Friday Quickies #48: If I Only Had the Money and Time . . .

unexpected surprise of a different sort, mini pine tree in a punch bowl at the Martin Miller's Masters Competition in New York City

Plan as I may, life always have a way of throwing curveballs. That's exactly what happened when I found out about a few awesome food events happening in the coming weeks, right after I allotted my dining out budget on other things (mostly the recent restaurant weeks.) But alas, both happenings sounds amazing and if you have the free-time and wallet-space for it, get your tickets now!

First up is a Feb. 19 GO FISH event happening at the Century City Breadbar, which is teaming up again with LearnAboutWine as a follow-up to the RED event. With an eight-course seafood-centered meal (don't worry - not the dessert) prepared by up-and-coming chef Noriyuki Sugie, creatively paired with intriguing wines (Chilean Sea Bass with Caramelized Miso paired with Burgundy, Tuna Avocado Kushige with an aged Bourdeaux, Black Cod Slider with a Rhone Red ... Mmmm!) And of course, Ian Blackburn from LAW will around to talk about the pairings. It's $85/person (including tax and tips.)

Also around the corner is Jonathan Gold's "Gold Standard" tasting event on Mar. 8, where Mr. Gold has gathered 30 of his favorite eateries to offer up dishes for all his fans and readers to enjoy in the swanky Smashbox Studios. The list of participating restaurants runs the whole gamut from All-American to pure ethnic, low-end to high-brou, well-established classics to brand spanking new, with representation from the likes of Providence, Sona, Wurstkuche, Hungry Cat, Jitlada, Mr. Baguette, Kyochon and La Casita Mexicana. There will also be beer and wine samplings as well as a cash bar. Event costs $60/person ($10 for kids 10 and under).

Lastly, an impromptu event I can actually afford: the Valentine's Day dinner at Pitfire Pizza Company. It's a $40 prix-fixe affair with two glasses of wine, however, TonyC of SinoSoul dropped the word on how you can slash over half the price by taking advantage of a Restaurant.com deal, turning it into a decent $19 four-course meal... for two! Alas, can't make it to this one either due to scheduling, already going to be attending a potluck and will be mixing drinks and whipping up a dessert. But their food's pretty good so it's a viable meal option for the budget-savvy couple, lovers or not. ;)