The Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events

February 10-11, Caseus Fromageria & Bistro in New Haven will offer an evening of “Sweets & Treats.”  This popular class has become a Caseus tradition every February. 6-7:30pm.   Approximately $40pp. More Info Here. 

Tuesday February 11, learn how to make “Barcelona Classics” at Barcelona in New Haven.  Included in the class are gambas al ajillo, potato tortilla, chorizo and figs, and more.  7pm.  $25 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Also on Tuesday, Fairfield Cheese Company will offer a class called “Parmigiano Reggiano Academy.”  Parmigiano Reggiano is often referred to as the “King of Cheese” and by tasting you can learn the difference that aging makes in authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at 16-, 24- and 36-month stages. $45pp. Info here. 

Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes a wine tasting event not to be missed!  On Wednesday February 12, try SEXY wines poured by award winning winemaker António Maçanita.  SEXY wines were recently featured at the Mohegan SunWineFest.  The free event will take place from 5-8pm at Turnpike Wines in Fairfield.

Walrus and Carpenter (home of the killer fried chicken) will host a beer dinner on February 13th, featuring a line up from the Victory Brewing Co. roster and some signature Walrus-flavors to match. Email Adam: roytman@walruscarpenterct.com or call 203.333.2733.

There will be a free tasting of sparkling wine, dessert wine, & chocolates at WineWise in Greenwich on Thursday February 13. There is a suggested $20 donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich or Kids in Crisis.  5:30-8pm.  http://www.winewisegreenwich.com/ 

On Friday February 14- Valentine’s Day itself- Maxi’s Discount Liquor in Stamford will have a complimentary wine tasting from 4-7.  Pick up a last minute wine for your sweetie, or just enjoy some delicious wines! 286 West Ave, Stamford.

There is a Champagne and Port Tasting on Valentine's Day, February 14, at Amity Wines in New Haven. Starting at 5,  come by as they welcome  Devin McGarry of Maison, Marques & Domaines and taste a wonderful line up of Champagne. 203-397-9463. http://www.amitywines.net/events/ 

Harlan Social in Stamford has compiled a special 3 course Valentine’s Day menu.  Reservations highly recommended.  

Join Cave A' Vin: A Wine Bar on State Street on Valentine's Day for an evening of Wine & Chocolate!  With your purchase of any bottle of Wine or Champagne enjoy a Chocolate Fondue for Two for only $5 from 4 to 11 pm.  New Haven. 203-777-6206.

On Saturday February 15, there will be a Valentine’s Day celebration to benefit Operation Hope at the romantic Bellarmine Museum at Fairfield University. The Venetian themed event will feature a wine tasting from Harry’s Wine and Liquor and guests will view In the Wake of the Butterfly: James Abbott McNeill Whistler and His Circle in Venice, featuring works on paper from his Venetian series. Guests can also enjoy Italian songs and arias from lyric soprano, Michelle Huneycutt Johnson and pianists, Aymeric Dupre la Tour and Elena Zamolodchikova.  $65 pp, $100 per couple.  http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/515320/fairfield-harrys-operation-hope-fund-raiser 

Go to Stamford’s Half Full Brewery on Saturday for a Formal Tour and Tasting, a.k.a. the “Hoptimist Experience.”  It spans from 1-5pm with a Tour at 3:00pm.  During the tour you will learn about the brewing process.  $5 gets you a Half Full Brewery sampling glass, six samples of whatever delicious beers we have on tap, and a guided tour.  http://halffullbrewery.com/http:/halffullbrewery.com/ai1ec_event/saturday-tour-and-tasting?instance_id=19209 

February 15 & 16 is a Valentine’s Day Weekend at Sunset Meadow Vineyards in Goshen. Bring your Valentine to the Tasting Room Valentine's weekend and they will receive a complimentary Valentine's Day flower with any purchase.  Guests can also get a glass of wine and chocolate truffle duo for only $10.00 all weekend.  http://www.sunsetmeadowvineyards.com/NewSite/?page_id=1343 

Looking ahead…

Stamford Winter Restaurant Week returns February 17  and goes through March 3, 2014.  New this year: each participating restaurant will be mixing up its very own Signature Winter Cocktail to be featured during Restaurant Weeks. See more at: http://www.connecticutrestaurantweek.com/restaurant-weeks-ct/stamford-restaurant-week-2011/#sthash.djdmxg9q.dpuf 

Baró in Fairfield is celebrating its Grand Opening by hosting a fundraising event for Community Plates.  On February 19 from 5-9 pm, you are invited to enjoy a signature drink, a complimentary drink, and a spread of tapas and tacos for just $40.

Join The Dew Drop Inn and Two Roads Brewing for a great beer dinner at Tavern 1757.  The menu includes beer cheese soup with barley bread, wood fire sausage, smoked brisket with roasted garlic mash & beer braised cabbage, and wood oven smores.  Each course features a Two Roads drink pairing. $70 per person +tax & gratuity.  Seating is limited, Please RSVP early (203) 516-5461