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 »

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 »

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.)

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 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

Despite the culture surrounding celebrity chefs that’s sprung up in recent years worldwide, our own local culinary heroes usually spend much of their time behind the line instead of in front of the cameras. Our annual Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll is your chance to recognize your favorite knife-wielding madman (or madwoman)!

Right now, the race is tight. Here’s a rundown on the top vote-getters so far: Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

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)

Read the rest of this entry »

What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

Celebrating Independence Day or creating environmental disaster? – Kelly Rothwell looks at the littered aftermath of Fourth of July celebrations and wonder why, instead of giving back in celebration of their freedom, people decide to light off fireworks, leaving mass amounts of debris in the water and on the beach.

Local Food: Dinner in, and from, the garden at Gateway Organic Farm – Chef Gui Alinat gives information about Gateway Organic Farm’s next “Dinner in the Garden” event, an incredible local foods experience featuring nine Bay area chefs.

Read the rest of this entry »

On Sunday, October 18 at 4:00 pm, Gateway Organic Farm will present its 2nd Dinner in the Garden. It’s difficult to find true farm-to-table experiences in Tampa Bay, despite the growing interest in local food. Note that Gateway Organic Farm is the only organic farm in hyper-developed Pinellas County and one of two (count’em!) organic farms in Tampa Bay.

What’s the Dinner in the Garden?

Nine chefs and the farmers have one vision: harvesting and preparing a six-course dinner, with wine, in a greenhouse overlooking the garden. Chefs Tyson Grant of Parkshore Grill, Matt Tracy of St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Chris Knowles of Sea Sea Riders, Gui Alinat of chefgui.com (that’s me), Peter Leonavicius of Toasted Pheasant, pastry chef Cathleen Ryan (Gateway Farm Chef/Pastry Girl consultant) , Bobby Mayo of Sideberns, Thomas Kerns and Terry Harding, will feature fresh organic vegetables from the farm, along with local and organic meat, sustainable fish, and fine wines.

But the most entertaining experience for the guests, beside tasting from-the-ground local ingredients, is the chance to socialize with the nine chefs, as well as the farmers and local producer, who actually dine with them. Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Feb. 4: ABC Fine Wines and Spirits Largo
Sample from dozens of wine selections, with free hors d’oeuvres. $10. 1603 N. Missouri Ave., Largo (727-581-4642)

Thursday, Feb. 5: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
4 course Spanish wine dinner featuring importer David Bernard of Vinamericas. $49. 6:30-9 p.m., 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-449-2988 or belleairgrill.com)

Thursday, Feb. 5: Whole Foods
This tasting class will cover reds, whites and sparkling wines. Registration required. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 1548 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-874-9435)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, Jan. 29: All Children’s Hospital
This class is designed to teach parents and kids how to cook healthy foods. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., All Children’s Hospital Education Center, 701 4th St., St. Petersburg (allkids.org)

Thursday, Jan. 29: Cork & Olive Palm Harbor
Sip and dip night with eight red and white wines and olive oil. Free. 6-8 p.m., 4978 Ridgemoor Blvd., Palm Harbor (727-781-9463 or corkandolive.com)

Upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Jan. 28: Cork & Olive Carrolwood
Wine 101 class that’ll teach you how to taste. $10 (applied to purchase). 6:30-8 p.m., 10019 N.Dale Mabry Hwy., Carrolwood (813-868-3733 or corkandolivecarrolwood.com)

Upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Friday, Jan. 23: Vintage Wine Cellars
Hoppy beers will be on tap. $10. 7-9 p.m., 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa (813-879-2931 or vintagewinecellars.net)

Friday, Jan. 23: Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits
Continuing the January Crush Hour series, Bern’s will feature Oregon Pinot Noirs. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463 or bernssteakhouse.com)

Friday, Jan. 23: Kuba Cigars
Hit Kuba for wines from Argentina, Spain and more. Free. 7-9 p.m., 243 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-258-8191 or kubacigars.com)

Friday, Jan. 23: Cork & Olive Palm Harbor
Wine and cheese social with eight red and white wines, cheese and olive oil. Free. 6-8 p.m., 4978 Ridgemoor Blvd., Palm Harbor (727-781-9463 or corkandolive.com)

Friday, Jan. 23: Uncorked
Weekly tasting features Argentinean wines. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463 or uncorkedwines.com)

Friday, Jan. 23: Cork & Olive Carrolwood
Learn how to pair cigars with wine, with a cigar roller on hand from Serafin Cigars. Free. 6-8 p.m., 10019 N.Dale Mabry Hwy., Carrolwood (813-868-3733 or corkandolivecarrolwood.com)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, Jan. 22: Winemall
Tampa Bay Lightning wine tasting featuring Lightning Girls and benefitting the Lightning Foundation. Free. 6-8 p.m., 11246 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-855-7711 or winemall.com)

Thursday, Jan. 22: Toasted Pheasant Bistro
Tuscan wine dinner with wine expert Massimiliano Boscaino and food from Chef Peter Leonavicius. $54.95. 7-9:30 p.m., 14445 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-265-6700 or toastedpheasant.com)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Our favorite consulting chef needs to get her own place. Soon.

In the meantime, though, she’s been working with Gaspar’s Grotto to beef up its brunch menu:

“The overarching theme is laidback, pirate-pumped, Ybor-style fun, but with high-quality food (price: $29.95). They’ve experimented with a beignet recipe, the plan to shake them in a bag with sugar and pass them around the dining room (a tribute to the way Phil Alessi did it years ago).”

Aaargh! More details at Laura Reiley’s St. Pete Times blog.

Chef Chad Johnson

Little ‘ole Tampa hits the big time this Thursday, as SideBern’s sommelier Kevin Pelley and Executive Chef Chad Johnson head to New York City to match wits and palates with four other restaurants from across the country. They head to semi-finals of Copa Jerez where restaurants compete by offering up their most innovative food paired with Spain’s historic yet completely misunderstood beverage, Sherry. (Read more about Sherry here).

In its third year, the competition is sponsored by the Sherry Council of America, whose main purpose lies in introducing our rich, affluent market to their food friendly alcohol. Copa Jerez could effectively do this as higher-end restaurants start to warm up to the idea of pushing Sherry to the masses. After working on their three entries for two months, Pelley is pretty pumped for the competition — especially the part about the free trip to New York — and hopes this encourages more of their guests to try his favorite Sherries. If you’re curious about the concoctions, the duo has already placed one of their creations on their tasting menu at SideBern’s… Read the rest of this entry »