Twelve Tastiest Events on Denver's Culinary Calendar, February 15-18

Valentine's Day is over, but this week offers some sweet opportunities to enjoy Denver's food scene — and also get back in the good graces of your significant other if you didn't snag the reservation you wanted on February 14. Keep reading for the tastiest events on Denver's culinary calendar over the next few days.

Monday, February 15

Didn't get the reservation you wanted on Valentine's Day? Rioja has your back. The restaurant will be offering an “Apologize in Advance” package to supplement dinner at the Larimer Square restaurant, which includes two glasses of bubbles, a single rose on the table and four handmade truffles for only $20 per couple. Make your reservations today by calling 303-820-2282.     

Frasca Food and Wine welcomes Charlie Humphreys from Volio Vino at the restaurant's Monday Night Wine Dinner Series this week. Humphreys will pour a Sangiovese from each of its classic production zones – Chianti Classico, Montepulciano and Montalcino. Frasca's Monday dinners are $50 per person for four courses, not including the optional wine pairings, which range from $45 to $50. Call Frasca at 303-442-0608.

Tuesday, February 16 

Frasca's Instituto Frasca Per Il Vino series continues this week with a program highlighting the wines of Sicily and Corsica. From 6 to 8 p.m. today, tomorrow and again Thursday, co-owner Bobby Stuckey will lead students through an an in-depth look at wines of the islands. The one-night class is $255, which includes workbook, wines, tax and gratuities. For tickets and more information, contact Erin Pommer at 303-442-0608 or [email protected]. 

Wednesday, February 17 

The second annual Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference will be held today at the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel. The conference will feature industry leaders and discussions on key issues in the business. For registration and more information, click here.  

Local bartenders will compete from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today for their chance to win the national Woodford Reserve Manhattan Experience cocktail competition; the event, which is open to observers, is at The Corner Office. Each mixologist will submit two drinks for judging: on original cocktail featuring Woodford Reserve, and a take on a classic Manhattan. Judges and guests can vote to send one winner from Denver to the next phase of the competition, which will take place in New York City in April. RSVP by calling  303-825-6500. 

Rock Bottom Brewery Downtown is celebrating the return of the brewery's Fire Chief Ale with a release party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today. Denver firefighters will be serving all day, and the Colorado Firefighter Calendar will be available. At 5:30 p.m. the Denver Fire Department will bring its Tower Truck and give bucket rides. Kegs will be tapped at 6, and guests can enjoy complimentary tastings until 6:30 p.m. For every pint of Fire Chief Ale sold between today and April 18, Rock Bottom will donate $.25 to the Denver Fire Fighters Burn Foundation. For more information, visit the Rock Bottom Facebook page.  

Head to Mezcal for a free tequila tasting and educational course featuring Casa Noble Tequila from 6 to 8 p.m. today. For more information, call the restaurant at 303-322-5219.  

Denver Environmental Health is launching Partners in Food Safety, a program designed to recognize Denver food facilities that consistently promote and maintain excellent food-safety practices; approximately 5 percent of Denver’s 3,000 food-service facilities currently meet the inspection requirements for the program. The first certified facilities include Four Seasons Hotel Restaurant, Four Seasons Banquet, Protein Bar and Elways in DIA. Food-service facilities interested in learning more about the program can attend an Information Session Kickoff today from 2 to 4 p.m. at Four Seasons Hotel, Maple Room; RSVP here. 

Thursday, February 18 

Firenze a Tavola is holding a Leone de Castris wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. today. The menu will feature four courses paired with three wines for $55. Call 303-561-0234 to make your reservation. 

EDGE Restaurant & Bar at Denver Four Seasons is teaming up with Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters Colorado for EDGE Out Childhood Hunger today. The fundraiser will feature small bites, drinks, prize drawings, a DJ, silent auction and more. Tickets start at $35, and can be purchased here. You can also buy $50 and $100 tickets, which include prize drawings. All proceeds will be contributed to Cooking Matters Colorado and statewide No Kid Hungry efforts, which surround children with access to healthy food where they live, learn and play. For all the details on the fundraiser, check out the events Facebook page. 

Jensen Cummings continues his Brewed Food tour with a stop at Rebel Restaurant today. Cummings will team up with chefs Dan Lasiy and Bo Porytko as well as New Belgium Brewing to create a multi-course, one-of-a-kind beer dinner. Each course on the menu will incorporate actual ingredients from New Belgium Brewing Beers (yeast, wort, barley, hops). The meal will include four courses and an appetizer during the reception, as well as six New Belgium brews. Reservations are $55 and can be made by calling Rebel at 303-297-3902. Check out the full menu here. 

Friday, February 19 

Indulge in some the best libations the city has to offer during MMMingl at at Second Home Kitchen + Bar this evening. MMMingl matches a local chef with a local brewery and distillery, conversation and good times over food and drink. This edition will feature small bites from Second Home's chef David Anderson, beers from Call to Arms Brewing Company, and hand-crafted cocktails from Golden Moon Distillery & Speakeasy. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $65; get yours and learn more here.   

For more Food & Drink events, go to our online calendar. If you know of an event that should be included in that calendar, send information to [email protected].