It's time for enjoying lavish holiday spreads, sipping sparkling wine and wearing your best worst Christmas sweater. Lucky for you, we've got leads on the best Twin Cities food- and drink-related events for the week.
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 130) in Minneapolis features coffee and espresso and treats, plus pizza from Pizza Lucé. There also will be tours of the facility, and Peace mugs for the first 400 guests. And, of course, there will be many, 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: Impress your friends this party season by learning how to craft your own cocktails at Constantine, the bar beneath Monello in downtown Minneapolis. 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 Christmas: Get ready for a pub 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 bars in all, so you can rewrite the lyrics to that seasonal standard, if you wish. All participating bars are offering drink specials for the merry — and the thirsty. Wristbands are $16; the crawl lasts from noon to 6 p.m. More info at eventbrite.com.
Eat Design: For a $25 entry fee, you'll be able to taste the edible final projects by students of the University of Minnesota's product design and food design classes. In the past, students have offered treats such as 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 Brewing Co. first anniversary party: That's right, the taproom in Loring Park is 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), as well as food from Flagsmash food truck and live music by Harbor City Project and Feeding Leroy. See lakesandlegends.com for more info.
Sunday, Dec. 11
Black Dog pop-up: In an area with tons of pop-up events, Black Dog (blackdogstpaul.com) is presenting one that feels fresh and inventive. The recently remade Lowertown cafe, bar and music venue is launching a series of pop-ups featuring the eatery's chefs and — here's the twist — their mothers. The first installment spotlights head chef David Perez and his mother, Silvia Perez, as they create a traditional Mexican family Christmas dinner. On the menu: pozole, Morelian tostadas, Chili de Arbol salsa and ponche spiked with tequila. The meal is a steal at $12 per person (tax, gratuity and beverages not included). Reservations can be made at blackdogcafe2@comcast.net.
In January, you can look forward to sous chef Peter Vang and his mother creating a menu full of Hmong flavors.
