Daily Loaf

Chef Cat Cora visits the Hard Rock for a cooking demo on Saturday

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 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, so come back regularly and bring your BFFs, blind dates, co-workers, boy/girlfriends or, hell, someone else’s boyfriend. $15 for two glasses of wine paired with two tapas. 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)

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

Tuesday, February 9: Roy’s
Australian Wine Dinner and Bottle Signing. Winemaker John L’archet hosts tonight’s dinner to share some of his secrets, sign bottles and recommend wines for your sophisticated palate. Chef Kiel provides a fabulous five-course meal, perfectly paired with delectable selections from down under. $75. 6:30-9 p.m., 4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa (813-873-7697)

Tuesday, February 9: 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)

Thursday, February 11: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Night Tasting with Vincenzo Protti and Giampaolo Tabarrini. The market’s locally-revered meats and cheeses are perfectly paired with more than 50 selections of vino from Italy, including the highly-rated Fontodi’s Flacianello 2006, all hosted by the vintners of the Bosco del Merlo and Vescine Wineries. $30. 7-9 p.m., 2209 22nd Ave N., St. Petersburg (727-321-2400)

Thursday, February 11 – Sunday, February 14: Cafe Dufrain
Valentine’s Day Chef Menu. If you’re going for decadence, you can’t beat this weekend-long Chef-selected menu that includes: a selection of fluke sashini with white miso, asian pear, ginger pickled cucumbers and a jasmine rice croquette; seasonal oysters with a cocktail mignonette and tabasco granite; organic mixed greens with heirloom tomato, red onion, roast garlic crouton and a mustard celery vinaigrette; warm confit of organic mushrooms with roasted black garlic cloves, chevre and a grilled baguette; or Kurboto pork cheeks with fried green tomato, smoked bacon and a sweet onion marmalade. The main course offers a gingered yellowfin tuna with wok-fried bok choy, steamed oxtail dumplings and a shiitake consomme; organic smart chicken, harissa spiced, with preserved lemon israeli couscous, chickpea cake and pachadi; Korean barbecue buffalo short ribs with lemongrass scented jasmine rice, kimchee trio and bibb lettuce; roast Berkshire pork with yucca gratin, crisp sweet plantain and a grapefruit avocado relish; and a duo of fennel pollen-dusted maine lobster, american kobe flat iron with chantrelle cream and anson mills creamy polenta; for dessert, choose from carrot cake with mascarpone icing and pecan butter cream cheese ice cream; a chocolate five-spice sorbet with chocolate salted cashew cake and cocoa foam; and baked Fuji apples with walnut praline tart, warm caramel, cinnamon ice cream and streusel crumbs. $50 per person. 707 Harbour Post Drive, Harbour Island, Tampa (813-275-9701)

Friday, February 12: World of Wines South Tampa
Get Some Wine for your Valentine. It’s trite but true: nothing sets the mood for a romantic evening like a good bottle of wine. Today’s hors d’oeuvres-paired pours include: Mustang Sally Shiraz; Pristine Chardonnay; Nordic Frost Riesling; Three’s Company GSM; Black Sheep SMM; Thousand Words Chardonnay; Thoroughbred Cabernet; and Choc-o-Bloc Tawny. $10. 6-8 p.m., 3431 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463)

Many, many more food, wine and Valentine’s event after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Try duck a l'orange at Bern's Potluck Wednesday.

