The Bishop Arts District is a real gem, with its original architecture, one-of-a-kind shops and now, thanks to the Bishop Arts District Wine Walk, lots and lots of winos. The fancy-pants $15 wine glasses sold out, but you may still be able to snag one when the event starts at 6 p.m. Otherwise, you'll just have to settle for a $25 plastic tumbler, which will be available for purchase in advance or at the Home store. Good thing there will be plenty of shops participating in the walk, allowing you to drown your plastic tumbler sorrows in pinot grigio-fueled shopping.
What it be: Bishop Arts Wine Walk
When it do: 6-9 p.m. Thursday
Where dat is: West Davis Street at North Bishop Avenue
*****
Abbott and Costello, baby fingers and electrical outlets, cheese and beer: These are all things that go well together. But it is the latter pair that will be featured at Community Beer Co.'s Thursday night event. Cheesemonger Ali Morgan will pair four Community brews with both a complementary and a contrasting cheese. Those who like a little education to go with their cheese will also be privy to a discussion of the back stories and taste profiles of the artisanal goods at hand. Tickets are $30.What it be: Craft Beer and Artisan Cheese Pairing
When it do: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where dat is: 1530 Inspiration Drive, Suite 200
*****
Chances are you haven't been to Ethiopia. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on Ethiopian dishes like tibs, a traditional sautéed meat dish. Taste of Ethiopia ($25), a component of the Ethiopia Day festival, will save you the plane ticket by bringing tibs and other Ethiopian foods straight to you. The festival also includes music and cultural exhibits and performances, as well as demonstrations of the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. What it be: Ethiopia Day and Taste of Ethiopia
When it do: noon-midnight Saturday
Where dat is: 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano
*****
Does beer taste better when brewed in a garage or in a pantry? Find out at the fourth annual Labor of Love home-brewing competition. With over 70 home-brewers slated to attend, this is expected to be the biggest competition yet. For a $35 membership fee, you get access to the competition and, more important, the beer. This event will take place at Deep Ellum Brewing Co. and will feature food trucks and live music. Must be 21 or older to attend and not afraid of going blind.What it be: Labor of Love
When it do: 6 p.m. Sunday
Where dat is: 2823 St. Louis St.
*****
Small Brewpub is having a decidedly large vegetable and cheese dinner this Sunday, with six courses in all. The dinner, sure to be full of high summer flavor, comes courtesy of Brewpub's head chef, Misti Norris, chef Eric Spigner of Nova, Ali Morgan of Rare Edibles and Roy and Sophia Herrera of Rae Lili Farm. The cost is $100 per person with drink pairings or $75 for the dinner only. Tickets must be purchased in advance. What it be: Pairing Dinner at Small Brewpub
When it do: 7-11 p.m. Sunday
Where dat is: 333 W. Jefferson Blvd.
*****
Rejoice, readers, for this Labor Day weekend there are smoked meats to be had and songs to be heard. That's right, the Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival is here. Several barbecue competitions will take place throughout the weekend, from the People’s Choice contest on Saturday to the Battle of the BBQ on Sunday. On Friday, the Backyard Contest will feature amateurs using off-the-rack grills and their culinary skills to claim bragging rights and a $100 Grand Prize. Festival attendees can savor smoky samples by signing up for the Backyard Judges Experience ($15). For more information on this competition, in addition to a complete run-down of festival activities, visit the website.What it be: Bedford Blues and BBQ Fest
When it do: Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6
Where dat is: 1951 L. Don Dodson Drive, Bedford
*****
The Capitol Pub is also celebrating Labor Day this weekend with $8 brisket sandwiches, $1 off Texas draughts and $2 Lone Stars all day Sunday and Monday. The Gary Lee Cox Band kicks off the festivities at 8 p.m. Friday and DJ Mike D takes the stage at 10 p.m. Sunday.
What it be: Capitol Pub Celebrates Labor Day Weekend
When it do: Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7 (hours vary)
Where dat is: 2401 N. Henderson Ave.
