Daily Loaf

The Dalmore is a classic name in Scotch — located way up in north Scotland, just past Inverness and the Highlands — but one that has received little credit here in the colonies over the past decade or so. With a change from Jim Beam to a new marketing company, and an alliance with big daddy Southern Wine and Spirits for distribution, The Dalmore is trying to change its image here in the States.

Which is why I found fully-kilted Richard Patterson — Master Blender of The Dalmore’s parent company Whyte & Mackay — in my office, pouring much of The Dalmore’s line. Although most Scotch distilleries try to maintain a “house style” that’s consistent through the years and across different varieties, this was different. Each pour opened up a whole new range of textures and flavors, with a few subtle notes tying the line together.

Here’s the rundown: Read the rest of this entry »

Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar.

Dunedin Green Market- Every Friday; 8 am- 1 pm. The Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the cross streets of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin and runs every Friday.

Tampa Downtown Market- Fridays October-May; 10 am-2 pm. The vision of the Tampa Downtown Market is to provide local residents and businesses of the community with the freshest, highest quality, most nutritious, and most reasonably priced food & gourmet products. The mission of the Tampa Downtown Market is to serve as a community-gathering place where local farmers, producers, and artisans can offer fresh agricultural and related products to generate a sense of local pride and further the economic development of Downtown Tampa. With a strong focus on sustainability, the Tampa Downtown Market intends to provide a vehicle to educate the community on the importance of good health as we create more business opportunities and residential benefits. Located in Lykes Gaslight Square- Tampa St. & Kennedy Blvd., Downtown Tampa.

Ellenton Farmers Market- Saturdays; 8 am – 1 pm. Ellenton Farmers’ Market will be the largest year-round market in florida that specializes in “green” natural, organic and environmentally friendly products that makes for a healthier lifestyle and a better environment. Located just North of the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton, Florida (exit 224, Old Exit 43, off I – 75).

St. Pete Saturday Morning Market- Every Saturday; 9 am to 2 pm. Downtown St. Petersburg in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot / 1st Ave. S and 1st St. Open October 3 through May 29.
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Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar.

Sock Hop and Wine Tasting at Whole Foods- Friday, September 25; 6:30-7:30 pm. Happy Days are here again! Come celebrate back to school with a blast from the past. Tampa Whole Foods Market will be hosting a mid century sock hop and wine tasting. Customers will be treated to dance instruction with June Kittay as they twist and shout, mambo, and swing. So come on and do the locomotion with us! Registration required at store exit lobby or sherell.white@wholefoods.com. Event is limited to 75 people. Free Event. Whole Foods Market Tampa- 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. 813.874.9435.

Yoga Groove- Friday, Sept 25; 7-9 pm. Step into your unlimited potential, and express the unspoken hunger to move. Use the wisdom of yoga and the ancient rhythm of the breath to free your mind and body. Unleash your spirit. $20 advance registration required, $25 at the door. The Lotus Pond, 6201 Lynn Rd, Tampa. 813-961-3160; www.yogalotusroom.com

Ellenton Farmers Market- Saturdays; 8 am – 1 pm. Ellenton Farmers’ Market will be the largest year-round market in florida that specializes in “green” natural, organic and environmentally friendly products that makes for a healthier lifestyle and a better environment. Located just North of the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton, Florida (exit 224, Old Exit 43, off I – 75).
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Choice. Angus. Natural. Organic. Humanely raised. Grass-fed. Prime. Wagyu. Kobe. These days, there are more marketing terms associated with beef than ever before, all of which attempt to separate you from your food budget with promises of better quality or better moral character. And it’s important to know what those terms mean, especially if you’re concerned about greening your meat.

But for most folks, taste is the deciding factor. We might buy prime for the intense marbling, or Kobe and Wagyu for the promise of massaged, beer-drinking cows with intensely tender flesh. Grass-fed beef provides more old-school beef flavor, while organic gives us happier — and possibly more tasty — cows.

We cut through the marketing lingo straight to the meat of the matter by pitting six different, readily available, supermarket steaks against one another: Angus from Sweetbay, choice from Publix, humanely-raised from Publix Greenwise, humanely-raised from Whole Foods, prime and American Wagyu from Mazzaro’s.

Each steak, all NY strip, with one exception, was simply seasoned with the same amount of salt and pepper (by size) and each was grilled to medium-rare (although the thickest gave us a few problems). We then assembled a crack team of CL carnivores — foodies and amateurs — to sample the steaks in a blind tasting and rate the meat.

