Walk through the doors of pretty much any restaurant these days and you’re sure to spot menu items in sweeping curlicues and block-like shading on chalkboards behind the bar. Or perhaps folding chalkboards greet you on the sidewalk as you come in, hoping to titillate your taste buds with the specials of the day.

Woodberry Kitchen server Serina Hoff takes the art form a step further. For nearly five years, she has transformed chalkboards into menu masterpieces. Working mostly on slate and using chalkboard paint and acrylics that yield a thick, painterly stroke, she has created Monet-style sunsets, likenesses of Parisian cafes, even a graphic show of support for France after the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack.

Though she has always loved art, and was especially drawn to lettering during her childhood in California, the self-trained Hoff didn’t realize her talents until she was working as a server at Petit Louis Bistro, following a move to Baltimore after college.

“I remember the day we got the chalkboards,” Hoff says. “I knew I could be ornate and really give life to those boards, and one day, they needed to be changed and I was around—that’s when it started.”

At first, Hoff simply wrote the menu, but soon branched out to explore themes culturally related to France, using as inspiration iconic French artworks and old-fashioned advertisements depicting scenes of Victorian cafe life. Her works—which could take up to five hours to complete—took on a painterly quality that had patrons raving. “One customer used to show me his phone and the background was one of my boards,” she says. “They became like pieces of art.”

Hoff moved on from Louis to serving stints at Sticky Rice, where she continued to script and paint menu boards, and Cinghiale. And, these days, while Woodberry does not need her slate services (their menus are strictly printed on paper), she’s currently beautifying the boards at Hampden’s Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar, one of her favorite places to visit when she’s not on the clock.

Ironically, one of the best parts of chalk painting, Hoff says, is knowing that her work won’t last. “I usually erase it myself, because I absolutely love the impermanence,” she says. “I think that’s when you’re allowed to do your best work. When you know that something is impermanent, you’re letting go.”

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

EAT

Dec. 24: Feast of The Seven Fishes

Gnocco, 3734 Fleet St. 5-8 p.m. 443-449-6540.

One of the most beloved Italian-American traditions is the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or “Festa Dei Sette Pesci.” This Christmas Eve custom is all about two things: family and seafood. This year, Gnocco will serve its first-ever Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner featuring five lavish seafood courses. Start a new Christmas Eve tradition and try the crispy fried eel garnished with lemon and salsa verde, squid ink gnocchi with tomato-braised calamari, and end the meal with whole-grilled Dorado.

DRINK

Dec. 24: Yippee-Ki-Yay!

Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar, 1601 Union Ave. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 443-948-5590. Free.

Welcome to the party, pal. The laid-back Hampden hangout will continue its annual tradition of showing the 1980s classic Die Hard on Christmas Eve with plenty of eggnog and whiskey to go around. Catch one of the two viewings (Movie starts at 9 p.m. and again at 11 p.m.) or stay all night for the Chinese food and explosion-filled fun. Pull up a seat, grab a glass of rye whiskey, and get ready to debate why Die Hard is still considered a Christmas movie.

SEE

Dec. 25: Ravens vs. Steelers

4:30 p.m. on NFL Network.

After a narrow victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, Ravens fans are hoping Santa will check off their wish lists and deliver a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The notorious rivals will face off Christmas Day to decide which team will lead the AFC North division into playoff season. If you want to watch the game from your lucky barstool or just need a way to escape from your extended family; don’t worry, some of the best Ravens bars like Mother’s Grille, Kisling’s Tavern, and Abbey Burger Bistro will be open for the game. Whether you’re cheering from the couch or knocking back Ravens Bombs at Charles Village Pub, don’t miss the rivalry game of the season.

HEAR

Dec. 23: A Very Jerry Christmas

The 8×10, 10 East Cross St. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. 410-625-2000.

Already sick of listening to Christmas carols? Get “Frosty the Snowman” out of your head and catch Baltimore singer-songwriter Cris Jacobs during the last leg of his two-night show at The 8×10. As part of the club’s DEADcember event, Jacobs is bringing his signature blend of sweet and rugged sounds to Friday’s sold-out crowd. This is the last chance to hear Jacobs in Baltimore in 2016, so ditch the in-laws and sing along to songs from his latest solo album, “Dust to Gold.” If you couldn’t score a ticket, Jacobs and Friends will be back at The 8×10 during the first weekend of the new year.

