A Holiday Bazaar at 18 Reasons
This  year, we're saying an affectionate sayonara to the big box stores. Why shop there when you can pick up loads of adorably stuff, made locally, at any number of great shops? Get started at the Mini Holiday Bazaar at 18 Reasons tonight from 6-9 p.m., where you can pick up calendars, marmalades, home pickling kits and more for your foodiest friends.

Marcus Samuelson at Macy's
New York chef Marcus Samuelson—born in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden—will be doing a free cooking demonstration and book signing at Macy's Cellar this Thursday, December 2, at 6 p.m. Stop by to check out his smorebrod, and to get a signed copy of his latest book, New American Table. The event is free, but to reserve your seat, call 800-786-2665.

Twelve Days of Christmas at Meadowood
If you're in the mood for showstopping, there's no better spot than Napa's Meadowood, where chef Christopher Kostow, fresh off of earning three Michelin stars, is once again hosting "The Twelve Days of Christmas." From now until the 18th, he'll be hosting a dozen visiting chefs (and wineries) for some no-holds barred dinners. This week, the kitchen will welcome Masaharu Morimoto (12/3), Mathias Dahlgren from Stockholm's Grand Hotel (12/4), Roland Passot (12/7) and local favorite Michael Mina (12/8). The only way to experience these one-of-a-kind feasts are by purchasing a package: $990 for weekday meals (dinner for two and overnight accomodations in sumptuously appointed cottages), $1065 on the weekends, and one of the best splurges I can think of.

The Queen of Chocolate at Omnivore Books
Chocolate expert and baker extraordinaire Alice Medrich has come out with a new book just in time for your holiday baking. Chewy, Gooey, Crispy, Crunchy is her all cookie cookbook, filled with a treasure trove of new and classic recipes. Ask her which are her favorites on December 4, when she'll be signing copies at Omnivore Books from 3-4 p.m. (free).

Joan Nathan at Hayes Street Grill
With Hanukkah's beginning on December 1, we can think of no better time to dine with noted Jewish food authority Joan Nathan. She'll be holding court at a luncheon at Hayes Street Grill on December 7, in celebration of her latest book, Quiches, Kugels and Couscous, a look at French-Jewish food in Paris, Alsace and the Loire Valley. Meet Nathan, pick up a book and enjoy a multicourse lunch at this special event, hosted by the JCCSF. Tickets are $65 ($50 for JCCSF members) and you can purchase them here.