In the event that your holiday shenanigans are getting off to an early start, Clean Plate Charlie has put together a list of food and drink events (including a few fireworks- and barbecue-filled parties) happening this coming week and weekend in Broward and Palm Beach counties. And in case you're still looking for something to do today, read about the Hot Dog Fest taking place this afternoon in downtown Hollywood. Find next week's events after the jump.
Monday
Hell's Kitchen viewing party and food truck rally -- Chef Robyn Almodovar will bring her food truck Palate Party to the weekly food truck rally in Arts Park in downtown Hollywood for a viewing party of Hell's Kitchen (Almodovar is a contestant on this season's show). The rally is 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The latest episode of the FOX reality cooking show airs at 8 p.m.
Tuesday
Burger Blast -- Get ready for your Fourth of July barbecue with a cooking demo in the Whole Foods Market's Lifestyle Center. The demo is 7 to 8 p.m. and costs $5 per person. Call 561-447-0000 to reserve a spot. Instructor Abigail Nagorski will teach new burger techniques and creative flavor combos like how to make a tuna burger with pickled veggie topping and a brie and apple chicken burger.
Wednesday
American Independence Day BBQ -- You probably won't find "freedom fries" on the menu, but Pistache French Bistro& will serve up classic American barbecue and cookout dishes during a Fourth of July barbecue. The event -- which starts at noon -- is part of the restaurant's Tour du Monde summer promo. There will be live music and other family friendly festivities.
Various Fourth of July happenings -- Click here to find a list of other food and drink activities where you can celebrate the Fourth of July in South Florida.
Friday
First Friday Food Trucks -- Flamingo Gardens will host 15 food trucks on site from 5 to 9 p.m. There's no cost to park and no admission, though you will need to bring cash for the trucks. Trucks scheduled to appear include Fry Daddy, GastroPod, Ms. Cheezious, Nacho Bizness, and Mojo on the Go, among others.
Saturday
Mango Mania -- Whether you don't know what to do with the bounty of mangos coming from that tree in your backyard, or you'd like to learn how to cultivate your own fruit, this family-friendly event at Flamingo Gardens covers both grounds. Sample mango creations in the marketplace or purchase a tree and learn how to care for it in the garden shop. The festivities are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Down the Line
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