It's the end of the world as we know it ... and you'll be feeling fine if you show up to Duckworth's End of the World Celebration on Friday, Dec. 21.

According to some people, this is the day that the Mayans predicted would be the end of the world. The folks at Duckworth's Park Road location thought it was best to go out with a bang, which means a lineup of fantastic beers on tap.

-Olde Hickory Event Horizon
-Founders Breakfast Stout
-Founders Frangelic Mountain Brown
-Highland Cold Mountain
-Avery Samael's Ale
-Ballast Point Victory at Sea Coffee Vanilla Imperial Porter
-Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Batch 9000
-Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine

Duckworth's is located at 4435 Park Road. For more information, call 704-527-5783.

It's hard not to marvel at the sweet stuff concocted by TLC's Cake Boss reality TV star Buddy Valastro. The acclaimed baker, who operates Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, N.J., makes a tantalizing assortment of cakes and pastries that anyone can whip up with one of his tell-all cookbooks.

But is it worth your conscience?

His treatment of transgender model, reality TV star and advocate of LGBT rights Carmen Carrera - who appeared on Cake Boss earlier this year - might have ruined my appetite. Carrera was misled about her role on the show, unknowingly participating in a practical joke when Valastro introduced her to his very interested cousin, later revealing to him that she was born a man. The incident publicly humiliated Carrera after the show aired.

Valastro, who apologized for his intolerant actions, visits the Queen City for a special holiday-themed show at Ovens Auditorium. For those willing to forgive and forget, the performance consists of his storytelling (about everything from family traditions to behind-the-scenes Cake Boss drama), demonstrations of his cake techniques, a Q&A session and an interactive cupcake/cake decorating demo with select members of the audience.

$35.75-$45.75.
Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Ovens Auditorium,
2700 E. Independence Blvd.
704-335-3100.

Just in time for the holidays, Vin Master will host a Bubble Bonanza on Dec. 6, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Whether you prefer Champagne or Prosecco, there will be plenty from which to choose for upcoming holiday parties and dinners. Participation costs $15 and will include tastes from six different wine distributors who will each have at least two sparkling wines to try. The cost of the tasting will be credited to purchases of six or more bottles at the event.

Vin Master is located in Atherton Mills at 2000 South Blvd, Suite 610. For more details call 704-996-7471.

Spice up your traditional Thanksgiving menu this year and head out to Savory Spice Shop at Atherton Mill on Saturday, Nov. 3. Chefs will be onsite throughout the day to showcase unique holiday dishes, all of which will feature spices from Savory Spice Shop.

Highlights include:
Dessert First (9:30 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.): Butternut Bread Pudding
Talkin’ Turkey (11 a.m. — 1 p.m.): Seasoned Turkey and Rolls
Savory Sides (12:30 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.): Sausage Sliders

• Facebook

Savory Spice Shop is located at 2000 South Blvd.

If you're like most people who really enjoy food, you've probably done your share of wine dinners and beer dinners, but next Monday, Halcyon: Flavors from the Earth will present a different approach to pairing food with libations.

On Nov. 5, the restaurant will join forces with Foggy Ridge Cidery to host its very first cider dinner. The event will be an intimate gathering of food and cider lovers, with five courses paired with Foggy Ridge's best ciders.

The first local brewery with a full menu will host a ribbon cutting ceremony today at 4:30 p.m. Brewing Master Zach Harts’ 12 beers will be available during the celebration at Heist Brewery in historic Highland Park Mills in NoDa.

• Facebook

Beer lovers can choose among a Light Lager, i2PA, Red, Hefeweizen, Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout, seasonal brews, and one of several rotating Belgian taps, all available by pint, mugs, growlers, and flights. Chef Rob Masone describes his menu as “Twisted American Cuisine," which paints a picture of his mad scientist concoctions such as Himalayan Shrimp Stix (Asian shrimp covered in lemon-wasabi cotton candy) and Kurobuta Pork Belly Corn Dogs (pork belly braised with milk and honey and barbecue sauce made with root beer).

If you can't make it out tonight — yes, we know this is last minute — head out on Friday for their grand opening celebration. More info on the party shenanigans, food samplings and live entertainment on their Facebook event invite.

Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St., Suite 200.

Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. You read that right: Earth Fare in South Park is hosting a free prime rib dinner with Upper Cervical Health Care Centers of America on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. A short presentation by Upper Cervical Health Care will take place during dinner in the Earth Fare Community Room where participants will learn how the company manages health issues of their patients without the use of drugs or surgery.

The menu for the event will be natural grass fed prime rib, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables. A vegetarian option is available.

Registration is required by calling 704-588-5560 or by going to www.freedinnercharlotte.com. Earth Fare is located at 721 Governor Morrison St., Suite 110.

• Kelly Davis
• Dining in the Dark

Originally created in Germany, "dining in the dark" is a new experience that is sweeping the country and has finally found its way to little ol' Charlotte. It's supposed to be a feast for the senses. When one of your senses is defunct, your other senses work overtime to tell your body what is going on. So dining without vision should enhance the flavors of any dish and as a result enhance the entire eating experience.

However, on Tuesday, Oct. 9, this concept was combined with a benefit for Foundation Fighting Blindness. The nonprofit works to fund and promote research that will "provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and [other] retinal degenerative diseases."

Diners at this particular event didn't actually "dine in the dark" as the original concept calls for, but instead we were wore blindfolds that shut out all light.

• The Pro Photo Group
• An attendee attempting to eat while blindfolded

As part of its two-year anniversary, Mellow Mushroom on Selwyn Avenue will introduce two new drinks to welcome Troy and Son's Moonshine to its beverage menu.

• Kelly Davis
• Reggae Moon — made with Troy and Son's Moonshine

Certainly, moonshine has come a long way from the choice booze of hillbillies and the humble origins of NASCAR to its presence on the menu of a family-friendly restaurant in a posh side of Charlotte.

Beginning today, Mellow Mushroom will debut Reggae Moon. The colorful concoction of orange juice, grenadine, and blue curacao is a tied dyed lovers dream. Another option is the Moon Shot, a fruity mix of moonshine, cranberry juice and watermelon schnapps.

Owner Marc Kieffer explains, "Craft beer has become so popular in Charlotte, so we thought [moonshine] would be a hit as well."