Wednesday, January 20: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping by for gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one pot wonder is duck a l’orange with glazed root vegetables and dried apricot. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Friday, January 22: The Anchor Bar
AB Wine Tasting. Even though it sounds like it might be a hangout for Popeye or Cap’n Jack Sparrow, the Anchor Bar is classing it up with tonight’s wine tasting, accompanied by complimentary hors d’oeuvres. That trumps a bottle of rum, yo ho. Free. 6 p.m., 304 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-489-4573)

Friday, January 22: Bern’s Fine Wine and Spirits
Spanish Crush Hour. Represented regions include Penedes, Bierzo and Rias Baixa, each paired with chef-selected cheeses from Bern’s Cave du Fromage. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

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

Tonight, wine aficionado Taylor Eason hosts NoHo Bistro’s Winter Wine Dinner. The five-course meal is paired with selections from NoHo’s expansive wine collection, and includes: eggplant agrodolce and herbed goat cheese crostini paired with sparkling wine or Riff 2007 Pinot Grigio; Urban Oasis Farms local greens, butternut squash and pomegranate with maple vinaigrette paired with Pine Ridge 2008 Chenin Blanc-Viognier; honey-glazed quail with Read the rest of this entry »

Learn to make Southern pecan pie at the Publix Apron's cooking class on Thursday

Thursday, January 7: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
It’s a Southern Tradition. Whether you’re a Southerner by birth or by choice, some dishes offer down-home comforts, like tonight’s menu of: jalapeño cornbread; hoppin’ John; pot liquor greens; chicken fried steak with country gravy; and molasses pecan pie. $35. 6 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)

Friday, January 8: Uncorked Fine Wine and Spirits
Flashing Tie and Psychedelic Pink Sweater Wine Tasting. This third annual event celebrates the most unwanted, ugliest, tacky-beyond-belief Christmas gifts that many of us were unfortunate enough to receive this year. At least it’s good for something — the most awful among them wins a prize. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 Fourth Street N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Friday, January 8: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Crush Hour. Four vintages of “Bosché” Cabernet Sauvignon and four vintages of “Sycamore” Cabernet Sauvignon are on the pour tonight led by tonight’s tasting guide, Luis Reyneri from Freemark Abbey. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Saturday, January 9: Florida Estates Winery
Wine Fest. Sure, you can sample the Winery’s variety of offerings at today’s fest, but the palate-pleasing adventure doesn’t end there: taste a plethora of homemade sauces, browse locally-made arts, crafts and jewelry, boogie to live music by Sam Osborn and more. $3.50. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 25241 SR 52, Land O Lakes (813-996-2113)

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

Try oysters three ways at Roy's on Friday

Tuesday, December 1: Whole Foods
The College Cafe. Bulls Radio DJ Mike Ranon is on hand to rock while you learn to roll sushi. Today’s Sushi 101 class is all about California dreamin’: create the perfect California roll. Register in store lobby or by contacting Sherell White at sherell.white@wholefoods.com. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-874-9435)

Wednesday, December 2: Cork and Olive Carrollwood
Wine and Sign. At most family outings, someone’s bound to be bored, whether it’s parents or kids. Not so at tonight’s wine and sign, where parents partake in two for one house wines while kids are entertained by author Brenda Darnley Martin, who reads her new book, The Treasure Hunt Fish and Miss Bernadette’s Wish, followed by a cookie-decorating sesh with the Nana of Nana’s Cookie Jar. Free. 5:30-8 p.m., 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-868-3733)

Wednesday, December 2: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping by for gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one pot wonder is lasagna arrabbiata with pork ragout, ricotta cheese and red chile. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Thursday, December 3: Whole Foods
Top Ten Wines. This class and tasting offers the best value and taste so you can choose the perfect seasonal wine for your holiday table (or, if you’re lucky enough not to be cooking this year’s Big Meal, the ideal gift for your generous host). Register in store lobby or by contacting Sherell White at sherell.white@wholefoods.com. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-874-9435)

