We just keep getting closer and closer to the holidays, with the weekend schedule to prove it. You could get all your shopping done, or you could sample several Perennial beers. Or run a 5K with a reward of hot chocolate. Or complete a bar crawl for charity. There's so much room for activities. Continue for our food-related recommendations.
See also: A Look Inside Bolyard's Meat & Provisions, A New Butcher Shop in Maplewood
Friday (Dec. 12):
Perennial Beer Dinner @ Flying Saucer
What better place to host a beer dinner than the restaurant with one of the most extensive beer lists in town? Join Flying Saucer for a four-course meal with five beer pairings. Start with curry-cilantro sweet potato soup paired with Hommel Bier, then Asian salad with pomegranate and butternut dumplings paired with Dual Artisanship, followed by beef tenderloin with blue cheese, chive butter and a side of asparagus paired with Peace Offering. For dessert, it's vanilla bean ice cream with Mexican-spiced chocolate cake, paired with a stout. From 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $50, or $45 for U.F.O. members, available at the restaurant or by calling 314-932-1456.
Saturday (Dec. 13):
Holiday Tasting @ Molly's in Soulard
Enjoy a holiday gift from Molly's to you: free food! Stop by for a totally free tasting to celebrate the new winter menu. There will also be drink specials and live music. From 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Holiday Market @ City Garden Montessori School
The Tower Grove Farmers' Market is holding its annual winter market this weekend with many artisan vendors and even more food vendors. There will be booths from Black Bear Bakery, Kakao Chocolate, Marcoot Jersey Creamery, Kitchen Kulture, Red Fox Baking, the ReTrailer and more. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Holidays in Old North @ Crown Square
At this fourth annual vendor fair, treat yourself to local eats and drinks, plus art and even a visit from Santa. Food trucks the St. Louis Kettle Corn truck, Yemanja Brasil and Mi Hungry will also be on hand. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
12 Bars of Charity @ Ballpark Village
Start at Ballpark Village and hit twelve of your favorite bars to raise money for HOPE, Autism Speaks to Young Professionals, St. Jude Dudes, Ronald McDonald House, Animal Protective Association of Missouri, St. Patrick Center, Stray Rescue and Angel's Arms. Drinks are half price at each of the bars, which include Bobby's Place, Drunken Fish, Wheelhouse, the Dubliner, Lucas Park Grille and more. From 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets start at $33; register here.
This popup dinner features Juan Manuel Gutierrez and Graciela González, authorities on tequila and grasshoppers. The Gringo team has created a six course dinner around those items with more traditional proteins like halibut and duck, plus handcrafted margaritas and tequila pairings. From 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person, available here.
Sunday (Dec. 14):
Kids Bake: Christmas @ Amy's Corner Bakeshop
Your little baker will learn to make and decorate cookies, cupcakes, a gingerbread house and more at this workshop. Tickets are just $14 and cover all the supplies. The event is from 1 to 3 p.m., but arrival times are staggered every 30 minutes. Call 314-371-2253 to RSVP.
Hot Chocolate 15K/5K @ Soldiers' Memorial
Run either a 5K or 15K to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Afterwards, there's a (warm!) afterparty featuring hot chocolate, chocolate fondue and lots of dippables. There will also be hot chocolate inflatables, a bounce house for kids, an obstacle course and a DJ. From 7:30 to 11 a.m. Registration is $49 for the 5K and $74 for the 15K, available here.
