Daily Loaf

Tuesday, September 1: Blue Figs Gourmet Lounge
Whiskey Dinner. Four single-malt scotch whiskeys (Aberfeldy, Glenfarclas, Balvenie DoubleWood and Highland Park) accompany four courses at this horizontal tasting. Executive Chef David Burton’s bold menu is sure to stand up to the stiff drinks. It includes: smoked wild river salmon with horseradish creme fraiche, duck leg with black barley soup, lamb and arugula salad with chevre and grapefruit, and creme caramel with candied key lime. Call in advance to reserve one of the 16 available seats. $50 in advance; $60 at the door. 7 p.m., 15463 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-963-3447)

Tuesday, September 1: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
Hispanic Techniques. Learn to inject Latin flavor into your cooking in this four-part series of cooking classes. The course menu borrows from many Hispanic traditions, and includes: rellenos de papas; rice and beans with calabaza; salted codfish stewed in tomatoes and olives; coconut ice cream;  cucumber soup; hearts of palm salad; pupusas; Honduras torrijas (ladyfingers in syrup); empanada de pino (meat turnover); bistec a lo pobre (traditional beefsteak); pastel de choclo (corn and meat pie); turron de vino (wine meringue); ceviche de pescado; aji (Andean-style Cchile paste); lomo saltado (steak with red wine); aji de gallina (spicy chicken); papas a la arequipena. $200 for all four classes. 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 11-Sept. 1., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)

Wednesday, September 2: World of Wines
Ed Hardy and Rutherglen Estates Wine Tasting. Robert’s Catering provides hors d’oeuvres to complement the wine selections. $5. 6-8 p.m., 3431 S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463)

Wednesday, September 2: 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 Provencal short rib, seasoned with carrot, fennel and mustard sauce. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463) Read the rest of this entry »

Is it possible to be in love with a chocolate cake? Is it possible to marry it? How about toasted coconut ice cream? Can I marry it too? Please tell me I can. Oh, but wait, that means I would be married to 3 things, my husband, chocolate cake and toasted coconut ice cream. Welp, I guess it’s time to move to Utah! (I know, polygamy and polyandry is illegal, even in Utah)

What you gaze upon is quite possibly the most decedent, moist, over the top, heavenly flourless chocolate cake. If I ever get put in the slammer and am on death row and need a last meal, this will be it. With a big ass glass of cold milk. Since this cake only consists of 3 ingredients, Read the rest of this entry »