Friday, December 4: Roy’s
Explore the Wines of Winemall. Cinq French wines are expertly paired with Chef Kiel Lombardo five-course meal, which includes: raw, poached and crispy oysters with lemongrass sorbet, beurre blanc and foie gras paired with Palais Rohan; a cassoulet of bay scallops, rock shrimp, opakapaka with rice beans and vanilla shellfish foam paired with Chardonnay, Domaine Luc; lamb and pork sausage with crispy lentils and black garlic red wine reduction paired with Chateau la Baume; a sous vide New York strip with a kinome peppercorn bordelaise sauce paired with Mission du Marquis, Saint Estephe; and warm apricot tart with lavender mousse with apricot Bavarian Mille Feuilles and burnt lemon pot de crème paired with Reserve de Graman, Graves Superieur. $75. 6:30-10:30 p.m., 4342 West Boyscout Blvd., Tampa (813-873-7697)

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

Go alternative at the ThanksVegan Feast

Wednesday, November 25: Vino 100
Thanksgiving Tasting. If you’re anything like me, you’ve put off holiday preparations until the last minute. There’s still cleaning to be done and meals to plan, but at least you’ll know which wine will grace your holiday table after attending this tasting that pairs perfect seasonal wines with a selection of Thanksgiving favorites, so you can choose your ideal combo. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-522-8466)

Wednesday, November 25: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Happy Holidays. Bern’s is offering a bite of holiday cheer: buy any wine or spirit and take your same-day receipt to the Sidebern’s bar for a complimentary Chef’s Choice bite from the lounge menu. 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Thursday, November 26: Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa
ThanksVegan Feast. Thanksgiving should be an opportunity for all sorts of folks to get together and stuff themselves without recrimination, unless you’re spending the holiday with your family. Why discriminate against people who shun the bird for more esoteric culinary fetishes? Join vegans, vegetarians, raw foodists and the veg-curious at the fourth annual ThanksVegan Feast. It’s a potluck, so you’ll need to bring a covered dish that’s free of animal products (even bacon), a massive appetite and a willingness to buck traditional foods while maintaining the true spirit of the season: gluttony, in all its cruelty-free glory. $5 (with a dish), $15 (without a dish). 1:30-5:30 p.m., 11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, vegtampathanksgiving.com. —Brian Ries

Thursday, November 26: The NoHo Bistro
Thanksgiving: To Cook, or Not To Cook? Instead of worrying about undercooking the turkey, runny mashed potatoes, or burning the pumpkin pie, take time to relax with the family (or attempt to avoid them), watch the Macy’s Parade, and scream/cheer at the football games while NoHo Bistro does the work for you. Just follow their cooking instructions and within minutes, you’ll be digging into their scrumptious seasonal meal that includes: whole roasted turkey with herbed butter chestnut-cranberry Stuffing; maple-cured bacon sweet potato souffle with marshmallow crust; honey-glazed butternut squash; creamed peas with baby onions; and pumpkin praline tart. This ain’t no Swanson’s Turkey Dinner! $26.95 per person. 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)

Many more events after the break: 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 »

(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 »

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 »

HCC’s Visual and Performing Arts Series presents Danny Hoch’s (pictured) critically acclaimed one-man show, Jails, Hospitals and Hip-Hop — with a twist. Accompanying lone actor Curtis Belz’s eight monologue characterizations – which include Flip, a good ol’ boy from the Midwest who has come to identify with urban hip-hoppers; Bronx, a sidewalk vendor who gets pinched for selling without a license; and Sam, a prison guard with an anger management problem (evidenced by his beating a prisoner nearly to death) –are musician Matt Wetherington and choreographer/dancer DeMario Henry. Wetherington’s original score includes mixing on stage and live guitar; Henry shows off fresh hip-hop moves and dance, and his hip-hop troupe, the VYB Dance Company, kicks off the show. Sept. 17-19, 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., Hillsborough Community College – Ybor Campus, Performing Arts Building, Corner of Palm Avenue and 14th St., Ybor City,  $10 general admission, $5 students and seniors, free for HCC students, faculty and staff, 813-253-7695. – Lily Reisman 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 »

Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. This Saturday, the Tampa Theatre invites you to kiss the ring of Don Corkleone at their wine tasting extravaganza.

