South Florida Eats and Drinks This Week: Meet Dogfish Head Founder, Wiener Wednesday, and Wine Pairing Dinners

Around and around we go; today is the start to yet another lovely workweek. Hopefully, you have a bit of a spring in your step from some indulgent weekend activities. If not, don't fret; there are still plenty of events to keep you busy through your working days.

Whether you're looking to attend a naked rum tasting, sample some wine, or celebrate National Meatball Day, there's something for you to do in Broward and Palm Beach counties this week.

Monday

Wine Pairing Dinner at Rusty Hook Tavern
The Rusty Hook Tavern will host an exclusive wine dinner with the Quintessa Family of Wines on Monday, April 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. with a seated dinner starting at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy a welcome reception with a glass of wine and passed hors d'oeuvres, followed by a four-course dinner prepared by chef Ned Jaouhar, with wine pairings at each course. The Quintessa Family of Wines is owned and operated by Vintner Agustin Huneeus and wife Valeria, who have been discovering great vineyards throughout the world for over 50 years. They founded the Quintessa estate in 1990, and have since expanded their portfolio to include some of the finest vineyards and appellations in North and South America, including Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Illumination Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Veramonte, Neyen winery, Flowers Vineyards & Winery, and The Prisoner and Saldo — many of which will be featured at the dinner. Tickets are $90 per person. Call 954-941-2499, or or email [email protected]. 

Nano-Nano Beer & Bites Pairing with Dogfish Head Brewery
Monday is never your favorite day of the work week. But this Monday, beer lovers will rejoice. The Funky Buddha brewery in Oakland Park will be hosting the Nano-Nano Beer & Bites pairing event with Dogfish Head Brewery with special guest and Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione. The brewery recently announced its full tap list for the event, including Dogfish's Namaste, Festina Peche, Burton Baton, Black & Blue 2015, Aprihop, Sixty One, Palo Santo, and Festina Lente. Not to be outdone, Funky Buddha will have its More Moro, Last Snow, Uncle Vacub's, rum barrel imperial Pina Colada, Key Lime Berlinerweise, Bonita Applebum, Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, and more. The event kicks off at 6 p.m.

Tuesday

Poetry Slam at Dada
For over a decade, the hipster hangout Dada Restaurant and Lounge has hosted poets, musicians, singer-songwriters, and just about anyone who has something to say or play during its weekly Open Mic night. The event shifted from one night to another over the years, but now takes place on Tuesdays. The first Tuesday of every month is usually reserved for spoken-word artists, but the rest are open to everyone. So grab one, or three, insanely delicious blackberry mojitos to calm your nerves, and take advantage of the space to unleash your inner comedian and/or rant against your ex. Or you can just watch those braver than you rock the mic while you chow down on popular items like grilled brie and crab cakes. (They serve food until 2 a.m.) You’ll be hard-pressed to find a funkier and cozier hang-out in South Florida. The event begins at 10:30 p.m. 

Wednesday

Wiener Wednesday at The Boathouse of Fort Lauderdale
Wiener Wednesday is just one of many new potluck groups popping up all over South Florida. The second Wednesday of each month, a group of friends, neighbors, and coworkers in Fort Lauderdale commune to celebrate their love for mystery meat, domestic beer, and a healthy competition. Guests are asked to bring creative toppings for everyone to slather on their wieners. At the end of the night, votes are cast for the best topping. The wiener (that's one, if you're counting) gets to display the coveted Wiener Wednesday trophy in their home, as well as don the official Wiener Wednesday costume at the following month's event. This months event starts at 7 p.m., and takes place at The Boathouse of Fort Lauderdale (1601 SE 16 St, Fort Lauderdale).

Italian Wine Dinner at Bistro Ten Zero One
Bistro Ten Zero One presents a celebration of fresh and local ingredients this Wednesday with a special wine dinner prepared by executive chef Mark Henry. Henry has created a 4-course pairing menu, each course matched with a wine from Amici Imports. Grab some friends or make some new ones at this month's wine pairing dinner including a burrata salad, smoked duck breast, pan-seared tile fish, and fried apple pie. The cost is $60 per person and includes a 4-course dinner with wine pairings, and a champagne reception. The event will take place from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. An RSVP is required by visiting Local Wine Events.

