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 are looking to gorge yourself on ribs or seafood, want to keep the New Year's celebrations going strong Japanese style, or can't wait to stand in line for your very own bottle of Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, there's something for you to do in South Florida this weekend.
See also: More Food and Drink Events in Broward and Palm Beach Counties
5. Oshogatsu; Japanese New Year Celebration
This Sunday brings the traditional "Oshogatsu; Japanese New Year Celebration" from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Ring in the year of the horse with true Japanese flair, and take part in Mochitsuki -- the pounding of the rice -- and the making of mochi -- large, round Japanese cakes. It's a visual feast too featuring Shishimai and spectacular performances by the lion dancer, and have a go at Japanese badminton (known as hanetsuki) and an enthralling wood-block game called Daruma Otoshi. This celebration promises good times for the entire family, as there will be crafts and activities for the kiddies and a Kirin beer garden for the adults. Oh and lest we forget, the sake. Lots and lots of sake. -- By Alex Rendon
The best way to learn about wines is to get to known each individual region. Easy enough to say, but unless you're rich, you probably can't afford to do so. Damned 1 per centers! On Friday, January 10, at 7 p.m., Wine Watch http://www.voiceplaces.com/broward-palm-beach/wine-watch-2313023-l is hosting a tasting of Bordeaux wines. For $45 per person, guests will be able to sample more than 30 examples from left and right bank. The tasting is limited to 35 people. Call 954-523-9463.
3. Third-Annual Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival
South Florida is best-known for two things: perfect winter weather and seafood. Get a taste of both at the third-annual Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival, presented by Grille 401.
Taking place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Esplanade Park, the event will feature seafood bites from a number of local restaurants, including Bimini Boatyard, Bravo Ristorante, Downtowner Saloon, Grille 401, Indigo Room, Kelly's Landing, Key West Seafood, Lauderdale Grill, Nacho Bizness, OB House, Southport Raw Bar, and Tarpon Bend. -- Sara Ventiera
The orgy of carnivorous decadence that is the fifth-annual King of Ribs Festival, presented by King of Foods, returns Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Eucalyptus Gardens in Fort Lauderdale. Experience a full range of barbecue styles from across the country, including Coca-Cola barbecue, hickory-smoked, Caribbean jerk, and South Carolina sweet mustard sauce. There will also be jazz, food presentations, live music, and family activities to keep the kids occupied while you gnaw on rib bones. Or hang out playing bingo, board games, or cards while the kiddies live it up at the Festival's Kid's Corner, featuring face painting, musical chairs, and board games (volunteers supervise games and follow safety guidelines).
1. Maple Bacon Coffee Porter Bottle Release
Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park will celebrate the release of its first (kind of) public bottle release of Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, a 6.4 percent alcohol by volume, superflavorful, and correct-in-the-name culinary beer that has garnered praise around the country and still holds a perfect score on Ratebeer. The taproom and festival will run till midnight. Bottles will cost $15, with a limit of two per person. There will also be a wide selection of Funky Buddha's other brews on tap, as well as select guest beers from 7eventh Sun, Engine 15, and Dogfish Head. -- Doug Fairall
You can contact Rebecca Dittmar, Arts & Culture Editor/Food Blog Editor at [email protected].
Follow @CleanPlateBPB
