Where to eat and drink in Atlanta this week: Dec. 3-9

What better way to jump-start the holidays than a champagne dinner at Nikolai's Roof overlooking the city? Elsewhere this week, Southern Executive Chefs (SEC) help you with some food action before the game -- bloody Mary and mimosa bars included. H. Harper celebrates Repeal Day with -- what else? Bourbon. The Southern Gentleman turns 1 and more.

Thursday, Dec. 3

"Champagne and Sparkling Wine Holiday Dinner. 7 p.m. Dec. 3. $110. Nikolai's Roof, 255 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta. 404-221-6362, nikolaisroof.com.

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with some bubbly and skyline views? This five-course champagne dinner includes highlights like royal osetra caviar paired with a Blanc de Blanc and foie gras and veal paired with Laurent-Perrier Brut Rosé.

Friday, Dec. 4

"Southern Executive Chefs." 5 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11 a.m. Dec. 5. White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails, 270 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-524-7200, whiteoakkitchen.com.

This downtown restaurant is getting in on the SEC Championship action with a special dinner menu on Friday night followed by a bloody mary and mimosa bar and pre-game brunch Saturday morning. Chef Duane Nutter of One Flew South is collaborating with Chef Todd Richard of White Oak for the perfect fan fare.

Saturday, Dec. 5

"Repeal Day Brunch with Old Forester Bourbon." Noon Dec. 5. $20. H. Harper Station, 904 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta. 678-732-0415, hharperstation.com.

Dress up in your swanky 1930s finest and celebrate Repeal Day with H. Harper Station. Entry includes two cocktails featuring Old Forester Bourbon, plus brunch hors d'oeuvres and treats. The best dressed guest will win $150 from Old Forester. Spending your winnings on bourbon is optional.

"Saturday Night in Spain." 3 p.m. Dec. 5. $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The Cockentrice, 99 Krog St. NE, Suite V, Atlanta. 470-428-2733, thecockentrice.com.

Travel to Spain without leaving the ATL. Sample tapas-style bites and cheeses with wine pairings from Spain during this intimate dinner with Executive Chef Kevin Ouzts and cheese expert Hannah Thompson.

Sunday, Dec. 6

"Anniversary Party of The Southern Gentleman." 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6. The Southern Gentleman, 3035 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. 404-939-9845, thesoutherngentlemanatl.com.

The Buckhead hotspot celebrates its one-year anniversary with complimentary snacks and bourbon-spiked punch between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., and live music from Drivetrain Bluegrass Trio immediately following. Guests will receive a free glass of punch for every two cans of food they donate, which will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Monday, Dec. 7

"Pig and Pint Mondays." 11 a.m. Dec. 7. $8. Sweet Auburn Barbecue, 656 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 678-515-3550, sweetauburnbbq.com.

Get two of your favorites -- barbecue and beer -- for just $8, available only in the bar. The special features the signature Texas sandwich with your choice of pulled pork or chicken sandwich and a select draft beer. Additional beers may be purchased from Sweet Auburn's extensive draft and bottled beer list, and a combo with the smoked brisket sandwich is available for an additional $2.

Tuesday, Dec. 8

"20 for $20 Wine Tasting." 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8. $20. Watershead on Peachtree, 1820 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta. 404-809-3561, watershedrestaurant.com.

If it's not Friday, you can at least pretend like it is. Get 20 wine tastings for just $20, plus the chef's choice of light bites.

Hungry for more? Here are the the top holiday dining events around Atlanta.