Friday (Dec. 28):
Schlafly Tap Takeover @ Pi Pizzeria Schlafly Beer celebrates its twenty-first anniversary with twenty-one beers by taking over twenty taps and hauling along a cask. Wallets tapped out for the holidays can hold out a little longer - the tap takeover runs through Saturday, January 5.
Before the Resolution, Eat Pie @ Kitchen Conservatory Learn how to make old-fashioned English pies such as nesselrode (candied fruit and nuts) pie, banoffee pie, caramel apple pie and more. $55 per person. Register online via the Kithchen Conservatory website. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits @ Missouri Botanical Garden This contemporary African-American festival centers around the feast table of the harvest with storytelling, craft and jewelry displays and musical performances. Price included with Garden admission. Noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday (Dec. 29):
Countdown to 2013 Wine Tasting @ Saint Louis Cellars Select some of the best wines for your New Year's Eve celebration with the experts. Free. Noon to 5 p.m.
Sunday (Dec. 30):
Cake Walk @ Black Bear Bakery It's been a long year - why not end it with something sweet? Black Bear hosts a cake walk in conjunction with its neighboring sweets dealer I Scream Cakes. Admission is $10 ($5 for kids) and pays for cake and ice cream treats along with a chance to take home a hand-sculpted cake. 3 p.m.
Monday (Dec. 31):
New Year's Eve Pre Fixe Menu @ Acero Acero offers cotechino with lentils, a traditional Italian good luck dish made up of a spicy pork sausage, whose slices, resembling coins, suggest the riches that will come in the new year. For reservations, call 314-644-1790.
Turkish Style New Year's Eve @ Aya Sofia Three-course dinner for $49.99/person. Call 314-645-9919 for reservations. Served from 5 p.m. to midnight, belly dancers and cocktails continue through 1:30 a.m.
Copia New Year's Eve Celebration @ Copia Urban Winery Appetizer buffet specially prepared by Chef David Rook, party favors, midnight Champagne toast, live music by DJ Nune. Limited table and lounge area available with bottle service reservation. $45 per person.
New Year's Eve Winter Dinner @ Harvest This three course meal plus dessert features options like "lucky" oysters, roasted beet and duck confit salad, arctic char and Harvest's signature brioche bread pudding. $65 per person. Call 314-645-3522 for reservations.
New Year's Eve Buffet @ La Dolce Via Celebrate the end of an era with La Dolce Via as it serves up its second to last buffet (the final one being New Year's Day) before closing its doors for good. Dinner costs $50 per person. Call 314-534-1699 for reservations and save dollars for a cash bar featuring special drinks.
