First Sundays at the Fireside

What:  Attend an animated presentation on the unbridled flavor of bitters wrapped around a three-course dinner complete with cocktail pairings. The Meadow’s Mark Bitterman and the Fireside’s Chef Henry Kibit tasted more than 200 cocktail bitters to create a menu that incorporates bitters into every aspect of every dish (think Sarsaparilla Bitters Brined Duck Breast with sour cherry bitters). A portion of proceeds will benefit the Oregon Food Bank.
When: Sunday, December 1 at 7 pm.
Where: The Fireside, 801 NW 23rd Ave.
How Much: $65 includes three courses and cocktail pairings. Call 503-477-9505 to reserve a spot.

←The Benson’s Annual Gingerbread Unveil

What:  Amaze the whole family with the Benson’s annual gingerbread display. Now in its 42nd year, this festive display takes approximately 300 hours to complete and totals an average of 125 pounds of gingerbread, white chocolate, and marzipan. Guests will also enjoy the more than 300 poinsettias decorating the grand lobby, the lively music of the Festive Brass Band, and complimentary refreshments. 
When: Wednesday, December 4 at 4 pm.
Where: The Benson Hotel, 209 SW Broadway St.
How Much: Free to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots charity.

Mi Mero Mole’s 2 Year Anniversary Party

What:  Celebrate Mi Mero Mole’s second anniversary at this birthday bash. All attendees will get a chance to spend the rueda de fortuna (prize wheel), where the minimum prize is a free taco and the grand price is two 100-level tickets to the Blazers. The restaurant will also be giving out champurrado, spiced Mexican hot chocolate, and masa drink, and offering discounts on margaritas, beer, and horchata.    
When: Thursday, December 5 from 5 to 9 pm.
Where: Mi Mero Mole, 5026 SE Division St.
How Much: Free to attend. Food and drink available for purchase.

Reading & Book Signing of Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking

What:  Meet James Beard Award-winning writer Anya Von Bremzen at this reading and book signing of “Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking: A Memoir of Food and Longing.” This inventive tragicomic memoir shares the stories of feats, famine, and life under the Red socialist banner.  
When: Friday, December 6 from 6:30 to 8 pm.
Where: Pages to Plate event space at Baker & Spice Cakery, 6306 SW Capitol Hwy.
How Much: Free to attend. Call 503-546-3737 to reserve a spot.

Ugly Sweater Decorating Party

What:  Decorate holiday sweaters with puffy paint, pom-poms, glitter, and more. A photo booth will capture the creations, which will be submitted to social media for a chance to win “Portland’s Ugliest Sweater.” Guests are also invited to play shuffleboard, bowling, or darts, sing holiday carols in the karaoke lounge, and partake in holiday treats. A limited number of sweatshirts will be provided for decorating, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own sweater, as well as additional warm clothing for Transition Projects, a local organization working to alleviating homelessness.
When: Saturday, December 7 from 11 am to 2 pm.
Where: Punch Bowl Social, 340 SW Morrison St.
How Much: Free to attend. Guests are encouraged to contribute to the warm clothing drive.

Imperial’s Holiday Cookbook Social

What:  Finish your holiday shopping early at Imperial’s second annual holiday cookbook social, featuring the area's most acclaimed cookbook authors. Over twenty local author-chefs, including the minds behind Toro Bravo, Le Pigeon, and The Paley's Place Cookbook, will be on hand to discuss and sign copies of their work. Imperial's Bar Manager Brandon Wise will be serving up cocktails, and several of the authors will prepare complimentary bites. 
When: Sunday, December 8 from 1 to 3 pm.
Where: Hotel Lucia, 400 SW Broadway
How Much: Free to attend. Cookbooks available for purchase. More information here.

Bavarian-Style Holiday Dinner at Tabor Tavern

What:  Dig into delicious Bavarian-style bread dishes at this holiday dinner. This installment in Tabor Tavern’s guest dinner series features a comfort food-filled four-course meal featuring Fressen Artisan Bakery. Courses will be paired with a series of adult beverages. Featured dishes include pretzel dumplings, hazelnut bread pudding, braised venison, and fried Christmas bread.
When: Tuesday, December 10 at 7 pm.
Where: Tabor Tavern, 5325 E. Burnside St.
How Much: $50 per person.  Call 503-208-3544 to reserve a spot.

Adelsheim Wine Maker Dinner

What:  Taste the beverage behind the buzz at this Wine Maker Dinner feature Adelsheim Winery. The meal will feature four wines and six dishes, including squash veloute, roasted duck and Anderson Valley lamb. Adelsheim’s wine maker, David Paige, will be on hand to share tales from the vine.
When: Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30 pm.
Where: Allium Bistro, 1914 Willamette Falls Drive, West Linn, OR
How Much: $75 per person. Reservations are required. Call 503-387-5604 to reserve a spot.

Artisan Build-A-Gift-Basket Event

What:  Sample artisan goods and local products like NW Elixers hot sauces, Bee Local honey, Fat Dog Mustard, Pinkleton’s Caramel Corn, and Jacobsen Salt Co., before building your own gift basket for friends and family. The CruMarket team will be available to answer questions and help you select the perfect wine to make your gift extra special.
When: Saturday, December 14 from 10 am to 4 pm.
Where: CruMarket, 310 NW Broadway St.
How Much:  Baskets range from small ($50 plus shipping) to large ($120 plus shipping). Wine is $25 for red and $35 for sparkling.

Cookie Bake With Kids

What:  Bring the kids to Fleur De Lis Bakery for a free cookie bake. This event is free for the first twenty children with reservations. Registration is required.
When: Saturday, December 14 from 1 to 2 pm.
Where: Fleur De Lis Bakery & Café, 3930 NE Hancock
How Much: Free. Limited to 20 children. Call 503-459-4887 to reserve a spot.

4th Annual Season’s Eatings

What:  Eat, drink, and shop for a cause at this holiday bazaar benefiting the Oregon Food Bank.  Local artisans will showcase the region’s finest chocolates, cheeses, spirits, and other treats. Participating vendors include PokPok, Tails and Trotters, Water Avenue Coffee, Portland Juice Press, Masala Pop, and Alma Chocolate. Guests will also be treated to specialty New Deal craft cocktails.
When: Saturday, December 14 from 12 to 6 pm.
Where: New Deal Distillery tasting room, 900 SE Salmon St.
How Much: Admission is one non-perishable food item per guest—additional donations are welcome. Proceeds will benefit the Oregon Food Bank. More information available here.

Know about a great event coming up that should be on our radar? Shoot me an email at [email protected] or give me a shout over on Twitter at @allisonejones. Now get out there and start eating!