Wednesday, November 28
Sake/Sushi Pairing Dinner
Sushi Rock changed our perception of how sushi restaurants look and operate in Northeast Ohio, which makes it a perfect setting for a pairing dinner. At only $35 dollar per person, this five-course meal is all about specialized and premier pairings. The premium sakes are phenomenal. Tozai "Living Jewel" junmai, tozai "well of wisdom," junmai ginjo, kanbara "bride of the fox" junmai gingo, mantensei "star-filled sky""junmai ginjo, and tozai "snow maiden" junmai unfiltered sake will challenge your palate. The sushi complements are just as delicate: Kani su cucumber rolls, spicy tuna maki rolls, tuna poke, yellow tail jalepeno sashimi, and Sushi Rock's signature dried cherry bread pudding round out this one-of-a-kind pairing. Space is very limited, so call or write quickly to reserve a seat.
2101 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216-378-9595, sushirockohio.com
Friday, November 30
2012 Christmas Ale Tasting
Long before the days of Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe's, the West Point Market in Akron was paving the way for fresh gourmet foods. If you are a fan of holiday ale, it's the place to be tonight, with more than 38 craft brews on tap. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. and features plenty of food to soak up the suds, along with live jazz by the Josh Rzepka Trio. The lineup includes 10 Ohio breweries: Hoppin' Frog (Akron), Fat Head's (Strongsville), Great Lakes Brewing (Cleveland), Rivertown (Cincinnati), The Brew Kettle (Strongsville), Thirsty Dog (Akron), Elevator Brewing (Columbus), Indigo Imp (Cleveland), Mt. Carmel Brewing (Cincinnati), and Lagerhead's Brewery (Medina). At $35 (in advance, $40 at the door), this is an early Christmas for beer lovers. For tickets, call 330-864-2151, ext. 129.
1711 West Market St., Akron, westpointmarket.com
Saturday, December 1
Lincoln Park Pub Santa Crawl
Imagine you're enjoying a drink at the Lincoln Park Pub around 5 this afternoon. Suddenly, about 60 Santas come barreling through the door. It's not a convention, it's the sixth annual Santa Crawl in Tremont. After a pre-game warmup, a bus will pull up at 7 for a five-pub tour led by the rampaging Santas. The folks at Lincoln Park Pub are keeping the itinerary a secret, but promise drink and food specials at every stop. Judging by the hints they've dropped, the tour will range from West Park to downtown, with stops in between. Come in costume, or bring $30 and get ready for a holiday night to remember.
2609 West 14th St., Cleveland, 216-621-2240
Tuesday, December 4
Brews and Prose
Market Garden Brewery gives a nod to the literary set with an evening devoted to readings and high-minded discussion while sipping on some tasty hops. This month's gathering features two writers: Daniel Coyle, best-selling author of Lance Armstrong's War and The Secret Race, among others, and Claire McMillan, author of Gilded Age, which was inspired by Edith Wharton. There will be food available and an opportunity to hang around and chat with the authors afterward. No cost, except what you spend on beer and food. Don't forget to buy the authors a drink.
1947 West 25th St., Cleveland, 216-621-4000, marketgardenbrewery.com
Wednesday, December 5
Cocktail Pairing Dinner
AMP 150 has always been a restaurant that likes to shake things up, so why should it be any different when it comes to a pairing dinner? This one features libations from Columbus-based Middle West Spirits, in particular their signature OYO brand. Servings at the five-course meal will be paired with three vodkas, a whiskey and a bourbon. Middle West's Josh Daily will be on hand to introduce each. And the chefs are doing their part, with awesome selections that include house-made ricotta cavatelli, coriander-crusted wahoo, roasted beef tenderloin, and a beautiful brown butter cake. Tickets are $50, and can be ordered on AMP 150's Facebook page or by calling 216-706-8787.
4277 West 150th St., Cleveland, amp150.com
—Jason Beudert
