Wine, Noir, and Bombs

WINE & DINE
Wine after Work: Port, Sherry, and Madeira

Wine implies
sophistication, classiness, and for many, mystery. If you love wine, but have always felt a
little intimidated by it, then Wine After Work is the thing for you. In a
casual and laidback setting, you (and perhaps a few friends) will learn about
the great dessert wines of the world. The event will mainly focus on wines from Spain
and Portugal, especially
Port, Sherry, and Madeira. You will not only learn a little history about
each wine, but also the art of pairing dessert wines with specific desserts. Get ready to hone your palate and impress your
friends with your newfound knowledge of wine. Salud! —Kate Leibfried

5:30 – 6:30 p.m., W.A. Frost and Company, 374 Selby Ave. (corner of Selby and Western); Saint Paul; 651-699-5834; $35.

MORE WINE & DINE
Italian-Inspired Wine Dinner

Treat yourself tonight to the richness
of basil and garlic as you enjoy a six-course Italian-inspired meal prepared by
Chef Hector Ruiz of Café Ena. Chef Ruiz is
an experienced chef who has had the opportunity to explore the local cuisine in
places as diverse as France,
Mexico, and Chicago. If the food isn’t enticing enough, then allow yourself to be lured by
yet another Italian specialty: wine. Each course will be paired with a glass of fine Italian wine to
compliment the distinct flavor of the dish. The wine, the savory Italian food, and the sophisticated atmosphere of
Café Ena will have you singing "Bella Notte" in no time. —Kate Leibfried

7 p.m., Café Ena, 4601 Grand Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-824-4441; $80 (Call to make a reservation or book online).

FILM
Five Film Noir Masterpieces

Tonight kicks off another five-week run of Monday-night film noir at the Parkway. Come on, folks — we have to start taking advantage of these great opportunities, or they’ll simple stop being offered. And how often do we get to see these film noir classics on the big screen? Trust me: it’s just not the same thing. Experience the fabulous low-key chiaroscuro and tenebrism lighting in larger-than-life mode. You can’t go wrong with these brutal crime flicks. The series begins tonight with a Billy Wilder noir masterpiece: Double Indemnity — "a cynical, witty, and sleazy thriller
about adultery, corruption and murder." Raymond Chandler had a hand in the screenplay, and the lovely Barbara Stanwyck stars as the elusive femme fatale. This is film noir at its best, folks; you don’t want to miss it.

7:30 p.m., Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-822-3030; $5.

MUSIC
Building Better Bombs

Lately the Triple Rock has been doing free Monday-night shows
featuring cool local bands. The idea is to showcase new local talent and foster
an environment that allows a unified and cohesive local music scene without the usual
barriers that many nightspots impart. And also to sell more beer. Tonight’s
lineup is decidedly more in-your-face than some of the previous shows. Check out
Building Better Bombs – a post-hardcore
band featuring Stef Alexander – aka P.O.S. BBB is a high
energy outlet for the Warped-tour rapper’s screaming punk side. Also performing
are post-AmRep rockers Death To Our
Enemies and goofs The
Talkers. DJ C-Gull will be spinning records and of course the bar will
feature drink specials. —Christopher Hontos

9 p.m., Triple Rock Social Club, 629 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612- 333-7399; free.