A round-up of can’t-miss events:
- Port Wine Dinner: Just a few seats are left for this paired dinner focused on Portuguese fortified wine. (Click here for the full menu, which includes sea bass, short ribs and bread pudding.) Call 632-1086 for a reservation. $200. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. The Blue Star, 1645 S. Tejon St.
- Hydro-Logic: Not exactly a food event, but the opening of a new art show at Colorado College devoted to water, covering conservation, collection, architecture, and artistic practices (pictured). Tonight, the show will open with an IDEA Cabaret featuring talks from the artists and the unveiling of a sculpture project created by CC and the community at large. Thursday, Jan. 21, 4:30-6 p.m. I.D.E.A. Space, Colorado College’s Cornerstone Arts Center, 825 N. Cascade Ave. Find more Hydro-Logic events here.
- English Old Ale Release Party: Bristol’s release of this strong, traditional English style. With a toast from Mike Bristol at 5:30, followed by menu special: Bangers and Mash paired with the ale of the hour. Thursday, Jan. 21, 5:30 p.m. Bristol Brewing Company, 1604 S. Cascade Ave.
- Vegan Drinks for a Cause: A gathering of the Colorado Springs Vegan & Vegetarian Group, led by vegan life coach and RMFR contributor JL Fields. Open to local vegans, vegetarians and the “veg-curious.” Donations will be taken for Wild Places Rescue. Thursday, Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m. The Burrowing Owl, 1791 S. Eighth St.
- Moments in History Wine Dinner Series: A collaboration between the Margarita at PineCreek and the Wine Seller mingling world foods with world events. In this kick-off, the six-course, paired menu will focus on the Mongolian Empire and the rise of Genghis Khan with crisp khuushuur (fried dumpling) with yak; sumac-seared lamb carpaccio; Russian salmon pie and more. Future themes will cover: Prohibition, the French Revolutions, and the Space Race. Call 598-8667 for reservations. $60, plus tax and tip. Thursday, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m. Margarita at PineCreek, 7350 Pine Creek Road.
- Local Relic Beer Release Party: A special beer release co-created by Local Relic, Building3 Coffee Roasters and Peak Place Coffeehouse called Farmhouse Coffee Ale, brewed with cascara, Ethiopian Guji and Guatemalan Huehuetenango. With live music from Field Kit. Friday, Jan. 22, 6-9 p.m. Peak Place Coffeehouse, 2360 Montebello Square Drive Suite H-1.
- Mochitsuki Rice-Pounding Event: A free cultural event based on the Japanese tradition of ringing in the new year with participants pounding mochi (rice cakes), and tasting them “for longevity and prosperity.” Open to children and adults. Moved indoors in case of inclement weather. Saturday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Near Colorado College’s Worner Campus Center, 902 N. Cascade Ave.
- Third Annual Kid’s Mini Fruitcake Toss: A renewed Manitou tradition — now taken up by Imagination Celebration and Cool Science — that encourages you to throw your food. Open to kids in kindergarten through eighth grade whose parents preregister. Saturday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Imagination Celebration, 750 Citadel Drive East.
- Mardi Gras Brunch: A three-course menu featuring: waffles with bourbon-caramelized bananas and toasted pecans; blackened catfish with lemon beurre blanc; fried green tomato and eggs Benedict and more. Call 598-8667 soon for reservations. $27 ($16 for kids). Sunday, Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Margarita at PineCreek, 7350 Pine Creek Road.
— Compiled by Edie Crawford
