Friday 24 April 2009

Drink up, eat up, be merry

Are you a foodie with a hole in your social calendar? Well, why not check out these great food and drink events going on in a city or town near you (so long as you live in Anna Maria Island that is...)

Wine festival
Esprit Du Cochon: The Winefest’s Esprit Du Cochon, “Spirit of the Pig,” begins at 6:30 p.m. April 23 at Mattison’s City Grille, 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota. Sample spirited and exotic flavors of a traditional pig roast by Chef Paul Mattison, hand-made charcuterie (prepared pork dishes, artisan cheese from around the world, a 1,000-piece chocolate truffle display and hand-rolled cigars by Bennington Tobacconist. Wines will be offered from Cambria Estate Winery, Cremashi Furlotti, Miner Family Winery, Tierra del Fuego and Zaca Mesa Winery. Cost: $95 per person ($47.50 tax deductible). Information: 952-1109 or www.floridawinefest.org.

Amy’s Southern Comfort Cuisine: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays at Bonni Bakes in the Village of the Arts, 930 12th St. W., Bradenton, featuring shrimp and grits, roast pork po’ boy, Bradentucky Boil, Cracker mac & cheese, sweet tater corn bread and more. Cash only. Information: 746-6647.

Cooking classes
Apron’s Cooking School: Publix holds classes and demonstrations at 2875 University Pkwy., Sarasota. Classes in April include culinary basics, couples cooking/appetizers and vegan. Reservations are required and classes fill up quickly. Information and reservations: 358-7829. A complete schedule, menus for each class and a reservation form can be found at www.publix.com/aprons.

Euphemia Haye: Chef Raymond and D’Arcy Arpke, owner-proprietors of Euphemia Haye Restaurant on Longboat Key, will offer their Famous Lesson Luncheon Series through May 6. Topics include From Russia with Love, Sunday Brunch, San Francisco cuisine, Via Duck, spring lamb, birthday treats and Little Italy. Space is limited and reservations are required. Classes will be held from 10:30 a.m. to around 1:30 p.m. Call Euphemia Haye at 383-3633 or visit www.euphemiahaye.com to make a reservation.

Wine events
WineStyles: 8225 Natures Way Suite 111, Lakewood Ranch, will host a free wine tasting on “Spring Wines,” 5-7 p.m. April 24. Information: 306-5804.

Wine tasting: The Waterfront Restaurant, 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, will hold weekly wine tastings 5-7 p.m. Thursdays beginning April 30. Hors d’oeuvres pairings are supplied. The cost is $10 per person. Vendors are present to talk about the products. Information: 778-1515.
Michael’s Wine Cellar at Michael’s On East: 1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota, offers monthly open house wine tastings and winemaker dinners that offer friendly conversation and good cheer while sampling more than 50 world-class wines. Remaining open house dates are April 23, June 5, July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2 and Nov 6. Admission is free to Gulf Coast Connoisseur members; a one-time $10 fee enrolls you as a GCCC. Information: 366-0007.

Mattison’s Riverside: 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, hosts Tuesday Tasting 5-7 p.m., offering the opportunity to sample a variety of wines from a featured vineyard, varietals or regional. This is a free event with light appetizers offered. For reservations and information, call 748-8087 or visit www.mattisons.com

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