The results surprised the hell out of us. Find out the winner after the break. Read the rest of this entry »

Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar.

Guided Canoe Trip at Weedon Island Preserve- Friday, June 12. Take this opportunity to explore a portion of the south canoe trail at Weedon Island Preserve. This trail offers a rare look at some of the aquatic ecosystems that make west-central Florida so special. Trained canoe guides lead you through mangrove stands and over seagrass and oyster beds, while pointing out various flora and fauna that live here. If you have never explored the Preserve from the water, this is an exciting opportunity you don’t want to miss! The cost for this unique experience is $14.02 per person plus tax ($15 total) or $28.04 per canoe plus tax ($30 total) (maximum of 3 people per canoe). Spaces fill quickly, and pre-registration is required. Minimum age: Children must be 6 years old or older and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. Call(727) 453-6500 for more information and to register. Weedon Island Preserve- 1500 Weedon Dr NE, St Petersburg.

Dutch Approach to Climate Change: A Dialogue with Tampa Bay- Friday, June 12. To open a dialogue on knowledge exchange between the Tampa Bay region and the Dutch water sector on approaches to adapt our cities and infrastructure to potential consequences of climate change. Target audience: Water resource managers, urban planners, utility managers, municipal administrators, infrastructure engineers, members of Tampa Bay community. Gain new insight into how the integration of water management, land use planning, infrastructure engineering and hazard planning can prepare Tampa Bay for potential consequences of climate change. For questions related to workshop content, please contact Dr. Daniel Yeh (dhyeh@eng.usf.edu ) 813.974.4746. Please also see the site for the latest agenda. The event is free but registration is required due to limited seating. Please RSVP: Ms. Bessie Skoures (bskoures@cas.usf.edu ) 813-974-1256. Gibbons Alumni Center, University of South Florida, Tampa.
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Wednesday, May 20: The Grape
Throughout the month of May, The Grape pairs interesting Italian wines not featured on the regular menu with a special chef’s tasting menu. It includes delectable selections like grilled shrimp crostini, Portobello carpaccio, paillard of chicken breast puttanesca and an artisanal Italian cheese plate. $35. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa (813-354-9463)

Wednesday, May 20: World of Wines South Tampa
Wine-Down Wednesday. A wine tasting featuring several bottles from California, Chile and Australia along with snacks from Robert’s Catering. Free. 6- 8 p.m., 3431 South West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463).

Thursday, May 21: Vino 100
This ladies night out features a wine tasting, appetizers from Let’s Eat and massage chairs to melt away workday worries. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 Fourth Street N., St. Pete (727-522-8466)

Thursday, May 21: WineMall
Sample fine wines paired with appetizers by Roy’s at this charity event that raises funds for leukemia and lymphoma research. The evening also features a raffle and a silent auction. Please RSVP to Courtney Simons at csimons@sptimesforum.com. $25. 6-8 p.m., 11246 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-855-7711)

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

Thursday, May 7: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
This weekly tasting features wines and cigars. $10 (includes glass and $5 coupon). 6943 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa (813-884-3792)

Thursday, May 7: Carrollwood Cultural Center
Wine guide Charles Visalli will cover the ins and outs of wine in this six week series of classes. This week — Elements of Wine Tasting. $25. 6-7:30 p.m., 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, 813-664-1430

Thursday, May 7: Vino 100 St. Petersburg
This weekly tasting features wines picked for mom. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-522-8466)

Friday, May 8: Uncorked
This weekly tasting will focus on female winemakers in honor of Mother’s Day. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

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

Wednesday, April 29: Avenue Cellars Wine Bar
Avenue’s Red Wine 101 class features an overview of the dark side of the wine world, with a tasting of about ten examples. Reservations necessary. $25. 9662 Linebaugh Ave., Tampa (813-920-9991)

Wednesday, April 29: ABC Fine Wines & Spirits (New Port Richey)
This weekly tasting features wines and cigars. $10 (includes glass and $5 coupon). 6115 US Hwy. 19, New Port Richey (727-842-7749)

Friday, May 1: Vintage Wine Cellars
This week’s tasting features wines rated 90 points and higher by leading authorities. $25. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa (813-879-2931)

