Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are five choice dining and drinking events going on around the Twin Cities:
1) Downton Abbey Premiere
When: Sunday, 8 p.m.
Where: Brit's Pub
What: Where else but Brit's Pub would you want to view the season 4 premier of Downton Abbey? Drink tea, quaff ales, munch on Scotch eggs, and warm by the fireplace all while watching the Crawley family's lives unfold on Brit's big screen with surround sound. Food and drink specials are available. More info can be found here.
2) Alaskan Brewing Release Event
When: Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: The Four Firkins
What: The Four Firkins is hosting a visit from an Alaskan Brewing representative for the release of Hopothermia. This beer had previously only been available in very limited draft release from the brewery but they've put it in bottles and made it available locally. Find more information about the sampling release event here.
3) A Sip of Science at Aster Cafe
When: Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Aster Cafe
What: Aster Cafe and the University of Minnesota have teamed up for A Sip of Science. Food, beer, and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum in which researchers pair with musicians, artists, and storytellers to put science in context through storytelling. Find more information about the event here.
4) Lucid Halucidation Release Party
When: Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Maynard's
What: Lucid Brewing will host a release party for their two year anniversary brew Halucidation at Maynard's Restaurant. Meet the guys from Lucid and also try a firkin of oak aged, vanilla bean infused DU'CE. Find more info here or check out Lucid's Facebook page.
5) Bluestem Bar Salon Series
When: Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Bluestem Bar
What: Bluestem Bar is hosting a monthly Salon Series to explore restoring sustainability and resiliency in our food system. Spend an evening with the authors of This Perennial Land discussing these topics while dining on a farm-to-table themed meal with organic, vegan, or gluten-free selections. Reservations must be made and details can be found here.
Also of Note: This weekend is your last chance to see the British Arrow Awards at the Walker Art Center (through Sunday, limited showtimes available). Sea Change's Omakase-style dinners (10 courses + pairings for $100) begin this month if you email Jamie Malone to reserve a spot (Fridays and Saturdays in January). Tickets for the Food and Wine Show are now on sale. Need another Downton option? Skate and view the program at Landmark Center then warm up at any of the restaurants nearby (Sunday, 7 to 9 p.m.). Tickets for the Winter Beer Dabbler are still available. How about some beer and food trucks? Natedogs is at Surly, Tollefson Family Pork is at Fulton, Motley Crew's is at 612, and Tiki Tim's is at Summit (all on Saturday).
