Weekend Planner: Winter War, Chestnut Menu, and December Specials

Winter War at Local Option

The final beer event of the year at Local Option takes place December 19 with a bit of a combative theme. "Winter War" serves as a boozy homage to the Finnish troops who defended against the Soviet Union in December of 1939. Curious inspiration for a beer event, but we'll take it. Special beers on tap starting at 3:00 p.m. include Bell's Cherry Stout, Dark Horse 4 Elf, Local Option Bierwerker Outlawger, Pipeworks Citra, Three Floyds Permanent Funeral, and many more. 

Partake in sola's December Prix Fixe

sola is back with their next monthly installment of themed prix fixe dinner menus. Each month finds a new ingredient starring on a three-course menu, with December's current showcase being chestnuts. Chef Bob Bagley at the North Center restaurant has compiled an array of dishes designed to showcase the versatility of this most merry ingredient. For $30 per person, guests get a first course of parsnip soup with miso and confit chestnuts, followed by an entree of scallops with chestnut puree and cider-glazed Brussels sprouts. For dessert, it's creme brûlée with maple, Okinawa sweet potato, vanilla whipped cream, and chestnut brittle. Optional wine pairings are available for an additional $15. 

Indulge at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

All hope for holiday dieting is lost. May as well let loose and dig right in with the heavy eating. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap has rolled out a handful of December specials available through the month, so let's get right to business and exercise those stomachs before feasting over the holidays. The "Classy Burger" special contains cremini mushrooms, caramelized onions, baby arugula, Boursin cheese, cornichons, and béarnaise aioli. Then there's the grilled fiesta wings tossed in housemade salsa verde and matched with black bean pepper slaw. Also, triple smoked mac and cheese made with smoked Gouda cheese, three-onion relish, and Creole mustard. 

- Matt Kirouac