South Florida Food & Drink Events This Week: Open Mic, Food Trucks, and More

Weekdays are the worst, unless you live in South Florida where we refuse to let a moment go by without cramming it full of entertainment.

Indulge in some gourmet eats while taking in art or down free cocktails and apps while expanding your professional and social circle.

Whether you're looking to relax and recover from the weekend, or would prefer to fill your weekday evening with distracting doings, there's something for you to do in Broward and Palm Beach counties this week.

See Also: Ten Best Bars for Cocktails in Palm Beach County

Monday

Food Trucks at Arts Park

Everyone likes eating delicious food, but what tells the real foodies from the wannabes is the amount and variation of delectables consumed. If you're looking to sample multiple dishes from diverse vendors, head to the food truck gathering at Arts Park in Hollywood on Monday. Curated by Burger Beast, the event is bringing together almost two dozen vendors in one small, easy to manage location. All you need to bring is your wallet and your appetite -- good luck with that one.

Basement Open Jams

You like music and you like good food. Why not combine the two? Every Monday starting at 10 p.m., DaDa Restaurant & Lounge hosts open mic night hosted by Ates. Anyone who signs up to perform gets a free a beer. PA, mics, and cables are provided. Visit facebook.com/events.

Tuesday

Live Music at the Blind Monk

While we're all open for hearing an amateur work on improving his skills, sometimes it's just nice to listen to a pro. Every Tuesday from 8 to 11 p.m., the Blind Monk in West Palm Beach hosts a new musician for a live show. This week Paul Allen Christopher is performing. We say kick back with a drink, get a bite to eat, and groove into hump day.

Wednesday

The Art of Wine and Food

Art comes in all different forms: paintings to see, music to hear, poetry to read, food to eat. It's about exploring the senses - or, at least, we like to think so. On Wednesday, it's time to indulge in art for the eyes and the palate at the Boca Raton Museum of Art at its monthly Art of Wine and Food event from 6 to 8 p.m. This month the theme is American Pop Art and America's House of Sparkling Wine: Schramsberg Vineyards. The cost to attend is $40 for non-members, $35 for members. Visit bocamuseum.org/wine.

Healthy Eating: Hearty Pasta Bowls (Vegan)

Many of us want to get away from our addiction to meat -- well, at least every once in a while. Aside from a salad, creating a meatless dish that doesn't taste like cardboard requires a bit of knowledge. Learn how to make healthy and flavorful vegan treats on Wednesday at Whole Foods Market in Fort Lauderdale from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Healthy eating specialist Mark Mattson will be teaching participants how to make creamy tahini broccoli pasta and more. The cost to attend is $10. Registration is required.

A Grand Tour of Greece

Greek fare is known for being some of the healthiest fare in the world -- minus, of course the Ouzo and flaming cheese. If you're looking to trim back on the unhealthy saturated fats, you should probably follow their lead. Learn how to cook like the people of the Aegean Sea at Publix Aprons Cooking School's A Grand Tour of Greece class on Wednesday at 6 p.m. For $40 per person, the hands-on class will go over dishes like Sherva, Macedonian bulgur wheat mint gazpacho; and Arni Mai Horta, braised lamb. Visit publix.com/aprons/schools/Plantation.

Wisconsin Wine and Cheese Tasting

Everyone knows the connection between wisconsin and dairy -- hello, have you ever seen the massive cheese hats for the Packers? Obviously, the correlation is there for a reason. Find out about the cheese from the land of beer, brats, and queso at the Cheese Course in Boca Raton. On Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m., the shop is hosting a complimentary tasting and wine pairing. Visit thecheesecourse.com.

Wine Up Wednesdays

By the time Wednesday rolls around, most of us can use a glass of wine, or a bottle. If you're looking to get down on some inexpensive vino without looking like you have a problem, you should definitely get out of the house. Every Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m., Himmarshee Public House offers unlimited red or white wine and passed hors d'oeuvres for $20 per person.

Thursday

Twilight Cruise

If you're not spending time on the water in South Florida, you should make that a priority. Every Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Majestic Princess Cruises offers an evening tool around the water with its twilight cruise. For $32 per person, guests get to relax and enjoy the view around Riviera Beach. Dinner is available for those who want to eat. Visit majesticprincesscruises.com.

Voices Of Legends Dinner Show

When was the last time you got to attend a dinner show? Probably, never. Here's your chance to check one out. On Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m., the Hilton Singer Island features the Voices of Legends Dinner Show. For $45 per person (regular seating), $65 per person for VIP, guests a three-course sit down dinner, dancing, and a chance to watch nationally recognized singer John Tarangelo a.k.a Johnny T perform tributes to some of musics greatest acts, such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, and Tom Jones. Visit facebook.com/SingerIslandHilton

Follow Sara Ventiera on Twitter, @saraventiera.