The big five — Congratulations are in order. Mudgie’s Deli is marking five years on the block. And they’re going to celebrate with a big bash that will feature lots of music. Why music? Because, over the years, lots of Detroit bands have worked a “day job” at Mudgie’s, and now they’re coming together for a night of performing. Artists will include the Kickstand Band, Lightning Love, the Johnny Ill Band and more. It happens Saturday, Feb. 9, at PJ’s Lager House, 1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313- 961-4668; pjslagerhouse.com; no cover; $1 Atwater pints while supplies last.

Chicken hat time — Get ready for a good old time. The Dakota Inn, Detroit’s historic German rathskeller, is celebrating “karneval” in earnest. It’ll run for four more weeks, but why wait? Starting at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays you can get caught up in the craziness. The management of the Dakota says, “Paint your face, cover your head with a chicken hat (available for sale at the door), wear a costume, don those beads and decorate yourself for one of the best pub parties in Detroit!” Enjoy authentic German beers on tap, as well as German wine and schnapps. It’s all at 17324 John R St., Detroit; call 313-867-9722 for reservations; $3 admission; dakota-inn.com.

Tiny bubbles — Hey, beer dorks. There’s this guy named Stephen Roginson who’s trying to start up a nanobrewery in Corktown called Batch Brewing Company. Interested? You can help fund the project or just “like” it on Facebook. See facebook.com/BatchBrewingCompany for more info.

Some love for the needy — Here’s a novel idea:  Milford’s Community Sharing Outreach Center is hosting an inaugural “Food from the Heart” event on Valentine’s Day. In exchange for a nonperishable food item, participants will be able to participate in a stroll through downtown Milford, visiting participating locations and being serenaded by the Michigan Musicians Collective and other performers. The donations will help people in need in Milford, Highland and Wixom. The event takes place 6:30-9:30 Thursday, Feb. 14. For more information, and a list of participating establishments, call the center at 248-889-0347.

Wine at the Whitney — Could there be a more sumptuous environment for a wine tasting than the Whitney? From 5 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday, the restaurant’s wine director, Lew Wiedeman, hosts a tasting, choosing a selection of three interesting wines. Wiedeman provides the stories and insights; all you have to do is drink and enjoy. The Whitney is at 4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; $10 per person; 313-832-5700.

Big Rock kudos — Congratulations to executive chef Brian Henson of Big Rock Chophouse, who’s been selected to compete in the American Culinary Federation’s Regional Chef of the Year competition. The showdown for supremacy in the 15-state region takes place in a few months in Little Rock, Ark. To taste the food that put him in the running, drop in at 245 S. Eton St., Birmingham; 248-647-7774.

Know of any upcoming food or drink events? Let us know! Call 313-202-8043 or email mjackman@metrotimes.com.

Michael Symon’s Carnivore: 120 Recipes for Meat Lovers

by Michael Symon

Clarkson Potter, $35

For several years, we were advised to cut back on red meats. Too high in cholesterol-causing fats, we heard. How times change! From the rise of barbecue to high-end steakhouses, meat is back. And Michael Symon’s Carnivore: 120 Recipes for Meat Lovers is a celebration of its return. Symon shares his love of meat, providing not only recipes for beef, pork, lamb, goat, poultry and game — and the sides that complement them — but also important general info and tips on such details as meat selection and more.

A peek into any restaurant kitchen will reveal a universal tool that every chef “wears,” usually in his or her shirt pocket, much like an engineer’s ballpoint pen. We’re talking about, of course, a meat thermometer, which is always ready to be poked into a large cut of meat. You might say you’re able see if food is cooked just right by pressing it with your experienced finger, but it won’t be as accurate as a reading taken with one of these babies. You’ll find plenty of fancy digital and remote versions, but you’ll get the job done with a Taylor Classic Instant-Read Pocket Thermometer for about $5.

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