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Already in the throes of the holiday season, a number of Seattle restaurants are celebrating with noteworthy events scattered throughout the next several weeks. From fancy crab dinners to food truck festivals, below are some of the hottest culinary events from now through Christmas Day.
Thursday, December 5
What: Ballard’s charming neighborhood bistro Brimmer and Heeltap will be hosting its Eggnog Pop-Up and Release Party in the garden studio this Thursday, celebrating the annual release of its special aged batch of eggnog. The festive, boozy concoctions will be served alongside holiday carolers. Diners should arrive early and dress warm, as seats tend to fill up and there will likely be spillover into the restaurant’s outdoor area.
Where, when, and what’s the cost: 425 NW Market St. from 6 to 10 p.m. No reservations required. Prices vary.
Saturday, December 7
What: Downtown French spot RN74’s holiday champagne fete will take place this coming Saturday, featuring a robust selection of champagne accompanied by a five-course meal curated by Chef Shawn Applin. Combinations should include everything from sparkling Brut Rosé with fried chicken and waffles to duck fat fries with Krug Grand Cuvée. The restaurant is also featuring a white truffle tasting menu for the entire month of December to celebrate being named one of Wine Spectator’s top restaurants for Burgundy fans.
Where, when, and what’s the cost: 1433 4th Ave. at 6 p.m. $179 per person. Reservations required.
What: As part of the “Twelve Days of Thompson” — a lineup of festive events between Thanksgiving and New Year — The Nest at the Thompson Hotel will be hosting a free, Sip and Shop event later this week featuring its winter drinks menu, alongside a selection of products to buy from more than a dozen local designers. This season’s specials include a passionfruit and vodka cocktail called Pea Diddy and a bourbon, chai and apple brandy concoction referred to as Johnny Bravo.
Where and when: 110 Stewart St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrance is free.
Sunday, December 8
What: Soon, the Fremont Sunday Market will be filled with food vendors for the annual Winter Feast Food Truck Fest. The iconic Piroshky Piroshky, the Mexican fast casual spot T’Juana Tacos, and cookie dough purveyors Sugar and Spoon are just some of the vendors participating. In addition to all the great grub, the market will have about 100 other local retailers for holiday shoppers.
Where, when, and what’s the cost: 3401 Evanston Ave N. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend.
Thursday, December 12
What: At Fremont’s upscale tasting menu restaurant Art of the Table, Chef Dustin Ronspies’ take on the Feast of Seven Fishes — a popular Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition — will feature seven courses of seafood (including the amuse-bouches) primarily sourced from the Northwest. The restaurant will also be offering three small plates and a bottle of wine for $40 through the rest of the month (Sundays through Thursdays only).
Where, when, and what’s the cost: 3801 Stone Way N at 6:30 p.m. $125 per person for the feast, $80 for the wine pairing. Reservations must be made by phone.
Friday, December 20 - Saturday, December 21
What: For two days surrounding the solstice, Seattleites can warm themselves with brews at the Winter Solstice Beer Fest at the Magnuson Park Hangar. Hosted by the Seattle Farmer’s Market Association, the festival will offer up seasonal craft beers, seltzers and ciders accompanied by live music and market vendors. Deschutes, Mollusk, Ecliptic, and Scuttlebutt are just a few of the breweries on the list this year.
Where, when, and what’s the cost: 6310 NE 74th St. on Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. $10 for general admission and $25 for general admission and eight beer tokens.
Tuesday, December 24
What: For those who still don’t have plans on Christmas Eve, the Theodore Hotel’s seafood-focused restaurant Rider will be offering some holiday specials in addition to its regular menu. Dry-aged, ribeye, Dungeness chili crab (made-to-order), and various dishes with black winter truffles are just a sampling of the night. The restaurant will also be offering its popular pull-apart rolls with crab fat butter for pick-up the same day.
Where, when, and what’s the cost: 619 Pine St. Prices vary. Reservations strongly suggested. Prices vary.
All of December
What: For the holidays, Bellevue’s high-end restaurant Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi will be offering a decadent, “King Crab Experience” throughout the entire month of December (or as long as the crab is available). For a limited time, the restaurant will be importing 10 to 12-pound crabs from the Barents Sea, flambéed at the table and served in two preparations: one with shaved truffle and ginger, the other with caviar and citrus butter.
Where, when, and what’s the cost: 10400 NE 4th St #3100, Bellevue, WA. Crabs are approximately $1,000 each ($88 per pound) and are recommended for tables of six or more. Guests are encouraged to call in advance about availability.
