Sunday, November 8, 2009

After the wine-event drought that occurs in this town from July through October, now we're into November and the flood gates are open.

First of all, let me correct a couple of errors that have been in this column for the past two weeks.

The Azur wine dinner is tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 9 (not Nov. 11). Go to this event, it's going to be a ton of fun with some wonderful wines and food. Call 292-2987 to book your seats.

Also, it's the Sunset Rotary that's having the "Wining for the Animals" event, not the Sunrise Rotary. I was told that those morning people don't even know how to drink ... But in case you were wondering, it was Vicki Roush's fault (I always blame it on her).

After surviving Fantasy Fest -- I had to watch the parade sober due to work (and that, believe me, will never happen again) -- and with a staph infection my brain is as creative as the various antibiotics I'm currently on. So, what's happening?

First up on Monday, Nov. 9, starting at 6:30 p.m., is Azur's Cutting Edge of Spain dinner. Two of Spain's most innovative wineries will present six wines matched with six courses prepared by Chef Michel Mosi -- all for $65.

Next up is a Recession Wine Dinner at Finnegan's Wake. This one really is on Nov. 11, starting at 6:30 p.m. Gallo Family Vineyards (no longer a dirty word) will feature McWilliams Wines from Australia, paired with dishes such as "we need cheese torte reform" and "bread line pudding." Cost is $37.50 and it is sure to be a fun evening. Call 293-0222 for reservations.

On Friday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., Conch Republic Liquors on the boulevard is having a free tasting of Girard wines. I have tasted the line and it is delicious and the wines very well priced. Lou will be running sale prices and Tasters Guild members get an additional discount (another good reason to join).

Next it's the Upper Keys Rotary's Wine On the Water Grand Tasting on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. It will be at the Islander Resort and features 30 to 45 different wineries. Entry to the event costs $45. You can get more info by calling 394-0722.

The Tasters Guild is having its next tasting on Monday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. There's a change of venue this time to the Strip House at the Reach Resort. A little wine-tasting on the ocean -- nice! The cost is $25 for members. Call Terry at 292-4004 for reservations or more info on the guild.

An event dear to my heart is on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Grand Key Resort. It's the annual Sunset Rotary Wining for the Animals wine tasting. Benefiting the SPCA, the cost is $20. Tickets can be purchased by calling Bill at 294-3297, Historic Cigar Alley at 294-2224 or at the door. It's for the poor little abandoned or abused puppies and kitties; if you have any heart, you'll be there ... I will hold it against you if you're not.

That same evening, at 6:30 p.m., Antonia's is having its 25th annual AIDS Help dinner. A quarter century! Not bad, guys. The cast is $100 and reservations may be made by calling the lovely Pam DeMala at 296-6196.

Next up is my favorite monthly event, the food and wine pairing at Hot Tin Roof. It's on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. sharp. Now that the snowbirds are back, this event is selling out so call the Ocean Key House to book your seats. The cost is $32.

Also on Nov. 17, there are two dinners at the same time (I hate it when they do that). First is Croissant de France's wine dinner ushering in the fall season. It's four courses with four lovely wines and the cost is $35. It starts at 7 p.m. and reservations can be had by calling 294-2624. Seating is limited.

That same evening, also at 7 p.m., Kelly's Caribbean is having its first wine dinner of the new season. This one is Italy Versus New World Wines. With each of the five courses, you'll receive two wines to taste with the dish and then pick your favorite. The cost is $65 inclusive of tax and tip. Reservations can be made at 293-8484.

Upstairs at Louie's is kicking off the new season with its first Art, Wine & Water series on Monday, Nov. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. It features wine to go with the holidays. Stacole Fine Wines, Noble Wine Estates, Southern Wine & Spirits and Premier Beverage will present their finest for tasting; also, Stone Soup Gallery will display works of art by Cuban artists. The cost is $15 and includes the wine tasting, art show and appetizers by Doug Shook. All the wines will be available for purchase at discounted prices.

That's it for this week, so until next time -- wine a bit, you'll feel better.