8 things you must do in Boston this January

It’s National Soup Month (no, really, it is), and LSF sweetens the pot (get it?) with their very own Chowda Day. Stop into any outpost and enjoy a $1 cup of their award-winning, president-pleasing New England Clam Chowder (with the purchase of an entrée).

The Harp and Long Trail unite once again for their annual winter sports season kickoff, Ski Bash Boston, from 9pm-2am. The Zoo will be playing while you sip various Long Trail brews and try to win gear, lift tickets, and sweet vacation packages. HIGH ALERT: the famous Shed Burger, from the sadly defunct Shed Brewery, will make its sanctioned, once-a-year return only during this special event (you need one).

This Fenway hot spot will host a full day of interactive classes (e.g. "Creating an Original Cocktail"), complete with demos, tastings, and probably a bit a mischief. Classes are $40 each. Visit the site above for tickets, or e-mail Deena Marlette at dmarlette@easternstandardboston.com

Every Monday evening in January, these Southern comfort food heroes go wayyyy east of the Mason-Dixon Line with multiple offerings, all under $20. Check their Twitter, @sweetcheeksQ, for the nightly noodles.

Welcome to Bronwyn’s first-ever Pig Week: six themed nights of over-the-top feasts organized by body part (Shanks, Head, Feet, Loins & Chop, Leg & Shoulder, and Ribs). Chef Tim Wiechmann is pulling out all the stops with morsels like dark beer-braised shank and crispy German schnitzel. Even better, all dinners are $20 a plate. Call for reservations.

Mohegan Sun’s annual weekend-long wine extravaganza will have more than 1,000 wines and beers to sample, along with demos and classes. Local celebrity chefs (e.g. Todd English, Jasper White) will also be cooking up delicious edibleness.

Ten (count ‘em!) different restaurants in the North End will be serving five-course dinners (including wine pairings) with proceeds benefitting the Joslin Diabetes Center’s High Hopes Fund. Participating venues are: Antico Forno, Aria, Bricco, Lucca, Lucia, Prezza, Strega, Taranta, Terramia, and Tresca. Tickets are $150; $100 is tax-deductible. 

Park yourself at the Harpoon Brewery from 7-10pm for deliciousness from local restaurant industry stars, along with brews and pairing samples. Tix are $40 ($30 for industry folks), and proceeds benefit No Kid Hungry.