Go slow — Slow Food Detroit, the local group leading the fight for "slow food," is having a beer dinner at Sherwood Brewing Company. The evening of slow fare and suds will feature plenty of Michigan produce, meat and fish. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at Sherwood Brewing Company 45689 Hayes Rd., Shelby Twp.; $24 per person; RSVP with payment by March 2 at 586-532-9669.
Show time — The Whitney has joined up with the Fisher Theatre and Detroit Opera House to offer meal deals that combine a seat at a touring show (think Young Frankenstein) and a four-course meal. Theater ticket pricing varies; call for details: 313-832-5700 ext. 208.
You got this — Have people coming over but no time to cook? Talk to the good people at Westborn Market's Prepared Foods Department. You'll find a cornucopia of ready-to-eat items and gourmet dishes prepared daily. Drop in at 21755 Michigan Ave., Dearborn (313-274-6100) or find their other locations at westbornmarket.com.
FOOD/THOUGHT
Fine aged tequila deserves to be drunk neat, that is, straight, without ice or any other adornment. However, we do recommend backing it up with Sangrita, a tart, spicy acidic drink made of citrus juices, hot chiles, tomato juice and salt. Mention Sangrita and most people assume that you mean sangria, without the "T." Wrong! An authentic recipe can be found in Tequila: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails, and Bites by Joanne Weir (Ten Speed Press, $16.95).
BOTTOMS UP
2008 Bricco Dei Tati is a clean and spirited Barbera from the Piedmont region of Italy that sports a pleasant nose of cherries and subtle sandalwood incense. On the palate, an initial softness quickly gives way to a bright acidity that makes you want another sip. We figure the low price is due to being produced on a small plot of land owned and operated by the same family that imports and distributes it. Another value wine found in the ever-improving wine aisle at Ferndale's Western Market.
THE WORKS
When you drink good tequila with Sangrita, style it up with cojitas, the handsome shot glasses, aka shooters, whose good looks enhance the experience. The glass' thick bottom provides stability while the narrow design makes it easy to hold. We like the 5-ounce size for the Sangrita or a smaller one for the tequila. The Libbey Glassware 5-ounce Troyano Shooter Glasses pictured can be found at foodservicewarehouse.com. Just $31 for a case of 24, you can throw them into the fireplace when you're done drinking.
Know of any upcoming food events? Let us know! Call 313-202-8043 or e-mail [email protected]