Each year, Tampa Theatre hosts a film-themed food and wine bash, and this eighth annual event honors Martin Scorsese with The Grapefather. Costumes are encouraged at this occasion featuring small plates from restaurants including SideBern’s, The NoHo Bistro, The Rack and Seven 17 South as well as wine tastings from seven Italian boutique wineries. A huge, unique silent auction rounds out the experience. Sat., Sept. 19, 7-10 p.m., Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa, $50 grand tasting, $85 VIP, 813-274-8981, tampatheatre.org. – Taylor Eason

Monday, August 17: Restaurant BT
This cooking class on French-Vietnamese cuisine includes a menu of tuna tai chanh, grilled octopus salad, and lemongrass crusted red snapper, each paired with a complementary wine selection. $60. 6:30-8 p.m., 1633 W. Snow Ave., Tampa (813-258-1916)

Tuesday, August 18: The Lobster Pot
Dinner and Fine Wine Tasting. Chandon Wines (yeah, the Moet folks of rap video fame) host this lavish tasting that includes a menu of lobster ceviche, oysters, Jamaican jerk shrimp and scallops, pan seared sea bass, grilled lamb chops and key lime pie, each accompanied by specially selected varietals from the Chandon family of wines. $75. 6:30 p.m., 17814 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores (727-291-8532)

Tuesday, August 18: Datz Deli
Salt of the Earth. Despite what some may say, Datz wants to teach you that “from fleur de sel to kosher, all salts are not created equal.” Learn how to use this humble ingredient to enhance the flavors of every bite you eat. Free. 6 p.m., 2616 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-7000)

Tuesday, August 18: 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, August 19: The NoHo Bistro
Wine Wednesdays. Every week, enjoy a relaxing end to each “hump day” with this tapas and wine tasting. Each Wednesday has a new theme, so don’t miss out on any of these palate-pleasing pairings. This month’s focus is the wines of California, and this week’s theme is “Santa Barbera.” $15. 6-7 p.m., 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)

Read the rest of this entry »

Tuesday, August 11: 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, August 12: The Lobster Pot
Z Fest. The Zodiac Club, a Salvador Dali Museum support group, hosts this evening of culinary delight and arty conversation, offering half price entrees like lobster bisque, oysters Rockefeller, lobster tail, filet mignon and more.  The Lobster Pot offers Zodiac Club members the same “surreal deal” through the end of August. RSVP to victor.g.santiago@me.com. 6:30 p.m., 17814 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores (727-291-8532)

Wednesday, August 12: 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 duck confit cannelloni, with roasted hazelnuts, arugula and caramelized onion. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463) Read the rest of this entry »

If the tour title didn’t give you an immediate hint at hardcore music, the logo should with its pair of spiky-horned demons gripping an electric guitar in a freakish tug-o-war, one burned down to his bones, the other with a crimson face melting in gooey drips. The second annual Thrash & Burn tour spotlights a diverse lineup of underground metal bands, with California death metal makers DevilDriver (pictured) headlining and direct support provided by New England deathcore outfit Emmure. Thrash and Burn Tour feat. DevilDriver/Emmure/Despised Icon/My Children My Bride/Veil of Maya/For the Fallen Dreams/Oceano/Periphery, Wed., Aug. 5, 5 p.m., State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, $20 in advance/$25 doors — Leilani Polk.

Every week, NoHo Bistro banishes the mid-week blues with Wine Wednesdays, a relaxing end to each hump day. This tapas and wine tasting has a new theme each week, so don’t miss out on any of their palate-pleasing pairings. August’s focus is the wines of California, and the wines du jour hail from Sonoma Valley. 6-7 p.m., Weds., Aug. 5, NohHo Bistro, 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, $15, 813-514-0691.

Arlene Lueck’s quilt, "Mom’s Hair Tools," is included in "EXPLORATIONS: An Exhibition of Journal Quilts" at the Dunedin Fine Art Center.

