Langoustine Ikarian Stew at Opa; Holiday Tiki Garden at Bud & Marilyn's

MIDTOWN VILLAGE — On Tuesday, December 15, Greek restaurant Opa is hosting a two-part event with Chef Diane Kochilas, host of Greece’s most popular TV cooking show and author of over twenty cookbooks. The first part of the evening is a meet and greet, cooking demo and cookbook signing from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. It costs $35 per person to attend and a complimentary glass of wine and mezedes will be provided. The second part of the event is a special five-course collaboration dinner with Chef Bobby Saritsoglou of Opa and Chef Diane Kochilas. The dinner costs $65 per person and will feature wild field arugula salad with blood orange vinaigrette, grilled octopus, langoustine Ikarian stew, braised lamb and spice cake with pumpkin ice cream. Call (215) 545-0170 to reserve space at the 7:00 p.m. seating as reservations are required. [Eaterwire]

MIDTOWN VILLAGE — For the next two weeks, Bud and Marylin's will have a secret pop-up holiday tiki garden. Sip classic $10 tiki cocktails or a selection of beers under their heated covered garden from 5:00 p.m. until closing Monday through Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until closing. Tiki-themed treats like char sui glazed pork and pineapple buns, pumpkin coconut rice bowls with mango slaw, and sweet and sour turkey meatballs will be available for $7 each. If you swing by during happy hour Monday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., be sure to nab a glass of their $6 happy hour punch. The cash-only hideaway is accessible through Bud and Marilyn's back alley on Locust St. between 13th St. and Camac, and it will remain open through Wednesday, December 23. [Eaterwire]