Umstead aims at the chocolate spot

This month, the Umstead Hotel is offering afternoon cocoa instead of tea.

Specialty hot chocolates, peppermint bars, mint patties and homemade marshmallows are served in the afternoon, Tuesdays through Saturdays in the hotel lobby.

The cost is $22 per adult and $12 per child younger than 10. To make a reservation, call 866-877-4141.

Better arrange a ride

Raleigh's Zely & Ritz has two upcoming dinners for the liquor lovers among us.

• At 7 p.m. Dec. 11, the dinner is five courses paired with cocktails from around the world. One such pairing includes the Brazilian cocktail called Caipirinha with pan-seared calamari with cilantro and lime sauce. The cost is $85 per person with cocktails or $59 without spirits; neither cost includes tax or gratuity.
• At 7 p.m. Dec. 16, the drink is Kentucky bourbon. The four courses include a caramelized onion cheese tart served with Basil Hayden and a hearty pork shank risotto with rutabaga and Swiss chard served with Blanton's Single Barrel. The cost is $79 per person with liquor or $50 per person without; tax and tip not included.

To make a reservation for either dinner, call 828-0018.

Deposit to the Food Bank

Durham's Regulator Bookshop is collecting donations for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina until Christmas. Items to donate include canned meals, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta, dried beans, hygiene items, paper products and infant products.