Weekday Planner: Holiday Rock & Roll, The NOSH, Cuban Holiday Menu, and Cookie Decorating

Holiday Rock & Roll

The only thing more festive this time of year than caroling and ice skating is the annual Holiday Rock & Roll event at Cafe des Architectes. Hosted by executive chef Greg Biggers and pastry chef Leigh Omilinsky, the event culls together several of Chicago's top pastry chefs whipping up their modern takes on classic Bûche de Noël. Running from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., the event features sweet and savory food stations, cocktails, and live music. Tickets cost $45, with proceeds benefitting Share Our Strength. Get tickets here.  

Cuban Holiday Dinner Menu

Celebrate the zesty flavors of Cuban cuisine at Nacional 27 with their special Cuban holiday dinner menu available December 16 through December 19. Served in conjunction with National Roast Suckling Pig Day on December 18, the special menu is a four-course degustation of tapas, soups, salads, entrees, and dessert, all for $30 per person. Wine pairings are an optional $19 supplement. Dishes include shrimp skewers, hearts of palm salad, slow roasted suckling pig, spice-rubbed jumbo prawns, and tres leches cake. 

('Tis the season for Bûche de Noël at Cafe des Architectes)

The NOSH Returns to Block Thirty Seven

Chicago's favorite lunch market, The NOSH, is back in action at Block Thirty Seven, conveniently located in the nexus of the Loop shopping district on Thursdays and Fridays through January 30. On these days between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the first floor of the mall will transform into an artisanal food court featuring an array of Chicago restaurants and food trucks. Vendors include Dia De Los Tamales, Yum Dum Truck, Fumare Meats, Gayle's Grilled Cheese, and plenty more. Note that the market won't run Christmas or New Year's weeks.  

Cookie Decorating Party at The Boundary

Embrace your inner Hansel and Gretel by getting into the holiday spirit with a little cookie decorating. The Boundary is hosting a cookie decorating party on December 17 from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Go nuts decorating your cookies to your heart's desire, with sprinkles, frosting, candy, and more. Guests can purchase six cookies for $5, which also includes a “Build Your Own Candy Apple” bar. Kids can come too, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Cost to attend is free. 

- Matt Kirouac