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Things are getting festive around here. Behold this week's event-planning EaterWire:
PEARL DISTRICT—Metrovino bartender Jacob Grier gets in the Scandinavian spirit with a week-long "aquavit celebration," starting today (through December 15). Six new aquavit-focused cocktails will hit the bar menu, highlighting the five American producers of the spirit, while chef Dustin See will offer a special menu of snacks for optimal pairing. And tonight, Breakside Brewery will be on-hand to tap a special collaborative keg — the New Nordic Porter, inspired by aquavit, features hints of fennel and caraway. More information here.
DIVISION/CLINTON—Gruner chef Chris Israel visits the buzzy Southeast Wine Collective to cook up a four-course wine pairing dinner on Thursday, December 13. A wine-focused cocktail hour will kick things off in the collective's Barrel Room, with Israel's Alpine-inspired meal (featuring lobster bisque, duck confit salad, and Hasenpfeffer, a traditional German stew) following in the winery. Reservations are $75 and available here.
PEARL DISTRICT—Cathy Whims and Ryan Magarian's Oven & Shaker will celebrate its first anniversary this Sunday, December 16, with a late-night party from 10p.m. to midnight: All guests will be treated to a glass of Prosecco at the door, free pizza, and a festive crowd shouting over a live DJ. No RSVP necessary.
CENTRAL EASTSIDE INDUSTRIAL—Champagne bar Ambonnay teams up with sweets purveyor Saint Cupcake for a bubbly-pairing holiday party on Thursday, December 13. Saint Cupcake's Jami Curl will offer both sweet and savory bites — like miniature pies, ham and havarti tarts, and croquembouche — during the cocktail hour, lasting from 7:30-9:30p.m. Reservations are $45 and available by calling either Saint Cupcake or Ambonnay.
BUCKMAN—Because holiday shopping goes down smoother with a glass of wine, SE urban winery ENSO will host an "artisan fair" this Sunday, December 16 from 2-6p.m. Fine artists and food artisans alike will be on-hand to sell their wares while winemaker Ryan Sharp pours glasses of ENSO's house wines.