DO

Dec. 25: Baltimore Chanukah Festival

McKeldin Square in the Inner Harbor, East Pratt St. 2-5 p.m. Free.

For the past two weeks, the Esther Ann Menorah has stood in McKeldin Square as part of the Baltimore skyline. The 30-foot menorah symbolizes the idea of spreading light throughout the city, and will be lit as the main event of this year’s Chanukah festival. Before heading to the menorah-lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m., follow the dancing driedels to the Chanukah Wonderland for an olive press show, face painting, and live music starting at 2 p.m. Grab a Chanukah doughnut or a pastrami sandwich from the kosher food truck The Brooklyn Sandwich Co. and enjoy this lively festival at the Inner Harbor.

Whether you’re a serious water lover, a gung-ho gardener, or a fan of the forest, the Baltimore area is a great place to dine alfresco. So head to one of these standout spots and enjoy your moment in the sun.

For the Patron of the Arts

Gertrude’s Restaurant: There’s outdoor dining, and then there’s the flagstone terrace at Gertrude’s. Painterly plates, such as Gertie’s crab cakes and grilled rockfish, pair perfectly with Henry Moore and Auguste Rodin sculptures. 10 Art Museum Dr., 410-889-3399.

For the Green Thumbs

Ladew Café: With one of the top topiary gardens in the world as your backdrop, feast en plein air on house-made chicken salad and enjoy the groomed gardens once visited by the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Somerset Maugham. 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, 410-557-9570.

Woodberry Kitchen: Dine at the herb-filled patio out front. 2010 Clipper Park Road, 410-464-8000

The Turn House: This new HoCo spot, situated on the bucolic Hobbit’s Glen Golf Course, hits a hole-in-one with its inventive farm-to-table cuisine, covered patio offering weatherproof outdoor dining and heat lamps, and a chef (Thomas Zippelli) who worked at the Michelin-starred The French Laundry and Eleven Madison Park before bringing it back to his native Howard County. 11130 Willow Bottom Dr., Columbia, 410-740-2096

For the Craft Beer Aficionado

RAR Brewing: When the temps top out, RAR Brewing raises its retractable garage doors. It’s a known fact that everything—from designer dogs to tater tots—tastes that much better when you let the sun shine in. 504 Poplar St., Cambridge, 443-225-5664.

Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar: Quaff a cold one and a plate of meat and fixins on the restaurant’s back deck. 1601 Union Ave., 443-948-5590.

For the Urbanite

Tapas Teatro: There’s nothing like watching the street scene while tasting tapas and chilling out over sangria at this beloved Station North cafe. 1711 N. Charles St., 410-332-0110.

Clavel: Grab a crock of queso fundido and seat yourself at a peach picnic table in Remington. 225 W 23rd St., 443-900-8983.

For the Water Lover

Barcocina: It’s hard to beat the picturesque Fells Point harbor views and potent house-made margaritas.1629 Thames St., 410-563-8800.

Boatyard Bar & Grill: This Naptown nook with colorful red umbrellas and killer crab cakes is minutes from the marina and the perfect perch for people-watching—here, you’ll see fishermen, Naval Academy midshipmen, tourists, and locals alike. Severn Avenue and Fourth Street, Annapolis, 410-216-6206

Citron: It took years for the natural rainwater to fill the old quarry in Pikesville. At 500 feet, it’s now the deepest body of water in the state and a sanctuary for geese, ducks, and all manner of flora and fauna. You’ll understand why it was worth the wait as you sit on the patio snacking on tuna tartare at Charles Levine’s contemporary fine-dining venture. 2605 Quarry Lake Drive, Pikesville, 410-363-0900

Cosima: The rushing waters of the Jones Falls, an herb garden filled with rosemary and thyme, a flute of Proseco, and sexy Sicilian noodle dishes spell an ambiance that’s perfect for a little romance. 3000 Falls Road, 443-708-7352

