The Twin Cities' best food-and-drink themed events of the week

Now that the tryptophan has worn off from Thanksgiving celebrations, it's time to get back on the town. Need ideas? Here are the Twin Cities' best food-and-drink themed events over the next two weeks.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Amore Uptown's Holiday Celebration: The Italian eatery by Lake Calhoun is hosting a pair of dinner shows featuring a four-course pre-fixe menu and Dean Martin impersonator "Matt Helm." The lineup includes several choices per course — including pastas, chicken Marsala and hand-cut ribeye steaks — as well as beer, wine and cocktails for purchase. Tickets for the dinners, at 6 and 8:30 p.m., are $84. More info at amoreuptown.com.

Soul Lao pop-up: Cook St. Paul will be serving Soul Lao's Laotian noodle soups until they run out. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. More info at facebook.com/soullao.

Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4

American Swedish Institute's Julmarknad: The annual Christmas market and festival is back, offering handcrafted artisan goods (think jewelry, wooden items and ceramics, among other things) along with live performances, samples from Fika's holiday menu and, of course, glögg. Entry is $12 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 18 and free for ages 5 and under. Admission to the museum is included. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. More information and reservations at asimn.org.

Sunday, Dec. 4

Stars of the Future: Chefs from around the Twin Cities are teaming with high school students to create a cache of small plates in a benefit at the Living Room at the W Hotel in downtown Minneapolis from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 and all proceeds — including those from a silent auction during the event — will go to travel expenses for the winners of Minnesota's Pro Start Invitational (a food-service competition for local high schoolers) to attend the National ProStart Invitational in Charleston, S.C., next spring. Register at hospitalitymn.org.

Brunch at Paisley Park: Starting this weekend, Prince's former studios and mansion in Chanhassen will be serving brunch in the NPG Music Club every Sunday, featuring Prince music, videos and many of his favorite foods, prepared by Juell and Ray Roberts, Prince's personal chefs. A guided tour through the iconic facilities is also included. There are various times available; tickets are $100 and can be purchased at officialpaisleypark.com.

Monday, Dec. 5

The History of the Margarita: Bartenders Nathaniel Smith and Isaac Ramon will take over cocktail presentation at Bar Luchador to show how the "Daisy" cocktail became one of the most-consumed concoctions in the world. Seven margarita varieties will be served, and the first 100 guests will receive a booklet documenting the history and recipes of the night. From 7-11 p.m. More info at barluchador.com.

Friday, Dec. 9

Ugly Sweater Open House at Peace Coffee: If you're looking for something fun and free, look no further. This bash at Peace's roastery at 2801 21st Av. S. (Suite 150) in Minneapolis features hot coffee and espresso, treats and pizza from Pizza Lucé and tours around the facility, and Peace mugs for the first 400 guests. And, of course, many people in very ugly sweaters. Take that last part seriously: The wearer of the ugliest sweater receives a year of free coffee. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info at eventbrite.com.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Cocktail class at Constantine: Learn how to impress your friends this party season with hands-on instruction at the cocktail bar beneath Monello. The class goes from 1 to 3 p.m.; tickets are $75. Reserve your spot by e-mailing info@constantinempls.com.

The 12 bars of Xmas: Get ready for a crawl, holiday-style. This one is all about downtown volume bars, so don't expect an array of bitters and sparkling wines. Participating venues include Brothers Bar and Grill, the Pourhouse and Kieran's Irish Pub. There are 12 total, and you can sing about them if you wish. All are offering drink specials for the merry and thirsty. Wristbands are $16, the crawl lasts from noon to 6 p.m. More info at eventbrite.com.

Eat Design: For the $25 entry price, attendees will be able to taste the creative and edible final projects of the University of Minnesota's product design and food and design program students, who have paired with local chefs. In the past, students have showcased treats like deep-fried holiday dinner on a stick, Brie ice cream and snowman cake pops. The event at McNeal Hall on the university's St. Paul campus runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Advance registration is necessary at events.umn.edu.

Lakes & Legends' first anniversary party: That's right, the folks in Loring Park are turning the big 1 and are celebrating with a party featuring the Minneapolis Craft Market, specialty taps, the release of Winter Warmer — an ale aged in rye whiskey barrels and a 10.2 percent ABV bomb — food from Flagsmash and live music (Harbor City Project and Feeding Leroy). See lakesandlegends.com for more info.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Four Roses at Eat Street: The gathering organized by Women Who Whiskey will be showcasing this Kentucky bourbon at Eat Street Social, a night that comes complete with tastings — Marion Dauner of Vinocopia is the expert here — cocktail and punch-making instructions, snacks and discount deals at South Lyndale Liquors. Tickets are $50 at eventbrite.com.

Amelia Rayno • 612-673-4115