Culinary calendar: Beer, pork, holiday fundraisers and more

The last of this year's quarterly pig roasts at Oak at Fourteenth takes place this Wednesday, December 5. And a feast at the Boulder restaurant that was our pick for Best Rise from the Ashes in 2012 serves as a pleasant reminder that the new year is upon us. Feel free to share your favorite culinary memories of 2012 in the comments section below.

In the meantime, here's a taste of the rest of what's on the culinary menu for the week:

See also: -Best Rise From the Ashes 2012 -Oak at Fourteenth will host a quarterly pig roast -Photos: Pig roast at Oak at Fourteenth

Monday, December 3:

Watercourse Foods, 837 East 17th Avenue, will be donating 10 to 15 percent of its proceeds today to Growing Colorado. The nonprofit works with refugee youth to cultivate leadership and teamwork through organic gardening and nutritional cooking. Call 303-832-7313 for more details.

The Original Pancake House is offering free peppermint hot chocolate daily until Friday, December 14. The holiday deal is being honored at both of the chain's Denver locations: 8000 East Belleview Avenue in Englewood and 5900 South University Boulevard in Littleton. Call 303-224-0093 for more information.Wednesday, December 5:

The Lobby, 2191 Arapahoe Street, is hosting a four-course dinner paired with beers from Great Divide Brewing Co. this evening at 6:30 p.m. The menu costs $40 and space is limited; call 303-997-9911 to grab one.

The fourth annual Miracle on Fifth Avenue takes place tonight at Cherry, 231 Milwaukee Street. The fundraiser will benefit YouthBiz, a local nonprofit that teaches troubled kids about entrepreneurship within their communities. Tickets cost $40 and include eats by Scott Durrah of the soon-to-be-open Jezebel's, treats from Sugar Bakeshop and tunes from DJ Shake One. Learn more and purchase tickets here. Wednesday, December 5 (continued):

Oak at Fourteenth, 1400 Pearl Street in Boulder, presents its fourth seasonal Berkshire pig roast this evening, featuring a four-course, pork-focused menu paired with select whiskeys courtesy of whiskey expert Robert Sickler. Seats are $65 per person; call the restaurant at 303-444-3622 to reserve one.

Friday, December 7:

The 5th Top Latke Cook-off and Hanukkah Party takes place this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Montview Presbyterian Church at 1980 Dahlia Street. There will be a dozen expert and amateur chefs competing for the best latke, activities for the kids and a live music performance. The event is open to people of all faiths, but reservations are required; go to the website to learn more about ticket prices.Saturday, December 8:

The Horseshoe Lounge, 414 East 20th Avenue, is celebrating six years in business by offering drink specials all night tonight. There will also be live music from Elizabeth Rose and members of Judge Roughneck. The party starts at 9 p.m.; call 303-832-1180 for more information.

Copper Kettle Brewery, 1338 South Valentia Street, is tapping a special black lager at noon today. The English-style beer is a collaboration with Hogshead Brewery and will be hand-pumped from a traditional cask; a food truck will also be on hand to serve up eats. Call the brewery at 720-443-2522 for more information.

For information on dozens of culinary events around town, visit our online Food & Drink listings -- and if you have information for a culinary event you'd like included in our online calendar, send it to cafe@westword.com.

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