Now that the streets have been cleared of SantaCon debris, it’s time to get out and take advantage of the last few days before the holidays. We’ve rounded up a few special activities taking place this week that don’t require a rental costume.
Sakamai One Year Anniversary, Sakamai, 157 Ludlow Street, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Hot sake may sound good when it’s cold out, but cold sake is much tastier. For $60, guests can enjoy an open bar of select shochu cocktails and beer in addition to the Japanese rice wine until 10 p.m. Food will also be dished out until 8:30 p.m.; advance ticket purchases will save you $10.
Slow Food Book Club: Drift by John McGoran, Huckleberry Bar, 588 Grand Street, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Author John McGoran will discuss his latest novel, a thriller centered around genetically modified foods. McGoran, who is currently the editor-in-chief of Grid magazine, has spent two decades covering food and sustainability issues. The complimentary event coincides with the bar’s Wednesday night drink deal — find two-for-one glasses of wine plus a happy hour that runs from 5 to 8 p.m.
Meats Cooking with Confidence, The Meat Hook, 100 Frost Street, Brooklyn, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Meeting the parents for the first time this holiday season? Impress them with your meat skills honed via this course. Learn how to properly heat, prepare, season, and slice; samples and beer are included during the demonstration, and class participants receive 10 percent off any purchases made in store on the day of the class. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through the butcher shop’s website.
Rare Beer Night, Clinton Hall, 90 Washington Street, Thursday, 7 p.m.
Showcasing a selection of double IPA’s, Belgians, and an 11.1 percent ABV Eighteen Weizenbock, this pay-as-you-drink event preaches quality over quantity when selecting a beer. A representative from Pennyslvania’s Weyerbacher Brewery will discuss what goes into making a beer with such a high ABV. Advanced registration is recommended.