Eating, Drinking and Everything Festive this Holiday at The Packing House
“Basically, I wanted to take my favorite spirit, tequila and put a Christmasy twist on it,” says Hetty La, bartender at the Kettle Bar. “It’s going to have tequila, lime, pineapple, and cinnamon, which is what is going to give it that “holiday feel.”
Hetty, along with all of Kettle Bar’s bartenders were tasked with coming up with a signature craft cocktail for the holiday season, which then went through some peer-reviewed tweaking. “We all went through a taste test, it was lots of fun!” she says. Her creation, called Christmas in July, is topped with a dash of Pancho Reyes chile liqueur to give a spicy southwest bite.
Kettle Bar’s creative libations are only one way in which The Packing District is gearing up for the holiday season. Now through the end of December and into the New Year, you can eat drink, shop & be merry to your heart’s content. Here are some of the offerings in and around The Packing House for the month. Please note menu items are subject to change and stay tuned as some of our vendors are still working on their seasonal magic:
Sweets
i Am (second floor)—This shaved snow and smoothie stand is a holiday party year-round, however, i Am tells us they are working on a new Hawaiian shaved ice menu item to be released this month to bring a little “Mele Kalikimaka” to your mouth. And kids love their colorful holiday “snowballs’’ that smoke with every bite.
Han’s Homemade Ice Cream (first floor)—Justin Saunders-Carter, manager at Han’s says Pumpkin Latte and Egg Nog Peppermint Oreo are on the menu this year. Gift certificates are also available for the ice cream connoisseur’s stocking.
Pop Bar (second floor)—Popbar’s handcrafted gelato-on-a-stick has too many delicious flavors. Try Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate and Caramel covered with popcorn for holiday tastes and vibes. Their famous hot chocolate-on-a-stick is perfect for bringing all the cozy-fun feels home.
Crȇpe Coop (first floor)—It’s Bonnes Fêtes at the Crêpe Coop! Mint red velvet and pumpkin spice are two favorites returning to the Crȇpe Coop along with a new fig peppermint bark edition still being perfected.
Eats
Georgia’s (first floor)—Georgia’s is all about making holiday meals easier and yummier. You can order any of their sides to go for the holidays as well as their famous fried chicken. Be an early elf as orders must be placed at least five days in advance.
206 BCE (first floor)—Ho, ho, pho! 18 Folds in Farmers Park recently opened this little outpost on The Packing House’s second floor. Their delicious pho, made from real beef bones will warm away any winter blues.
The Black Sheep (second floor)—This grilled-cheese lover’s outpost still offers The Green Gobler special. For only $9, you get a heavenly mix of sage cheddar, turkey and a bourbon cranberry jam.
The Kroft (second floor)—It’s a poutine party at The Kroft. For Thanksgiving they introduced a holiday poutine complete with stuffing and cranberries. They also feature Bootlegger’s Pumpkin Pie ale on draught.
Drinks
Mini Monster (second floor)—For tea and boba masters Mini Monster, the festive Sunset Strawberry with blue herbal tea is a big seller along with the Christmas-colored Strawberry Matcha tea.
The Iron Press (second floor)—Local brew haven The Iron Press is currently concocting their holiday drink menu. However, no need to wait for yuletide beer. A nice English brown ale like Cigar City’s Maduro paired with a Belgian waffle will hit your holiday happy spot.
Anaheim Brewery (Packard building)—Winter Wheat is on tap and available in 750 ml bottles.
Gifts
Unique, thoughtful, homemade gifts are available at Seed upstairs including the market carts at the second-floor front entry. Adorable felt hand puppets, Nutcracker themed tea towels, and shimmering pastel-colored ornaments are a few of the gifts and home trimmings just right for under or on the tree.
Events
The Packing District is packed with holiday fun! Be sure to mark your calendar:
New Year’s Eve with Downtown Band—December 31st from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Live performance all night long, extended hours with a special countdown to midnight.
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