Christmas Food & Drink: Taste of Christmas to come

l Can't tell the difference between your Prestige Cuvee and your Blanc de Blancs? Then join Francoise Peretti at Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor (Knightsbridge, SW1, 0171 235 5000), where the director of the Champagne Information Bureau will be hosting a tutored tasting of Champagnes on 8 December. Tickets are pounds 15.

l Will your turkey be a turkey? Not at Frederick's (106 Camden Passage, N1, 0171 359 2888) which will be a gobbler-free zone this Christmas: this airy, Modern British restaurant feels that nothing compares to turkey cooked in your own Aga, so instead head chef Andrew Jeffs is offering Honey- and-black-pepper-roasted Breast of Duck, and Sesame Roast Salmon with spiced cabbage. They've also dispensed with Christmas pudding, so why not opt for a trio of desserts - Burnt Lemon Cream, Vodka and Lime Parfait and Chocolate Mousse.

l The biggest bash at Bali Sugar (33a All Saints Road, W11, 0171 221 4447) this festive season will be its staff party. But don't despair if you don't happen to be employed by the sister restaurant to the Sugar Club: Claudio Aprile, head chef, has a Christmas menu with a twist - Pacific Rim meets Nuevo Latino. Treats include Venison and Asian Pear Salad, Seared Salmon marinated in Miso, Black Mushrooms and Lemongrass Broth and Baked Figs with Pepper ice-cream.