Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are five choice dining events going on around the Twin Cities:
1) Repeal Day Celebration at Parlour
When: Thursday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Parlour
What: The repeal of prohibition in the United States was accomplished with the passage of the 21st amendment to the Constitution on December 5, 1933. And to celebrate the 80th anniversary of this, Parlour is throwing a speakeasy-style party complete with secret handshakes and passwords. Dress up in your best prohibition era gear and sip vintage cocktails mixed by Jesse Held and his bar team. Tickets includes two cocktails, food, a champagne toast, cake, entertainment, and a gift bag. More details and tickets can be found here.
2) Chowgirls Retro Cocktail Party
When: Thursday, 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: Chowgirls Parlor
What: Chowgirls invites you to indulge in a grown-up celebration of the season at a retro-themed cocktail party. There will be complimentary '50s-style finger foods made from local and seasonal ingredients and vintage-inspired cocktails at a cash bar. You can also take naughty and nice photos with Santa. $10 per person (or $16 per couple) includes complimentary appetizers and unlimited photos with Santa. Find more information about the event here.
3) Union Depot Bake Sale
When: Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Union Depot
What: The Holiday Bake Sale brings 20 of the top Twin Cities bakeries to St. Paul's Union Depot for a weekend of cookie and candy shopping. Featured bakeries include Angel Food Bakery, Birchwood Cafe, The Buttered Tin, Groundswell, Sun Street Breads, and more. Get all of your cookie shopping done at the event and also find baking tips, a kid's craft station, and musical performances. More information about the event can be found here.
4) Julmarknad: ASI's Christmas Market
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Where: American Swedish Institute
What: Inspired by wintertime markets across Europe, ASI's Julmarknad features an outdoor handcraft fair with wares for sale by 20 local artisans, musical performances, family activities, and more. Cozy up around the bonfire in ASI's courtyard while enjoying Nordic winter snacks by FIKA such as toasted nuts, warm glögg and hot chocolate, with open-faced sandwiches available indoors. Guests will also find a bake sale, crafts, and an appearance by Tomte, the Swedish Christmas elf. A full schedule of events and more details can be found here.
5) Beer and Sausage Fundraiser
When: Sunday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Modern Cafe
What: Gastro non Grata is throwing a fundraiser at Modern Cafe for Mike Phillips. Mike, a Twin Cities charcuterie superstar (Green Ox, Craftsman, Three Sons Meat Company), was injured in a cyclocross race crash and hospital bills are rising. This will be a low key night for well wishers and sausage lovers to swing by the Modern Cafe, eat some tube meat, drink some Indeed beer and help out a friend. Details of the event can be found here.
Also of Note: St. Paul's Ward 6 celebrates their 1-year anniversary with live music, free food, a bonfire, Mayor Coleman, and more (Saturday, 3 p.m.). Midtown Global Market is hosting the 2013 Holiday No Coast Craft-O-Rama with will all sorts of shopping and food (Friday & Saturday). Social Science is back with the Tinkerer's Ball with cocktails and science-y activities at the museum (Thursday, 6 p.m.). Get over to Grumpy's in Roseville to try Bent Brewstilllery's first beer offerings at their release party (Friday). If you dig pints and beards, Dangerous Man is hosting a book release party for Of Beards and Men (Saturday). Surdyk's wants you to join them for their Annual Cordial Fair with samplings of over 50 varieties of spirits and liqueurs (Friday & Saturday).
