Daily Loaf

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 »

Toasted Pheasant Bistro (14445 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 813-265-6700 or toastedpheasant.com) has always been generous when it comes to wine dinners, but this one reaches new lows. Or highs? The only caveat is that the wines are all from Virginia — Kluge Estate, to be exact — which may be either a positive or a negative, depending on your personal level of wine snobbery.

Full details and menu 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 »

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 »

It’s the last week to see two interesting mixed-medium exhibits at Hillborough Community College and St. Pete College, where featured students, faculty and professional artists prove that not all of Tampa Bay’s best artwork is housed in galleries and museums.

Stretching the Imagination is a collection of contemporary paintings by HCC Adjunct Professor of Art Jeanne Cameron and her students. Cameron’s past projects have consisted primarily of oil paintings, but recent works also incorporate digital elements, providing a pleasant mix of old and new mediums. On display through July 17. (Pictured: Consideration (left) and Gift Triptych by Jeanne Cameron. Images formatted to fit the screen.) Gallery Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Fri., HCC-Ybor Art Gallery, 2112 N. 15th St., Ybor City.

The Florida Artist Group: 58th Annual Exhibition is a juried show of paint, ink, pencil, photography, mixed media and sculpture by 80 Florida-based artists who are members of the Florida Artist Group. To complement the exhibit, LRMA displays five works created by internationally-known artist Sam Gilliam, who is the juror for this year’s show. Through July 19. Gallery Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Weds., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun.; Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art at St. Pete College, 600 Klosterman Rd., Palm Harbor, spcollege.edu.

Francophiles enjoy a seven-course meal paired with professionally selected wines at the Bastille Day Wine Dinner in honor of the storming of the prison. The menu includes French favorites like escargot, a Beurre Blanc salmon and shrimp skewer, ratatouille, a variety of artisanal cheeses and more. A live auction follows dinner. Proceeds benefit the Abilities foundation, which helps locals with disabilities find employment and housing. Please call Dave Gauler at 727-784-8584 to reserve a spot. 6:30 p.m. Tue., July 14, Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N. Bayshore Dr., Safety Harbor, $75.

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 »

Monday, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23: Uncorked
This is the first of four courses at the Uncorked Wine Academy. Learn about wine making techniques, how to read wine labels, and food and wine pairings. $50 for four classes. 7-9 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Wednesday, Mar. 4: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Sample from dozens of wine selections at the Brandon store. Chat with wine experts and indulge in gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Each guest will receive a free wine glass and a coupon for $5 off any purchase that night. $10. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 1405 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon (813-685-4832)

Thursday, Mar. 5: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Wine tasting at the Treasure Island location. Guests will receive a free wine glass and a coupon for $3 off a purchase of the night. $5. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 204 107th Ave, Treasure Island (727-360-6153)

Friday, Mar. 6: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
Join Dr. Julie Gatza at the “Five Secrets to Looking and Feeling Younger” seminar and learn how to eat and live healthy. Free. 6 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Friday, Mar. 6: Andrea’s Sip for Life Wine Tasting
Sample tapas from The Columbia Restaurant and over 250 wines from Spain, California and South America at the third annual Sip For Life tasting. Proceeds from the event at the Tampa Bay History Center go to support finding a cure for pediatric sarcoma. $100 donation. 7-10 p.m., 801 Old Water Street, Tampa (813-248-3000)

Friday, Mar. 6: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Friday wine Happy Hours at Belleair continue this week. Free. 5-8 p.m., 1575 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater (727-449-2988)

Saturday, Mar. 7: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
Chef Debby DeGraaff will host the “Wonderful Wild Rice” cooking class, featuring a wild rice and vegetable salad paired with wild rice with mushrooms and tofu. Free. 11 a.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Saturday, Mar. 7: Abilities Wine Tasting
Enjoy hundreds of wines, live entertainment and food from gourmet restaurants at Tropicana Field’s 20th annual tasting. $50 – $125. 6-9 p.m., 1 Tropicana Dr, St. Petersburg (727-538-7370 ext. 345)

Saturday, Mar. 7: Vino 100 Brandon/Valrico
Explore the effects of environment on wine with Vino 100 by sampling a slew of Australian wines. Free. 12-5 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466)

