Champagne Sabering 101; Mangia Talks The Talk

THEATER DISTRICT - Open some champagne with a sword this New Year's Eve and impress your friends by not stabbing them and getting glass everywhere. If you take Market's upcoming Champagne Sabering 101 class, that is. December 28 and 29, $45 includes wines and small plate pairings, call for a spot: 617.310.6790. [BostonChefs via Zagat]

SOUTH END - The newly reopened Mangia on Columbus Ave will be voted the "BEST PIZZA in Boston" at some yet unnamed point. At least that's what a Craigslist job posting for the pizzeria promises. It also specifically solicits former (presumably pissed off) employees from the bankrupt Upper Crust. But good luck beating Area Four with that whole best pizza thing. [Craigslist, EBOS]

BACK BAY - The days until Alex Crabb's upcoming tasting menu-only restaurant Asta are numbered. Today the chef-owner tweets "I just turned my stoves on for the first time!" [Twitter]
[Photo: Market/Cal Bingham]