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Maybe it's childhood church services, or maybe it's just memories cribbed from movies, but there's something reassuring about being in a large, ornate room during the holidays. A space that might normally seem stuffy is suddenly warmer from gilded molding, crystal chandeliers hanging from towering ceilings, and heavy curtains. Factor in the boozy mix-your-own-hot-cocoa bar ($13), and you've got a nice little Christmas outing at Gracie's at Hotel deLuxe (729 SW 15th Ave., 222-2171, hoteldeluxeportland.com). Available in December from 7 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday, the cocoa bar is well-trimmed, with everything from crushed candy canes to candied bacon available for spooning onto a fluffy pile of whipped cream or mixed into the cocoa and booze, which a server gets from the bar, pouring it into a mug you're handed to fill with milk or dark chocolate and then gussy up. You can go as simple as Maker's Mark, sprinkles and coconut, or try allspice, bacon, ginger and maraschino cherries. Either way, you can sit in a padded booth and get a nice little buzz, plus a sugar high. When it's time to go back out into the world, someone will swing open the doors for you, but you'll almost be sad to go.
WWeek 2015
