Ann Arbor food & drink calendar for the week of Nov. 1-8

Posted on Thu, Nov 1, 2012 : 8:36 a.m.

Borden - Loaf of Lahey bread

AnnArbor.com File photo | Corinna Borden

Today
9th Annual Taste of Tantre. 7 p.m. Zingerman's Events on Fourth, 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor. For the ninth year in a row we are inviting local food lovers to help us complete the farm-to-table circle and enjoy the best food of the season elbow-to-elbow with the people who grew it — the folks from Tantre Farm. The details of the multi-course meal remain secret until the last moment, since Chef Rodger and his kitchen crew hand-select most of the fresh ingredients the morning of the feast. $50 or $60 with beer. 734-663-3400.

Braising 101. 6-10 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. This class is offered through Washtenaw Community College, but held at Ann Arbor Cooks We are heading into the thick of winter and craving deep flavor, slow-cooked comfort foods. Braising is where it’s at! Join us for an intensive look at this moist heat method of cooking as we recreate some unbelievable classics. It’s all about ‘low and slow’ and layers of flavor with this technique. Menu: Coq au vin, braised lamb shanks, braised leeks, and braised potatoes. $75. www.wccnet.edu/lifelonglearning.

Bread Making: Rolls, Loaves, and Cinnamon Buns. 3-4:30 p.m. U-M Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. Cooking demo by Henrietta Dabney. $5. 734-998-9353.

Coney Dog and Root Beer Float Night. 5-8 p.m. American Legion Post #419, 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney. $1.25 per Coney dog. For more information call 734- 878-9522 or 734-341-4249.

Thursday Night Rush Hour Relief at the Wine Bar. 5-8:30 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, at the wine bar. Each Thursday evening, experts lead an exploration of wine, cheese and appetizers. This week’s topic: Italian wine. 734-997-7500.

Friday
Terminator Release Party. 6-8 p.m. Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. Join us as we kick off the holiday season with the much anticipated release of our Terminator Dopplebock! Our winter lager is perhaps our most famous beer, though no longer the strongest. Like all traditional German Dopplebocks it is richly spicy with a subtly sweet malt palate and a clean, crisp, dry hop finish. Historically, dopplebocks were brewed with high alcohol content and served as “liquid bread” for the monks while fasting. Monks who brewed the first dopplebocks named their beer salvator meaning “savior.” Today, brewers often add “ator” to the ending of their beers as a nod to the style. Some releases feature returning seasonals while others feature single-release specialty batches. Admission includes samples of the new beer, light snacks, and discounts on merchandise. Admission is free for all mug club members and $10 for visitors and guests. 734-213-1393.

Singles Night!. 6:30-10 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. In response to our popular 'Date Night' classes, many of you asked for a Singles Night of cooking. Join us for a super-fun evening of amazing food and lots of new friends! This will be our super-fun version of speed-dating, but in the kitchen and all while you're learning to make some great food. Our theme this time is a Tapas Party. Feel free to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with your food. Menu: Gambas al ajillo (chili garlic shrimp); albondigas en salsa (saucy Spanish meatballs); calcots con romesco (charred green onions with authentic red pepper sauce); aceitunas fritas (fried Spanish olives); alemandras (pan-fried almonds with rosemary); roasted manchego stuffed figs wrapped in prosciutto; enjoy a complimentary glass of sangria. In order to have a near equal number of guys and gals, you will need to indicate your gender when you register. $75. www.annarborcooks.com.

Ann Arbor Student Food Co. (farm stand). 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Ingalls Mall, 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor's only student-run food stand provides fresh, affordable produce to those working and studying on campus. Come by and pick up some fresh fruit and veggies. The stand is located at the North University entrance to Ingalls Mall, between Hill Auditorium and the Michigan League.

Saturday
Basic Knife Skills. 1-4 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. This hands-on class will cover how to sharpen and care for your knives, as well as proper use. Learn the fundamental cuts, including mincing, dicing and battoneting, as well as breaking down a whole chicken. Register at www.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning.

Baking Madeleine Cookies. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Downtown Home & Garden, 210 S. Ashley, Ann Arbor. A cooking demo will be held with local French cuisine guru Brigitte Romero, who also discusses the history of this fabled cookie. Free. 734-662-8122.

Legion Riders Steak Dinner. 5-7:30 p.m. American Legion Post #419, 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney. The Legion Riders Steak Dinner, sponsored by the Pinckney American Legion Riders Chapter #419. $10. 734-878-9522 or 734-341-4249.

Sunday
Parent/Child Brunch III. 2-4:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. This class is for a parent with a child(ren) 6 years and older. This is part of a Sunday Brunch Series. Learn new recipes while cooking with your child. In this class, you will make all of the recipes and sit down to enjoy a meal together. Menu: Build a Breakfast Sandwich; handmade English muffins; apple and cranberry preserves; maple-walnut butter. Skill focus: griddle-baking; knife work; frying and sauce reduction. $65 for one parent plus one child or $95 for one parent plus two children. www.annarborcooks.com.

Monday
Milan Senior Nutrition Program. 11:45 a.m. Milan Senior & Community Activity Center, 45 Neckel Court, Milan. In partnership with the Washtenaw County Senior Nutrition Program, they offer a nutritionally balanced meal three afternoons a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. There is a suggested donation of $2.50 for anyone who is 60 years or older and a fee of $5 for anyone under the age of 60. They do ask for 48 hour advanced reservations. Call or stop by the office.

Tuesday
Kids' Election Day Baking. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. This is a kids-only class for children ages 8 and up. Come on kids - time to vote! Ginger-pear muffins? Chewy granola bars? Truffle brownies? What will it be? Actually, it's all of them! Come sharpen your baking and knife skills in this fun class, learning to make all three goodies. $50. www.annarborcooks.com.

