SPECIAL EVENTS
Halloween party: Mattison’s City Grille, 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, will host a Halloween party on Oct. 29. Come dressed in costume and enter the costume contest. First place wins $100 cash, second place wins a $50 Mattison’s gift card and third place wins a $25 Mattison’s gift card (one costume contest for the men, one for women). Live music by TC Allen Band from 8 p.m. to midnight and enjoy ghoulish drink, appetizer and dinner specials along with festive decorations. Information: (941) 330-0440.
Food/wine festival: “Bacchus on the Beach,” featuring food, wine and art, will be held Nov. 10-12 at the Longboat Key Club & Resort, 220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key. Highlights include Chef Dave Martin of Bravo’s “Top Chef” fame and Ken Warwick, Emmy Award-Winning producer of “American Idol.” Artwork created specifically for “Bacchus on the Beach” will be auctioned to benefit the Longboat Key Center for the Arts and Ringling College of Art and Design. There will be wine receptions, distinctive vintner dinners, unique culinary demonstrations and a stone crab celebration. Reservations: (800) 237-8821 or www.longboatkeyclub.com.
CLASSES/DEMONSTRATIONS
Apron’s Cooking School: Publix at University Walk , 2875 University Parkway, will present the following classes:
n Beyond The Pumpkin Patch, 6 p.m. Oct. 27
n Pumpkin Carving and Scary Food, 6 p.m. Oct. 28, and 1 and 5 p.m. Oct. 30
n Festive fall desserts, 10 a.m. Oct. 29
n Girls’ Night Out: fall flavors, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29
n Squash, 6 p.m. Oct. 31
Prices for classes vary. Students may register online at www.publix.com/aprons/schools/Sarasota/Home.do or by calling (941) 358-7829.
Euphemia Haye cooking classes: Euphemia Haye owner and executive chef Raymond Arpke announces his 15th season of “Lesson Luncheons,” demonstration-style classes where he cooks while guests observe, interact and then “wine and dine” upon the gourmet luncheon he has prepared. The first class is Oct. 26: “Mediterranean Delights” -- Carrot, orange and ginger soup, braised Mediterranean-style chicken and panna cotta. Each class is 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the restaurant, 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Each of the three courses is accompanied by a paired glass of wine. Classes hold 30 students and the fee for each class is $60, which includes gratuity. Registration: (941) 383-3633. Information: www.euphemiahaye.com.
Simply sauces: Pier 22 Executive Chef Greg Campbell presents this class 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27 at Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Learn to make the five “mother sauces”: Béchamel (white sauce), Velouté, Espagnole (brown sauce), mayonnaise with variations and basic Hollandaise, and Vinaigrette. Class includes a five-course small plated menu incorporating the sauces: Cost: $29.95 a person (plus tax, tip and beverages). Reservations: 748-8087.
Italian cooking: Casa Italia -- Italian Market & Deli, 2080 Constitution Blvd, Sarasota, is hosting the following classes:
n Italian Cooking Class & Tasting with Chef Frank, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4. The cost per person is $50, and a copy of the recipes will be provided. The theme is holiday appetizers. The menu includes almon mousse with caviar, chicken liver pate, stuffed clams, eggplant caponata, Gorgonzola stuffed mushrooms, nutella and mascarpone parfait with amaretti cookies
Call for reservations at (941) 924-1179 or visit www.casaitaliafl.com.
WINE TASTINGS
Halloween wine tasting: Total Wine & More, The Shoppes at University Center, 8539 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park, is having a Halloween-themed wine tasting, noon-6 p.m. Oct. 29. From mellow Malbecs to spicy Zinfandels, they have the perfect wines, as well as an excellent selection of autumn beers, for your Halloween party needs. Information: (941) 351-7895.
Culinary Calendar: Email information to jmorreale@bradenton.com.