Saturday, Mar. 7: Chez Bryce
Enjoy a three-course lunch with Tatiana Rugers, a Tampa Bay mural and decorative artist, at Chez Bryce restaurant. $15. 12-2 p.m., 238 E Davis Isle, Tampa (813-258-8100)

Sunday, Mar. 8: Tampa Rotary Pig Roast
Come see if Team “Sir Pigs A Lot” will take top honors for the fourth year in a row in this whole-pig roasting competition to benefit local charities. $25. 2-5 p.m., St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa (813-765-0707)

Sunday, Mar. 8: The Best Florida Beer Championship
The championship ends with the Brewers Ball at Skipper’s Smokehouse. Celebrate with food, music and beer – gold-medal winning beers from the championship will be featured – while the winners of the Professional and Homebrew competitions are announced. $25. 12-5 p.m., 910 Skipper Rd, Tampa (813-220-1086)

Tuesday, Mar. 10: FOODMATTERS Film Showing
This provocative film at The Long Center is back by popular demand. Whole Foods Market will provide snacks. $5. 7 p.m., 1501 N Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Wednesday, Mar. 11: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
Explore ways to cope with your physical, mental or emotional challenges at Dr. Anthony Calandro’s seminar “Creating a Health Body through Cultivating a Positive Mind.” Free. 6:30 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Wednesday, Mar. 11: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Enjoy another ABC wine tasting, this time at the Wesley Chapel store. Guest will receive a free wine glass and a coupon for $5 off a purchase of the night. 1845 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Wesley Chapel (813-782-1389)

Thursday, Mar. 12: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Sample wine selections from around the world and hors d’oeuvres at this Seffner wine tasting. Each guest will receive a free wine glass and a coupon for $3 off a purchase of the night. $5. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 507 W MLK Blvd, Seffner (813-681-7979)

Thursday, Mar. 12: The Grape
The Tampa Alumnae Panhellenic Association hosts the 6th annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, featuring gourmet food, wine and music. $25 advanced, $35 at the door. 6-8 p.m., 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. Suite B217, Tampa (239-272-8281)

Thursday, Mar. 12: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
In the “Gut Connection” seminar, Dr. George Springer will explain how imbalances in the body’s digestive system can cause health problems. Free. 6:30 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Thursday, Mar. 12: Vino 100 St. Petersburg
Sample wines from Australia at this St. Pete wine tasting. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-522-8466)

Thursday, Mar. 12 & Friday, Mar. 13: Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Enjoy great music, fine wines and a three-course meal at the Vintage Rock Dinner. $55. 6:30 p.m. 2001 Siesta Dr, Sarasota (941-358-9463)

Friday, Mar. 13: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
Nutritionist Barbara Lee will explain how to get all you can for your health dollar in the “Spending Money Wisely on Health” seminar. Free. 6 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Friday, Mar. 13: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Weekly Friday wine Happy Hour at Belleair. Free. 5-8 p.m., 1575 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater (727-449-2988)

Friday, Mar. 13: Uncorked
Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at Uncorked with McBeer and Mead, snacks and dancing. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Friday-Sunday, Mar. 13-15: Cajun Zydeco Crawfish Festival
Cajun invasion begins with this 9th annual festival of all things Louisiana. $35 for three days. Friday 4:30-10 p.m., Saturday noon-10 p.m., Sunday noon-8 p.m., Vinoy Park, Downtown St. Pete (727-892-5798)

Saturday, Mar. 14: Vino 100 Brandon
Sippin Saturday tasting at the Brandon store. Free. 12-5 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466)

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)

Friday, Mar. 20: Uncorked
At the Oregon Wine Tasting, sample different wines from the region – like Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris – and discover unique food pairings. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Friday, Mar. 20: Belleair Wine and Grill Bar
Weekly Friday wine Happy Hour at Belleair. Free. 5-8 p.m., 1575 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater (727-449-2988)

Saturday, Mar. 21: Toast Fine Wine & Cigars
Listen to some of your favorite records while drinking fabulous wines at Toast’s Vine and Vinyl event. Free. 6-9 p.m., 14921 Bruce B. Downs, Tampa (813-632-3105)

Saturday, Mar. 21: Sweetwater Organic Workshop
Listen to Sweetwater founder and director Rick Martinez discuss the most common weeds and pests in the area, and how to keep them out of your garden. $15 (or volunteer). 2-3 p.m., 6842 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa (813-887-4066)

