What's hot this week: Twin Cities glogg tours, cooking classes and free beer

Is your social calendar looking a little light now that you don't have politics to argue over? Don't worry, we've got the scoop on a barrage of events headed your way and sure to keep you entertained over the next two weeks.

Friday, Nov. 11

A trio of openings -- Lots swirling in the restaurant world this week, capped by the expected debut of Restaurant Alma's new cafe and hotel in southeast Minneapolis. Another hotel will also be opening its doors this weekend with Hewing Hotel holding its soft opening, which includes a free preview meal at restaurant Tullibee with a single-night stay. And downtown, McKinney Roe -- housed in that stunning brick addition to the new Wells Fargo Towers you keep walking past -- will usher in guests beginning on Friday as well.

Dumpling pop-up -- Can't wait for Uptown's first dumpling restaurant to hit the ground running? Catch a preview during Mrs. Dumpling's latest pop-up. In anticipation of their winter opening, these folks, who have been showing up for Japanese invasions all over town, are taking over at Lowry Hill Meats. More info here.

Lantern Lit Holiday Glogg Tours begin – These excursions through the historic Turnblad Mansion (pictured above, via Jon Dahlin at ASI) at the American Swedish Institute includes glogg – a warm, mulled wine native to Scandinavian countries – and seasonal appetizers from Fika. Tours continue on Dec. 3,11, 23 and Jan. 2. Tickets are $55. More info here.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Punch Bowl Social grand opening party -- St. Louis Park's newest eatery/ cocktail bar/ game room is officially opening its doors with a bash featuring a special tasting menu and drink selections, open gaming and live music. The cover charge is $10, the proceeds of which go to No Kid Hungry/ Share our Strength. Read more about PBS here.

The Charlie Awards -- See who in the Twin Cities food and beverage community will take home a cascade of accolades at this sixth annual celebration at the Pantages Theatre. The after-party in the IDS Crystal Court features live music, special cocktails and sample dishes made by local culinary school students, starting at 5 p.m. And the whirlwind culminates with a Chef's Dinner at Windows on Minnesota (the 50th floor of the IDS) at 6:30 featuring four courses from chefs who snatched the honors last year (Sean Sherman (Tatanka Truck), Thomas Kim (Left Handed Cook), Marshall Paulsen (Birchwood Cafe), and Karyn Tomlinson (Borough). Tickets for the three events together are $150. More info here.

Nov. 13-14

Indoor Autumn Luau -- United Noodles is hosting a bash featuring hula dancing, a Kahula pig and other Hawaiian Foods. More info here.

Tuesday, Nov. 15

National Sabering Night -- JC Boisset is at Eat Street Social this time, poppin' bottles and teaching you how to in style. More info here.

Jax Hunters Dinner -- This is a bit of a tradition for Jax Cafe and this year, they're pairing with Summit Brewing Co. for an epic dinner that appears certain to leave you waddling out in a serious food coma. There will be an avalanche of hors d'oeuvres -- including sweet potato pancakes with smoked duck, rabbit and rattlesnake cakes and deviled eggs with wild boar bacon -- and Knob Creek cocktails before a five-course meal that features the likes of a duck porchetta with a roasted onion tart, beer-battered Bluegill, roasted venison and stout cake. My. Mouth. Is. Watering. A Summit beer is paired with each course. Tickets are $80. More info here.

Saturday, Nov. 19

Holiday Tea with John Kraus – It seems the folks behind Patisserie 46 and Rose Street Patisserie will never stop with the charm and sophistication. So you shouldn't be surprised to hear about this queen-worthy evening of hand-selected teas, champagne and crafted sweet and savory delicacies. The menu for the event, which begins at 5 p.m., includes winter root vegetable chowder and a ham and gruyere tea sandwich, among other things, followed by tea pairings such as pairings such as warm madeleines and Earl Grey scones with fresh lemon curd. Tickets are $75. More info here.

Indeed Brewing Co. brewing tour – File this under 'cool free things.' The tour of the production hall, the packaging hall, the warehouse and the taproom – as well as samples of Indeed's flagship and seasonal beers – are all gratis. But we want blame you if you sit down for another cold pint afterward.

Intro to Brewing – If you haven't heard about Midwest Supplies' array of (free!) classes, you're missing out. Learn how to home brew without spending a dime. Or catch one of their other events this month: advanced brewing high-gravity beers on Nov. 20 or their cheesemaking class on Nov. 26. More info here.