Check out area food events

CAFE 361: IRON CHEF -- PECANS

Once a month, a group of middle school girls from the Cedar Rapids area get together to serve a homemade meal to guests at First Congregational Church. Girls research, prepare, cook and serve the meals, gaining both practical and leadership skills along the way. This month’s menu is pecan themed, with cheese ball rolled in pecans, pecan-crusted pork loin, pecan-cornbread stuffing, spinach salad with apples and pecans and pecan pie.

When: Monday Where: First Congregational Church, 361 17th St. SE, Cedar Rapids Cost: $5 suggested donation RSVP required: cafe361.org/dine-with-us


ELDERON WINERY SPOTLIGHT

Learn about wines from Elderton, out of the Barossa Valley in Australia. Join WineStyles for a tasting class featuring 6 wines as you learn all about the history and winemaking of Elderton. 

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday Where: WineStyles Iowa River Landing, 920 E 2nd Ave, Ste 115, Coralville Cost: $15 to $20 RSVP required: (319) 337-9436


HISTORY AT THE GROVE: 3D SCANNING IOWA CITY’S BEER CAVES

Kick back and relax while you listen to local experts chat about beer, breweries, and beer culture. Adam Skibbe and Michelle L. Wienhold from the University of Iowa will share their LIDAR 3D scanning research of the Iowa City beer caves.

When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Where: Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, 225 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City Cost: Free Details: biggrovebrewery.com


BARREL AGED JANUARY WEEK 3

Lion Bridge Brewing Co. continues its celebration of specialty barrel aged beers. In week three, stop by the brewery for more limited release brews. Wednesday features Click Bait Triple IPA aged for one month in Cedar Ridge Single Malt Barrels, accompanied by live music from 6 to 8 p.m. by Drew T Hurn. Come back Jan. 19 for Bretted Cherry Ale aged in cabernet barrels.

When: Wednesday to Jan. 19 Where: Lion Bridge Brewing Co., 59 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids Cost: Free admission Details: (319) 200-4460, lionbridgebrewing.com


WINE SCHOOL: 101

This two part class is designed for beginners to help ease into the often complicated, and intimidating world of wine. Each class is approximately two hours and includes lessons, 6 different wines to taste and a light snack. Preregistration is required; space is limited.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18 and Feb. 1 Where: Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar, 209 N. Linn St., Iowa City Cost: $60; covers both classes Details: (319) 359-1999