It seems like every day on the calendar is National Something Day. In addition to our official national holidays like Thanksgiving, there are hundreds of unofficial “holidays” celebrating everything from Star Wars (May the 4th, of courth) to Talking Like a Pirate. Following are some of December’s unofficial national holidays and the best ways to celebrate them right here in Brooklyn.
December 4 — National Cookie Day
Rimini Pastry Shop (Bensonhurst), opened in 1973 by Palermo native John Zito, overflows with traditional sweets. The cheesecake is dangerously addictive and they make some of the best rainbow cookies in the borough. Of course, you can’t go wrong with an Italian bakery. For more on Italian bakeries in Brooklyn, check out this post.
Rimini Pastry Shop photo courtesy of Facebook.
Salmon, bacon, eggs, and cranberry | Pardes Restaurant via Facebook
December 6 — Chanukah Begins
Pardes Restaurant (Boerum Hill) offers a unique take on traditional French and Mediterranean food. Imaginative dishes include peanut butter and jelly infused bread, kale salad with pears and rice crispies, fried chicken skins and marshmallow, yam and apple soup. This is kosher food like you’ve never tried (or expected) before. For more on Kosher restaurants in Brooklyn, check out this post.
Nunu Chocolates via Facebook
December 13 — National Cocoa Day
Nunu Chocolates (Park Slope) serves coffee, beer, and wine, but the creative varieties of hot cocoa are not to be missed. You can order your hot chocolate classic, spicy, or even with Amarula or Absinthe for an extra kick. Nunu also sells house-made “Cozy Hot Chocolate” mix to bring with you. For more on hot chocolate in Brooklyn, check out this post.
Chavela’s | Lucy T. via Yelp
December 20 — National Sangria Day
Chavela’s (Prospect Heights) serves authentic Mexican fare in festive surroundings. In-the-know Brooklynites head there for happy hour (Monday-Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.) for draft sangria and $2 tacos. You should also try the campechana (a tasty margarita-sangria hybrid) if you’re in the mood for something different. For more on sangria in Brooklyn, check out this post.
Marble chocolate pumpkin pie | Pie Corps via Facebook
December 25 — National Pumpkin Pie Day
Pie Corps is a Greenpoint institution. Their daily offerings range from sweet pies to savory pot pies to handheld “pie pops.” Although the menu changes daily, they’ll have your favorite waiting if you give them a 24-hour notice. And if you’re interested in creating these goodies at home, sign up for one of their popular pie-making classes. For more pie shops in Brooklyn, check out this post.