Tom’s Town gin, Pryde’s and Jasper, and running toward beer: your week in food and drink events, March 27–April 2

There are plenty of opportunities for whistle-wetting this week, including tastings, tappings and even a run from Kansas City to Lawrence with the promise of beer at the end.

Check back here each week for a look at some of the week’s most intriguing food and drink events throughout Kansas City and Lawrence.

Monday, March 27

Bell’s Brewery fetes the annual release of its seasonal wheat ale, Oberon, with “Bell’s Oberon Day” events around the country. Celebrate this arrival of spring locally at Hopcat (401 Westport Road), which is preparing to tap Oberon when it opens.

Tuesday, March 28

Tom’s Town Distilling Company (1791 Main) is honoring its first birthday with the release of a new spirit, Pendergast Machine 1: Antique Gin, the first in its line of small-batch, limited-run spirits. A $25 ticket (available here) gets you a signed bottle of the gin, tastings, appetizers and a distiller’s talk.

Wednesday, March 29

Enjoy some snacks and drinks in order that benefit KC Community Gardens this evening at Pryde’s Westport (115 Westport Road). “What’s Cooking in the Kitchen?” features a cooking demonstration from Jasper Mirable (Jasper’s), an edible container-garden demo from KC Community Gardens’ Ben Shapiro, and more. Tickets are $25 and are available here. The event is presented by Les Dames d’Escoffier and Slow Food Kansas City.

Thursday, March 30

Head to the Plaza this evening for a free tasting event at Seasons 52 (340 Ward Parkway) featuring Tom’s Town Distilling Company products. Enjoy samples of Tom’s Town products and cocktails while you nibble on small plates and learn about the spirits directly from the makers. Tickets for the 6 and 8 p.m. seatings are still available here.  

If wine sounds more appealing, visit the Oread (1200 Oread Avenue) in Lawrence for a five-course wine dinner, centered on the theme Napa vs. Sonoma. Wines include those from the Sherwin Family, 75 Wine Company and Domaine Carneros as well as Wind Gap, and the menu features snapper, quail, pork-belly and short-ribs courses. The dinner is $65 a person exclusive of tax or gratuity. Call 785-830-3927 for reservations.

Saturday, April 1

KC Wineworks (1829 McGee Street) is celebrating its first birthday today. From 2-10 p.m. today, visit the wineworks for drink specials, and load up on grilled cheeses and snacks provided by Cheesy Street food truck.

Sunday, April 2

KC’s legendary Brew to Brew run is today, come (likely) rain or shine. Individuals as well as teams of runners trek from downtown KC (the Roasterie on Southwest Boulvard) to Lawrence — 44 miles — all for the glory of the afterparty, featuring Free State Beer (636 Massachusetts Street), waiting at the end. Registration is $40 per runner. More information at Brew to Brew’s website here.