December is teeming with festive ways to spend the days. Here are a few top choices to wet your whistle and fill your stomach.
Taste of Scotland, Dec. 1
The annual Scottish Christmas Walk weekend is back for its 47th year, and with it comes one of the premier events of the holiday season: The Taste of Scotland Scotch tasting. From peaty to malty beverages, there’s something for every Scotch aficionado (and those aficionados still in training). Society Fair is catering the event; be sure to take them up on their fare throughout the tasting. 8-10:30 p.m., 277 S. Washington St. $110 for general admission; $180 for the Patron Hour at 6:30 p.m.
Dolce & Bean Coffee Tasting, Dec. 2
Perk up your holiday prep with some coffees from around the world at Del Ray’s coffee and fine chocolates purveyor this weekend. From nutty to sweet, Dolce & Bean will have a plethora of blends to try. Who knows? Maybe you’ll come home with a new favorite. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 2003A Mount Vernon Ave.
Wines of Piedmont Dinner at Vermilion, Dec. 5
Enjoy a taste of Italy with a pairing of wines with a five-course dinner menu courtesy of Vermilion. From veal terrine to risotto with chicken to a bacon-wrapped venison loin, every aspect of the taste buds will be amused as you work your way through a plethora of wines. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 1120 King St. $90 per person.
Second Annual Taco Eating Contest at Don Taco, Dec. 11
Are you the fastest taco eater in all the land? Test your prowess at Don Taco’s now-annual competition. Start with the preliminary round, which tests your skill at eating as many tacos as you can in 60 seconds, and if you’re a winner, move on to the championship round, featuring 10 tacos as fast as you can. 7-10 p.m., 808 King St. $20 entry fee.
Gingerbread Cookie Decoration Party at Pizzeria Paradiso, Dec. 17
There will be treats for kids and adults alike at one of Old Town’s most popular pizza joints. Kids will enjoy letting their artistry shine through on Paradiso’s gingerbread cookies; adults will enjoy some festive holiday draft brews from Hardywood. 11:30 a.m-10 p.m., 124 King St.
Christmas Day Dinner at Sonoma Cellars, Dec. 25
Looking for a new way to spend Christmas Day? Join Sonoma Cellars’ owners, Rick and Elizabeth Myllenbeck, for a feast. The intimate table will fit up to two dozen for a family-style dinner complete with – of course – wine. 4-7 p.m., 207 King St. $65 per person.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.