Winter Solstice is a marker of change. As if the earth was holding its breath in the cold darkness as the year draws to a close, the days begin to get longer and lighter. Different customs observe this day with the purpose of reflecting on what was, letting go of what is, and welcoming what will come. Hosted by healer, activist and wise-woman Chiara Wood, The Mandolin Café holds the venue's fourth Winter Solstice and Candle Shriving Celebration next Wednesday evening. The private celebration features reserved seating, a four-course dinner, a candle shriving ceremony and live music by Paddy Coyne's Irish Session Band.

Dinner begins with sweet potato wedges and lightly breaded zucchini served with garlic cilantro aioli. House-made blue cheese vinaigrette and toasted pumpkin seeds crown an organic mixed green salad. Vegetarians have the option of marinated Portobello mushroom steak while meat eaters will savor Chef Emily Montgomery's chicken breast in mushroom marsala wine sauce.

"I was shooting for an entirely gluten-free dinner, but I don't think I'm going to pull it off," Montgomery says, referring to the pound cake that will be baked that day and used to create wild berry trifle topped with sweet cream and berry compote.

Wine will be paired with courses. Winter Solstice ale and a Winter Solstice cider will be on tap for the evening.

The café will be closed to the public for this special event.

[The Mandolin Café, Winter Solstice and Candle Shriving Celebration, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 6-9 p.m., 18+, $25 advance tickets at brownpapertickets.com, 3923 S. 12^th St., Tacoma, 253.761.3482, themandolincafe.com]