Bitchy Bingo
When you think of bingo, odds are flaming drag queens with names like Bitter Misty Eyez and The Mean don’t pop into your head. If you think this game is just for group-home-bound geriatrics, think again. Lips, “The Ultimate in Drag Dining,” has taken its bedazzler and made over the game into what it calls Bitchy Bingo. It takes place every Wednesday and is hosted by two of the club’s finest and most fabulous. Everyone who plays will have a chance to win prizes. Entry is $15 per person.

Free Line Dancing Lessons
The middle of the work week means you've made it half-way. While the morning is the most maligned moment of the week, the evenings can follow in torpor and continue to leave you drained of life. Come to think of it, those cowboy boots in the closet have been collecting dust since you entertained the idea of joining the rodeo years ago. Kill two birds with one stone by dusting off those boots and turning the vapidity of Wednesday night by joining ringleader and avid line dancer Lisa Spangler at the Firedog Saloon in Fort Lauderdale. At 8 p.m., Spangler hosts a free line-dancing lesson to saloon patrons, and then at 9, she switches over to a couples dance lesson. This ongoing event has proven itself worthy and entertaining. Is line dancing easy? It certainly seems so, but one won't know until one breaks in the leather of the aforementioned boots. Swing your partner 'round and 'round, write bad checks all over the place, do-si-do! Free line-dancing lessons start at 8 p.m. 
Thursday

Grand Opening of Downtown Cigar Bar
Join the Downtown Cigar Bar for its official grand opening party this Thursday. The event will be hosted by Erik Espinosa of Espinosa Cigars, Samuel Adams Beer, Southern Wine and Spirits, and The Roasted Fig Catering. Enter a raffle and try your luck at winning premium cigars, lighters, humidors and a trip to the cigar capital of the world in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Downtown Cigar Bar is located at 631 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-999-3179, or visit downtowncigarbar.com.

Stache of Laughs
Bar Stache 1920's Drinking Den in Fort Lauderdale is pairing up with Recycled Jude to bring you Stache of Laughs, taking place the second Thursday of every month at 8 p.m. This is the only night you'll find live craft cocktails, comedy, arts, and live music all in one spot. There will also be impressive art and craft pop-up shops for your enjoyment before, during, and after the show. Enjoy $5 well drinks all night, and treat yourself to eats by the Mr. PB&J food truck. Starting at 9 p.m., get a laugh or two in with stand-up by several comedians, and come 11 p.m. dance the night away with a special soul junk session by Billy Vazquez.

Bike Night at Blondies
Bikers: cruise on down to Fort Lauderdale beach and chill out at the Blondies back room for their weekly bike night. Meet fellow bikers while enjoying food and drink specials all night starting at 4 p.m., free pool, and free bike parking in the bar's secure, well-lit side lot. You'll find domestic draft beers for $2.75; craft brews for $3.75; and imports like Corona and Heineken for $3.75. Blondies is located at 229 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-728-9801, or visit their Facebook page.

Young Professionals Networking Event
If you like networking and helping others for a good cause, this Thursday presents the perfect opportunity to do both. Join the Young Professionals for Covenant House at The Public House in Fort Lauderdale's Himmarshee Village for one of its monthly networking events organized to help raise money and awareness for the nonprofit, Covenant House Florida. The restaurant will be hosting the event and dishing out some food and drink deals. Both non-members and members can sign-up or register online; admission includes passed appetizers and a complimentary drink. While you're there, you'll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other young professionals. Who knows? You might find yourself getting onboard the Young Professional's 5K Planning Committee, or volunteering for their monthly "Monday Fun Night" at the shelter. If you're more into socializing, simply plan on attending another monthly social and networking event. All proceeds from each event go directly to help the homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth of Covenant House Florida. The event takes place from 6-8 p.m. Admission prices include one free drink and appetizer samples. The cost is $15 for guests; members pay $10; and new members plus entry pay $20 (includes registration fee). To purchase tickets online, visit tinyurl.com/YPPublicHouse.

Whole Foods Market Farmers' Market (Pembroke Pines)
Join Whole Foods Market every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. where more than 40 vendors set up shop at the west end of the parking lot, offering locally grown produce, homemade products and other unique goodies not found at any grocery store. Guests are invited to come out and shop for some of the freshest products in town, while supporting their local vendors/farmers offering items such as: hand crafted jams and jellies; local honey; exotic fruits; hand poured soy candles; plants, trees, and fresh herbs; freshly made guacamole, ceviche, and salsas; and more.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.