321 Flavor Bites: Celebrate Hot Cocoa Day in Cocoa Village, plus what's open Christmas
I have a friend who proudly proclaims each year that all she's making for Christmas dinner is reservations.
Of course, that's what she makes for most meals, and I'm sure many of our local restaurateurs appreciate that about her.
I love the tradition of cooking a big holiday meal, but I understand why others would prefer a less stressful repast. That's why each year we compile our Big List of restaurants that are open on Christmas and Christmas Eve. If you haven't made reservations yet, you might want to get on that. Popular places fill up fast.
Usually when we run this list, we get comments from a few folks who think it's cruel to make restaurant staff work on Christmas. If you're one of those people, consider this: When I was a young reporter living far from my family, a lack of vacation time often meant I couldn't go home. I preferred working, because that meant I wasn't alone for the holiday, plus I got paid overtime.
Still, if you do go out instead of cooking at home, be kind and tip with the spirit of the holidays in mind.
Biscuit flights, baby
You've heard of craft beer flights and wine flights. Even soup flights are gaining popularity. Well, Harvest Thyme Kitchen in Melbourne has joined the trend with biscuit flights. Each flight comes with three warm, fluffy biscuits and a choice of three gravies.
But that's not all this sweet downtown cafe has to offer. Check out Lyn Dowling's latest review for more.
Bring a toy, get a beverage at Dolphin's
Dolphins Waterfront Bar & Grill, 310 Lagoon Way, Merritt Island, will host the Captain's Party for this year's Merritt Island Boat Parade from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14.
The party is open to everyone, and boaters who plan to participate in the parade can register there. This year's theme is "It's a Space Coast Christmas."
Anyone who brings a toy for Toys for Tots to the Captain's Party will receive their second drink of the evening for free.
The parade will be 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. It starts at the Sykes Creek Causeway Bridge and ends at the Searay Drive Bridge and Barge Canal.
Celebrating National Cocoa Day in Cocoa Village (and other foods we love)
National Cocoa Day is Dec. 13, and Cocoa Village is celebrating in style with a Hot Cocoa Scavenger Hunt from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. With the scavenger hunt map supplied, be on the lookout for hidden cocoa cups around town. Gather at least nine stickers and and you can choose from among these three prizes: a free hot chocolate at Ossorio Bakery & Café, a free popsicle at River Road Coffee or a free donut at Cypress Table.
To find a map, go to visitcocoavillage.com.
Other foods we're celebrating this week, according to nationalday.com, include:
National Cream Cheese Frosting Day, Dec. 13
National Ice Cream Day, Dec. 13
National Bouillabaisse Day, Dec. 14
International Tea Day, Dec. 15
National Cupcake Day, Dec. 15
National Lemon Cupcake Day, Dec. 15
National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day, Dec. 16
National Maple Syrup Day, Dec. 17
Bake Cookies Day, Dec. 18
National Roast Suckling Pig Day, Dec. 18
National Oatmeal Muffin Day, Dec. 19
Until next time, happy eating y'all.
If you have questions about any of our food content, feel free to reach out anytime via email at sleonard@floridatoday.com. Or connect with me on Facebook: @SuzyFlemingLeonard or on Instagram: @SuzyLeonard
FLORIDA TODAY food editor
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cocoa Village hosts Hot Cocoa scavenger hunt, Dolphins hosts captan's dinner
