Dinners, drinks and demos to brighten up your week

Slogging through the middle of February in Wisconsin can be rough, but food and drink purveyors in Madison are making sure they keep your calendar full of fun dining experiences. Here are a few things happening this week.

Tuesday, Feb. 18
Lovers of wine and competition can purchase a ticket for a Global Drink Wine Day and Blind Tasting at Brassiere V on Monroe Street. Test your wine knowledge with a blind tasting of three reds and three whites featuring origins from all over the world. If you show up to compete, you could win prizes for correct answers. $20. 6-9 p.m. Click here for more information

Make Tuesday night something to look forward to by enjoying a February Beer Dinner at HopCat. The event will feature a variety of favorites from Shorts Brewing Co., like its Soft Parade Fruit Ale, Belaire Brown and Superfluid American Double IPA, to name a few. The four-course meal paired with these brews includes an arugula, apricot and pistachio salad, fried mozzarella balls, caramelized pork stir fry and fresh berries with mascarpone cream for dessert. $37. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Click here for more information

Wednesday, Feb. 19
Head to Giant Jones Brewing Co. for a distinctly Wisconsin way to warm up your week with a Beer and Cheese Pairing. Taste five or six beers expertly paired with their cheese counterparts from Landmark Creamery, and then hear from both the brewer and the cheesemaker before you have the option to purchase some artisanal products to enjoy at home. $20. 7-9 p.m. Click here for more information

Thursday, Feb. 20
If you’re looking to add some flavor to your week, Porta Bella is hosting a Cajun Wine Dinner this Thursday, where a representative from Left Bank Wines will present a series of five wines alongside a meal of four courses. Dishes will include a rich, garlicky cheese dip, shrimp and Cajun spices, a spinach salad topped with fruit, cheese and warm bacon vinaigrette, a bourbon-whiskey marinated New York Strip and a tiered dessert with custard and chocolate ganache to finish. $65. 6-9 p.m. Call the restaurant at (608) 256-3186 to reserve a spot and pre-pay. Click here for more information

Saturday, Feb. 22

Distill America returns to Madison on Feb. 22 for an evening of tasting and teaching that features your favorite craft spirits. (Photo courtesy of Scott R. Maurer)

The Edgewater will be hosting the 12th annual gathering of Distill America this weekend, and if you enjoy craft spirits, this event is not to be missed. More than 90 spirits purveyors, from giants to microdistillers, will be in attendance, including Bulleit Bourbon, Copper and Kings and George Dickel. This is a chance to experience and enjoy craft spirits, cocktails, snacks and educational seminars about your favorite (or soon-to-be favorite) beverages. $65 general admission. 6-9 p.m. More ticket options available. Click here for more information

Sunday, Feb. 23.

Lumpia Shanghai, a style of Filipino egg roll, is one of the traditional courses that attendees of Foods and Flavors of the Philippines will learn about and taste. (Photo courtesy of Marechiel Santos-Lang)

Pasture and Plenty will host guest chefs from PAMANA, the Philippine-American Association of Madison & Neighboring Areas, to guide you through your experience at Foods and Flavors of the Philippines. You will learn about the food-rich traditions in Filipino culture while examining and tasting three classic dishes demonstrated by the chefs: lumpia Shanghai, chicken adobo and pancit noodles. This is a great way to expand your palate and cultural knowledge, so come hungry and fill up on traditional meals, snacks, desserts and drinks from the Philippines. Proceeds from the event will benefit the PAMANA Cultural Education Committee. $65. 1-3 p.m. Click here for more information