Saturday, Mar. 21: Vino 100 Brandon
Join Vino as they take a tour of the old country, and sample wine from some of the greatest wine regions in the world: Chianti, Tuscany Piedmont, Bordeaux and Loire. Free. 12-5 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466)

Saturday, Mar. 21: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
At “Living Foods Made Easy,” Chef Joseph Custer will teach guests how to prepare puddings and creams from raw foods. Free. 11 a.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Sunday, Mar. 22: Sweetwater Organic Workshop
This workshop covers how to handle stress and depression with herbal medicine, featuring herbalist Bob Linde. $10. 3-4 p.m., 6842 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa (813-887-4066)

Thursday, Mar. 26: Italian Club of Tampa
Join the Italian Club for the Wines of Italy, featuring 65 wines from different regions in Italy, Italian antipasta and desserts. $45 before Mar. 20. 6-9 p.m., 1731 E. 7th Ave., Tampa (813-248-3316)

Mar. 26-28: International Rum Festival
The largest rum festival in the U.S. will feature three days of tastings, dinners and festive events in Ybor.

Friday, Mar. 27: Toast Fine Wine & Cigars
Toast’s monthly wine tasting will offer 17 wine selections and appetizers. Free. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 14921 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa (813-632-3105)

Friday, Mar. 27: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Weekly Friday wine Happy Hour. Free. 5-8 p.m., 1575 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater (727-449-2988)

Friday, Mar. 27: Uncorked
At the Big Three Wine Tasting, sample wines from popular regions in France, Italy and Spain. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Saturday, Mar. 28: Polished Palate International Rum Festival
Come to the Ritz Ybor to sample dozens of rums from around the world and rum-infused treats. A silent auction and various seminars by rum aficionados will also take place. $50 VIP, $40 general. 7-10 p.m., 1503 E. 7th Ave., Tampa (727-947-3522)

Saturday, Mar. 28: Vino 100 Brandon
Vino’s Sippin Saturday wine tasting at the Brandon store. Free. 12-5 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466)

Sunday, Mar. 29: Sweetwater Organic Workshop
Julie Barreda Bruyn will show kids and parents the basics of cooking, using crops fresh from Sweetwater’s fields. Ages 9 and up. $10. 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., 6842 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa (813-887-4066)

Tuesday, Mar. 31: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
In this “Health by Numbers” seminar, Susan Bucci will talk about body statistics we need to know in order to achieve optimum health. Free. 6:15 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Apr. 3-5: Cajun Cafe on the Bayou Crawfish Festival
Lots of music, lots of crawfish, lots of people saying “suck the head!” 8101 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park (727-546-6732)

Friday-Monday, Apr. 17-20: Bern’s 12th Annual Winefest Weekend
Bern’s big annual event includes tastings, dinners, seminars and more. Check the event website for full details.

Sunday, Apr. 19: B-21 Fine Wine & Spirits
Join B-21 for their annual Bordeaux vs. Cabernet wine tasting and sale. $25 before Apr. 17, $30 at the door. 2-5 p.m., 43380 US Hwy 19 N., Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049)

Saturday, Apr. 25: Uncorked
Join Uncorked for their British Isles & Ireland Beer Event, where they will serve diverse brews from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Reservations required. $20. 7-9 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Friday-Saturday, May 15-16: Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival
This event at the Don Cesar Resort will feature wine and food tastings, seminars by celebrity chefs and live performances. $75, 1-4 p.m., 3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach (813-258-5858)

Sunday, Jun. 14: B-21 Fine Wine & Spirits
B-21’s Tour of Italy tasting and sale will feature Italian wines such as Barolo, Chianti Classico and Supertuscans. $25 before Jun. 12, $30 at the door. 2-5 p.m., 43380 US Hwy 19 N., Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049)

Saturday, Aug. 8: Vino, Java and Jazz
This event at the Florida Aquarium will feature wine samplings, special dishes, desserts, coffee and jazz music. Proceeds from a silent auction will go toward the Tampa Bay Region of the Easter Seals Florida organization. $65 in advance, $80 at the door. 7-11 p.m., 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa (813-769-5915)

Sunday, Aug. 16: B-21 Fine Wine & Spirits
Celebrate selections of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at the Best of Burgundy and Beyond tasting and Sale. $25 before Aug. 14, $30 at the door. 2-5 p.m., 43380 US Hwy 19 N., Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049)

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 »