Because it’s the week before the Super Bowl, there is not a lot going on in the world of food events, as people are preparing to devour wing after wing and beer after beer to drown out the pain of the Cowboys’ narrowly missing their chance to punch their ticket to the big show.
However, if you couldn’t care less about whether the Seahawks or the Patriots walk away with the win, there are classes on chocolate, wine and French cooking; a steakhouse wine dinner; and an icy Russian festival.
Tuesday, January 27
Dark Chocolate Lover’s Class at Kessler Baking Studio
Learn about chocolate; where it comes from; and how to make desserts and other elegant treats such as chocolate bowls, chocolate-dipped berries, truffles and chocolate mousse. In this workshop, taste a selection of four dark chocolate bars and compare and discuss their attributes — similar to how it’s done at a wine tasting. Everyone gets to taste and take home samples. This class costs $50 and starts at 7 pm. Reserve your spot online.
Wednesday, January 28
Wine 101: Unlocking the Mystery of Wine at Messina Hof Grapevine
Messina Hof’s in-house sommelier guides you through the basics of wine knowledge in a fun, non-intimidating setting. How is wine aged? What are the different styles of wine? What do all of those fancy terms mean anyway? Learn the answers to these burning questions and more. The class is only $20 per person and reservations are suggested; call 817-442-8463. The class begins at 6 pm.
Friday, January 30
Keenan Wine Dinner at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Join Napa Valley-based winery owner Michael Keenan for Pappas Bros.’ first wine dinner of 2015. Courses include pan-seared swordfish, dry-aged Colorado lamb chops, a strip loin tasting (dry-aged and Japanese Waygu) served with potato purée and roasted vegetables, and a mocha parfait. This dinner costs $195 a person and starts at 7 pm. Reservations can be made by calling 214-366-2000.
Russian Winter Festival at Hotel St. Germain
This is Dallas’ chance to celebrate the annual festival traditionally observed during the brutal Russian winter just before Lent. Get your coat and gloves, because the night starts at 7 pm in a Russian-style ice pavilion. At the ice bar, partake in vodka shots served in shot glasses made of solid ice while enjoying caviar hors d’oeuvre. The festivities continue inside for a multicourse dinner of Russian and Eastern European tasting plates paired with vodka and sparkling Russian and French wines. Call 214-871-2516 to reserve your spot. The festival runs Friday and Saturday, at a cost of $95 per night.
Saturday, January 31
Flavors of France Cooking Class at Sur la Table
Work alongside other classmates to prepare a meal of authentic French favorites. The instructor demonstrates essential techniques for everything from blanching vegetables to cooking steak. Learn to easily prepare béarnaise sauce and vinaigrette from scratch; finish on a sweet note with a scrumptious tarte tatin. The class starts at 10 am and costs $69. Reserve your spot online.
Sunday, February 1
We realize every bar in town is likely showing the big game, but here are a few spots that are doing something special:
The Gin Mill
The fun kicks off at 5 pm with half-price flatbread pizzas and $3 domestic and Mexican longnecks.
Henderson Tap House
Book your tickets here for various reserved seating that includes beer, pizza and wings. Reservation packages range from $200-$3,000.
The Owner’s Box at Omni Dallas
A cover charge of $25 gets you in the bar to experience the game on one of the myriad TVs. Game-day specials include Seattle Seahawks smoked salmon pizza and New England Patriots clam chowder.
The Rustic
Watch the Super Bowl on a 25-foot flat screen. For $12.95, enjoy endless wings during the game.
Three Sheets
Brunch with $2 mimosas until 3 pm at Uptown, downtown and Rockwall locations. Call for game-viewing group reservations, 214-298-3836.
Wannabe winos need to check out the next Wine 101 class at Messina Hof Winery in Grapevine on January 28.
