8 Memphis food events you shouldn't miss, from Waffle Shop to Lunar New Year Bar Crawl
From a bar crawl to chocolate and cheese tastings to a beloved Memphis fundraiser, here are some Memphis-area food and drink events to attend in February.
Good Fortune Co.: Lunar New Year Bar Crawl
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a month-long bar crawl on South Main Street in Downtown Memphis. It's the third time Good Fortune Co. has hosted this popular event.
Good Fortune Co., Longshot and Eight & Sand have partnered for this celebration that runs Feb. 3-28.
The goal is to collect two "South Main dollars" from each of the three locations. To get a dollar, you must try two Lunar New Year-themed drinks from each participating bar. Once you have collected all six dollars, stop by Good Fortune Co. to redeem your prize — a signature 2024 Lunar New Year Bar Crawl T-shirt.
The bar crawl's kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. at Good Fortune Co. Festivities include a traditional Lion Dance and drinks by guest bartender Tony Nguyen of Hen House.
When: Feb 3-28
Where: Good Fortune Co., Longshot and Eight & Sand
Cost: Free
Memphis Restaurant Association Awards Food Festival
The Memphis Restaurant Association will host its MRA Awards Food Festival on Feb. 4 at The Kent, 61 Keel Ave.
The 2024 MRA Restaurateur of the Year and the 2024 MRA Associate of the Year will be honored at the event, which runs from 5-9 p.m.
The tasting and food festival will feature samplings from food vendors and an open bar all night. You will leave full after heavy appetizers representing the makeup of the Memphis restaurant community with a football twist.
When: 5-9 p.m. Feb. 4
Where: The Kent, 61 Keel Ave.
Cost: $75 per person.
Tickets: memphisrestaurants.com
Memphis Botanic Garden: Whiskey, Wine & Chocolates
The Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG) will host its annual Whiskey, Wine & Chocolates event on Feb. 9 from 7-10 p.m.
This annual event features perfect pairings of chocolates by Memphis-based chocolatier Phillip Ashley Rix of Phillip Ashley Chocolates with select whiskeys, wines and craft beers. New this year, the Garden will offer an exclusive VIP add-on guided tasting experience with Phillip Ashley Rix starting at 6:15 pm. In addition, expect live music by The Beale Street All Star Band and “perfect-for-couples” games with local board game bar, Board to Beers. This event is for adults 21+ only.
When: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 9
Where: Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road
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Cost: $60 for Garden members and $75 for non-members. Each ticket includes admission to the event, five adult beverages each paired with a Phillip Ashley chocolate and small bites. VIP tickets are $125 per person and include admission to the event plus an exclusive guided tasting experience with Phillip Ashley Rix featuring four chocolate and adult beverage pairings from 6:15-7 p.m.
Tickets: membg.org
Cameo: Valentine’s Day is a Drag: Sad Girl Drag Brunch
Midtown craft cocktail bar Cameo will once again host its “Sad Girl Drag Brunch” just in time for Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day.
Hosted by Goldie Dee, the brunch begins at 11 a.m. Feb. 11. Expect a performance by Brenda Newport, Zoey Adams and DJ Kay. The $50 ticket includes the show, 20% gratuity, one brunch dish and one brunch drink.
When: 11 a.m. Feb. 11
Where: Cameo, 1835 Union Ave.
Cost: $50 per person
Tickets: cameomemphis.com
Calvary Episcopal Church: Waffle Shop
Fish pudding, tomato aspic, shrimp mousse and, of course, waffles can be enjoyed at the Waffle Shop at Calvary Episcopal Church.
For six weeks every year, this Downtown Memphis church hosts its waffle shop and speaker series during the season of Lent. This year, the Waffle Shop opens Feb. 15 and will run until March 22, serving its beloved specialties from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday.
The Waffle Shop started in 1928 and still serves many of the classic recipes from when it began.
When: Wednesday-Friday, Feb. 15-March 22
Where: Calvary Episcopal Church, 102 N. Second St.
Online: calvarymemphis.org
Youth Villages: Soup Sunday
Youth Villages will host the 35th annual Soup Sunday on Feb. 18. This year, Soup Sunday will feature 25 of Memphis’ best restaurants and caterers.
In addition to exclusive tasting opportunities, attendees will enjoy beer, mimosas and a special gift.
A fundraiser for Youth Villages, Soup Sunday has always encompassed the very heart of Memphis with good food, a sense of community and the chance to give back.
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 19
Where: The Kent, 61 Keel Ave.
Cost: $85 per person
Tickets: youthvillages.org
Greys Fine Cheeses and Entertaining: Cheeses of Italy
Greys Fine Cheeses and Entertaining is hosting a “Taste of Place” series that will take attendees through Europe’s most popular countries.
On Feb. 20, cheeses of Italy will be featured. Guests will enjoy five Italian cheeses and learn about the creamery/cheesemaker, tasting notes and what best to pair each with. The class is the perfect opportunity to take your knowledge of Italian cheeses to the next level.
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When: 6-8 p.m. Feb. 20
Where: Greys Fine Cheeses and Entertaining, 709 S. Mendenhall Road
Cost: $45 per person
Tickets: greyscheese.com
Primas Bakery & Boutique: 'Frozen 2' Cookie Decorating Party
Primas Bakery & Boutique will host a fun and festive Cookie Decorating Party on Feb. 25. Each ticket includes one "Frozen"-themed Cookie Decorating Kit (which includes one dozen shortbread cookies, four piping bags filled with colorful vanilla buttercream and two sprinkle sets), plus a selection of tea, coffee and punch.
Enjoy freestyle cookie decorating with your guest while watching the movie "Frozen 2." Each ticket admits two participants and must be purchased in advance.
When: 12: 30-2 p.m. Feb. 25
Where: Primas Bakery & Boutique, 734 Mt. Moriah Road
Cost: $40 (admits two)
Tickets: primasbakerymenu.com
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 Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis food & drink events to look forward to in February 2024: List
