This week's dining events feature lots of chef action, including two collaboration dinners, and another chef reprising an Italian holiday seafood dinner. There are two events starring tamales, including an opportunity to participate in the beloved Mexican tradition of making them for the holidays, plus a whisky tasting at a sushi bar.

Tuesday, December 16

Cafe Modern Meets Star Cafe
Chefs Victor Villarreal (Star Cafe) and Jett Mora (Cafe Modern) will collaborate on a six-course dinner featuring cocktails made with Shiner spirits, taking place at Star Cafe at 6:30 pm. Dishes include East coast clams, smoked pumpkin risotto with quail, smoked rib cap steak with Gristall Mills polenta & acorn squash, and prickly pear cheesecake. It marks the official debut of the Devil's Den, the Star Cafe's new private dining and chef’s room. Tickets are $128.50 and there are only a few seats left.

Wednesday, December 17

December Whiskey Tasting at Hush
Keller sushi bar will host a Japanese whisky tasting with a lengthy lineup of pours, including representation from Colorado’s Stranahan as well as Snow Monkey Sake to finish. Tickets are $50 plus tax and fee, and include small bites. The tasting begins at 6 pm.

Thursday, December 18

Tamale Flight Pairing at Maple Branch Craft Brewery
Foundry District brewery and gastropub will pair four hand-made tamales will four craft beers for a holiday twist on the Mexican dish. Varieties include pork with chipotle chilies, chicken with avocado crema in blue corn masa, frijoles with queso and habanero salsa, and cinnamon raisin with maple butter. The pairing is $24 and will be available Thursday-Sunday.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes at Grace
Annual event showcases chef Blaine Staniford’s take on the Italian Christmas dinner tradition. Seven seafood-centric courses range from poached prawn alla puttanesca to crab-stuffed crepes. Dinner is $195 plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6:30 pm with a sparkling wine reception before a 7 pm seating time.

Saturday, December 20

2nd Annual Naughty or Nice Bar Crawl
Join 1,000+ Fort Worthians for a full-day Santa crawl through the Fort Worth Stockyards. Check in at the RFD Lawn (diagonal from the Christmas Tree), then wander to more than 10 bars and retail stops decked out with holiday decor, music, and specials. Wear cowboy Santa, Western wear, ugly sweaters, or full Santa suits and enjoy themed drink and shot specials at each stop. The crawl runs from Mule Alley down East Exchange Ave. End at the Rodeo Exchange dance hall for an after-party from 5-7 pm. Attendance is 21-and-up. Tickets start at $20 and the crawl runs from 12- 7 pm.

Festive Flavors: Tamale Making Class at Bowie House
Upscale hotel will host a hands-on tamale-making class that will celebrate the traditional Mexican holiday dish. Participants will learn how to make fresh masa before wrapping in a husk and will take home their creation. Tickets are $85 plus tax and class begins at 2:30 pm.

Sunday, December 21

Four Courses at The Usual
Kevin Martinez (Tokyo Café) and Kevin Kiowski (The Usual) will pair up to prepare a four-course dinner and cocktails featuring Wild Common tequila and Branca spirits. Dinner is $75 and there are two seating times, 5:30 and 8 pm.