Dig in to bold flavors, a variety of regional cuisines and creative beer pairings at these December food events.
The Cooks’ House Beer Dinners | December 5 & 12
The Cooks’ House in Traverse City is serving up two incredible five-course dinners this month paired with brews from Short’s Brewing (December 5) and New Holland Brewing (December 12). Both dinners begin at 7 p.m. Get your tickets at MyNorthTickets.com.
Amical Cookbook Dinner Series | December 4–10
Visit Traverse City’s amical for their monthly cookbook dinner series featuring recipes from French chef Paul Bocuse’s book Simply Delicious. Widely regarded as the father of modern French cuisine, Bocuse offers a collection of uncomplicated, traditional fares. View the menu. For reservations, call 231.941.8888. (Read this Traverse Magazine feature about Amical’s Cookbook Series, which has been bringing inventive flavors downtown for more than 20 years.)
Dinner at Tapawingo | December 7, 14, 28 & 30
Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner, art and music every Thursday evening at the iconic Tapawingo in Ellsworth. Feast on four-course dinners presented by A Matter of Taste including Mediterranean Dec. 7, Japenese Dec. 14, Puerta Rican Dec. 28 and a New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 30. Tickets are available at MyNorthTickets.com.
Dennis Palmer “Folk for Food Benefit Concert” | December 8
This concert at Red Sky Stage in Petoskey benefits the Manna Food Project, a local nonprofit organization that helps feed the hungry in Northern Michigan. Dennis is a Leelanau County singer/songwriter. His songs range from acoustic blues to contemporary folk. Get your tickets at MyNorthTickets.com.
Black Star Farms Holiday Raclette Dinner | December 8–30
Raclette dinners at the Hearth & Vine Café at Black Star Farms feature an electric table-top grill with small pans beneath called coupelles. Meats, potatoes and vegetables are brought to your table and warmed on the grill top, while slices of raclette cheese are placed in the small pans to melt. The melted cheese is then poured over your heated goodies. This fun and interactive way of dining originated in the Swiss Alps and features the local award-winning raclette cheese from Leelanau Cheese Company. Tickets available at MyNorthTickets.com.Â
Friends of the Charlevoix Public Library Cookbook Sale | Through December 20
Find incredible cookbooks in the main entrance lobby. For more details, call 231.547.2651.
Aonach Mor Moonlight Dinner | December 26–30 (event continues through February)
The evening begins with a sleigh ride from the Main Lodge lobby to the North Peak. Upon arrival, guests disembark to an inviting bonfire before taking their seats at nearby tables, each adorned in white linen and illuminated by candlelight. On clear nights, the lights of the Mackinac Bridge add to the stunning ambiance. A live acoustic guitarist strums favorite tunes, rounding out the perfect atmosphere for fine, comfortable and uniquely memorable dining. Tickets are available at MyNorthTickets.com.
Pizza and Pipes: Gourmet Pizza Dinner and Concert | December 27
The Music House Museum presents a pizza dinner and a very special concert from Red Wings organist, Dave Calendine on the ‘Mighty Wurlizter’ theater organ. Get your tickets at MyNorthTickets.com.
7th Annual Short’s Holiday Extravaganza at 7 Monks | December 27
It started with 30 Short’s taps back in 2011 … now 7 Monks’ Traverse City taproom is serving 47! Check out the list.
Eve of the Eve at Mammoth Distilling | December 30
Dress to impress and enjoy live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvers, welcome punch and a midnight toast with a French 75. Celebrations are happening at the Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge in Traverse City and the tasting room in Central Lake. Tickets available at MyNorthTickets.com.