San Diego restaurants participate in charitable causes

‘Tis the season for being thankful for what you have and giving back to those who aren’t as fortunate. Here’s a rundown of San Diego restaurants participating in upcoming charitable events.

Extraordinary Desserts executive chef/owner Karen Krasne has partnered with Cupcakes and Cashmere, a multichannel fashion, food, beauty and interior design brand, to create a limited edition cookie, “All of the Above.” Twenty-five percent of the proceeds will benefit Global Fund for Women, a nonprofit that advocates for women’s human rights. The cookie is made with dark Valrhona chocolate as the base, sweetened with chunks of Valrhona white chocolate, with just-enough bitter caramelized cocoa nibs, a sprinkle of French sea salt and topped with festive 23¾-carat edible gold leaf. It’s available through Dec. 31 in packs of six for $22.50 and 12 for $45. Two San Diego locations: 2929 Fifth Ave., Balboa Park and 1430 Union St., Little Italy. extraordinarydesserts.com

The eighth annual SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off — a fundraiser for McKinley Elementary School — has become San Diego’s favorite holiday tradition. Returning favorites Waypoint Public, City Tacos and Kindred will face off against newbies Burger Lounge, Bivouac Cider and Beerfish. The annual fest features a beer garden, a dedicated kids zone, two stages of live music, a food truck court and holiday market. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 32nd and Thorn streets, North Park. Free for the festival; $20 for 5 chili tastes plus bowl or mug; beer, wine and spirits are $6. sonofestchilicookoff.com

Ruby’s Diner celebrates its 35th anniversary on Dec. 7. All locations will offer patrons the classic RubyBurger with French fries for $2.99, while supplies last. Proceeds from each sale will benefit The Ruby Dooby Foundation and Spark of Love. The RubyBurger boasts a one-third pound grilled patty, topped with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, signature RubySauce and American cheese, piled high on a toasted brioche bun. The special Ruby’s price is not available at Ruby’s Shake Shack, casino and airport locations. rubys.com

Polite Provisions will transform into Miracle on 30th Street, a pop-up cocktail bar concept that expands over 50 locations globally, for the holiday season. The idea was born four years ago when Greg Boehm decided to halt construction on his new East Village cocktail bar in New York City and transform the unfinished space into a festive pop-up bar serving holiday-themed drinks. The concept became so popular that it expanded throughout the bar industry — from four locations in 2016 to over 50 locations this year, worldwide. Cocktail names include: Christmopolitan, Muletide and Bad Santa (served hot). Ten percent of all sales will be donated to Action Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization committed to saving the lives of malnourished children. The pop-up ends Dec. 24. 4696 30th St., San Diego. (619) 269-4701 or politeprovisions.com

Not only has Queenstown Public House transformed into a giant gingerbread house, but now through Dec. 13 the Little Italy restaurant is hosting a gingerbread decorating contest. Those who bring an unwrapped toy for donation, will received a gingerbread house kit. The “Kid at Heart” contest and party will be held onsite from 7-10 p.m. on Dec. 13. Donated toys (accepted through Dec. 21) will be donated to Monarch School, which serves children impacted by homelessness. 1557 Columbia St., Little Italy. (619) 546-0444 or queenstownpublichouse.com