South Florida Food and Drink Events This Weekend: Jerk Fest, Sake Class, and More

Congratulations, you made it through yet another working week. You might as well give yourself a pat on the back to celebrate — or better yet, a drink or three. Whether you're looking to celebrate during Memorial Day, pig out at a barbecue, or drink beer at at a special release event, there's something for you to do in South Florida this weekend.

See also: There are so many food related Memorial Day weekend events, we put them in a roundup of their own.

Friday

Discover Sake Class at Morikami Museum
Color, aroma, flavor and texture: all important traits to consider when you’re discovering your new favorite sake. Unlike wine, sake’s brewing process is more closely aligned with that of beer and the quality of rice, milling, polishing and filtering play a big role in the taste experience. Sake enthusiasts and amateurs alike can join the Morikami Museum (400 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) today as the museum hosts five of Japan’s most respected sake brewers, each from different prefectures, for an evening of premium sake selections paired with dinner bites from our Cornell Cafe. Guests will also hear from John Gauntner, “the Sake Guy,” as he gives short talks about what makes each of these breweries unique. Event proceeds will help fund a trip to Morikami for over 6,000 children from low-income homes. Our staff and volunteers provide the imagination to transport them to Japan where they will get to explore historic Japanese gardens, practice simple Japanese greetings and sit in a traditional Japanese classroom. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $55 for members and $75 for non-members. Admission is limited. Cocktail attire suggested. Visit www.morikami.org/discover.

Terrapin and Saltwater Collaboration Release
Join Riverside Market in Fort Lauderdale for a special release of the Terrapin/Saltwater Brewery Collaboration featuring the following beers. Screamin' Reels, Columbus and Summit, Tinc'd Out Turtle, and Black Rye IPA. The event starts at 6 p.m.

Super Based Party at Anonymous Guitars
A grand total of ten artists will be playing at Sunrise’s Anonymous Guitars (10778 NW 53rd Street, Sunrise) this Friday. From trap artist Mad Mike to indie Years Apart to the “psychedelic rock n' roll” of Wilkes Oswald, there’s bound to be an artist that even the pickiest listener would like. But music ain’t the only thing going on here – check out live art from Xena Vargas and Kyle Rogers, and stuff your face with food from Sarah Angee of Lonely Hearts Club. The event takes place at 5 p.m. There is a $5 cover. 

Fetish Factory's 20 Year Anniversary Fetish Weekend
Who says Fifty Shades of Grey has to end when you close your legs, er, kindle? We’re kicking off this list with one of the freakiest set of parties in South Florida courtesy of Fetish Factory (855 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale). You do the math: Four days plus eight parties equals a whole lot of freakiness. Here are some sample parties for you to chew on: Thursday offers a “chill lounge” party with a form of karaoke called kinkyeoke at the Renaissance Pool & Lounge. Friday will have a Beat & Greet Fetish Party at Sapphire. Saturday is the biggest party of all with an Anniversary Fetish Ball at Vault Nightclub, boasting over 1000 attendees in previous years. And Sunday, according to the Facebook event, promises to be a nasty affair with “no fucks given” at Goldfinger and Ultimate Lounge. 

Saturday

Art Obsession at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market
Bedners Farm Fresh Market (10066 Lee Road, Boynton Beach) and Art Obsession are hosting a painting event that will be a blast for the whole family. On Saturday, enjoy a fun painting class on the farm. You will be guided step-by-step to create your very own painting. All art supplies are provided to you. Bring the kids to make it a family adventure or come with your friends and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting during the class. The event begins at 2 p.m., and costs $30 per painting. Families are welcome to paint together. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Brown & Not Spices at Crafti Bar 
Saturday is National Punk Rock and Hip-hop Funk Day. Okay, it’s not. We lied. But Fort Lauderdale’s Crafti Bar (21 W Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale) is partying like it is with bands Brown & Not Spices. There will also be plenty of drink specials like $5 Sex on the Beach, Champagne, Long Island Iced Tea, Fireball and $3 bottled beer. The event begins at 10 p.m. No cover.

Raw Gourmet Class: Get in That Bikini
Whole Foods Market in Fort Lauderdale (2000 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale; 954-565-5655) wants you to enjoy your favorite summer foods with a healthy spin. In this exciting culinary class, The Living Cuisine Academy presents these recipes to tantalize your taste buds and sleek up your physique. Learn to make a kale tabouli with buttery hemp seeds; teriyaki rainbow veggie noodles; and layered strawberry parfait with whipped coconut. Space is limited to the first 20 customers. Sign up now at customer service; proceeds benefit Whole Planet Foundation. The event takes place at 4 p.m., and the cost is $5 per person.

Sunday

Yappy Hour and BBQ Pawty For Just Jacks Rescue at Funky Buddha Brewery
Join Just Jacks Rescue for a special happy hour (yappy hour) at Funky Buddha Brewery from 2 to 7 p.m. This local rescue is made up of a group of animal lovers who have fallen in love with the Jack Russel breed. Each is a volunteer, donating their time, money and skills to the rescue of these amazing dogs, and raise money to pay veterinary bills, do dog food drives to collect towels and blankets, collars and leashes. Do your part this weekend and drink some good beer for a good cause. On Sunday, expect free treats for all dogs, a doggy splash pool for the pups to cool off, raffle, and a hot dog eating contest for the pups starting at 4 p.m. There is a $2 entry fee. All proceeds from the event will go to pay vet bills for rescued Jack Russell terriers.

17th Annual White Fort Lauderdale Event 
In a grandiose celebration of the first day to wear white according to snooty septuagenarian fashion policia, Wilton Manors’ Darlings over at the aptly named the Manor will be throwing an over-the-top rager celebrating white clothing and partying and being hot and drinking a lot. Yes, a Memorial Day Weekend party that does not take kindly to the notion of greasy, barbecue-sauced fingers but is still bound to display plenty of meat to a hungry eye. The 17th-annual White Fort Lauderdale Event will feature RuPaul’s Drag Race starlet Pearl’s presence. Pearl, white... get it? It all goes together nicely, especially when paired alongside the jams brought on by celeb DJ Tony Moran. Early general-admission tickets are available at $10 apiece. You could also go the extra mile, shelling out an additional $10 for advance VIP entry. This would entitle you to baller-mode private lounge seating privileges going brazenly unchecked. You will even be guaranteed to get a photo with Pearl. The 17th-annual White Fort Lauderdale Event will take place Sunday at the Manor Complex located at 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Advance tickets are available at showclix.com. Call 954-626-0082, or visitthemanorcomplex.com.

Monday

Palm Beach Jerk & Caribbean Festival
Summer is coming. That means the only places you’ll want to be for the next six months are in the water or in a seat right in front of the AC. Either get outside while you still can or find ways to adapt to the impending doom. Consuming spicy food is said to help; the heat from the chilies makes you sweat, which helps to cool you down. Time to start training your palate now. On Memorial Day, the 12th-annual Palm Beach Jerk & Caribbean Festival is heading to the South Florida Fairgrounds, and it’s bringing with it plenty of peppery options. It’s not just about the food, though; there’s something for everyone. For the kids, there’s a kids’ zone, with bounce houses, clowns, and face painting. For the foodies, there’s jerk and Caribbean food, including a jerk cook-off as part of the day’s events. The fest features live music from Romain Virgo, Morgan Heritage, Mr. Absolute, Sea B, and Shifta. And there’s a Junkanoo band. Tickets cost $25. VIP presale tix cost $90. Backstage passes start at $100. Kids under age 12 are admitted free. It takes place from 2 to 11 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Call 866-232-0001 or 561-247-1366.

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.