Amid the now-returning holiday parties and last-minute shopping excursions, there’s still plenty of time to venture out to a local event. Here are some of December’s best bets.
Candy Cane Bar Crawl, Dec. 11
Not feeling the holiday spirit just yet? Don’t worry: This weekend’s sixth annual Candy Cane Bar Crawl will get you moving in the right direction. The event raises funds for Neighborhood Health in a most delightful way: by offering a taste of more than a dozen of Del Ray’s fine establishments with an abundance of food and drink specials throughout the day. Piece Out, Stomping Ground, Lena’s, Northside 10 and more – so many great spots are represented, and so many cuisines to choose from! Advance tickets are $15; $20 at the door. 1-6 p.m.
Christmas cookie decorating class at Lost Boy Cider, Dec. 14
Want to make your family’s favorite Christmas cookies just a bit more festive? Pick up a technique or two at this decorating class. Sugarcoated Bakery will be on hand to walk you through some decorating techniques with some ready-to-eat cookies and ready-to-decorate icing. Use the included to-go box to bring your wares home – or eat them right away and nobody will tell Santa. First cider free with class registration. $47. 317 Hooffs Run Drive.
Sake Five-Course Dinner at Kaizen Tavern, Dec. 15
Belly up to the sushi bar for a five-course feast featuring special sake pairings throughout the meal at Kaizen. From Hamachi tartare to surf and turf to a special dessert of tofu pudding and candied orange peel, expect to be surprised and delighted – and enjoy the sake pairings contoured to fit each course, as well. Call 703.836.1212 for reservations. $85. 1909 Mount Vernon Ave.
Hope Nelson is the author of “Classic Restaurants of Alexandria” and owns the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at
hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.