6 Memphis food events you shouldn't miss, from cooking classes to beer and whiskey tastings
From beer and whiskey tastings to a cheese 101 workshop to family-friendly baking classes, here are some Memphis-area food and drink events to attend in January.
Swamp Bar Pop-Up
The Second Line is hosting a pop-up bar and dining concept in the former Panta restaurant. Called “Swamp Bar,” the new bar will feature Creole-inspired cocktails and dishes, as well as dishes from The Second Line Menu. The bar is open Wednesdays through Saturdays starting at 5 p.m.
When: Jan. 1-31, bar opens at 5 p.m.
Where: 2146 Monroe Ave.
Online: secondlinememphis.com
Family Baking Class at Muddy’s Bake Shop
Muddy’s Bake Shop will offer three family baking classes in January. Each class registration is for one adult and one child. The hands-on cooking class topics for January are Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream or Chocolate Chip Cookie Sammiches.
When: 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Jan. 6 or 10 a.m. Jan. 13
Where: Muddy’s Bake Shop, 2497 Broad Ave.
Cost: $92.55 for two guests
Tickets: muddysbakeshop.com
Vegan & Vodka Lunch at Restaurant Iris
Restaurant Iris chef Kelly English is hosting a “Vegan & Vodka” luncheon. Enjoy three courses with a live demonstration of one of the dishes. English said it’s the perfect way to start the new year on the right page and enjoy some meatless eating and some fun at the same time.
When: 12:30 p.m. Jan. 6
Where: Restaurant Iris, 4550 Poplar Ave.
Cost: $55 per person (not including tax and gratuity)
Reservations: Call (901) 590-2828
The Science of Beer
The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) will host its annual Science of Beer event on Jan. 12.
This popular beer lovers' event allows guests to sample a variety of beers from some of the best breweries in the region, alongside special items from some of the best Memphis restaurants.
Along with the brews, there will be educational information on everything from carbonation to climate change, and how it all affects the brewing process.
The Science of Beer event raises funding for education and programming for the museum. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk to local brewers, attend mini-lectures, and participate in beer-themed activities. Each guest will receive a commemorative 16-ounce glass.
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 12. VIP entry is at 6 p.m.
Where: The Museum of Science & History (MoSH), 3050 Central Ave.
Cost: $50 for general admission tickets ($45 for museum members) and $65 for VIP tickets
Tickets: moshmemphis.com
MEMPHIS RESTAURANTS: Memphis restaurants: Jennifer Chandler shares her 5 favorite bites of 2023
Cheese 101 at Greys Fine Cheeses
This class at Greys Fine Cheeses will show you everything you need to know to help you get started on your cheese journey or expand your cheese knowledge.
The class will give you an introduction as you learn about the different types of cheese, what to pair with it, a bit of cheese history, and tasting notes as you enjoy your five cheese selections.
When: 6-8 p.m. Jan. 23
Where: Greys Fine Cheeses, 709 S. Mendenhall Road
Cost: $45 per person
Registration: greyscheese.com
Robert Burns Night at Bog & Barley
Bog & Barley Irish pub will be celebrating Robert Burns Night on Jan. 25. An 18th century Scottish poet and lyricist, Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.
Guests will enjoy a whiskey cocktail upon arrival and a three-course traditional Burns supper. There will be bagpiper performances throughout the evening from Memphis Pipes and reciting of “Address to a Haggis,” "Tam O' Shanter" and other Burns poems. Of course, a whiskey toast to Robert Burns will be part of the celebration.
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 25
Where: Bog & Barley, 6150 Poplar Ave.
Cost: $125 (not including tax and tip)
Tickets: Eventbrite.com
NEW EATS: Memphis' best new restaurants of 2023: Here are our 3 favorite picks
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on X and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
If you want to keep up with the tastiest news in the Bluff City — like the story above, sign up for our Eat Drink Memphis weekly newsletter for a hearty serving of stories on everything from restaurants to recipes. You can sign up here.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis food and drink events to look forward to in January 2024: List
