Food and wine events

A look at what's happening

By Times Staff Writer
Published July 21, 2005

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California-French pairing - 7 p.m. today, Le Bouchon Bistro, 796 Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs. California wine dinner with Huntington wines. $43.50, plus tax and gratuity. (727) 585-9777 to RSVP.

Class for wine novices - 5-7 p.m. Sat., Tampa Wine Institute (at West Palm Wines), 2009 N 22nd St., Ybor City. Focuses on wine-producing areas of the world; eight wines served, plus foods; $30. (813) 241-8587 to RSVP.

Savoring Summer - 1-4 p.m. Saturdays in July, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, U.S. 27, 3 miles south of Florida Turnpike Exit 285, near Clermont. With free wine tastings and winery tours, music. Free admission. Toll-free 1-800-768-9463, 352 394-8627 or www.lakeridgewinery.com

Cuban Cocina Cuisine - 2-4 p.m. Sat., Haslam's Book Store, 2025 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Joyce LaFray, author of Cuba Cocina: The Tantalizing World of Cuban Cooking and Big Guide to Florida Restaurants, signs her books and offers samples of recipes. Free. (727) 822-8616.

"World Beer Dinner' - 7 p.m. Wed., Cafe Alma, 260 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. With beer from Ommegang Brewery and menu that includes lobster and cilantro salad, sausage-stuffed shrimp, more. $55, plus gratuity. (727) 502-5002.

Spanish wine pairing - 7 p.m. July 28, Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City. Columbia dishes with wines from Bodegas Guelbenzu winery in Spain. $50, plus tax and gratuity. (813) 248-4961.

Summer beer dinners - Special four-course menu available beginning at 5 p.m. July 29-30, Kelly's For Just About Anything, 319 Main St., Dunedin. $35. (727) 736-5284.