Bacon and beer are key ingredients in this week's best Dallas food events

March is supposed to bring warmer temperatures and sunshine, right? Apparently not. So it’s our good luck that one of this week’s best food events revolves around soup. A couple of others involve beer, which always keeps us warm.

A new festival celebrates all things bacon, which is good no matter what the weather is doing. Dig in.

Tuesday, March 3

Portugal Wine Dinner at Whole Foods Market Lakewood
Sommelier Scott Smitherman pairs wines from Portugal with six courses prepared by chef Thomas Winckler. Menu items include fig and olive tapenade with tomato crostini, cod cakes with vegetable julienne, marinated beef steak with fava beans, and white chocolate coconut mousse with mango purée. The dinner begins at 6 pm, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Cost: $30 per person.

Wednesday, March 4

Bacon Fest at Central Market
Central Market never met a food it didn’t want to build a festival around, and this new event celebrates all things bacon. That means the store is peddling myriad bacon varieties, as well as condiments, snacks and confections made with bacon. Festival starts March 4 and runs through March 17; on March 5 there is a bacon stroll at every store, where you can taste the goods at stations set up throughout the aisles.

Thursday, March 5

Market After Dark at Dallas Farmers Market
Now that March is here, the Dallas Farmers Market is kicking off this weekly event. Every Thursday, attendees can shop artisan food vendors, feast from food trucks, sample beer and wine, and listen to great music. Food is served from 6 pm to 10 pm, and this event is free to attend.

Jim Beam Bourbon Dinner at Carso Mediterranean Grill
Head to Plano for this exciting four-course dinner paired custom bourbon cocktails by Jim Beam. Cost is $50 per guest. For reservations, call Edward Searle at 469-353-5016.

Friday, March 6

Empty Bowls at Meyerson Symphony Center
In addition to soup and other bowl-friendly fare from 20 of North Texas’ top restaurants, attendees can select a handcrafted bowl from some of Texas’ finest artists as a memento of the day. This event runs from 11 am-1 pm, and it benefits the North Texas Food Bank. Tickets start at $25.

Saturday, March 7

First Anniversary Party at CrushCraft Thai Street Eats
Celebrate this milestone starting at noon. Expect specials on your favorite entrees, free T-shirts for the first 100 guests and a drawing for free meals for the rest of 2015. A $10 tickets get you an appetizer, entree and drink. The $20 ticket gets you an appetizer, entree and open bar access; the $30 ticket gets you the couples special featuring appetizers, two entrees and open bar/wine access for two. There’s also live entertainment from 6:30-10:30 pm. Buy tickets here.

One Community Table at One Arts Plaza
Spend your Saturday morning at this market featuring the finest products from local and organic purveyors. Find the freshest ingredients to prepare a delicious gourmet meal or the perfect hostess gift to give to a friend. Vendors include Dirt Flowers, Jack & Jill Pet Market, One Community Table, Hospitality Sweet, TJ’s Seafood and more. This is a once-a-month experience in the Dallas Arts District on the first Saturday of the month. It lasts from 8 am-2 pm.

Whole Wedding Bridal Fair at Whole Foods Park Lane
Don’t forget about your favorite neighborhood market when planning your upcoming wedding. Whether you are looking for cakes, catering, or beer and wine, Whole Foods can transform your special day into a tasty feast. The first 50 people to show up get a free swag bag. This event is free, but you must register here.

Sunday, March 8

Artisan Beer Dinner at CBD Provisions
CBD Provisions and Lakewood Brewing Company are collaborating for one night to celebrate the best of modern Texas fare and award-winning craft brews. Beer such as Lakewood’s La Dame Du Lac, Biere de Garde and strong pale ale are paired with a selection of house-made provisions, including fresh cheese, sausages, and smoked fish. Reservations are required; call 214-261-4500. Tickets are $65, and dinner begins at 6 pm.

Sunday School Brunch at Hotel ZaZa
Hotel ZaZa is kicking off Sunday School for the spring season. You can expect brunch, bubbly, a dancing panda and many other surprises. The event costs $75 a person and starts at noon. Call 214-550-9500 to reserve your spot.

Sunday Supper at Urban Acres Farmstead
Head to Urban Acres at 6 pm for a hearty meal of local, organic and sustainable cuisine served family-style. Chef Melissa Wagner is planning a hearty and delicious supper of turkey pot pie, winter greens salad and dessert. The event is BYOB. There are 30 seats for the taking at $30 each.

Monday, March 9

Alpine Beer Company Dinner at Meddlesome Moth
Meddlesome Moth presents the Texas debut of the highly acclaimed Alpine Beer Company. Founder Pat McIlhenney hosts the dinner and shares his experiences and beers with you. Alpine is just outside of San Diego and has had a limited distribution in the past years. The tentative beer list includes Nelson, Duet, Hoppy B Day, Capt. Stout, Red and Alpine Ale. Tickets are $75, and dinner starts at 6 pm.

Central Market's Bacon Fest starts March 4.

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Central Market's Bacon Fest starts March 4.