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's still plenty of events to keep you busy through your working days.
Whether you're looking to uncork some wine, eat and drink for the turtles, or tour the great fromage of Europe, there's something to do in Broward and Palm Beach Counties this week.
Monday
Dine for a Cause Series: Benefit for Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Turtles are amazing creatures -- and we're not just talking the teenage mutant ninja variety. As part of its Dine for a Cause series, Eddie & Ozzie's Table 26 is hosting a benefit for Loggerhead Marinelife Center on Monday. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the restaurant is serving a four-course dinner with wine pairings and live music by Mike Mineo. For this installment, Quintessa Winery (known for its Bordeaux-style red Meritage blends) and Flowers Vineyards & Winery (a specialist in Chardonnay and pinot noir), both of which hail from California, are providing the vino for the evening. Sommeliers will be Skyping from afar to discuss the pairings. The cost to attend is $160 per person.
Margarita Monday
By the time 5 o'clock rolls around, most of us could use a drink -- yes, even on a Monday. This week Roccos Tacos and Tequila Bar in Boca Raton is offering a charitable excuse. It's teaming up with Minuteman Press of Boca Raton for Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce: Boca Festival Days. This event, "Cocktails and Food for a Cause," is benefitting KidSafe Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides education to kids and adults to prevent child sex abuse, bullying, and nefarious internet activity. The cost to attend is $25.
Tuesday
Celebrate Summer Dinner
Summer is coming to a close, so you better honor it while it's here. On Tuesday, for another segment of Boca Festival Days, Oceans 234 is hosting a Celebrate Summer Dinner to help Boca Raton Christian School raise funds for the new school year. It starts at 6 p.m. The cost to attend is $30 for adults, $15 for kids under 12. Visit bidpal.net/brccelebratesummerdinner.
Fort Lauderdale's Farmers Market
Time to go local. Every Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m., Whole Foods Market in Fort Lauderdale hosts a weekly farmers market with over 50 vendors offering products have been grown or created in South Florida. This week, the store is featuring watermelon and bowls of pasta salad in its tent. There is no cost to attend.
Wednesday
Tour d'Europe Tasting
While a European vacation will cost you thousands, there's no reason you can't familiarize yourself with the continents dairy. On Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m., the Cheese Course in Weston is offering a free wine and cheese tasting with selections from the Old World. Port Salut, Cabra al Vino, Pecorino Toscano, and Cambozola Black Label will be featured for the evening.
South American Appetizers
If the western hemisphere is more of your thing, South America is definitely worth exploring. On Wednesday at 6 p.m., Publix Aprons Cooking School is touring the cuisine of Latin America with tis South American Appetizers class. For $45 per person, the hands on class with go over authentic dishes, such as tequenos and arepas from Venezuela, Argentine mixed grills, Peruvian ceviche, and quinoa salad from Chile.
Musicians On Call Fundraiser Sponsored By Florida Beer Company
Celebrate humpday while helping a good cause on Wednesday. Riverside Market is hosting the Florida Beer Company and local musician Phil Barnes for a live show to benefit Musicians On Call. The nonprofit works with hospital patients by cheering them up with music. Starting at 7 p.m., a $10 cover gets you in the door and includes a free draft.
Wine Up Wednesday
Himmarshee Public House, is making Wednesday extra classy with the alliterative Wine Up Wednesday. For $20, drink as much as you like from reds or whites, including changing monthly varietals. If you've always been a little intimidated by wines, this is a perfect opportunity to branch out and try some new things without denting your wallet. There's also plenty of appetizers to choose from so you don't wake up with a headache on Thursday. There will also be a live DJ to give your evening a bit of ambiance. Get ahead of the lame-os who think kicking off the weekend early happens on Thursday.
Thursday
Sonny Tillman's 85th Birthday
You're probably wondering who Sonny Tillman is right now. He's Sonny from Sonny's Real Pit BBQ, one of South Florida's favorite barbecue places. To celebrate his big day, Sonny's BBQ is offering rib dinners for just $8.85. It includes option of sweet and smokey or dry-rubbed ribs with two sides and bread. It starts at 11 a.m. and is available until supplies last.
Mouthwatering Fish
Fish is one of the most intimidating proteins for novice cooks. On Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Chef Jean-Pierre's Cooking School will be going over the basics when it comes to seafood prep -- no dried out overly fishy dinners here. The menu will explore baked cod with black olive puree, yellow tail snapper with country mustard sauce, and sole grenobloise (capers, lemon, and parsely sauce). The cost to attend is $70.
Follow Sara Ventiera on Twitter, @saraventiera.
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