Field Notes is my monthly column where I share a few of the events and other items of note taking place in any given month. These are just a few of the food and food-adjacent events that have caught my attention in December. This column will be updated throughout the month.
Bauble Bar at Four Seasons (thru Dec 25)
In a seasonal comeback The Bauble Bar at San Francisco’s Four Seasons Hotel returns as a luxurious take on Santa’s home. Using the jolly man’s red suit as inspiration, the team devised a room swathed in velvet reds and snowy whites. A canopy of hanging baubles adds plenty of silver and gold.
Cushy, lounge-style seating encourages lingering over plates of Spiny Lobster Crispy Rice, Blue Cheese & Iberico Ham Galette, and Oysters with apple and finger lime. Of course there is nog and mulled wine and whiskey-spiked Hot Cocoa. Because this Bar opens at happy hour and rolls on until the last sip of your after-dinner drink.
Tuesday–Saturday, 4 – 11 p.m., through December 25
Reservations strongly suggested.
Holiday Carolers at The Palace’s High Tea (Dec 3)
It’s true – you can step into the Winter Wonderland (the image above doesn’t do it justice) that is The Palace Hotel’s Holiday Tea program every weekend until December 24. But there’s only one weekday date with the Charles Dickens Carolers – December 3.
The setting is equal parts iconic (amidst the grandeur of the Garden Court) and opulent (yes, the decor befits a palace) and everyone dresses up to match.
In addition to your tea, tiered trays of classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and cute, mini-pastries make a grand meal of tea. Carolers costumed in Dickensian splendor create a truly immersive experience. It’s an event designed for all ages and by the end, sugar plums will be dancing in everyone’s heads.
12 – 4 p.m.
Adults: $180 Children (ages 5–12): $85
Seven Fishes Party (Dec 6)
Healdsburg’s Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery is switching up the multi-coursed Italian seafood seated dinner for a different sort of extravaganza. Think progressive party with bite-size, seafood-centric fare to pair with wines.
Yes, you will be moving from room to room, to enjoy:
- Dungeness Crab Halibut Fritter with saffron aioli
Paired with 2022 Dominique Chardonnay - Cacio e Pepe with strozzapreti
Paired with 2021 Sky High Ranch Pinot Noir - Local Seafood Cioppino shrimp, clams, and oysters with garlic toast
Paired with 2021 Sangiovese and 2022 Trésor
Chefs will demonstrate the art of making pasta – including some to take home – in in the Enoteca.
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$75 per person
30th Annual Holiday Tractor Parade (Dec 6)
Blending holiday spirit and agricultural tradition, the 30th anniversary of a parade that features a prominent symbol of agriculture makes its way down Calistoga’s Lincoln Avenue once the sun sets. (The organizers are aiming for 7 p.m. this year.) Alongside the construction and utility vehicles are floats decorated for the season, live music, and pop-up shops selling hot drinks, snacks and locally made gifts.
I suspect this one will be a big hit with the littles and anyone who likes their holiday adventures short and outside.
7 – 8 p.m. along Lincoln Ave.