For the Seafood Lover

Loch Bar: Take a front-row seat at this Chesapeake seafood bar and watch the boats bob in the Patapsco. Order a shot of one of the many rare whiskeys on hand, then toast to the inexplicable alchemy of sun, stars, and seafood towers. 240 International Dr., 443-961-8949

Ryleigh’s Oyster: So many outdoor spots in the ’burbs offer nothing but a view of a parking lot. Not so at the suburban outpost of this beloved Baltimore institution. With its hedges and white Adirondack chairs, think Lutherville-Timonium meets the Eastern Shore. 22 W. Padonia Road, Hunt Valley, 410-539-2093

For the Equestrian

The Oregon Grille: Smack dab in the middle of Hunt Valley’s horse country, this well-heeled spot boasts that miles-from-the-city feel. As you take in the natural world, consider a simple Cobb salad or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from the deep wine list. 1201 Shawan Road, 410-771-0505

Manor Tavern: Gaze at the stars at this equine-themed spot. 15819 Old York Road, 410-771-8155.

The Valley Inn: This bustling Brooklandville tavern boasts a sylvan setting and a patio that’s the perfect place for sipping champagne on tap. 10501 Falls Road, 410-828-0002

The Milton Inn: This historic inn (where John Wilkes Booth learned his A, B, C’s) recently underwent a $400,000 renovation, including the addition of a new patio and a pergola with a retractable roof. 14833 York Road, Sparks, 410-771-4366

Ravens at Texans, Sunday Dec. 21, 1:00 p.m., NRG Stadium, CBS

Baltimore heads to the Lone Star State this week to play a reeling Houston team in the season’s penultimate regular season game. The Texans lost their starting quarterback for the season in a loss at Indianapolis last week, so they’ll be playing a backup against the Ravens. They are, however, mathematically still alive for a playoff spot. I’m a bit surprised that Baltimore is only a 4½-point favorite. I plan on betting on the Ravens, devouring a boatload of barbecue, and watching what offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has in store for the team that fired him as its head coach after last season.

What to Eat: Texas loves its barbecue, and down there beef is the favored meat. Of course, true barbecue is smoked, which is notoriously tough to do at home without the right equipment. I found this recipe for Texas oven-roasted beef brisket that’s a worthy non-smoked substitute.

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 bay leaf, crushed
• 4 pounds beef brisket, trimmed
• 1 1/2 cups beef stock

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Make a dry rub by combining chili powder, salt, garlic and onion powders, black pepper, sugar, dry mustard, and bay leaf. Season the raw brisket on both sides with the rub. Place in a roasting pan and roast, uncovered, for one hour. Add beef stock and enough water to yield about a half inch of liquid in the roasting pan. Lower oven to 300 degrees, cover pan tightly and continue cooking for three hours, or until fork-tender. Trim the fat and slice meat thinly across the grain. Top with juice from the pan.

As I wrote about in the fall, Baltimore is an up and coming barbecue city. Big Bad Wolf (5713 Harford Rd.) serves beef ribs, as does Midtown BBQ and Brew (15 E. Centre St.). Blue Pit BBQ (1601 Union Ave.) has been open since the summer, but just started serving a full menu, which includes Zeke’s-coffee-rubbed brisket, which I can’t wait to try.

What to Drink: One of the country’s most beloved beers comes from a little town of 2,069 residents about two hours west of Houston. Shiner Bock is a dark lager brewed with roasted barely malt and German specialty hops. It was originally a seasonal beer, but its popularity convinced the company to begin producing it year round in 1973.

If You Go: Houston is a sprawling metropolis of more than 2 million citizens, making it the country’s fourth-most populous city. Spread over nearly 600 square miles, it’s not the most walkable of cities. No matter how you get there, definitely check out the Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Texas’ oldest craft brewery offers tours on Saturdays between noon and 2 p.m., and its beer hall is a great place to sample Fancy Lawnmower, a German-style Kölsch.

In a city full of great barbecue restaurants, Gatlin’s stands out. If you make the pilgrimage, be prepared for lines out the door and some of the best ribs you’ve ever had.