We knew rap had gone mainstream when Will Smith's The Fresh Prince of Bel Air began airing in 1990, and we know craft beer has done the same now that T.G.I. Friday's is pairing its new menu items with selected beers from New Belgium Brewing.

On December 21, the casual dining chain will host a FREE tasting party at its South Aurora store, 5620 South Parker Road.

To register, log on to the T.G.I. Friday's website; attendance will be capped at about fifty people, says Friday's spokeswoman Korisa Geiger. There will be prizes.

The location is one of six in Colorado that the national chain is using as a test market for new, fresh and made-from-scratch menu items that include ahi tuna with avocado crisps, vegetarian sandwiches and pizzas. Geiger says New Belgium -- which is based in Fort Collins -- will bring about five beers to the party, which runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Hint: If you're into beer, try the pretzel sticks. Not only are they delicious, but they're made using Colorado Native, a Colorado-only beer brewed by A.C. Golden.

• Beer Man
• Things to Do