The summer may be coming to a close and back-to-school time looms large, but the calendar of food-and-drink events proceeds unabated. Here are some of the month’s best bets.
Brake for Brunch at Osteria Marzano, Sept. 3
Combine your love of brunch and your love of Italian racing with this unique event at Osteria Marzano. Watch the Italian Grand Prix on the restaurant’s five TVs while enjoying meals like smoked salmon eggs benedict, spaghetti carbonara, and pizza bianca al salmon – a breakfast pizza topped with smoked salmon, eggs mimosa, microgreens, and a touch of olive oil. Wash your meal down with some Italian coffee – and if you’ve got a hot rod of your own, bring it to park in front of the restaurant, where a professional photographer is poised to capture the moment. The festivities start at 7:30 a.m. 6361 Walker Lane.
Portner Brewhouse Oktoberfest, Sept. 16
Since its opening, Portner’s has always skewed a bit into the German territory, so it’s no surprise that the brewhouse and restaurant would take Oktoberfest very seriously. The festivities kick off promptly at noon and run through 10 p.m. – noon to 4 p.m. is all-ages, and 6-10 p.m. is 21+. Each session will begin with a keg-tapping of the brewery’s golden Festbier. Diners can feast on pretzels, schnitzel, and other German fare to get into the spirit of the season. Tickets are $50 for adults, $30 for designated drivers, and $15 for children. 5770 Dow Ave.
Lena’s Family Pizza-Making Class, Sept. 18
It’s a family affair over at Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza and Tap, and the pizza purveyor is set to let kids in on all the chef secrets from the kitchen. On the heels of the restaurant’s own Oktoberfest festivities Sept. 16, Lena’s takes on a more child-friendly vibe once more with this pizza-making class. Adults and children alike will roll up their sleeves and become one with the dough – and taste the results of their hard work. Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for kids. 401 E. Braddock Road.
Mansion House Whiskey Tasting at Carlyle House, Sept. 30
Cap the month off in style with the Carlyle House’s food and whiskey pairings. Diners will taste four whiskeys paired with heavy hors d’oeuvres, each one reminiscent of the bygone era when the historic site was the home of the Mansion House Hotel. Take a tour of the Carlyle House while you sip, and confer with local historian Rich Gillespie to brush up on your facts. Tickets are $100. 121 N. Fairfax St.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.