Eat. Watch. Do. — Cookie contest winners, Hanukkah specials and ‘A Christmas Carol’ review

Welcome to Chicago on this festive Thursday as we dive headfirst into the holiday season. The results of the annual holiday cookie contest were announced yesterday, featuring a savory spin on a chocolate chip cookie, a customizable coconut tassie, and a buttery graham cracker praline as the first-place recipe. The Goodman Theatre’s 46th year production of “A Christmas Carol” is back, and according to critic Emily McClanathan, it will make you believe in the power of kindness.

The contest saw 38 entrants vying for cash prizes, with over 3,600 votes cast by readers. Guest judges Nirali Chauhan, Sarah Chang, and Martin Sorge, all Chicagoans who competed on “The Great American Baking Show,” tasted the entries on November 1st, 2023. The winning recipes and more about the competition can be found here.

Larry Yando’s 16th time playing Scrooge in the annual performance of “A Christmas Carol” at Goodman Theatre received high praise from freelance critic Emily McClanathan. “His performance is far from stale,” she writes. A review of the performance can be found here.

For those looking to indulge in holiday treats without the hassle of cooking, Chicago restaurants are offering Hanukkah specials including noodle kugel, challah, and more. Details on available specials can be found here.

In addition to these festive holiday experiences, the Chicago Cultural Center is hosting exhibitions exploring the built environment through architectural works in various neighborhoods across the city, on display through February 2024.

For those looking to enjoy a night in, reviews of the latest film “Bob and Don: A Love Story,” starring comedians Don Rickles and Bob Newhart, and Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” featuring the life of Leonard Bernstein, are available to read here.

Finally, wine enthusiasts can explore the world of pét-nat wines, a sparkling style that originated in France but has spread to other parts of the world, including Peru, Illinois. Details on where to find this fizzy wine in Chicago can be found here.

This mix of holiday traditions and culinary delights sets the scene for a festive weekend in Chicago. Enjoy, and see you back here next week.