Beans, bacon, and brewery tours this Week in Food

A great reason to play hooky

​The warm weather of October makes it hard to believe we're already on the cusp of November. But our weekly food events don't lie: Bean recipes and brewery tours are sure to pack on the extra pounds that make surviving winter that much easier.

11/1
Looking for a reason to skip work? As if we need to ask. Summit offers brewery tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. during the week, and it's a great excuse for a long liquid lunch or a full-on ditching of your responsibilities. The tours are free and are capped with several pints of your favorite St. Paul brews. All you have to do is sign up online.

11/2
Hump day is also free bacon day at the Triple Rock Social Club, where a basket of free bacon is available until the last greasy slice is snatched up. Pair your pork with a $3 PBR tallboy and you've got life by the ass. The pig comes out at 9 p.m.

11/3
The French are known for their excellent cuisine, and local chef Vincent Francoual will show you why--mais oui!--at "A Taste of France III" at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Francoual, owner of Vincent--A Restaurant, will make warm haricot vert with medley mushroom salad (doused in aged balsamic and walnut oil); roasted organic salmon with sorrel puree; and Nutella crepes with dolce de leche ice cream. Magnifique! The class runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and costs $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers. To sign up call 952.443.1422.

Learn how to line your stomach with beans at the Linden Hill Co-op

​11/5
Toot toot! The Linden Hills Co-op invites you to explore everyone's favorite musical fruit at "Cooking with Kate: All About Beans!" This winter staple is both cheap and flavorful, and Kate will help participants find several go-to recipes for delicious meal options throughout the season. The class runs 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and costs $23 for members, $25 for nonmembers. To sign up call 612.922.1159.