The Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events Emma Jane-Doody Stetson January 23, 2014 It’s an Onyx Moonshine tasting extravaganza on Thursday January 23! Join Amity Wines of New Haven as they welcome Onyx Spirits Owner Adam von Gootkin to discussg the history of moonshine and prohibition. You will sample the 80 proof black (with a cocktail), the high proof 111 (with infusion example), the delicious Apple Honey, and the Onyx Whiskey. Free event. 6:30-8:30pm. Reserve your space at: http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/514204 Friday the 24th is another “Open House” style event at Half Full Brewery in Stamford. From 5:30-8:30pm, $15 gets you in the door armed with a Half Full branded recycled plastic pint glass and THE TAPS WILL BE OPEN. While you are there, try your hand at bags, life-size jenga, draw on our chalkboard wall, or just enjoy some great conversation over great beers. Saturday January 25 is the 5th Annual Valentine Chocolate Festival in New Haven. It is an elegant chocolate competition for both amateurs and professionals and a sumptuous sampling session benefiting the Montessori School On Edgewood. Submit your entry and/or just come sample sumptuous diverse, delectable chocolate treats. Also on Saturday the 25th, learn how to make paella at Barcelona Stamford. Join Chef Scott to learn how to make the delicious dish and pair it with some fantastic Spanish wines. $45 pp, plus tax and gratuity. 2pm. Sign up here. Saturday is also a Burgundy Wine Class at Barcelona in West Hartford. Gain in depth knowledge of the gastronomy, terroir, varietals and wine-making styles of Burgundy. This class will delve into the history of the region, what makes it so special, and how to understand reading the complicated labels of Burgundy wines. 2:30pm. $30 per person (all inclusive). http://www.barcelonawinebar.com/calendar.htm The Chocolate expo comes to the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk on January 26. The expo features about 40 vendors who offer tastings and sales of their product. 10am-7pm. $15 adults, $10 children. http://www.ctvisit.com/events/summary/chocolate-world-expo/18677 Stew Leonard's will offer customers in for a Taste of the Big Game on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26, 2014. chefs will offer a FREE demo of favorite game-day appetizers, including stuffed loaves, guacamole, and dips. http://www.stewleonards.com/get-a-free-taste-of-the-big-game-at-stew-leonard-s On the 25th you can learn the art and science of creating beautiful cakes and cookies at the CakeSuite Cake Education Center in Westport. Materials and recipes are included. Class size is limited to 12. To register, call 203-557-0247. http://www.cakesuite.com/classes/public_classes.php Each year, the Italian wine publication Gambero Rosso announces its annual winners of the “Tre Bicchieri.” On Sunday January 26, Nicholas Roberts will give guests the opportunity to taste 10 wines that have been awarded the prestigious “Tre Bicchieri”. Space is limited, please make a reservation by emailing Peter Troilo or calling the wine store at (203) 655-9045. $15 per person for wine club members; $25 per person for non-members. http://www.nicholasrobertsltd.com/calendar/event?eventid=19599 On Monday January 27th, Bar Sugo is hosting an Artisan Dinner in conjunction with Craft Butchery & Saugatuck Grain & Grape at 6:30PM. The cost of the dinner is $100. Monday January 27th is also “Braising 101” at Barcelona West Haven. Join Chef Eric to learn the art of braising and complementing it with a few vegetable side dishes. $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity. http://www.barcelonawinebar.com/calendar.htm Two Steps Downtown Grille in Danbury offers a Creative Cooking Class on January 29. Come join Chef Tom Devine to learn how to cook Fresh Seared Sea Scallops, Boursin Crusted Chicken, Steak Frites and Fresh Apple Turnovers. Please contact Two Steps Downtown Grille to reserve your seat: tom-twostepsrest@comcast.net or 203-794-0032. http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/498814/danbury-definitely-creative-cooking-class-with-tom-devine On Wednesday January 29, try “Great Wines from Rioja” at Barcelona Stamford. Executive Chef Scott Quis spent several days training in Rioja discovering the rich cuisine and has created an inspired 4 course dinner to be paired with Wine and Spirits Director Gretchen Thomas’s favorite Rioja wines. $50pp. 7:00pm. For reservations and information, visit: http://www.barcelonawinebar.com/calendar.htm
