SPARKLING HOLIDAY DINNER: 7 p.m. Thur., Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City. Spanish sparkling wines from Segura Viudas and Gloria Ferrer sparklers from California pair with seven courses in holiday dinner. The festive menu includes smoked duck breast in blueberry demiglace, red snapper in parsley-infused green sauce, roast pheasant in tawny port, chocolate bread pudding with apricot and chocolate souffle; $65, inclusive. Call (813) 248-4961 to RSVP.
TEA WITH SANTA: Davis and Daughters Tea Cottage, 530 Alt. U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor. Chocolate cherry scones, tea sandwiches, candy cane cake and Christmas cookies at Tea with Santa; seatings at noon and 2:30 p.m. Sun., kids 10 and younger, $14.95, adults, $18.95; or celebrate with a festive, five-course Christmas Eve tea, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. seatings Dec. 24, $14.95. Call (727) 785-7790 to RSVP either event.
Wine and beer tastings/classes
WINES FOR GIVING: 6-8 p.m. today, Pic Pac Fine Wine, 6609 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. The "VIP tasting" features wines priced in the $50 range and perfect for gift giving, along with hors d'oeuvres; $25. Call: (727) 347-0743.
KENDALL-JACKSON WINE FAMILY: 5-7 p.m. Thur., Pasadena Liquors and Fine Wines, 1100 Pasadena Ave. S, South Pasadena. Explore Kendall-Jackson's Grand Reserve wines, plus varieties from La Crema and others from the Kendall-Jackson family of wines; $6. Call (727) 347-9607.
LAST-MINUTE-GIFT TASTING: 6:30 p.m. Fri., Uncorked Fine Wines and Accessories, 2706 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Tasting of wines for giving; $10. Donations of over-the-counter medications for the St. Petersburg Free Clinic accepted through this month. Call (727) 892-9463.
WILLIAM HILL WINES: Beginning at 5 p.m. Sat., Got Wine and Cigars, 662 Main St., Dunedin. Try merlot or cabernet sauvignon varieties from William Hill Winery in Napa Valley and celebrate Got Wine's new wine bar with sparkling prosecco from Italy, plus hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment and more at free tasting. Call (727) 736-4077.
FRESH MARKET WINE TASTING: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., Florida Estates Winery, 4 miles west of I-75 on SR 52 near Land O'Lakes. Sample the winery's offerings, browse the Fresh Market with produce, breads, pickles, cheeses, smoked seafood, barbecue and food samples, plus handmade crafts for sale and live music; free admission; 813 996-2113 or visit www.floridaestateswines.com
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 26, Uncorked Fine Wines and Accessories, 2706 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Find wines for your New Year's celebration, from sparkling wines to bold-flavored meritages; $10. Tastings includes souvenir glass. Call (727) 892-9463.
Cooking classes
FOOD GIFTS FROM KIDS: La Maison Gourmet, 471 Main St., Dunedin. Class on gifts from the kitchen such as One Hour baguette, honey glazed pecans and chocolate caramel turtles, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sat., $40 includes gift wrapping. Call (727) 736-3070to RSVP.
APRON'S CLASSES: Apron's Cooking School, Publix Supermarket at Shoppes of Citrus Park, 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa, has classes on: Sushi Techniques for Teens, 6:30 p.m. Thur., $25; Italian Holiday Classics, potato and olive focaccia and mascarpone cheesecake, 6:30 p.m. Fri., $35; Dinner at Eight class makes full menu from appetizers to dessert, 5:30 p.m. Sat., $40; New Year's Buffet class shows how to add lots of sparkle with little fuss to a party menu with dishes prepared ahead of time, menu includes smoked trout and watercress on tart apple, roasted salmon on warm lentil salad, 4 p.m. Dec. 28, $35, includes sparkling wines. Call (813) 926-4465 to RSVP.
HOLIDAY BRUNCH: Noon-2:30 p.m. Sun., La Maison Gourmet, 471 Main St., Dunedin. Invite friends for a holiday brunch, this class includes some hands-on participation. Menu includes oatmeal currant scones, spinach and Brie tart, three cheese baked eggs with roasted red peppers, sweet and spicy bacon and pear and cranberry crisp; $29.50 or two for $55, includes champagne or mimosas. Call (727) 736-3070to RSVP.
"MURDER OF THE GREAT CHEF" MYSTERY: 7-10 p.m. Dec. 27, La Maison Gourmet, 471 Main St., Dunedin. Mystery theater dinner with audience participation; find out who did it while dining on oysters Rockefeller with truffle oil and Brie, beef tenderloin in fig demiglace, mustard seared salmon with artichoke hearts in phyllo, hazelnut banana tiramisu; $45, or $85 per couple. Call (727) 736-3070to RSVP.
Send news of coming events at least two weeks in advance of the publication date to Food File, the Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.
