Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/super-cool-ad-inserter/inc/scaip-shortcode-inserter.php on line 37

Randita’s African Peanut Stew. Lightly spiced with a sweet potato base and topped with peanuts, this tasty stew is both hearty and meat-free. The organic vegan cafe serves it up from its food truck and at its Saxonburg and Aspinwall locations. www.randitas.com

Market Square’s Santa Claus. The real Santa works out of Market Square’s Holiday Market. Donate to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in exchange for a photo. www.downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays

Spool. A new fabric and sewing-supply store in the burgeoning Allentown business district. Shop for yardage, take a class or use the studio to sew by the hour. 816 Warrington Ave.

St. Nikolaus Bock Bier. This Penn Brewery libation is great for the holiday season — and beyond if you want to squirrel some away for the dark abyss that is January and February. Dark and bold, with a hints of sweetness and a bitter finish.