South Florida Food and Drink Events This Week: Chef Battle, Funky Buddha Party, and More

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 take a cooking class, donate your used kitchen equipment for a good cause, or want to attend a special summer series famers' market, there's something to do in Broward and Palm Beach counties this week.

Monday 

Meals Under $20 Under 20 Minutes
On July 6 the Whole Foods Market (2000 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale) will be hosting a free class from 4 to 6 p.m. to teach people how to make healthy meals for under $20 in 20 minutes or less. Meet Allyson, the store's Culinary Demo Specialist. as she serves samples of easy-to-follow recipes that will save you some cash and time. Follow her weekly journey using hashtag #DishinWithAllyson.

Culinary Donation Event
Downsizing? Take your old or gently used kitchen equipment to Secret Garden Cafe (410 E Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach) and they'll trade a tax deductible receipt for your donation on goods valued upwards of $50. PS: Commercial strength equipment is prized. Donations will be accepted from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday.

Food Truck RoundUp at ArtsPark
With a new public arts program, including massive murals by local graffiti artists, a monthly art walk, and a range of galleries, Hollywood is quickly on its way to becoming Broward’s premier city of the arts. While visual arts are intriguing and all, sometimes it’s nice to appreciate a creative form that is more practical. The culinary arts are about as utilitarian — and visceral — as you can get in an imaginative field. In praise of palate-pleasing artistry, ArtsPark (1 Young Circle, Hollywood) and the Broward County Cultural Division have invited the Miami Food Trucks to downtown Hollywood every Monday evening starting at 5:30 p.m. Curated by Sef “Burger Beast” Gonzalez, the weekly event features a wide range of culinary delights, from cupcakes and ice cream to barbecue, burgers, and grilled-cheese sandwiches. While attendance changes from time to time, expect to see perennial favorites such as Palate Party, the Rolling Stove, Ms. Cheezious, JOJI Yogurt, HipPop’s Handcrafted Gelato Bars, Nacho Bizness, and the Health Nut. Bring a blanket, chairs, friends and/or family, and an empty stomach.

Tuesday

Turn The Table: Guest Chef Supper Series at Farmer's Table
A "Guest Chef Supper Series,” at Farmer's Table in Boca Raton presents a unique dining experience that will take place on the first Tuesday of the month from July to November. The themed dinners will be hosted at the restaurant's new private event space, and will feature four prominent South Florida chefs. The event schedule includes Tuesday, July 7 with “A Farmer’s Forage” and Farmer's Table executive chef Victor Malaric, who will utilize ingredients sourced within 50 miles of Farmer’s Table paired with wines from the Constellation portfolio. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Dan Marino Foundation. The reception cocktail will be made with Ketel One vodka. Additional suppers will take place August 4, September 1, October 6, and November 3. Tickets are available at Farmer’s Table for $100 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity); the tickets include a five-course dinner with wine pairing, and a cocktail reception. A portion of proceeds from each dinner will go to the presenting chef’s charity of choice. Call 561-417-5836.

Synek Draft System Launch Party at Funky Buddha
This Tuesday get a first-hand look at the countertop beer dispenser that gives you brewery-fresh Funky Buddha beer on draft at home. Units will be on sale at the brewery starting at 5 p.m., and the brewery will also be filling draft bags with a number of beers, including Big Guava Jelly ale and More Moro IPA. Those who pre-ordered Synek systems will be able to pick them up and meet the Synek team, who will be on site doing demonstrations.

Whole Foods Farmers' Market (Davie)
Every Tuesday in July from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Whole Foods Market (1903 S. University Dr., Davie). Shop from various local food and artisan vendors at the Whole Foods Market patio in Davie. Each week, pick up a "passport to local" and fill it up as you meet and greet with each of the market's local vendors for a chance to win a $25 Whole Foods Market gift card. And keep an eye out for team member Amber, who will be serving a pop-up meal available for under $5.

Wednesday 

Chef vs. Chef Series at Max's Harvest
The now-bustling Atlantic Avenue area that makes up downtown Delray Beach was once plagued by urban blight until the late ‘90s, but it’s been on a major upswing in recent years. Efforts by the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) have attracted a younger group of permanent residents, created a demand for housing and legitimate eateries, and enticed talented chefs. Delray is ready for its come-up. Its chefs are clamoring for their street cred. And what better way to gain it than to host an epic throwdown for gastronomic glory? With weekly bracket battles, inspired by the Esquire Network show Knife Fights, Chef vs. Chef continues to take place each Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. at Max’s Harvest, part of a 15-week event series that is open to the public. The $10 entry fee benefits the Naoma Donnelley Haggin Boys and Girls Club and gets you one complimentary libation. This week, watch Danielle Herring of Rebel House in Boca Raton battle it out against Henry's Boca Raton chef Che Frey.

Whole Foods Farmers' Market (Pompano Beach)
Every Wednesday from 4 to 9 p.m. at Whole Foods Market in Pompano Beach. The store will host its very own local farmers' market with more than 40 vendors who will set up shop in the parking lot, offering locally grown produce, homemade products, and other unique goodies not found at any grocery store. Each week you can also score a meal under $5 — the week it's a $3 hot dogs.

Thursday

Funky Fun Run
Every Thursday, the Westin Beach Resort (321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.) and Running Wild present their Funky Fun Run night starting at the Running Wild store at 6:30 p.m. and ending at the Westin Beach Resort for a free poolside reception with music and craft beer courtesy of Funky Buddha Brewery. A free shuttle back to Running Wild is available after the event. The event is free and open to the public. Call 954-565-9400.

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.