The Rieger and Crane Brewing Company celebrate anniversaries, ‘phish tacos,’ and more: KC’s food and drink events for December 17-23

Monday, December 17

Culinary adventurers Elise Landry and Adam Wagner (formerly of Ça Va, the Antler Room and more) have spent the past couple of years traveling the world and learning about different cuisines. The couple have returned to Kansas City for a brief spell, and while they’re here they are hosting a multi-course, specialty pop-up dinner at Bluestem (900 Westport Road). The dinner honors their recent stint in Europe and features natural wine pairings. This rare opportunity is $100 a person; email popupreservations@gmail.com for your seat. 

Also tonight, Waldo Thai (8341 Wornall Road) is hosting a Dalmore Whisky holiday dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. This multi-course, family-style dinner features curries, noodles, starters, and much more, all paired with Dalmore cocktails and tastes. The meal is $75 a person, which includes tax, but not gratuity. Learn more via Eventbrite or by calling 816-615-1188.

Tuesday, December 18

The Dead Beet Taco Shop will be hosting a pop-up starting at 5:30 p.m. at Dodson’s Bar & Commons (7438 Wornall Road), featuring vegan and gluten-free tacos and queso (see the vegan “phish” tacos above). Cocktails will be available from the bar, and food will be for sale until sell-out.

The Young Friends of the Kansas City Library is collaborating with Krokstrom Klubb & Market (3601 Broadway) for a come-and-go happy hour starting at 4:30 p.m. called “Hygge for the Holidays.” Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Scandinavian concept of coziness and warm conviviality. The YFKCL is also collecting children’s books for kids in 1st through 3rd grades during the happy hour.

KC Bier Co. (310 West 79th Street) is joining over 1,000 other breweries, including Sierra Nevada, in tapping special releases to support families devastated by the Camp Fire in California. KC Bier Co.’s contribution is the Resilience India Pale Lager, which will be available on tap and in growlers. One hundred percent of the proceeds will support the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund.

Thursday, December 20

Celebrate the eighth anniversary of the Rieger (1924 Main Street) with its birthday tradition of an all-you-can-eat classic bolognese dinner. The pasta is served with Caesar salad and garlic bread for $35. Reservations are available via Tock.

From 1-3 p.m. today, Bloom Baking Company (15 East 3rd Street) is hosting a gingerbread house workshop. All decorating materials (including the pre-assembled house), as well as snacks and drinks, are included. Each house (with a maximum of two people per house) are $35. Call 816-283-8437 to reserve your spot.

Saturday, December 22

The folks at Crane Brewing Company (6515 Railroad Street), are pulling out all the stops for their 3rd anniversary by combining it with their annual holiday party. Special tappings, games, and an ugly sweater contest are on the schedule. Special beer tappings include some rare beers that are coming out of storage for just this event, including the Mango Lassi
, Trill, Township 49, Anniversary Stout, Punch, Treaty of Bacchus, and more. Food will also be available for purchase. The party begins at noon and runs until 10 p.m. 

Bluestem (900 Westport Road) is back with its holiday tea service, with seatings available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For $38 a person (or $17 for children), enjoy a sampling of pastries, savory snacks and teas. Call 816-561-1101 for reservations.