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

Wednesday, Apr. 22: Cork and Olive
At the Single’s Sizzle and Swirl Cooking Class, learn how to create your own dish and pair wine with your new invention. $45. 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa (813-868-3733)

Thursday, Apr. 23: Kuba Cigars
At this wine tasting, sample dark chocolate, snacks and an assortment of cheeses. There will also be door prizes and a fine wine giveaway. $10. 7-9 p.m., 243 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-258-8191)

Thursday, Apr. 23: Toasted Pheasant Bistro
Enjoy a four-course Chilean dinner complete with wine paired for each course. $45. 7-10 p.m., 14445 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa (813-265-6700)

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

Wednesday, Apr. 15: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits
Join wine lovers and experts at this tasting and sample from dozens of wine selections. Each guest will receive a souvenir wine glass and a coupon for $5 any purchase that night. $10. 1405 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon (813-685-4832)

Wednesday, Apr. 15: Whole Foods
Learn how to pair cheeses with different wines at this class and tasting. Free. 6-7 p.m., 1548 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-874-9435)

Thursday, Apr. 16: “Beer Wars”
For one night only, seven local Tampa theaters will be playing this documentary, followed by a live discussion with brewers and beer experts. 8 p.m., click here for a list of theaters

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

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Whole Foods Market
Every Wednesday in March, stop by Whole Foods for the Wine Down Wednesday tasting. Free. 4-6 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Whole Foods Market
Join the specialty cheese buyer at Whole Foods for a British Isles class and tasting, paired with some wines from the store. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Culinary World Tour
Join in on this cooking discussion group at the Tarpon Springs Public Library, where the focus is on foods and cooking styles from various countries. This month’s country is Greenland. Free. 7 p.m., 138 E Lemon St, Tarpon Springs (727-943-4922)

Thursday, Mar. 19: Whole Foods Market
Join Dr. JE Williams for Health Happy Hour and learn about important supplements for your body and products from the store that emphasize vegetarian eating. Afterward, the Prime Time Sisters Program will be hosted. Free. 6-8 p.m.,1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

More upcoming events after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

Tuesday, Mar. 17: Vino 100 Brandon
Learn about the elegant white wines of Germany – like Riesling – at The Wines of Germany class. $20 per person, $35 per couple. 6- 7:30 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466).

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Whole Foods Market
Every Wednesday in March, stop by Whole Foods for the Wine Down Wednesday tasting. Free. 4-6 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Whole Foods Market
Join the specialty cheese buyer at Whole Foods for a British Isles class and tasting, paired with some wines from the store. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435) Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, Feb. 26: Mise En Place
Monthly meetings at Mise En Place include seminars, demonstrations and tastings that feature light appetizers and cocktails. This month’s cocktail is the Manhattan. $35. 6-8 p.m., 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813) 961-8388

Thursday, Feb. 26: L’Eden
Stop by L’Eden for a tasting tour through the Mediterranean, featuring food and wine from France, Italy and Spain. $25. 6-8 p.m., 500 N. Tampa St., Tampa (813-221-4795)

Thursday, Feb. 26: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Women on Course is hosting a happy hour inspired by the golf lifestyle. The event offers networking oppurtunities, food, wine and tips on how to select the perfect wine. $25 for guests, $10 for members. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 4322 West Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa (703-268-5078)

Thursday, Feb. 26: Bern’s Fine Wines
This six-course wine dinner features Terra Valentine Winery from Napa, with winemaker Sam Baxter on hand to discuss his creations. $125. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave, Tampa (813-250-9463)

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

Wednesday, Feb. 25: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Enjoy a five-course meal paired with select wines at the Legends of Sonoma and Napa event. Featured Merlots, Chardonnays and Cabernets come from Arrowood Vineyards, Freemark Abbey and Matanzas Creek. Reservations required. $65. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-449-2988)

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

Thursday, Feb. 19: St. Petersburg Wine and Food Festival
Stroll through downtown St. Pete and experience fine wines and spirits, food samplings and jazz music. $75 VIP, $50 general. 5:30-9:30 p.m. (727-347-6133)

Thursday, Feb. 19: Vino 100 St. Pete
Hosted by Vino 100, Massage Envy and Let’s Eat, “Ladies Night Out” is designed to pamper guests with wine, massages and delicious cuisine. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-522-8466)

Friday, Feb. 20: Bern’s Fine Wine & Spirits
Come to Bern’s for Crush Hour, featuring seven different Japanese sakes paired with small, Japanese-inspired side dishes. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

