TV dinner — Celebrity chef, author and television host Anthony Bourdain will be in our area this Saturday, at Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater. Billed as "An Evening with Anthony Bourdain," the star of No Reservations will take the stage that night. In the grand foyer, ticket-holders will be treated to complimentary samples from Ann Arbor's slow food outpost Eve, where chef Eve Aronoff, who has appeared on TV's Top Chef, holds court. We also hear that pre-signed copies of Bourdain's books will be available at the event. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Nov. 7. At 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-668-8463; michtheater.org. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.
Magnum Opus — Downtown Detroit's Opus One is having a wine tasting featuring 20 wines for $20. You'll also get paired appetizers from their Chef Tim Gizinsky. It happens 6-8 p.m. Nov. 6. Or ask about their upcoming "game" dinner on Nov. 19. Call 313-961-7766 and press 1 for reservations. Opus One is at 565 E. Larned St., Detroit.
FOOD/THOUGHT
Author Pierre A. Lamielle's Kitchen Scraps (Whitecaps Books, $24.95) is whimsical, not a term typically used to describe a cookbook. The cartoon-like illustrations are humorous depictions of elements of the recipes, reflecting the author's spin, whether it's "Totally-Baked-Out-of-their-Minds Potatoes" or "The Bird and the Turd" or "Steak and Kidney Cowpie." "The Bastard Child of Mr. Croque" is a fun take on Croque Monsieur. The tales the recipes tell will have you laughing off the calories.
BOTTOMS UP
Magic Hat Brewing Company is all about variety and the new "Feast of Fools" mixed 12-pack is one of their best yet. Howl, the new winter seasonal, is a black lager, deep and roasty with aromas of chocolate and bread yet not in any way thick. It's outrageously drinkable and a good pairing with smoke-cured meats. Smelling of wood and honey, the Odd Notion one-off is tame for a sour ale. It's dry, a little tart, and somehow creamy and malty at the same time.
THE WORKS
Imagine using chewing gum to "stick" your notes on the fridge. The idea provokes a rather unpleasant image. However, for those who kinda like the idea of grossing out their friends, realistic-looking Stuck Up Magnets assure success. Each set contains four flavors (spearmint, peppermint, bubble gum and fruit). At about $5 a set, they're great gag gifts. If kids can find a metallic surface in the classroom, they're sure to give the gang a laugh when "teach" finds one.
Know of any upcoming food or wine events? Let us know! E-mail us at [email protected] or call 313-202-8043.
