This Weekend’s Five Best Food Events – 12/5/2014

It’s dark. It’s cold. And you’re spending every waking moment wondering, “Is my gift good enough?” (It is! It is.) Take a life break and recharge at these five food events happening this weekend.

BBQ & Bloody Mary Brunch at Beast of Bourbon, Beast of Bourbon, 710 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Need to recover from holiday shopping madness? Check out this party featuring three different kinds of bloody marys and BBQ brunch. For $30, guests receive three different takes on tricked out tomato juice created by Beast of Bourbon, The Bloody Mary Liberation Party, and Black Swan Pub. The menu includes smoke pulled chicken, pork rib, and sides, plus a slice of red velvet cheesecake for dessert. Reservations include tax and gratuity.

Battle of the Belgians, Jimmy’s No. 43, 43 East 7th Street, Saturday, 1 p.m.

In a competition involving an unlimited tasting of finely crafted beers, everyone leaves a winner — or at least with a buzz. This annual gathering features over 20 Belgian-style ales gunning for the title of best brew; most were made in the U.S. or Belgium, though a rare few hail from the U.K. or Italy. The line-up is subject to change, but you can expect an appearance from Stillwater Artisanal Ales, whose brewmaster Brian Strumke will be on hand to answer any questions and guide you through a tasting. The event will also feature a whole roasted hog, bacon, and veggies to snack on between sips. Tickets are $55.

Brooklyn Cookie Takedown, The Bell House, 149 7th Street, Brooklyn, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.

Santa Claus isn’t the only one who can enjoy endless amounts of cookies this holiday season. For $20, attendees can stuff their face with cookies of all kinds, with eggnog available to help wash down any lingering crumbs. Home bakers are also invited to register by emailing [email protected] for a chance to win prizes. Tickets for both days are available on the Bell House website.

Show:UP! Pop Up Dinner, undisclosed location, Sunday, 2 p.m.

Sick of being the one who always winds up playing host? This theatrical dining experience invites guests into actual homes for an afternoon of brunch with a side of improv. Attendees become part of the performance, where actors assume the role of the home owners, and larger than life characters might resemble your actual friends. Drinks are included. There’s also a performance scheduled for 6 p.m. with dinner included. Tickets are $44.

Prohibition Dinner, Chapter One, 33 Greenwich Avenue, Sunday, 7 p.m.

Instead of dressing up like Buddy the Elf, hunt down a vintage suit and head to a speakeasy-style dinner where costumes and catchphrases from the 1920s are encouraged. Chef Warren Baird’s $49 three-course menu is inspired by the popular dishes of the roaring ’20s, and includes Blue Point oysters, prime rib au jus, and a Brandy Alexander pie. Guests will also receive a special cocktail upon admission to the revamped dining room, which naturally requires a secret password. Reservations are required and should be made by contacting Chapter One.