric Snider)

Wine guide Charles Visalli leads a series of workshops on wine etiquette, how to sample wine when dining out, wine varietals, the art of pairing food with wine and more. This week’s focus is “tasting and travel around the world.” E-mail timeforwine@tampabay.rr.com to reserve a spot, or visit carrollwoodcenter.org for more info. 6-7:30 p.m. Thu., July 2, Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa, $25, $20 for CCC members, 813-269-1310, carrollwoodcenter.org.

Dunedin Fine Arts Center Spring/Summer Exhibitions: Craft-ed!, Charles Parkhill and Kim Michelle Coakley. Take Monday off and head to the Dunedin Fine Art Center for what CL art critic Megan Voeller calls three of the best shows of the season. Here are her comments: “For starters, there’s Kim Michelle Coakley’s explosion of (literally) off-the-wall paintings, in which strokes of vibrant color fuse with tendrils of paper and even lace to suggest a Dr. Seussian view of nature. [That's one of her paintings at right.] Then craft-ed!, a group show featuring emerging artists from the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Tennessee, celebrates fresh talent in the realms of clay, fiber arts, mixed media assemblage and more. (For craft nirvana look no further than Damon McIntyre’s darkly humorous wood sculptures of a guillotine and an electric chair, or Kim Eichler-Messmer’s screen-printed quilts.) As if that weren’t enough, Sanford-based sculptor Charles Parkhill wows with an elegant solo exhibition of found wood sculptures in spare, poetic forms.” Through May 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun., Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin, free admission, 727-298-3322, dfac.org.

Community Town Meeting on the Arts The Arts Council of Hillsborough County Artist Advisory Committee hosts this forum focusing on the cultural needs and concerns of the area. Small sessions tailored to individual disciplines may also be hosted, depending on audience feedback. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend. Call 813-276-8250 for more info. Mon., May 4, 6:30-8 p.m., Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa, 813-269-1310.

Carrie Sue Ayvar’s “Stories of Florida.” The acclaimed storyteller flows seamlessly between Spanish and English as she weaves tales connecting Florida’s people, languages and cultures. Visit hcplc.org for more info. 7 p.m. Mon., May 4, Lutz Branch Library, Lutz, free, 813-264-3800.