With wine competitions, wine festivals, beer festivals, and all manner of pairings on the docket, this is a busy week for food and drink fans in South Florida. In addition to the typical end-of-season flood of events, there are a few special observances this week. Tax day is Tuesday and if you need to drink away your sorrows, Melissa McCart has rounded up a list of special drink suggestions for the occasion. Also on the calendar is Earth Day this Sunday, so expect to find a few earthy events in the list of food and drink activities in Broward and Palm Beach counties, after the jump.
Tuesday:
Lindsay Autry pop-up restaurant -- Top Chef contestant Lindsay Autry hosts a pop-up at kitchen store/culinary school In the Kitchen in Tequesta. Seating is $170 to $195. More details here.
Wednesday:
Wine & Dine at Lake Worth Playhouse -- The Lake Worth Playhouse will close its 59th season with a dinner and wine tasting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and guests include the principal cast of "The Music Man." The event is at Paradiso Ristorante in Lake Worth.
Fine Wines and Canines -- Wine tastings and food samplings from 20 local restaurants from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Royal Palm Place in Boca Raton. Tickets are $25 to $35 with money benefiting PROPEL (People Reaching Out to Provide Education and Leadership). Bring your dog and enter him or her in a contest like "best dressed" or "owner look-a-like." Tickets at www.propelyourfuture.com or call 561-955-8553.
Thursday:
American Fine Wine Competition Gala Dinner -- The American Fine Wine Competition culminates in this gala event with a dinner prepared by Emeril Lagasse. Late Show with David Letterman announcer Alan Kalter will act as emcee.
Olive oil tasting and talk with Beth Sadowsky -- The Thousand Pound Egg will host an olive oil tasting and talk from 7 to 9 p.m. Space is very limited, but a waiting list may become available. Find more details here.
Friday:
17th-Annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival -- The 17th-Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival is 7:30 to 10 p.m. with 70 participating restaurants and 45 tables of beer, wine, and liquor. Tickets are $100 and help to benefit the American Lung Association. The event includes a Cupcake Battle hosted by the New Times. Find more details about the event here.
Walmart Choice Steak Challenge -- South Florida chefs face-off during the Walmart Choice competition from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter in Coral Springs. Find details about the event here.
Pompano Beach Seafood Festival -- The Pompano Beach Seafood Festival moves to the pier in Pompano Beach for the three-day event. Listen to live music and stuff yourself with seafood. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12.
Saturday:
Old School Beerfest -- Sample at least 50 craft beers and chow down on food truck fare from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Old School Beerfest at Old School Square Cultural Arts Center in Delray Beach. Admission is $30 to $85. More details here.
Earth Day Celebration at Marando Farms -- Broward County Community Outreach will host speaker Trish Sheldon from Millions Against Monsanto, plus family-friendly activities on the farm. Hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marando Farms, 1401 SW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
Boys & Girls Club's 45th Annual Dinner Auction -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County will host the 45th Annual Dinner Auction from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Tickets are $250 and The Spinners will perform.
Sunday:
Dig In! Farm to Table Event -- Bedner's Farm Fresh Market will host an Earth Day-centric food event from 1 to 5 p.m. with demos on home brewing, composting, wine pairings, and organic gardening, among other things. Food and beer/wine pairings are included in the $55 price.
Down the Line:
Want to be the first to know about upcoming events and specials? Sign up to receive New Times' weekly dining newsletter, Cafe Bites. Other specialty newsletters focus on music, arts and culture, and free stuff. Check them out and sign up here.
Follow Clean Plate Charlie on Facebook and on Twitter: @CleanPlateBPB.
