Weekly Nibble: Lots of BBQ, Happy Hours, "Beers at the Beach," Farmer's Markets + More

Strada 18 in conjunction with Nicholas Roberts and Northeast Wine Brokers invite you to a casual wine dinner featuring the wines of Halter Ranch.  It takes place on Tuesday May 19 at 7pm and costs $50 plus tax and gratuity.  Each course will be served with a duo of wines. 

Also on Tuesday, AMG Catering presents a “Gluten Free The Easy Way” cooking class that includes a 3 course gluten free meal.  The class is sold out, but check back for cancellations.  

On Tuesday May 19, Toast to Success will benefit Dress For Success of Mid Fairfield County.  The evening consists of a wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction. 5:30-7:30 pm, $40 per person.  Reserve tickets or call (203) 610-8570.

City Stream Brewery in Hartford will host an Iron Bartender Competition on Tuesday May 19 from 7-10pm.  Hartford area bars/restaurants compete to make the best beer cocktail in just 10 minutes. Prizes will be awarded for taste, presentation and creativity.  The event is free and guests can enjoy drink specials throughout the night.  

Tickets are on sale today for "Beers At The Beach" at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. The event hosted by Welcome to CT Podcast & Ken Tuccio, will be held at Ripka's Beach Cafe and will featuring Beer'd Brewing from Stonington. The taps open at 6:30p.m. Advance tickets are $35 ($45 at the door). Attendance will be capped at 150 people so be sure to get there early.

The Weekend Kitchen in Essex presents a Rustic Italian Cooking Class on Tuesday May 19 from 6:30- 10:00pm.  Join Chef Amanda Cushman in this hands-on cooking class for $75 per person. 

Match in SoNo invites you to a Window and Patio Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 from 4-7pm. It will include a throwback Tanqueray Cocktail Menu, The Imperial Shaker, and Delicious Snacks.

Thursday, May 21, the Westport Farmers’ Market (WFM) will kick off the 2015 summer season, celebrating a decade of fresh, local food.  It will continue through November from 10am-2pm on Thursdays. 

BrewGrass with a Carolina-Style Whole Hog Barbecue returns to Walrus + Carpenter in Bridgeport on Thursday May 21.  

Sunset Meadows Vineyards in Goshen, CT will hold Summer Sunset Dinners on Friday nights.  They will stay open until 8:30 so you can witness their spectacular sunsets while eating dinner you can bring yourself.  Their winemaker will be present for discussions and questions.  

Tomato and Basil in Fairfield now serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30-2:30pm! 

Sunday May 23 and Monday May 24, Dinosaur BBQ in Stamford will donate 10% of profits to children who lost parents in the line of duty.  

Hoodoo Brown BBQ's Grand Opening is delayed one week and will open for dinner in Ridgefield the weekend of May 23!

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month.  To support Celiac Disease Awareness Month, several local restaurants we frequent and who take measures to serve us safe gluten free food are partnering with R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) by offering 10% off Gluten Free orders to those with celiac for the month of May.