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 planning on bringing the family to a food truck invasion, want to pick up some produce at a local farmers' market, or sample some new beer at a tap takeover, there's something to do in Broward and Palm Beach counties this week.
Monday
Sides for Summer Cookouts Class (Coral Springs)
On Monday, May 18, kick off the season of cookouts with a fresh new cooking class at Whole Foods Market (810 University Drive, Coral Springs). The store will be making summery side dishes that are plant strong, nutrient-dense and full of flavor including a coleslaw alternative, broccoli salad and Indonesian noodle salad. The event is free, and starts at 7 p.m. Call 954-753-8000.
Kegs & Cultures Beer and Cheese Pairings with Funky Buddha Brewery
Cheese plus beers equals "cheers." Once each month through the month of July, the cheesemongers from Whole Foods Market will join the local beer experts from Funky Buddha Brewery to offer a unique pairing of beer and cheese. Learn and taste all about the beer and cheese from the experts themselves. This one is at Whole Foods Market (2000 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale). Space is limited to the first 20 customers ages 21 and up, so buy your tickets early at Whole Foods Market Fort Lauderdale’s customer service desk. Half of the proceeds benefit Whole Planet Foundation. The class starts at 7 p.m., and costs $10 per person. Call 954-565-5655.
Tuesday
Third Tuesday Tasting at Tsukuro
Be the first to try the roll-out of Tsukuro’s (225 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) new menu items during their monthly Third Tuesday Tasting event. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a three-course tasting menu. The cost is $55 per person. Limited seating is available. Call 954-523-1407.
Running For Brews
Running For Brews returns to Fort Lauderdale this Tuesday, May 19, with its latest meet-up event. Enjoy a free 5k route, plenty of networking, free smoothies from Smoothie King, and the chance to win a free bottle of wine. Running For Brews is a locally-based social running group for people who enjoy getting out, breaking a sweat with fellow runners, and topping it off with a cold drink and some great conversation. Every week the group meets at Taps Restaurant Bar & Lounge in downtown Fort Laudredale's Himmarshee Village at 7 p.m. From there, group members take off on a 2-mile run before returning to the restaurant to enjoy an ice cold beverage (or glass of H2O) and some socializing. All levels of runners (or walkers) are welcome. Visit runningforbrews.com.
Family Night Food Truck Round Up
Family-friendly events can be tough. That is, unless you have a way to please everyone. Well, we have something for you: get the kids, invite some friends, grab the whole gang, and head over to Heritage Park in Plantation for the Food Truck Invasion Family Night. Every Tuesday night from 5 to 9:30 p.m., Food Truck Invasion takes over the park with plenty of food and family fun. There will be bounce houses and movies playing, as well as a couple dozen trucks. Don Mofongo, Crazydilla, Dolce Gourmet Cupcakes, Jerk It, King of Racks BBQ, La Nostra Pizza, Palate Party, Monster Burgers, Zombie Ice, Food Junkies, Gene's Joint, Granny B'z, Ice Cream Express, The Lobsta Guy, Main Stop Grill, Ipek's Wykked Kitchen, Arepas Las Gorditas Crazy About Chew, Crazydilla, and more will be attending. Heritage Park is located at 110 S. Fig Tree Lane in Plantation. Call 305-612-7779, or visit foodtruckinvasion.com.
Hampton Forks Kitchen & Table Grand Opening
Hampton Forks Kitchen & Table will celebrate its grand opening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. Expect complimentary hors d'oevres, local craft beer from Palm Beach Garden's Twisted Trunk Brewing, boutique wine from Howard Freedland and BulletProof Wine and Spirits, fresh brewed kombucha from One Kombucha, and locally roasted coffee from Jupiter's Oceana Coffee. Take a tour of the state-of-the-art space, sample rare artisan cheeses and charcuterie, and see what Hampton Forks has to offer. The space represetents several concepts in one, including a gourmet specialty food market, catering company, take-out restaurant, and event space with pop-up dinners and weekly wine and food tastings. Hampton Forks Kitchen & Table is located at 185 E Indiantown Road, Suite 123, Jupiter. Visit hamptonforks.com.
Wednesday
Brewdogs Watch Party at Riverside Market
To celebrate a feature appearance on Esquire Network's Brewdogs Miami episode, the Riverside Market (608 SW 12 Ave., Fort Lauderdale) will be hosting a watch party the day of the episode launch on Wednesday, May 20. At 8 p.m. Riverside will begin offering a number of drink specials leading up to the official start to the show at 10 p.m. The Miami-based show will feature several South Florida breweries including Funky Buddha Brewery, Due South Brewing Co., Wynwood Brewing, and J. Wakefield.
Ladies Night at Wine Scene
Wine Scene (501 Fern Street, West Palm Beach) will host its weekly ladies night wine tasting this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a three wine tasting with small plates, and the lively discussion on each choice that follows. Then mix and mingle, and drink more vino. Afterwards — from 8 to 10 p.m. — the Whiskey Wasps will take over the Wine Scene with a special tasting. To sign up, RSVP by calling 561-502-8869. The cost for the whiskey tasting is $20 per person. Participants are eligible for 50 percent off select wines (those tasted during the event), and all ladies are eligible for 25 percent off their bill from 7 p.m. to midnight, and 50 percent off most items during happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday
Wine Dinner at Cafe Boulud
On Thursday, May 2, join Café Boulud (301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach) and sommelier Mariya Kovacheva for her monthly theme wine dinner when she will host a special Argentinean-themed wine dinner dubbed "Beyond Malbec-Familia Zuccardi." Founded in 1963, Familia Zuccardi is one of the most successful and innovative family-run wineries in Argentina. Fifty years after its inception, three generations have since been joined by a passion for wine. The winery is currently led by Sebastian Zuccardi, a third-generation family winemaker. The four-course tasting dinner will include a selection of the winery’s signature wines paired with dishes prepared by the restaurant's executive chef Rick Mace and pastry chef Eric Snow. Reservations are required. Dinner costs $85 per person. Call 561-655-6060.
Pembroke Pines Farmers’ Market (Pembroke Pines)
Every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. join Whole Foods Market (14956 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines) for a farmers' market 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.