FYI-Food: April 11, 2012

Wine tastings

The following are wine tastings happening around Naples:

■ Alexander’s Restau­rant and Decanted are sponsoring a wine tast­ing with hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. today at 4077 U.S. 41 N., Naples. $10, will be credited toward purchase of wine that evening. Reservations: 239-262- 4999

■ Tony’s off Third is sponsoring a wine tast­ing by Orin Swift Cel­lars at 5:30 p.m. today at 1300 Third St. S., Naples. Taste the Prisoner, Saldo Zinfandel, Papillon Pro­prietary Red, Abstract Proprietary Red, D66 Grenach and others. $25, includes a $10 coupon toward a purchase of a featured wine. Reserva­tions: 239-262-7999

■ Artichoke and Com­pany is having a food and wine tasting of whites and reds from 6 to 8:30 p.m. April 18 at 1410 Rail Head Blvd., North Na­ples. $28. Reservations: 239-263- 6979

Customer appreciation

Wynn’s Market is celebrating its custom­ers from noon to 4 p.m. Friday at 141 U.S. 41 N., Naples. Enjoy tasting of the charcuterie depart­ment and be introduced to the low-carb entrees and new summer reci­pes. You will also find out about the children’s in the kitchen summer package, cooking classes and demonstrations that will be going on through the summer.

International Fest

Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon is hosting an International Fest from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Promenade, 26851 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs. Taste wine and beer from around the world with food pairings by Roy’s, Silver Spoon, Outback Steak House, C Level, Fitzgerald’s, Olde Naples Chocolates, Ar­tichoke & Company, Russell’s Cookouts & Clambakes and C Grape Chef. Admission is free and tastings are $2 to $5 each.

Block party

Whole Foods Market is having a spring brunch block party, with sam­pling in each department from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at 9101 Strada Place, North Naples. Taste your way around the store and vote for your favorite dish. Drop off your ballot at custom­er service and you might win a $25 Whole Foods Market gift card. Infor­mation: 239- 552- 5100

Abbruzzo night

Naples Italian Ameri­can foundation is spon­soring Abbruzzo Night at 7 p.m. Sunday at 7035 Airport-Pulling Road N., North Naples. The eve­ning features Abbruzzo cuisine, points of interest about the region and mu­sic is by J. Desimone. $35, members; $35, guests. Res­ervations: 239- 597- 5210

Clans of Ireland dinner party

The Clans of Ireland USA is holding a Clans of Ireland dinner party at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Noodles Italian Cafe and Sushi Bar, 1585 Pine Ridge Road, North Naples. Maire Peters, a journalist, publicist and creator of one of Ireland’s longest-­running television show, will be the guest speak­er. $26.50. Reservations: 239-592- 0050

Specials

■ Charlie Chiang’s Res­taurant wants you to bring the kids to eat with you, and on Tuesdays children will eat free for a limited time. They will also learn three words in Chinese from manager Ying Betz. On Mondays and Wednes­days from 11 a.m. to close, sushi will be half price. Visit at 12200 U.S. 41 N., North Naples. Reserva­tions: 239-593- 6688

■ Stonewood Grill & Tavern has selected mar­tinis for $6 on Wednes­days at 7935 Airport-Pulling Road, North Naples. Information; 239-593- 0001

Free breakfast for students

Students will be get­ting free breakfast from 6 to 8:30 a.m. Monday at McDonald’s for the first day of FCAT testing. Stu­dents receive a free Egg McMuffin, a package of apple slices and 1 percent milk or orange juice. If you are under 15, you must be accompanied by a parent.

Cooking lessons

Shelly Connors is teaching a steakhouse dinner boot camp from 6 to 8 p.m. April 25 at the Good Life of Naples, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, North Naples. $65. Res­ervations: 239-514- 4663

Sip and sample

The Village on Vene­tian Bay is sponsoring a sip and sample event from 5 to 7 p.m. April 19 at 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. Pur­chase a passport for $25 at Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, 4270 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples, and receive a 10 percent coupon toward dinner in the downstairs bar during April. Proceeds from the event benefit Friends of Foster Care.

Gift card bonus

Buy $100 in gift cards through June 17 from Fleming’s Prime Steak­house, 8985 U.S. 41 N., North Naples, and receive a $20 bonus card. The res­taurant is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Sat­urdays; and 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays. Information: 239- 598-2424

Author luncheon

Meet Jim Lustenader, author of “Paris Second Images from a Street Photographer,” and have lunch at noon April 19 at Chez Boët French Home Cooking. The restau­rant is at 755 12th Ave. S., Naples. Lustenader will discuss his collection of storytelling images taken while traveling to Paris during 100 trips. $25, in­cludes a traditional Pa­risian bistro two-course luncheon with a glass of wine. Copies of the book will be available for pur­chase to be signed. Res­ervations: 239- 643- 6177

Oyster-eating contest

Be part of the oyster­-eating contest that ben­efits the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 at the Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market. The res­taurant is at 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island. Infor­mation: 239- 395-2233

Sweepstakes to Napa Valley

Decanted is sponsor­ing a sweepstakes for a couple to win a trip to Napa Valley that in­cludes roundtrip coach airfare, accommoda­tions for four days/ three nights and visits to 12 wineries, including Martinelli Vineyards, ZD Wines and Gargiu­lo Vineyards. Enter at decantedwines.com/napatrip or at 1410 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. If you make a purchase on­line or at the store, you will also be automati­cally entered to win. You may enter once a day through July 31.

Fine dining

Enjoy breakfast and dinner at the Gasparilla Inn & Club main din­ing room through April 30. Dinner is a four­-course dining experi­ence Thursdays through Sundays, and breakfast is served daily. The inn is at 500 Palm Ave., Boca Grande. Res­ervations are required for dinner by calling 941-964- 4535

For your information

Did you know Antarc­tica is the only continent that does not have a McDonald’s?

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