Nibble: CT Food Events For Week Of February 18-25

South Avenue in New Canaan now offers butchery classes!  The first installation is called “Half Pig” and will take place on February 20 at 7pm.  Participants will go home with meat and a South Avenue Butcher certificate.  It costs $90 per person. 

 “Taste of Stamford” returns Thursday February 22 from 5:30-8:30pm.  The Crown Plaza Hotel in Stamford will serve as the backdrop for local chefs, restaurateurs, and distributors in Fairfield County!  VIP & General Admission tickets are available online starting at $70. 

“National Margarita Day” is February 22, and Bartaco West Hartford is celebrating by releasing a new margarita each week in the months of February and March.  Plus, remember to visit them on the 22nd for margaritas, tacos, and fun!

Washington Prime SoNo invites you to a Duckhorn Wine Dinner on Tuesday February 20 from 7-9:30pm.  A 5 course dinner will be paired with wines from this renowned Napa winery.  The evening costs $95, plus tax and gratuity.  Tickets can be purchased at the restaurant or over the phone at (203) 857-1314.

Now you can help Stamford’s Ferguson Library while eating at Judy’s Kitchen + Bar.  On Wednesday February 21, from 11am-9pm, 15% of Judy's sales will be donated to The Ferguson Library's Go Fund Me page to raise the money needed to install a new floor.  For more information on the project, visit here.

On Thursday February 22, Chop Shop Cooking presents “Back to the Sea.”  The menu features Lobster Quesadillas with Black Bean Mango Salsa; Tuna Sliders with Wasabi Aioli; Seared Salmon with Cucumber Yogurt and Green Couscous: and Grilled Branzino with Fennel, Lemon & Pancetta and Potato Rosti.  It is $80 per person. 

Harry’s Wine and Liquor Market, Michael Skurnik Wines, and BONDA Restaurant are teaming up for “An Evening in Tuscany” on Thursday February 22 at 7pm.  Sylvia Vannucci, Owner of Piaggia Wine, will guide you through a four course meal paired with carefully selected wines.  It is $90 per person, plus tax & gratuity. 

Max Restaurant Group has a number of Wine Dinners taking place this week.  On Thursday February 22, visit Trumbull Kitchen for an Italian Wine Dinner featuring Cleto Chiarli Winery or Max’s Oyster Bar for vino from Louis Jadot.  On Friday February 23, Brick & Mortar Wines come to Max Downtown. 

QDOBA Mexican Eats is reintroducing its fan-favorite, fire roasted shrimp and cilantro chimichurri. The  Fire-Roasted Shrimp come wrapped in a tortilla and served with cilantro lime rice, black beans, freshly made guacamole and pico de gallo.  The seasonal menu change is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

The Annual Kona Luau at The Hops Company will take place on Friday, February 23.  Try Kona's new beer release for Connecticut, Kanaha Blonde Ale, while enjoying live Hawaiian music, limbo, hula hoop contests, prizes, a selfie station, and more.

The New Britain Museum of American Art hosts the “5th Annual Craft Sippin' in New Britain” on Friday February 23 from 6-9pm.  There will be food from Martin Rosol's Inc, seastone pastry studio, and The Whey Station along with a plethora of breweries.  Tickets start at $20. 

Walrus + Carpenter is celebrating Johnny Cash’s birthday on Friday February 23.  This is the fourth year of the festivities and specials include $3 High Life and PBR Tall Boys, $5 Bulleit Bourbon Shots, $7 Rise + Swine during all Live Music Performances at Walrus + Carpenter. 

Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill’s locations in New Haven and Fairfield have rolled out a new “main plates” menu.  The latest entrees include a new preparation of the grilled hanger steak, Cedar Plank-Roasted Glazed Salmon, Beer-Braised Lamb Shank, New-Mexican style Venison Meatloaf, Mesquite Dry-Rubbed Tomahawk Pork Chop, and Chipotle BBQ Baby-Back Pork Ribs.  Entrees range from $18-$28.

Fig Cooking School in Milford has two offerings this week.  On Friday February 23, join them for “Winter Dinner with Friends: Classic Comfort Food.”  Then on Saturday, learn about “Spice Market: Morocco.”  http://www.figcookingschool.com/classes

“Lunch and Learn” at Barcelona West Hartford on Saturday February 24.  Join Chef Anthony Camilleri will teach participants how to make two Barcelona classic dishes, empanadas and hanger steak with truffle vinaigrette, and teach you about some of his favorite cheeses.  The class includes a tapas lunch with wine.  Tickets are $48.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-learn-barcelona-classics-tickets-42090858892?aff=aff0eventful

Trattoria Toscana in Manchester is now open for Sunday brunch.  Check out their bloody Mary bar and Tuscan inspired food menu with plenty of items to share.  https://www.trattoriatoscanact.com

On Sunday February 25, the 7th Annual Pig & Oyster Dinner will unfold at the Oyster Club in Mystic.  An $85 dinner ticket (plus tax and gratuity) includes a multicourse dinner and drink pairing.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-pig-oyster-dinner-tickets-38628477817?aff=aff0eventful

You can Sculpt AND Sip at Hog River Brewing Company in Hartford on Sunday February 25 from 11am-12pm.  First, Hog River Brewing and Hartford Sweat will bring you a yoga class to work your whole body. 
Conclude with a glass of Hog River Beer, Cider, Cold Brew Coffee, Tea, or Jonathan Edwards Wine On Tap.  https://www.hartfordsweat.net/new-events/2018/2/2/sip-and-sculpt-at-hog-river