On the more elevated side of things on Church Street, Tim and Kristin Halvorson have recently expanded EB Strong’s, and the new space is simply stunning. Burlington’s top steakhouse now has an even more spacious, polished feel, plus several private dining spaces perfect for small groups or gatherings…in fact, they still have a few weeknight openings if you’re looking for a spot for a holiday get-together. The food, the service, the cocktails…everything is top notch. If you’re looking for a special night out downtown this month, this is a sure bet.

• • •

For years, I’d wanted to experience the Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. But with our long-standing Italian family gathering of 50-plus people, it was never realistic. Then COVID pared our celebration down to four people in 2020, and suddenly it felt possible.

We did it. And it was fantastic. It was also hours of prep, multiple pots going at once, and a day rolling into evening…

If you’ve ever wanted to try it, but (understandably) don’t quite have the bandwidth to pull off seven seafood dishes in one night, two of our favorite Burlington restaurants are offering their own versions in the coming weeks, and both are sure to be excellent.

Trattoria Delia is hosting its second annual Feast of the Seven Fishes on December 21, with Chef Andrea Battapaglia at the helm. Expect a traditional, beautifully executed, six-course menu built around the flavors of the sea…anchovy toast three ways, octopus and calamari salad, baked sole with herbed scallop stuffing, spaghetti con la bottarga, plus a wine and antipasti hour to open the evening. It’s the classic, elegant version of the celebration…slow, generous, and deeply Italian.

May Day’s take on the Feast leans more spirited and celebratory, featuring chefs Avery Buck and Steven Coggio on December 22. They’re promising a full fruits-de-mer spread, special bottles pulled from the cellar, plenty of limoncello, and the kind of festive, close-knit atmosphere May Day does best. A looser, more modern expression of the tradition…bound to be equal parts delicious and joyful.

• • •

They use organic grapes and whole blood oranges, then add hibiscus, vanilla bean and rooibos tea for a little depth. It’s under 8% alcohol (although we also wouldn’t judge you if you wanted to use it as the base for a cocktail), festive, and very easy to drink…ideal for a relaxed holiday evening or that moment you sit down to wrap gifts.

Each week, we feature three quick questions with someone bringing something creative, thoughtful, or downright fascinating to the food and wine scene here in Vermont and beyond.

As we move into the heart of the holiday season, Vermont is full of gatherings that celebrate flavor, craft, and community. From hands-on workshops to festive pop-ups, here are the events that caught our attention this week, each with a little something for those who love good food, good drink, and good company.

• • •

The Holiday Entertaining Weekend at Spruce Peak (December 5–6) is a standout for anyone who loves the art of hosting. The workshops lean squarely into food and table inspiration…everything from a festive Champagne hour to wreath-making, charcuterie and cheese board styling with Jasper Hill Farms, a beautifully layered tablescape workshop, and a special holiday menu at Tipsy Trout. It’s Stowe at its most classic and cozy…the perfect kickoff to a season of great meals and gatherings.

• • •

The evening ahead offers two lighter stops with plenty of flavor. The Winooski Holiday Pop-Up Shop on December 4 (5–9 p.m.) lets you wander downtown, collect stamps on a Pop-Up Passport, and discover local makers inside participating businesses, many with food-friendly gift ideas. And just up the road, Red Poppy Cakery and Vivid Coffee are hosting “Carols & Cupcakes” (4–5:30 p.m.), a quick, cheerful hit of sweets and singing that pairs nicely with an after-work stroll.

• • •

Saturday, December 6, is packed with activity. The Holiday Maker Market at Generator (12–4 p.m.) brings together more than a dozen local artisans offering handcrafted wares, along with free cider, hot chocolate and holiday spirits from Zero Gravity to make it an easy, feel-good stop. Meanwhile, the Shelburne Holiday Stroll (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) fills the village with treats, specials, and that small-town warmth that makes holiday shopping feel less like a chore and more like an outing.

• • •

For our friends in the hospitality world—the chefs, bartenders, servers, and makers powering the season—Mad River Distillers is hosting an Industry Night & Food Drive at their Burlington tasting room on Monday, December 9 (5–8 p.m.). Bring a non-perishable item for the North End Food Pantry and enjoy $5 off cocktails. Gerber’s Joint will be onsite with food, making it a low-key way to unwind, connect, and catch your breath during the busiest stretch of the year.

• • •

And because food lovers are the easiest people to shop for, two gift offerings by local favorites stand out this week. The Vermont Cheese Council’s Holiday Tasting Kit brings together nine Vermont cheeses, three pairings, and an exclusive macaron collection inspired by local cheesemakers, plus a “savor sheet” and tasting video. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the state’s dairy talent.

And for meat lovers, Fortuna’s Sausage is offering a “Godfather Hero” box, packed with Calabrese, coppa, prosciutto, pepperoni, two types of provolone, olives, and hot Calabrian peppers. These are the kinds of gifts that say “I know what you actually want,” and they come straight from beloved Vermont producers and makers.

Cheers to a delicious week ahead… 🍷