Sorry, veg-heads: this isn't your week. The two biggest events on the docket (Rock N' Roll Beer-B-Que and the Hot Dog Fest) are meaty celebrations scheduled to help you get your July 4 celebrations started early. After the jump, find info. on those, plus other food and drink events happening this week and weekend in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Tuesday:
Vodka tasting and cocktail dinner at SoLita -- SoLita Italian Restaurant and the Parlor Lounge in Delray Beach hosts a booze-filled tasting menu with help from Ketel One. The four-course meal includes dishes matched with vodka cocktails. The cost is $45 plus tax and tip. The dinner is at 7 p.m. Reserve a spot by calling 561-899-0888.
Wednesday:
Healthy Happy Happy at RA Sushi in Pembroke Pines -- RA Sushi in Pembroke Pines, Boca Tanning, and LA Fitness are teaming up for a "healthy" happy hour from 6 to 8 p.m. Light sushi bites (like California and vegetarian rolls) will be available to sample in addition to light menu items available for purchase. There will be some raffles throughout the event. Boca Tanning will provide some professionals to share insights about getting a better complexion and weight loss and LA Fitness will send personal trainers to the event to provide BMI and fitness evaluations. The restaurant will extend its happy hour until 8 p.m. for the event. RSVP to [email protected].
Thursday:
Seafood cooking class -- If your knowledge of seafood prep begins and ends with taking a bag of fish sticks out of the freezer and dumping them onto a cookie sheet, the Seafood Sensations cooking demo at Publix Apron's Cooking School in Plantation will provide insight into how to expand your repertoire. The demo menu includes grilled sea scallops brochette with Pernod sauce, sweet corn and crab salad, catfish and herb broth soup, and wasabi macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi with summer squash ceviche, plus mango Key lime mousse. The class starts at 6:30 p.m. and the cost is $50 per person. Reserve a spot online here. The school is located at 1181 S. University Drive. Call 954-577-4264.
Art of Wine and Food Series -- Stephanie Miskew leads a tasting/wine pairing of "alternative grapes" at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale. The event is 6 to 7:30 p.m. and reservations are required. Call 954-262-0249.
Healthy Happy Hour and Health Expo -- Emerge Broward is hosting an alt happy hour for those who want to undo some of the damage from too many cheap Buds and fried things. The event includes protein bars and shakes, "healthy" cocktails, tastings of summer recipes, and other activities. The cost is $10 per person and the event is at 4X Nutrition Center (1624 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale). Register here.
Friday:
Girls Night Out event at Whole Foods -- Sample small "summer inspired" bites (Caesar salad sammies, steamed mussels in a fresh tomato broth, and blueberry tart) and wine, and get a tutorial on how to make homemade scrubs and masks. The cost is $15 per person. The event is 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Lifestyle Center at the Whole Foods Market in Boca Raton. Register by calling 561-447-0000.
Craft beer tasting -- Crown Wine and Spirits in Delray Beach will host a craft beer tasting from 7 to 9 p.m. A $10 entry fee buys access to "tastes" of more than 30 brews and a souvenir pint class. The store is located at 911 SE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach.
Second Annual Rock N' Roll Beer-B-Que -- Pre-party for July 4 at the second annual Rock N' Roll Beer-B-Que at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. About 40 restaurants will give out free food samples and a variety of beer samples will be available to wash it all down. Free live music from local bands and the chance to vote for your favorite barbecue. The event is 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door. VIP tickets are $70 and get you in the door at 3 p.m.
Sunday:
The Hot Dog Fest -- It's an all-American celebration -- complete with an epic act of gluttony -- from noon to 5 p.m. in Arts Park at Young Circle in downtown Hollywood. There's no admission charge and you'll be able to purchase everything from ballpark franks to German sausages. There also will be a hot-dog-eating contest and various food trucks. Craft beers -- like Blue Point Toasted Lager and Avery White Rascal -- will be available as well.
Down the Line:
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