Popular since the nineteenth century, sawtooth patterns — based on repeated, triangular forms that evoke the edge of a saw blade — remain a go-to motif for makers of pieced quilts. At Dunedin Fine Art Center, contemporary quilters put the pattern through its paces in fun, fresh designs as part of SAWTOOTH: New Quilts from an Old Favorite. The exhibit features 18 quilts selected through an international competition held by the National Quilt Museum, including the first place winner, “Berry Patch” by Claudia Clark Myers and Marilyn Badger of Duluth, Minn. A second quilting showcase, EXPLORATIONS: An Exhibition of Journal Quilts, spotlights DFAC’s own resident quilting guild, Innovative Quilters, whose “journal quilts” combine a variety of techniques — from appliqué to batik — in poetic constructions. Through Aug. 9, regular hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun., Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, 727-298-3322, dfac.org. — Megan Voeller

BYOP (popcorn, that is!) for In the Company of Wild Butterflies at Brooker Creek’s movie night, and catch a glimpse of butterflies like you’ve never seen them before. Learn how caterpillars hatch from eggs, how they later emerge from cocoons, how butterflies “sniff” with their feet and more. The screening is followed by tips for creating your own butterfly garden, so you can see them up close, right in your own back yard. 7-8 p.m. Weds., Aug. 5, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, Tarpon Springs, free, pre-registration recommended, pinellascounty.org.

Wednesday, July 22: The NoHo Bistro
Wine Wednesdays. Every week this summer, enjoy a relaxing end to each “hump day” with this tapas and wine tasting. Each Wednesday has a new theme, so don’t miss out on any of these palate-pleasing pairings. This week’s theme is “The Italian Way.” $15. 6-7 p.m., 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)

Wednesday, July 22: Parkshore Grill
Murphy Goode Wine Dinner. Chef Tyson presents an organic five-course menu using sustainable meats and fresh, local produce from Gateway Organic Farm, which receives proceeds from the event. $75. 6:30-8:30, 300 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727-896-9463)

Wednesday, July 22: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping by for gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one-stop wonder is a Tuscan take on the BLT, with pancetta, heirloom tomatoes, grilled romaine and rosemary mayonnaise. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Wednesday, July 22: Datz Deli
Rethink Pink. Get a glimpse into the often misunderstood flavor profile of Rose wines, the perfect, cooling pick-me-up for hot summers. Free. 6 p.m., 2616 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-7000)

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Tuesday, July 14: Safety Harbor Resort and Spa
Enjoy a seven-course French meal paired with professionally-selected wines in honor of Bastille Day. The menu includes Franco favorites like escargot, a Beurre Blanc salmon and shrimp skewer, ratatouille, a variety of artisanal cheeses and more. Proceeds benefit the Abilities foundation, which helps locals with disabilities to find work. $75. 6:30 p.m., 105 N. Bayshore Dr., Safety Harbor (727-726-1161)

Tuesday, July 14: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Tenuta Arceno Winemaker Tasting. Lawrence Cronin, winemaker at the revered Tuscan winemaking estate, is on hand for this complimentary wine tasting and bottle signing featuring Arceno’s Chianti Classico, Primavoce, Arcanum I and Arcanum II. Free. 2209 22nd Ave. N. St. Petersburg (727-321-2400)

Wednesday, July 15: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Potluck Wednesday. Beat the mid-week dinner blahs by stopping by for gourmet take-away — and enjoy a complimentary mini-wine tasting while you wait. This week’s one pot wonder is shellfish bouillabaisse with green beans, tomato and saffron broth. $19.95. 5-8 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Wednesday, July 15: The NoHo Bistro
Wine Wednesdays. Every week this summer, enjoy a relaxing end to each “hump day” with this tapas and wine tasting. Each Wednesday has a new theme, so don’t miss out on any of these palate-pleasing pairings. This week’s theme is “A Rose is a Rosé.” $15. 6-7 p.m., 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)

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