Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are five choice dining and drinking events going on around the Twin Cities:
1) Charlie Trotter Tribute Menu
When: Through January 12th
Where: La Belle Vie
What: The chefs at La Belle Vie are honoring Charlie Trotter all week with a Chef Trotter-inspired menu. The menu offers a 5- or 8-course tasting option, choice of wine pairing, as well as dishes available ala carte. Diane Yang has created special desserts inspired by Michelle Gayer, who served for many years as Trotter's pastry chef. The 8-course menu and more information can be found here.
2) Hops for Hunger II
When: Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Solar Arts Building
What: The Hops for Hunger beer sampling fundraiser is in its second year in NE Minneapolis. Sixteen local microbreweries including Bad Weather, Flat Earth, Sociable Cider, and more will be pouring samples. There will also be food from Stanley's, live music, and a silent auction. Bring non-perishable food items to donate to the SACA food shelf. A full list of breweries and ticket information can be found here.
3) Minnesota Brewery Showcase
When: Wednesday
Where: Muddy Waters
What: Starting on Wednesday, all 30 of the taps at Muddy Waters will be straight up local. Brews from Surly, Indeed, Steel Toe, and Summit will be showcased at the Uptown eatery. Steel Toe will also be releasing this season's Size 11 double IPA. Check out details on Muddy Water's Twitter page here.
4) Lucid Beer Dinner
When: Tuesday, 6 p.m.
Where: The Happy Gnome
What: The Happy Gnome is kicking off the first beer dinner of the year by teaming up with Lucid Brewing. Six beers from the Minnetonka-based brewery will be paired with five chef selected courses from the kitchen of The Happy Gnome. Details and ticket information can be found here.
5) Craft Cocktail 101
When: Saturday, 4 p.m.
Where: Eat Street Social
What: Bittercube and Eat Street Social presents Craft Cocktails 101. Learn the secrets to making perfect cocktails including Old Fashioneds, Martinis, Manhattans, and more. Snack on appetizers and sip on drinks while learning from Eat Street Social's expert bartenders. Reservations must be made in advance and details can be found here.
Also of Note: Fulton is launching their barleywine, Patience at the taproom (Saturday, noon). Moto-i is hosting a fundraiser complete with silent auction, sake cocktails, and free appetizers (Thursday, 7 p.m.). Sweet Science is having another free ice cream tasting at the Verdant Tea room with 15+ flavors to try (Sunday, 4 p.m.). Meet the brewers as Summit invades the taps at Morrissey's (Friday, 4p.m.). Need an excuse to shred, bro? Afton Alps celebrates its 50th Anniversary with all sorts of activities (Friday, 5 p.m.). Tickets for the Mankato Craft Beer Expo are still available if you're looking to get out of town for some beer sampling on Saturday. Feeling thirsty and artsy? Hit up Bad Weather Brewing Paint & Pint (Tuesday, 7 p.m.). Pig Ate My Pizza is throwing a Super Bowl party and tickets are on sale now. Speaking of tickets, they go on sale for Dangerous Man Brewing Company's 1-year anniversary party on Friday at 11 a.m.
