This weekend: Baltimore Greek Week and other events

The lineup includes Baltimore’s first Greek Week, a “Crabology” class, the Hippodrome’s Foodie Experience, and a sushi-eating contest. Good thing we don’t have to put on our bathing suits yet. Here goes.

Baltimore Greek Week starts on Sunday and runs through March 27. Many area restaurants will be offering food specials and discounts, starting with a kickoff event at Ikaros Restaurant at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Ikaros will be offering a multi-course, prix-fixe meal for $20.11

Other highlights include Zorba’s Restaurant preparing a Greek buffet for $16 a person from 5 p.m.-close from March 21-24 and the new Olive Room at the Inn at the Black Olive hosting a Greek wine tasting at 6 p.m. March 23.

You’ll find more deals at 7 West Bistro in Towson, Mezze in Fells Point, Double T-Diners around town, Sunshine Grill in Fork, and other places. For a complete list, visit the Greek Week website.

More to do:

“Crabology” class: 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Phillips Seafood Restaurant. Learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about Maryland’s favorite crustacean. The session features a tasting of various grades of crabmeat with a glass of wine and a demo on how to make various hors d’oeuvres. The cost is $50 and includes lunch and a swag bag. Call the restaurant to register.

Foodie Experience: 8 p.m. Saturday at the Hippodrome Theatre. The Food Network’s Alton Brown of Good Eats and Iron Chef America is the guest speaker. An after-party will feature some of Baltimore’s top restaurants from 9:30 p.m.-midnight. For more info, read my interview with Alton Brown. Also, check out Dara Bunjon’s story about the affable food scientist on her Dining Dish blog. To purchase tickets ($94 or $250 VIP), visit ticketmaster.com or the Hippodrome website.  

Sushi-eating contest: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday at RA Sushi; deadline to register is Saturday at the restaurant. The third annual Maki Madness features cash prizes and bragging rights. Even if you don’t chow down on the sushi, you can cheer on your favorite eater. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each Tootsy Maki will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland.