South Florida Food and Drink Events This Weekend: Vegan Chili Cook Off, Polynesian Fire Show, and Brew at the Zoo

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're looking to participate drink some beer at the zoo, try some vegan chili, or watch a Polynesian fire show, there's something for you to do in South Florida this weekend.

Aloha! Oceanfront Polynesian Luau
On Saturday, April 11, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. get a little wild at the Aloha Polynesian Luau on the 5th floor of the Oceanfront Terrace at The Atlantic Hotel & Spa (in conjunction with Polynesian Proud Productions, Inc.). Immerse yourself in the tropical atmosphere by observing a live fire show and Polynesian dancers. Guests can get in on the action on the dance floor, or watch a live Hula Show and capture the night with themed photo ops. After, enjoy a Polynesian prix fixe feast presented by Beauty & the Feast at 7 p.m. Dinner is $40 per person (plus tax and gratuity). A cash bar will be available and reduced valet parking is $5. Admission to party is complimentary with reservations. Call 954-567-8070, or visit society8.com.

Brew at the Zoo in West Palm Beach
If you've ever dreamed of having a cold beer deep in the jungle while ferocious animals and birds of prey look on from the distance, then you should head out to the Palm Beach Zoo this Saturday, April 11, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. for Brew at the Zoo, a 21-and-over (in human years) event. Explore the zoo while sampling craft beer from 25+ breweries, featuring many South Florida beers. There will be 75+ brews to sample, live music, and food for purchase. Visit palmbeachzoo.org.

Bean Scene Vegan Chili Cook Off in Lake Worth
Chili cookoffs are a national tradition — a chance to indulge of three of America’s favorite things: chili, competition, and eating outdoors.
And with beans as the main ingredient, chili is the perfect candidate for veganizing. That’s the premise behind the Bean Scene 2015 chili cook-off in Lake Worth this Saturday, where all chili will be cruelty-free and all proceeds will go to charity. Expect to find a variety of chili, including a black bean mushroom, chili and kombucha, a Haitian chili, a Southern-style raw chili, and more. Attendees will get to vote for their favorites and a People’s Choice Award, plus second and third place will be decided by audience vote. Judges will be on hand to decide on a grand prize winner. Admission is $15 (plus fees) in advance via Eventbrite, or $15 at the door, and that includes samples of all the vegan chilies entered in the contest. $10 discounted admission tickets can be purchased at Rolando Chang Barrero Fine Art Gallery at 711 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth. The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Lake Worth Cultural Plaza. There’ll also be an afterparty at Benny’s on the Beach, the event’s grand sponsor, all in celebration of the chili cooker extraordinaire. Visit beanscene2105.wordpress.com.

Taste History Culinary Tour in Lantana and Lake Worth
This Saturday, April 11, you might want to enjoy the day with an outdoor culinary tour. Take the family — and friends from out of town — on Palm Beach County's very own Taste History Culinary Tour. This weekend's tour features will take place in historic Lake Worth and Lantana, conducted by the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History, a non-profit history museum that was established in 1999. This cultural culinary journey offers a four-hour guided bus and walking tour that includes trips to historic buildings, restaurants, and art galleries. Visit mlfhmuseum.org.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.