Five Things to Eat and Drink This Weekend

Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? We've got you covered. Check out what's on our plate. See also: - Hana Japanese Eatery Makes Travel + Leisure's Best Sushi Restaurants in U.S. - Five Things to Eat and Drink Before the End of the World

Christkindlmarkt: A Celebration of German Holiday Traditions

A traditional celebration held throughout Germany and Central Europe that began in the Middle Ages, Christkindlmarkt will bring the Old World holiday spirit to the Valley on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with artisan-crafted children's toys, Christmas carolers, and a puppet show. Best of all, there will be food galore, including Neurnberger bratwurst, Gulasch soup, real German Laugenbrezeln (hot soft pretzels), Lebkuchen gingerbread cookies, and roasted chestnuts. Traditional beverages such as hot mulled wine (Gluehwein), apple cider, and German winter beers will also be available.

Grab a Bite at the Tempe Festival of the Arts

Sure, you can look at art while you're at the Tempe Festival of the Arts, but you can find us checking out the food court. Located on Sixth Street east of Mill Avenue, there will be 10 restaurants feeding festival-goers, including Crepes & More with sweet and savory selections, Blue Banjo catering with tri-tip BBQ sandwiches, and The Alaskan Salmon Grill with fillets, chowder, and pasta. Snack vendors will be placed throughout the festival selling items like chocolate-dipped cake bars, glazed nuts, fudge, and kettle corn.

Doro Wat and Miser Kik at Ethiopian Famous Restaurant

Tired of Thanksgiving leftovers? So are we. After a few too many plates of turkey and mashed potatoes, it's time for a break from American tradition. Veer way in the other culinary direction at Ethiopian Famous Restaurant. Everything on the menu is just as comforting as home-cooked favorites but with flavors that will re-awaken your palate. Try the classic doro wat with pieces of chicken and boiled egg in a hearty sauce made with berbere spices. Or forgo the meat altogether with miser kik and alecha kik, lentils cooked in a spicy sauce balanced by a mild split pea soup. No matter what you order, sop it up with spongy injera bread.

Joy to the Herd at Shamrock Farms

Want to play in the snow? For the weekend of December 1 and 2, Arizona's hometown dairy will become a winter wonderland when 15 tons of snow will be shipped in from the North Pole. The Joy to the Herd holiday celebration will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes holiday crafts, face painting, a tour of the 10,000-cow farm and calf nursery, and a special visit from Santa and Shamrock Farms' spokescow Roxie. Reservations and pre-payment are required. Tickets are $10 per person, and children ages 2 and under get in free. Lunch will be available for an additional cost, and the tour concludes with a sample of milk or eggnog.

Breakfast with Santa at the Wigwam Resort

If your kids can't wait to visit with Santa and share their long wish lists, take them to breakfast at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park on Saturday morning from 8 to 10:45 a.m. The meal is $18 per adult and $9 for children and includes all the kids' favorites like pancakes, waffles, and eggs. While you're there, stop by the Wigwam Farmers' Market to pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and tamales. Can't make it this weekend? Don't worry: Santa has carved out time from his busy schedule to be at the Wigwam for breakfast on Saturdays, December 8 and 15, too. Call 623-935-3811 for reservations.

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