This week in food and drink | Culinary Events | Creative Loafing ...

Thursday, February 16: Cru Cellars
This kickoff party will spotlight a new, expanded menu featuring organic ingredients and a variety of cheeses and cured meats. Purchase one of the new menu items and enjoy your first glass of wine at half-price. If you wish to expand your current collection of wine glasses, a $3 discount will be applied to glasses in Cru Cellars' collection. 6-10 p.m., 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-1117, crucellarstampa.com.

Thursday, February 16: Pour House at Grand Central
This CL-sponsored event, Flicks and Food Trucks, combines two of America's favorite pastimes...eating and the movies. Enjoy independent film shorts in the Channel District's courtyard. In between films, enjoy live music, and of course, gourmet food trucks. Wash it down with microbrews, courtesy of Cigar City. 6-10 p.m., 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-402-2923, pourhousetampa.com.

Friday, February 17: University of Florida, Hillsborough County Extension
If you have ever wanted to learn how to can your own vegetables, meat, poultry or seafood, you are in luck. Watch and learn the entire canning process, step by step. Recipes and canning directions will be yours to take home. This class is free, but a $5 donation is encouraged. 12-3 p.m., 5339 South County Road 579, Seffner, 813-744-5519, Hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu.

Friday, February 17: Vintage Wine Cellars
Don't worry; you don't necessarily need to bring $99 with you to benefit from this $99 Case Tasting. Sip select wines from the $99 case, and if you wish, purchase 13 of your favorites for $99. Reservations can be made at 813-879-2931 or tastings@vintagewinecellars.net. $10; 7 p.m., 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-879-2931, vintagewinecellars.net.

Saturday, February 18: Cheese Please
Who says wine is the only beverage that pairs well with cheese? At this Beer and Cheeses tasting event, enjoy beer samples with exclusively selected cheeses and condiments. Wine will also be available to sample, if you prefer to mix it up a bit. Reservations are required. $20; 4213 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 813- 766-0060, cheesepleasetampa.com.

Saturday, February 18: St. Petersburg Nights
The St. Petersburg at this establishment actually refers to the city in Russia. And who knows quality vodka better than Russia? At this vodka tasting, sip vodka from countries such as Russia, Poland and Finland, and learn the different sipping styles of each country. Call 727-363-3832 for reservations. After the tasting, bust a move on the dance floor. 6:30 p.m., 6800 Sunset Way, St. Pete Beach, 727-363-3832, stpetersburgnights.com.

Saturday, February 18: Total Wine and More
Sip some quality German wine and learn a thing or two in the process. An expert from the Prestige Wine Group will be the special guest of the evening. This event is free. 1 p.m., 2528 State Road 580, Clearwater, 727-431-1010, totalwine.com.

Sunday, February 19: St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Head to church and learn the culinary basics at this Basic Cooking Methods class, hosted by Chef John Lewis. Actually, you will learn how to prepare some fancy basics, including salmon en pappilotte. $70; 2:30-5:30 p.m., 1120 Curlew Road, Dunedin, 727-433-1889, foodies-r.us.com.

Monday, February 20: Caf? Largo
Celebrate, and consume, selections that are popular within French cuisine. Chef Dominique Christini will show you how to prepare some of the favorites in this hands-on class. Roasted quail, cheese souffle and chocolate mousse are among the highlights. $37.50; 6:30 p.m., 12551 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, 727-596-6282, cafelargorestaurant.com.

Monday, February 20: Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
Just because you prefer healthy cuisine, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy indulgent items as well. This class proves that three-cheese macaroni, white-bean chili and dark chocolate brownies, when prepared healthfully, can be smart and satisfying selections. $45; 6:15 p.m., 2080 Badlands Drive, Brandon, 813-653-2418,rollingpinonline.com.

Tuesday, February 21: Franciscan Center
Get ready for Mardi Gras by Cooking with Soul. Chef Roxane Moreno will show you how to prepare items celebrated by New Orleans on Fat Tuesday. Also known as Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, people tend to consume large quantities of...you guessed it, pancakes. So learn how to make some of these special pancakes and crepes, along with other traditional items. $25, including lunch; 10 a.m., 3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa, 813-229-2695, franciscancentertampa.org.

Tuesday, February 21: Parkshore Grill
Hogue Cellars Wine Dinner and Bottle Signing is Parkshore Grill's anticipated event of the week. Indulge in a four-course dinner, including the "Cola" Spiced Barbecue Lamb Ribs selection. Then get your wine bottle signed by special guest Gary Hogue, founder of Hogue Cellars. Reservations are required. $65 plus tax and gratuity; 6:30-9:30 p.m., 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-896-9463, parkshoregrill.com.

Source: http://cltampa.com/tampa/this-week-in-food-and-drink/Content?oid=2824299

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