Weekend Planner: Winter Cocktail Class, Gingerbread House Decorating Party, Tasting Table's Open Market

Winter Cocktail Class at Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits

The holidays are also the time for boozing. Prepare yourself with a winter cocktail class at Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits, which is sure to raise the bar on your home drinking habits and entertaining capabilities. On December 5, the Berwyn restaurant is hosting a cocktail class presided over by house mixologist Becci Visconti West, who will teach attendees all about winter warmers for the impending cold season. The syllabus includes Hot Toddys, hot mulled cider, brandy punch, limoncello, and variations on the French 75. Guests will also learn how to compose the perfect starter bar kit, either for gift ideas or home use. The class starts at noon and costs $50 per person, which includes ample samples and lunch. Book your tickets by calling the restaurant. 

 

Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Keeping in the theme of holiday obsessions and necessities, Park Grill puts the spotlight on gingerbread houses this weekend with a decorating party December 6. From 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., the Millennium Park icon hosts a family-friendly fete that invites attendees to decorate their own gingerbread houses as they please. Candy, icing, and other holiday treats are all up for grabs. The cost to participate is $50 per individual house, or $85 per family house, which is good for a max of four people. The entry fee includes all materials and access to a hot chocolate bar. To purchase tickets, visit Park Grill's website. 

Tasting Table's Open Market

Holiday-inspired markets are a dime a dozen this time of year, but make sure and pencil in a visit to Tasting Table's Open Market, which is one of the best. A prime destination for food-lovers, the third annual market takes place at Revel Fulton Market on December 5, complete with an impressive list of food artisans, chefs, bakers, and restaurants from across Chicago. Entry is free with registration, which grants access to a miscellany of dishes, drinks, and shopping opportunities. On the docket this year? Snacks and gifts from the likes of Yusho, GreenRiver, and Publican Quality Meats; pastries and desserts from Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits and Bar Siena's BomboBar; hand-crafted Japanese knives and tools from Buttermilk Supply; cookbooks from Read It & Eat; beer, wine, and cocktails galore; and lots more. This year, Open Market is also offering ticketed holiday workshops for $15-$20, like a holiday wreath workshop from Foxtail & Moss, or a pie workshop from Rustic Tart.

- Matt Kirouac