Dalina in Chinatown is getting all dressed up in her Christmas best for a festive winter pop-up with a retro lounge twist.
From December 1 to 23, revellers can book a Christmas Cocktail Story experience which takes the beloved classic movie and translates it into elevated Americana canapes and boozy winter warmers.
The halls at 687 Main St will be fully decked and guests greeted with a festive Santa Jack punch, a play on a Moscow Mule with Jack Daniels from the mind of Scotty Marshall from the departed Mamie Taylor’s with help from former Vancouver Bartender of the Year Ron Oliver.
To complement the cocktail menu chef Karl Gregg of Texas-style food truck Rosie's BBQ has come up with samplers that play on holiday party favourites like shrimp cocktail, pigs in blankets, devilled eggs, and holiday cheese balls.
The cost of booking ($36.50 per person) covers a welcome drink, one cocktail from the menu, and a full plate of six appetizers that include pizza-style pull-apart knots and cranberry chili glazed pork and beef meatballs.
In a city of small apartments full of people who enjoy organized events during the holidays, the concept of the Christmas lounge has really taken off. One to two people households are able to gather for a big Christmas party and chances are it's more dressed up than their apartments could possibly be.
Plus the delectable cocktails and built-in bartender doesn't hurt.
On top of the movie A Christmas Story, the cocktail menu reveals memories of Marshall and Oliver's own. Drinks like the Blue Hawaiian and Christmas in Mazatlan call to mind the weird feeling of celebrating a winter holiday in a tropical destination fusing flavours like tequila and sherry, pineapple and nutmeg, eggnog and ice.
There are, of course, more typical drinks you'd expect to find on a Christmas cocktail menu. The Christmas Stocking takes spiked hot chocolate to the next level with rum and Tennessee whiskey, topped off with whipped cream, gingerbread cookies, peppermint candies, and sprinkles.
For those who aren't fans of craft cocktails, there are playful menu items like Santa's Sack, a literal sack of two mystery beers with a side of rum.
Each seating is an hour and a half and bookings are open now. People can order additional food and cocktails for an extra charge.
