In the interest of all things in one place (not to mention hayZeusFUK Thanksgiving is in two weeks), here is a list of various tasting events and such to get you started on your holiday planning, as well as some events happening on Thanksgiving Day and other stuff happening in the next two weeks just for funsies. From wine tastings with pairing suggestions to cheese tastings because, hi, cheese, these are some great pre-Thanksgiving tastings (and one post- because, hi, cheese) to help you plan your holiday dinners. Or to just carry on like normal and go to fun tastings and brunches because they're fun and it's just this thing that you do. Also, everyone loves a parade. And shopping. And whatever. Here is a list of whatever. There will be another as the day of the Fat Man and Little Boy approaches. (It's okay to reference nuclear warheads in jest when speaking of Santa and the baby Jesus???) #holidays2012
Friday, November 9
Art for the Holidays at the Detroit Artists Market, 5-9 p.m.
What it sounds like. You know what's better than an impersonal gift card or trying to guess another person's pant size and personal taste? Art. Just go buy art. $10-20.
Saturday, November 10 (and every Saturday through the end of the year)
Weekly Wine Tastings at Toasted Oak Grill + Market, $10.
Like what you tried? Buy it at the market. Might as well pick up a house-made charcuterie or Michigan cheese platter while you're there, or maybe some of Chef Steve's famous bacon caramel (that's a pretty unique gift, eh?).
Nov. 10 - "Birds and booze" (Thanksgiving-friendly wines served with brie and country terrine)
Nov. 17 - Holiday tasting (15 wines hand-selected for holiday pairings, gift-giving and value, plus meats, cheeses and house-made accoutrements from the market)
Tuesday, November 13
Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. "Sparkling wine will get any party going, ja*," 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Sample several dry sparkling natural wines and be speechified by two of my favorite wine guys, Antoine Przekop and James Cadariu. Snacks. $40.
*"ja" added for emphasis.
Thursday, November 15
The Wine Garden's Nouveau Day 2012, 5-8 p.m.
The third Thursday of November is traditionally known as "Nouveau Day," when French producers rush to get their Beaujolais nouveaus released. There won't actually be any Beaujolais nouveau at this tasting, but there WILL be plenty of other lovely French wines as well as roast turkey so you can see for yourself how it all pairs. Free.
Hugh Grand Opening, 8-11 p.m.
Detroit's Original Pop-Up(TM) is celebrating the grand opening of its permanent location in Midtown. With refreshments, naturally. Check it out for masculine housewares and gift items from proper beer glasses to vintage Playboys. Also: refreshments. Free.
Friday, November 16
MotorCity Wine November Wine Tasting, 6-8:30 p.m.
18 different wines to try before you buy, paired with cheese, charcuterie and antipasti. $25.
Paper Ink + Earth Launch Party, 5-8 p.m.
A pop-up within a pop-up. Comment l'avant-garde! Snacks and wine and shopping. Free.
Thursday, November 22
Thanksgiving Brunch at Atlas Global Bistro, 8 a.m. - parade ends
Watch the parade from their windows while drinking Bloodys and eating bacon. $40 adults, $20 kids 10 and under, $15 extra for bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Thanksgiving Brunch at the Majestic Cafe, 7 a.m. - noon
Breakfast buffet and prime parade seating. I've done this a few times and while the food pretty much sucks, it's still a fun experience. $20 adults, $15 kids.
Wednesday, November 28
Go Wisconsin! at Zingerman's Roadhouse, 7-10 p.m.
A Wisconsin cheese tasting paired with Death's Door cocktails. Because, hi, cheese. $50.
