Single Guy’s Planner – Holiday Edition

Like many of you, I’m sure, it’s been a busy time for the Single Guy trying to get gifts sent off before Christmas. But now that I’m finally done shopping and cooking, I’m looking forward to a week of peace and quiet with no major plans for the holidays except getting together with friends.

Still, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any food adventures to check out on the town. Yes, it’s the quiet time for lots of events because of competing holiday parties and dinners out, but here are a few events to check out if you’re interested.

Dec. 21, Monday, Gingerbread House-Building Class. If you need to make a gingerbread house for your Christmas party this week, rush over to Autumn Express at 2071 Mission St. for a gingerbread-making class Monday night taught by local artist Michele Simons. Class runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and costs $30. Click here to register (if there are any openings left).

Dec. 22, Tuesday, Outside In. This is a celebration of the street food craze, but instead of hitting the streets (especially during these cold, sometimes rainy weather), you can head inside and munch on food from Smitten Ice Cream, Evil Jerk Cart, Adobo Hobo, or Crème Brulee Cart (just to name a few) while listening to music from various DJs. The event, put together by Soul Cocina and Little Skillet, takes place from 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at 330 Ritch (at Townsend). It’s free to get in (but you need to be over 18) and you pay for the food you eat. Portion of proceeds will go to St. Anthony Foundation and Casa De Las Madres.

Dec. 24, Thursday, Feast of Seven Fishes at Incanto Restaurant. The Italians celebrate Christmas Eve with a dinner that includes seven different fish dishes. Well, those Italians have a lot of time to sit for a seven-course dinner. Locally, you can check out the celebration at Incanto in Noe Valley and Chef Chris Cosentino, who will offer a three-course version for $45. Call 415.641.4500 for more information.

Dec. 31, Thursday, New Year’s Eve at the new Nombe restaurant in Mission. New Year’s Eve is major in Japan. If you want to see how they party, consider the new izakaya restaurant Nombe in San Francisco’s Mission district. Tickets are $50 for dinner from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. You start off with sake and an assortment of small bites, then soba noodles to send out the old year followed by more sake cracked from the barrel for new year. End up with chicken and mochi soup for good luck. Call 415.681.7150 for reservations. Nombe, 2491 Mission St., www.myizakaya.com

NOTE: If you’re planning to head to the Ferry Plaza farmers market on the day after Christmas for the regular Saturday market, forget it because they’ll be closed for the holidays. The stores inside the Ferry Building will be open, but not the outdoor farmers’ stands. You’ve been warned.

And plan ahead in the new year when Dine About Town kicks off the year from Jan. 15-31, 2010. Choose from prix-fixe lunches ($17.95) and dinners ($34.95) from a variety of restaurants. Go to the official Web site to see who’s participating and plan your reservations accordingly.

Have a festive holiday season!