Midtown Shop and Dine Week returns with discounts at many of your favorite shops and restaurants. From November 13 - 22, 2009, get three-course, fine dining deals for $25, casual meals at 2 for $25 and great deals on shopping indulgences around Atlanta's midtown neighborhood. Participants include spots like El Taco, Tap and Ecco. Indulge and enjoy!

Last week  I talked about some upcoming holiday cooking classes. If you'd rather let someone else get messy in the kitchen, perhaps you'll be interested in ordering your Thanksgiving feast from one of these local restaurants instead.

Village Tavern Thanksgiving and Christmas Menu To Go
$125 serves four - $250 serves eight
Includes: Clam Chowder, Choice of Roast Turkey Breast or Honey Glazed Spiral Ham, Gravy, Corn Bread Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Cranberry Orange Relish, Choice of Pecan, Pumpkin or Apple Pie
Thanksgiving orders must be submitted by Monday, Nov. 23 and picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Christmas orders must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 21 and picked on up Wednesday, Dec. 24 before 3 p.m. Orders can be placed by calling 770.777.6490.

Holidays from Alon's
Alon's offers a variety of holiday catering options with all the classics plus new-school favorites like Turducken. Locations in Virginia-Highlands and Dunwoody.

Star Provisions

Fresh, free-range, organic turkeys are available by the pound and can be purchased ready to cook or already prepared. Star Provisions also offers several delicious complements such as Yukon Gold Potato Puree, Sage and Apple Dressing, Sweet Potato Puree with Marshmallows, Green Beans with Wild Mushroom Cream and Fried Shallots, Braised Local Collard Greens with House Cured Hams and Thyme-Onion Rolls. For a sweet treat, Star Provisions also offers holiday cupcakes, traditional pies and specialty dessert items.

Call 404.365.0410 ext. 131 to place a Thanksgiving order. Thanksgiving orders must be placed by Saturday, November 21 at 5 p.m. Items will be available for pick-up on Wednesday, November 25, and must be picked up by 6 p.m. that day.

The Mercantile
Want to make your own turkey but let someone else worry about the details? The Mercantile has you covered. You can't get a bird to-go, but you can get delicious sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes and squash and apple soup. Don't forget to finish off the night with yummy pies or decadent chocolate cake. The last day for pre-order is Saturday, November 21, 8:00 p.m.. Call 404-378-0096 to order.

Need to brush up on your kitchen skills before guests start pouring in for the holidays? There are several Atlanta area cooking classes coming up that will help you create meals that shine this season.

11/6 - Stress Free Holiday Cocktail Party at Cook's Warehouse Midtown
Do-ahead stress-free ideas including Salted Toffee Almonds, Spicy-Sweet Walnuts, Chile Shrimp Bites, Andouille Sausage Puffs and more. You will also learn to make a couple of time saving party punches and a hot spiced cider that are real crowd pleasers. $45.

11/10 - Southern Favorites at Parish
Learn to make Pimento Cheese, Hickory "Smoked" Deviled Eggs and Curried Country Ham Salad. These fun southern dishes are sure to impress your out of town guests. Class includes a glass of bubbly. $40.

12/8 - Georgia Holiday Cheer at Parish
Make Million Dollar Eggnog, "Melted" Brie and Winter Fruits with Toasts, Creole Shrimp and Crab Dip. $40 for class and bubbly.

This Saturday, November 7, 2009, chili lovers will want to stop by Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp. The outdoor festival has all the makings of a great fall afternoon - live music, an artists market and plenty of yummy chili to taste. Purchase a spoon and get there early - the best chili runs out quickly! Chili tasting starts at noon.

If you'd rather sip on something more refined, try the Decatur Wine Festival. From 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., stroll around Downtown Decatur and taste over 350 wines from all around the world. Tickets are $30 online and are also available at the Decatur Package Store at 1220 Clairmont Rd.