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

Thursday, Feb. 12-Friday, Feb. 13: PRP Wines International
Take advantage of this Valentine’s Warehouse Sale — PRP is opening its warehouse to the public for the first of only four times this year. Stock up on their all-natural, no added sulfite wines in time for Valentine’s Day. Free. 5-9 p.m., 5910 Breckenridge Pkwy Suite F, Tampa (813-621-1911 ext 2017)

Thursday, Feb. 12-Saturday, Feb. 14: Avenue Cellars
Spend Valentine’s Day weekend at the Pre-Valentine’s Love Fest Wine Tasting. The event will feature several wines Thursday and Friday in preparation for Saturday, when Avenue Cellars invites you to share a romantic bottle of wine with your date. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 9662 Linebaugh Ave, Tampa (813-920-9991)

Friday, Feb. 13: South Florida Museum
Celebrate food and drink from around the world at the third annual Vinology 3-Epicure Tour. Enjoy fine wines and accompanying tasting menus, food, beer, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars. $75 (includes all food, wine, beer, seminars and a souvenir glass). 6-11 p.m., 201 10th St. W., Bradenton (941-746-4131 ext. 11)

Friday, Feb. 13: Vintage Wine Cellars
Sample 10 specialty red blends from around the world, along with bread and cheeses. $10. 7-9 p.m., 3629 Henderson Blvd, Tampa (813-879-2931)

Friday, Feb. 13: Uncorked
Uncorked will uncork a selection of luscious red wines for this Valentine’s weekend tastin, including Petite Sirah, Zin and Syrah. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

More upcoming events after the break: 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 »

The St. Pete Times has a great rundown of Florida’s biggest wine and food events coming up in 2009. Writes John Bancroft:

Two of Europe’s remaining crowned heads, a platoon of celebrity chefs and a gaggle of gregarious winemakers headline food and wine festivals from Safety Harbor to Miami’s South Beach in the coming months.

Yep, their majesties King Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain will be slumming it with the likes of Paula Deen and Anthony Bourdain at the Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival next month. Maybe the $1,000 price tag for their shindig means that “slumming it” isn’t terribly apt. Royalty!

Read the rest of the Times event rundown here.

Check out our full Food and Drink Events Listing for more upcoming events.

Wednesday, Jan. 14: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Four course wine dinner featuring Clos Pegase of Napa Valley. $47. 6:30 p.m., 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-449-2988 or belleairgrill.com)

Wednesday, Jan. 14: ABC Fine Wines & Spirits Wesley Chapel
Wine tasting and cigar smoker. $10. 1845 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel (813-782-1389 or abcfws.com)

Check out our full Food and Drink Events Listing for more upcoming events.

Friday, Jan. 9: Uncorked Fine Wines
This weekly Friday tasting features new wines from Spain. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463 or uncorkedwines.com)

Friday, Jan. 9: Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits
Continuing the January Crush Hour series, Bern’s will be bringing in Dave Robert to talk about the grand appellations of Burgundy, with a tasting of the area’s most famous villages. $40. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463 or bernssteakhouse.com)

Friday, Jan. 9: CORK & OLIVE PALM HARBOR
Wine and cheese social featuring vino from Washington, California and Italy. Free. 6-8 p.m., Cork & Olive, 4978 Ridgemoor Blvd., Palm Harbor (727-781-9463 or corkandolive.com)

Friday, Jan. 9: CORK & OLIVE CARROLWOOD
Wine and cheese social featuring vino from Washington, California and Italy. Free. 6-8 p.m., Cork & Olive, 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Carrolwood (813-868-3733 or corkandolive.com)

More events after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

World of Wines
This Wine Down Wednesday tasting features Chilean wines and specialty beers. Free. 6-8 p.m., 3431 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463)

Cork and Olive Palm Harbor
Christine Chapot of jardin de Bacchus B&B in Tavel, France teaches tou how to cook the Provencal way. $35. 6:30-9 p.m., Cork & Olive, 4978 Ridgemoor Blvd., Palm Harbor (727-781-9463 or corkandolive.com)

Chefs on the Loose
“Rocket Fuel” teaches you how to fill up on healthy, energy-giving foods. $55. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 3401 Bay To Bay Blvd., Tampa (813-835-7300 or chefsontheloose.net)

Check out our full Food and Drink Events Listing for more upcoming events.