Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
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1) Annually on the first Thursday of December since 2010, The Cheese Shop of Concord has taken delivery of a gigantic wheel of Crucolo cheese, imported from a tiny hill town in northern Italy. And each year, the festivities surrounding the cheese’s arrival in town have grown to include more and more segments of the town’s population. From students to selectmen; from merchants to the merely curious. But one thing is certain: No one can resist a cheese parade.

Beginning at 3:30 PM on Thursday, December 1, at the intersection of Main and Walden streets in this historic town’s center, the colorful and boisterous parade provides Concord and its visitors with a half hour of old fashioned fun and unity. A team of draft horses and a cart haul the cheese down the street, accompanied by the blare of brass instruments and scores of high-spirited dancers from nearby Concord Academy, while the crowd cheers and waves Italian flags.

After a brief round of speeches, the cheese is ceremoniously halved and quartered on a raised stage for all to watch, and is sampled among the crowd. Amazingly, the cheese – a mild asiago fresco made from cow’s milk -- is sold by the pound and generally sells out in less than 14 days.

2) Parsnip Restaurant and Lounge, located in the heart of Harvard Square, is now offering Brunch every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The brunch menu offers a variety of entrees, side plates, and libations drawing inspiration from classic American dishes as well as European influences.

Although subject to change, Executive Chef Peter Quinion’s brunch menu includes:

Fruits and Grains
House granola with natural yogurt & fruit compote

Grapefruit Brûlée, avocado & mint
Parsnip fresh fruit salad with rose & lime syrup
Eggs
Poached, fried, or scrambled on toast
Eggs benedict on an English muffin with country ham & Hollandaise sauce
Fried egg, avocado, Parmesan on wheat toast
Entrées
Kedgeree, smoked haddock, curried rice & egg
Potato griddle cake, cured salmon, guacamole & spiced tomato chutney
Braised short rib with polenta & gremolata
Chicken & waffles, slaw, honey hot sauce
French toast brioche, fruit compote
Sides
Home fries with garlic & rosemary

Kale sprouts, chili flakes, preserved lemon

Fried potato-brussels sprout cake 

Applewood smoked bacon
Assorted pastry selection
Something sweet
Bread pudding with butterscotch & whipped cream

Flourless chocolate torte with coffee crumble and mascarpone

Poached pear

For Reservations, please call (617) 714-3206

3) Chef/Owner Andy Husbands and the rest of the team at The Smoke Shop celebrate those who have served or are serving in the US Armed Forces this Veteran’s Day. Chef Husbands invites U.S. military personnel past and present to indulge in American-Inspired, quality Q from the Smoke Shop’s Take Out Menu for 50% off in celebration of Veteran’s Day 2016.

On Friday, November 11, from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., veterans can indulge in Traditional BBQ Combos featuring a variety of all-American classic sandwiches like Pulled Pork and Brisket or New Style Q Combos featuring fresh takes on BBQ staples including The Brisket (Korean vinaigrette, kimchi, Gochujang Ranch) and the Pulled Pork BLC (Smoke Shop bacon, romaine lettuce, pepper jack cheese, mayo). Each combo includes a choice of one Side including options like The Corn Bread (honey sea salt butter) and Bacon Collards. Decadent Desserts like Kenny’s Butter Cake, Rainbow Treats, A Taste of Somerville S’mores, and Butter Cake Crack are also available.

The Veteran’s Day Take Out Special is valid for orders up to $100. Take Out orders may be placed by calling 617-577-7427 or visiting The Smoke Shop at 1 Kendall Sq. Cambridge.

4) Royal Sonesta Boston unwrapped today its Holiday Events, and topping the list are Creative Culinary Cookie Classes and Breakfast with Santa. Known for its holiday spirit and sparkling decorations, Royal Sonesta Boston is welcoming children to the kitchen to create holiday cookies and to the Grand Ballroom to have breakfast with Santa. Reservations are required.

Delicious meets adorable at these Holiday Cookie Classes. Come and bake holiday cookies with Royal Sonesta Boston’s Executive Pastry Chef, Christina Allen-Flores. Price includes a cocktail for adults and hot apple cider and a take-away treat for kids. These cooking classes sell out, so please book early. Two dates are offered: December 4 and 11. Classes are designed for a child accompanied by an adult.

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Price: Adults: $30 | Children: $25
Tickets: https://royalsonestaboston_cookieclasses.eventbrite.com

A favorite holiday tradition is Breakfast with Santa at Royal Sonesta Boston. Children of all ages are welcome. This special morning includes a seasonal brunch, holiday cookie crafts and a dramatic reading of the Night Before Christmas by Santa himself. Children will meet Santa and take home a special gift. Each child is invited to share the magic of the season by donating a small, unwrapped gift to benefit Toys for Tots. This event sells out. Reservations are required.

Dates: December 17 and 18
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Price: Adults: $45 | Children: $25 | 3 & Under: Free
Tickets: Dec. 17: https://royalsonestaboston_breakfastwithsanta12_17.eventbrite.com
Dec. 18:https://royalsonestaboston_breakfastwithsanta12_18.eventbrite.com

*Royal Sonesta Boston is pleased to share that this year the Breakfast with Santa ticket price includes complimentary admission and skating rentals at Community Ice Skating Rink at Kendall Square.