Monday, December 8
Author and musician Glenn Kurtz returns to SoHo indie bookstore McNally Jackson for a new installment of Conversations on Practice, a series in which artists discuss their working habits and personal development. Join Kurtz in conversation with Brooklyn writer Martin Amis, author of 13 novels including, most recently, "The Zone of Interest." 7 p.m., 52 Prince St. Admission is free.
Tuesday, December 9
Chefs looking to expand their vegetarian repertoire — and anyone looking for a DIY alternative to a Chinatown dinner date — should check out Brooklyn Brainery's Vegetarian Sichuan Cuisine class. In this 2-hour tutorial, cook/blogger Diana Kuan will guide students on a foodie adventure highlighting the basic elements of Chinese cuisine and culminating in the sampling of a meal of vegetarian dan dan noodles, kung pao sweet potatoes, and Sichuan cucumber salad. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., $42. Tickets are limited; buy them here. 190 Underhill Avenue, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.
Alternatively, those who'd like expert help with sending out their holiday greetings can head to the Manhattan branch of the Textile Arts Center, where Katy Fisher will lead a workshop in crafting cards and wrapping paper. Tickets are $75 and include materials. The Manhattan studio is located at 26 W. 8th St. in Greenwich Village.
Felted soaps, Japanese book binding, and knitted stockings are among the other skills being taught in the Center's "Handmade Holiday" series this month. Check out the full schedule here.
Wednesday, December 10
Entrepreuners, innovators, and inventors in the tech industry will converge at the 4th annual #techdrinkup holiday party, an evening of socializing with like-minded people in the NYC tech and startup world. General admission tickets cost $35 and must be purchased in advance. Find it at Half & Half at the Hudson Hotel, 356 W. 58th St. in Manhattan.
Thursday, December 11
Round out the week on a high note at the Chamber Orchestra of New York's 2014-2015 season opening event, "Mythical Dances," at Carnegie Hall. Conducted by Salvatore Di Vittorio, the evening's program will feature the world premier of Daniel Muck's Oraculum Apollonis. Tickets cost $25-$35. At 881 7th Ave.