San Street Pop-Up. 5:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The Bar at 327 Braun Court, 327 Braun Court, Ann Arbor.  A new weekly pop-up series will be held every Tuesday at the Bar at 327 Braun Court. San Street already serves great Asian street food at Mark's Carts and will expand their menu beyond the already popular steamed buns and banh mi sandwiches to savory pancakes, dessert, dumplings, noodles, soups and more. No cover; price of purchases. 734-585-5440.

Cobblestone Farm farmer's market. 4-7 p.m. Located at the historic Cobblestone Farm, this market will feature local, organically grown produce every Tuesday evening beginning June 19. No admission charge; price of purchases. www.cobblestonefarmmarket.com.

Lunch is Served. Noon-1 p.m. Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. Repeats every Tuesday and Friday. Reservations are required with two days prior notice. Suggested donation for those over 60 years of age is $2.50, for all others, $5. Call 734-998-9353 for reservations.

Wednesday
52 Mile Dinner. 6:30 p.m. Grange Kitchen and Bar, 118 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Like to keep it local? We do! Join Grange for its annual 52 Mile Dinner. The event will showcase dishes created from ingredients sourced from within 52 miles of Grange’s Ann Arbor home. Tickets are $55 for cuisine and $35 for an optional beverage pairing, both prices exclude tax and gratuity. 734-995-2107.

Know Your Beer! 6:30 p.m. Live/The Last Word, 102 S. First St., Ann Arbor. The world of beer is big and confusing. In this tasting event, you won't just taste a variety of beers, you'll also learn how they're made and what makes them taste so different from one another. We'll compare ales and lagers, porters and stouts, American and English IPAs, and two of beer's cousins, mead and cider. Your guides will be beer judge, homebrewer and beer blogger Patti Smith along with Tammy Coxen of Tammy's Tastings. $25. Reserve your space at http://www.tammystastings.com/shop or by calling 734-276-3215.

My Vegetarian Thanksgiving 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Are you having a hard time sticking to your vegetarian diet during this holiday season? Have a few "veggies" attending your party and don't know what to serve? Or are you just looking to complement your existing meal with more or a vegetable emphasis? These recipes will be the perfect 'go-to' this year to impress your guests, your family, yourself, and any carnivore around! This menu is completely vegan! Menu: Caramelized onion and white wine whole grain bread stuffing; pecan-crusted seitan; braised Brussels sprouts, scarlet roasted vegetables, vegan pumpkin pie. $75. www.annarborcooks.com.

Salumi: The Craft of Italian Dry Curing. 7 p.m. Nicola's Books, 2513 Jackson, Ann Arbor. Detroit chef Brian Polcyn gives a cooking demonstration and discusses his new book. His previous book, "Charcuterie," was nominated for a James Beard Award. The author will be available for book signing. Free. 734-662-0600.

Wednesday Evening Farmers Market. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor. At the Wednesday Evening Farmers Market, you'll find local produce and food from some of your favorite farmers and vendors from the Saturday and Wednesday markets, plus many innovative new vendors. There will be live music, food carts, and throughout the season a non-profit sponsored beer and wine garden, as well as educational food demos and more. Free admission. Visit www.a2gov.org/market for more information.

Wednesday Wine Tasting. 6 p.m. Paesano's Italian Restaurant, 3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. This informal wine tasting allows patrons to sample five up and coming wines from Italy. Joined by one of Paesano's knowledgeable wine purveyors, the staff creates tasty appetizers to accompany the bold flavors. $25. www.paesanosannarbor.com.

Thursday, Nov. 8
Thanksgiving Tutorial . 6-10 p.m. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Come and join us for an evening going through all of the 'ins and outs' of preparing a successful Thanksgiving dinner. We will discuss brining and all of its variations, timing, and how to make it all come together, as well as restaurant tips for keeping it all warm. We will roast a turkey, teach you how to carve a turkey, and prepare several side dishes. You will leave armed with a go-to recipe booklet - classic, tried and true. $75. www.annarborcooks.com.

Beer Tasting: Belgians. 7-9 p.m. Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. ABC beer tastings are the second Thursday of each month. Each tasting focuses on a specific style and features two dozen or so of the best examples available in the style of the month. Tickets include beer samples, an appetizer buffet, a complete event program with tasting notes, and entry in our door prize drawing. This is the mack daddy of all of our beer tasting events! We pull together 25 to 30 of the best Belgian and belgian-style ales across the category spectrum. From malty rich trappists to traditional sour lambics and flemish browns to aged and high gravity ales to crazy concoctions made with fruits and spice. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event. 734-213-1393.

Seafood Appetizers and Platters for the Holidays. 6 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor. Part of a weekly series of cooking demos. Free. 734-997-7500.

Hard Cider and Cheese Tasting. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Zingerman's Events on Fourth, 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor. Nothing says fall in Michigan better than cider! Come explore some interesting cheese and hard cider pairings with Mike Beck from Uncle John's Cider Mill. During the tasting, you will get a chance to try several different ciders and many cheeses while having the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the rich history of fermented apples. $35. 734-663-3400.

Thursday Night Rush Hour Relief at the Wine Bar. 5-8:30 p.m. Cranbrook Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, at the wine bar. Each Thursday evening, experts lead an exploration of wine, cheese and appetizers. This week’s topic: Pinot Noir with an American Cheese Tasting. 734-997-7500.

To submit events for this calendar, e-mail calendar@annarbor.com.

Review our commenting guidelines

Join the discussion