Your Daily Dose of Food News, Events and Must-Read Miscellany

1. Bookstore Bar at the Alexis Hotel is expanding. The downtown cocktail spot with an extensive Scotch list will double its seating area to accommodate 40 more guests. Construction begins January 1, but diners will be able to order from Bookstore’s drink and food menu at sister restaurant Library Bistro (located in another part of the hotel) until the remodel is complete in early 2013. Bookstore Bar and Library Bistro are serving brunch from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

2. Madison Park Conservatory’s Cormac Mahoney presents a free cooking demo at Pike Place Market’s new Atrium Kitchen this Monday from noon to 1:00 pm. Check out Atrium’s full lineup here.

3. Ethiopian food, music and art will be on display this Saturday at Open Hearts Big Dreams: a fundraiser for nonprofit Ethiopia Reads. The dinner and silent auction last from 6:00 to 10:00 pm at Kings Hall in Mount Baker. Click on over for tickets and more details.

4. Josh Henderson’s north Lake Union restaurant Westward is now booking reservations for its outdoor firepit. Wool blankets are included. For our review of Westward, click here.