How sweet it is

Laura Alberts hosts local chocolatier Eric Battles in a tasting of boutique (small batch) wines with Battles' hand-crafted, innovative, flavor-infused ganaches that form the base for his truffles. Featured in this paper in "How Sweet It Is," dessert lovers, be aware: 7-8:30 p.m. today. Cost is $25 per person. Laura Alberts is at 891 Island Park Drive. To reserve, call 881-4711.

Cotton futures

In celebration of their cotton anniversary (second), the folks at FUEL are hosting a clothing drive for local homeless shelters. The drive takes place 3-10 p.m. Saturday. Bring your donations and prepare to party. FUEL is at 211 Rutledge Ave. Expect food and drink specials along with musical performances by Weigh Station, Electric Friends and Dub Island. 737-5959.

Spoleto at table

Many local restaurants extend their hours during Spoleto, in some cases with an early opening time to accommodate show time; in others, extending the closing for a little "late music and food."

--Circa 1886: From May 28-June, Circa 1886 will offer extended hours. The restaurant will open a half-hour earlier at 5 p.m. and close a half-hour later with the last seating at 10 p.m. Circa 1886 also will be open 5-10 p.m. Sunday. Circa 1886 is at 149 Wentworth St. in downtown Charleston. For information and reservations, click www.circa1886.com or call 853-7828.

--Fuschia Tea Emporium: Take tea and celebrate Spoleto at this cozy, art-filled tea house. From May 28-June 13, hours of service will be 10 a.m. for tea and scones, lunch at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. for afternoon tea Monday-Saturday. More details? Click email@fuschiateaemporium.com. Fuschia is at 113 Church St. 937-0520. Afternoon tea reservations are required by 11 a.m.

--Halls Chophouse: It's all about the beef (and salmon or quail or scallops) May 28-June 17 as the folks at Halls celebrate Spoleto-style with a three-course prix-fixe menu 4:45-6:30 p.m. The cost is $38. The regular menu also is available as well as the late night menu

Halls Chophouse is at 434 King St. www.hallschophouse.com or 727-0090.

A second helping

Seconds Please, the tea room of Second Presbyterian Church, will be open Friday and Saturday and June 4 and 5 serving the popular tear room menu in sync with Spoleto. Hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each day, with takeout available 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feast on all your Lowcountry favorites and contribute to the church's mission work. Live music will be provided by The Lime and The Coconuts. Seconds Please is at 324 Meeting St. 723-9237.

Peeling away bounty

The Glass Onion Restaurant plans to celebrate the pick of the season with a menu sourced from Wadmalaw, Manchester, the Sea Islands and local farms. The June 3 event will be accompanied by live jazz and features a seafood or vegetarian option for each course. Thelma Wines from South Africa will be paired with the menu. Service begins at 6 p.m. The Glass Onion is at 1219 Savannah Highway. The cost is $50 per person plus $20 for the wine pairings.

The Glass Onion also is offering full table service at dinner. The quick and casual counter service remains "on the menu" for brunch and lunch. For information, visit www.ilovetheglassonion.com.

Soccer fans to celebrate

Catch the FIFA World Cup at the Three Lions Club at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island and also at the Buccaneer Tavern beginning June 11.

Viewing parties will be held for the duration of the World Cup and include a burger and draft beer for $10. Fans can watch the action on the Buccaneer's big-screen TVs and enjoy expanded hours as the tavern will open at 10 a.m. on selected game days. Three Lions Club is at 1990 Daniel Island Drive (Blackbaud Stadium); 971-GOAL (4625) or www.charlestonbattery.com. The Buccaneer is at 5 Faber St. downtown. 805-5065 or www.thebuccaneerrestaurant.com.

Mighty fine cider

Premium hard cider imported from Eire is making its way into the Lowcountry. Magners hard cider is produced from 17 varieties of apples selected specifically for cider production. Processed much the same way as a premium wine, Magners will be available at Tommy Condon Irish Pub, Madra Rua Irish Pub, Dunleavy's Pub and O'Malley's Pub, among other locations.

New at Peninsula Grill

Jacob A. Fuhr has joined executive chef and partner Robert Carter and the team at Peninsula Grill.

Fuhr is a 20-year veteran of the food, beverage and hospitality industry. Most recently, he was the general manager and sommelier at The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island. Fuhr also has worked at The Carolina Yacht Club, Grapevine Distributors and McCrady's Restaurant. He will be responsible for the restaurant's operations and wine program. Peninsula Grill is at 112 N. Market St. www.peninsulagrill.com or 723-0700.

Red's

The power of two! Red's Ice House opened last weekend at the Bohicket Marina on Seabrook Island. Lovers of the waterfront and sunsets now have a second location to enjoy nature's beauty. Red's is at 1882 Andell Bluff Blvd. 518-5515 or www.redicehouse.com.

Carrie nation!

"Sex and the City 2" premieres today, and Bambu puts out the red carpet at 7 p.m. for a preparty event. Weart your Prada, Louboutin and Blumarine and get ready to release your inner Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda. A portion of the proceeds benefits the local Susan G. Komen Lowcountry Affiliate. For information, click www.CharlestonRedCarpet.com and "Carrie on."

Fleet Landing menu

Chef Drew Hedlund has refreshed the menu at Fleet Landing. He has some items that hit a lighter note along with daily blue plate specials. Fleet Landing is at 186 Concord St. www.fleetlanding.net or 722-8100.