Hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows at the Wallace House, site of a “Gal-entine’s Brunch” Saturday, Feb. 8.
By Wini Moranville
Next week is Valentine’s Day week, which comes with a built-in reason to celebrate with food. But until then? Dull, dull, dull. If you, like me, crave a chance to get out and get happy, check out these fun food/drink events in the coming seven days:
Wednesday, Feb. 5
• A Special (but Casual) Piedmont Wine Experience at Table 128
Wine guru and T-128 co-owner Sarah Pritchard admires G.D. Vajra wines from Piedmont for their approachable price point and their range of styles – from powerful reds (Barolo and Barbaresco) to terrific sparklers. Giuseppe Vajra (son of the winery’s founder) will be on hand from 5 to 8 p.m. to chat with wine lovers, and Chef Lynn Pritchard will feature a three-course menu ($75) paired with these wines. This isn’t a typical wine dinner, says Sarah Pritchard – there’s no formal presentation, and you can engage with the winemaker as much (or as little) as you want. T-128’s regular menu also will be available.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Dinner at Tangerine at the Art Center
Tangerine at the Art Center is open for dinner on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. through February. Enjoy the casual, fresh-forward menu that they serve at lunch, as well as a dinner-only wine special and featured entrée. The latter is often comfort-food focused; past options have included beef short ribs with polenta and chicken pot pie. Take in a walk through the galleries before or after your meal — the Art Center is open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Gal-entine’s Brunch at the Wallace House
Celebrate female friendships with a brunch ($15) of French toast, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and a hot cocoa bar that includes homemade marshmallows. 10 a.m. to noon. More information at Wallace.org.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Wine Dinner at Prairie Moon Vineyards
From 6 to 9 p.m., Aaron Holt will be the chef for a four-course dinner ($75), paired with wines, at this Ames winery. The main course is a sous-vide Iowa beef shortrib, but I’m equally excited about the dessert of layered caramel trifle with candied pecans. Mead and cider also available. Full menu and tickets here.
Monday, Feb. 10
Cupcakes and … (wait for it!) Beer at Peace Tree’s Des Moines Branch
Starting at 6:30 p.m., enjoy four samples of Peace Tree’s craft beer with four mini cupcakes from Molly’s Cupcakes. More details and tickets ($25) here.
Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm magazine and dsmWeekly. Follow her on Facebook at All Things Food–DSM.
