� December Food Drive Donate nonperishable food items for the Capital Area Food Bank at Avant Salon & Day Spa during December, and leave with an Aveda gift bag. 507 Pressler #800, 472-6357.

� 12 Days of Driskill Austin’s most historic hotel concludes 12 Days of the Driskill, Dec. 13-15, with Holiday HAAM Sessions Thursday in the Driskill Bar; craft beer, bourbon, and/or Veuve Cliquot flights on Friday; and a Santa Breakfast on Saturday morning from 9-11am. Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos.

� Seasonally Inspired Three-Course Menu available every evening in December during the first hour of dinner service. Reserve by phone. The Carillon, 1900 University Ave., 404-3655. $29.

� Feast of the Seven Fishes Former Sagra chef/owner Gabriel Pellegrini will demonstrate the traditional Southern Italian feast. Reserve by phone. Thu., Dec. 20, 6:30-8:30pm. Whole Foods Market Culinary Center, 525 N. Lamar, 542-2340. $50.

� Stuff the Bus Food Drive Stuff a Capital Metro bus with 20,000 pounds of nonperishable food items in three days. Fri.-Sun., Dec. 14-16, 8am-11pm. Whole Foods Market, 525 N. Lamar.

� Christmas Party for Austin Pets Alive with singer-songwriter Scott Helmer. A portion of the proceeds benefit APA and Scott will give a copy of his new album, Wake Me When It’s Over, to anyone who donates at least $5. Donate cash, pet food, pet litter, and other supplies. Fri., Dec. 14, 7pm. Zed’s, 501 Canyon Ridge. www.austinpetsalive.org.

� Casting Call for CBS Reality Show based on the hit U.K. program The Great British Bake Off. It’s in Dallas, Sat., Dec. 15, 11am-4pm. Duo – All Things Culinary; 7721 Inwood Rd. www.cbs.com/bakingshow.

� Inspiration for Your Christmas Feast by Chef Andrew Brooks of Spirited Food. Reserve by phone. Sun., Dec. 16, 11am-1:30pm. Central Market North Cook­ing School, 4001 N. Lamar, 206-1014. $50.

� Gingerbread Cookie Party Austin Terrier provides the cookies and decorating materials, plus a face painter and balloon artist. Sun., Dec. 16, 4pm. Austin Terrier, 3435 Greystone.

This article appears in December 14 • 2012.

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