Now that all those bossy, made-up holidays are behind us -- Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Shut Up and Consume Sunday -- the weekend is yours to do as you'd like. On the calendar in Broward and Palm Beach counties are some laid-back parties and celebrations of food, drink, and good company. Find a list of five fun food- and drink-related activities after the jump.
See Also:
- John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off: Half Off Tickets With Voice Daily Deal
- Holy Mackerel Beer Opens Brewpub in Broward, Replaces Stage 84
- Festival of the Arts Boca Preview Party Monday Night at Kapow and Dubliner
5. Meet the Brewer at the Mack House
It's obvious that craft beer fever is sweeping South Florida, making it the perfect time to get to know some of the players involved in the movement. Head to the Mack House on Saturday night to meet Adam Fine, founder and brewer of Native Brewing Co. He'll be sampling Native Lager and the 11 Brown Ale while talking beer with attendees. Buy a pint of beer and keep the glass while supplies last. The talk starts at 8 p.m.
4. Northwood Village Art & Wine Promenade
This month's "village crawl" during the Art & Wine Promenade in Northwood Village has thrown in a few special elements to the mix, including a ribbon cutting at 7:45 p.m. for the new Sports Page Bar & Grill. There's also a pizza party at the Center for Creative Education (6 to 8:30 p.m.) and a few gallery events. Sign up for the village crawl starting at 6:15 p.m. at the end of Northwood Road, west of Broadway. The promenade is free to attend and runs 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.
3. SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch
This month's Jazz Brunch will highlight music by the Valerie Tyson Band, the Lynne Meryl Band, and the Roberto Carlo Duo. There's no admission to attend the brunch and you can bring along picnic baskets, blankets, chairs, and leashed, well-behaved pets. The brunching happens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
2. Movember Mustache Party
Movember participants: It's about time to show off that cookie duster -- real or fake -- and tally up the pledges received to help fight cancer in men. Kapow! Noodle Bar in Mizner Park is hosting a Movember mustache party tonight (Friday) from 5 p.m. to midnight. Arrive before 9 p.m. for a chance to register for best 'stache competitions, with separate categories for ladies and gents (there's even a category for best "team" stache). There will be a limited supply of Shaka Stache T-shirts available for $20. A beer is included with purchase. There also will be raffles, prizes, and other shenanigans.
1. Gridiron Grill-Off
There's no shortage of food and wine festivals over the next few months, but very few boast the culinary talents of burly, all-pro football stars. Saturday's Gridiron Grill-Off offers up the palate-pleasing aspects of a chichi food and wine festival, but in a dude-friendly tailgating environment. Former Miami Dolphin linebacker turned chef John Offerdahl hosts the event, which runs 1 to 5 p.m. in the Pompano Beach Amphitheatre. There, Miami Dolphin alumni will team with chefs from Broward County for a grilling competition. Attendees get to sample the goods, which are paired with wines, and vote for the winner. Tickets are $75, unless you snag the Voice Daily Deals offer, which gets you in the door for $37: That deals ends at midnight tonight. You can also try to win free tickets via New Times, so long as you enter by 2 p.m. today (Friday).
Down the Line
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