The Seven Tastiest Events on the Culinary Calendar (That Aren't Easter Brunch), April 14-16

It's Easter weekend, and brunches abound. If you're a traditionalist, check out our roundup of fun takes on everyone's favorite springtime ritual. But if you'd prefer to avoid the Sunday morning crowds altogether, try one of these events instead. Here are this weekend's top culinary happenings.
Friday, April 14
How far would you drive for free pancakes? If the answer is "not very far," stop reading now. If not, head down to the Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Boulevard in Castle Rock, for free pancakes at the Easter Bunny Breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m. this morning. Bring your little ones down for a magic show, balloon animals, photos with the Easter Bunny and face painting. Maybe you can even get your makeup done. No word on whether the Easter Bunny's lesser-known cousin, Frank, will be in attendance.

The Easter Bunny will be doing double duty today, as he'll make an appearance at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way in Commerce City, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Food Bank of the Rockies, Feeding Colorado and the Colorado Egg Producers Association will be on hand distributing eggs to families in need today (statewide, over 300,000 eggs were donated to local food banks by Colorado farms for Easter). Guests will also leave with an egg-dyeing kit, and there will be giveaways of prizes, including two children's bikes.

Do you know what today is? Don't look so panicked; you haven't forgotten your anniversary (we hope). No, it's the 105th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. To commemorate this momentous event, the Lumber Baron Inn, 2555 West 37th Avenue, is re-creating the first-class meal served on board the ship that fateful night. For $125, you'll get eleven courses paired with French wines and the chance to dress up like Jack and Rose (period attire is encouraged). Dinner runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m.; check out the event's Facebook page for more info and to purchase tickets. While the organizers promise this re-creation will be without the tragic ending, we recommend bringing a life jacket, just in case.

Everyone looks forward to seasonal spring cooking; after a winter of thick green chile and roasted root veggies, who doesn't want something lighter and brighter? TBD Foods, 1410 Gilpin Street, is taking that to heart with a Springtime Seafood Dinner — because what's lighter than seafood? Dine on sea urchin custard, scallop crudo and lemon-and-herb halibut with carrot sauce tonight starting at 7:30 p.m. Dinner is $40 and BYOB, so if you eschew the conventional wisdom that only white wine goes with fish, you're in luck: You can bring what you want. See the whole menu and purchase tickets at TBD Foods' website.  

Keep reading for more food and drink events...
Saturday, April 15
Is your child a budding chef, or do you just need an extra pair of hands in the kitchen? Check out Uncorked Kitchen's Family Day Out: Springtime Goodies cooking class today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your kiddo and make asparagus with crispy pancetta, ham and cheese pinwheels, cupcakes and macaroons. The class takes place at 8171 South Chester Street in Centennial and runs $100 for you and your little sous chef. Sign-up at Uncorked Kitchen's website, and get ready to put the kids to work making dinner while you put your feet up and enjoy a Manhattan after work.

Nothing shows off your culinary street cred like starting off dinner with a big bowl of popcorn and crickets, switching to smoked locust kebabs for the main course and indulging in salt-and-ant caramels for dessert. Luckily for you foodie badasses out there, Wit's End Brewing, 2025 West Second Avenue, is partnering up with Rocky Mountain Micro Ranch from 4 to 7 p.m. to provide these delicacies and more. Each course will be paired with a four-ounce beer (which can be used to either wash that taste out of your mouth or simply dull your perception). Get the entire menu for $20, or just one or two courses for $8 each. Tickets can be found on eventbrite.com. Bon appétit!

Sunday, April 16
Sunday's the end of your weekend...or perhaps it's the beginning — or maybe it's not even your weekend at all. It doesn't really matter, because Beast + Bottle, 719 East 17th Avenue, has a deal that's perfect any night of the week: Steak Frites Sundays starts today at 5 p.m. For the bargain price of $23, you'll get grass-fed beef and fries, but get there early, because quantities are limited. You can make reservations at the restaurant's website or by calling 303-623-3223. This is the first Sunday in what will be a weekly tradition, so don't panic if you can't make it this week.