Monday, September 22
Celebrate and support Washington’s local-food growers and craft breweries tonight at Georgetown’s Pizzeria Paradiso (3283 M St., NW). Chef Ruth Gresser has created a four-course dinner with produce from FreshFarm Markets to be specially paired with six craft brews from Birreria Paradiso’s collection. Dinner starts at 6:30 and costs $70 per person; for reservations, call 202-362-8889.
Tuesday, September 23
If you’re craving seafood, Bebo Trattoria chef (and Iron Chef winner) Roberta Donna will lead a hands-on cooking class, centered around lobster and shrimp, at his Crystal City restaurant (2250-B Crystal Dr., Arlington). The $140 fee includes recipes, an apron, and a five-course dinner with wine. The class starts at 6:30; for reservations, call 703-412-5077.
Miss college? The wine-education series at CrossKeys Vineyards (6011 E. Timber Ridge Rd., Mount Crawford) continues tonight with “Wine 102: Wines of the World.” Taste vintages from France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina while learning about each country’s specific style, culture, and history. Hosted by CrossKeys general manager Mark Parsons, the $45 class starts at 6:30. For reservations, call 540-234-0505.
Wednesday, September 24, and Thursday, September 25
Mmmmm, beer. Rustico chef Frank Morales and beer director Greg Engert have teamed up with the American Institute of Food and Wine to present “The New Frontier of Beer and Food,” a dinner held at the restaurant (827 Slaters La., Alexandria; 703-224-5051). Each dish will be paired with craft brews chosen from more than 300 bottles and 30 drafts. $95 per person; for reservations, call 703-224-5051.
Thursday, September 25
For those looking to approach the vast French-wine market, TasteDC is offering an introduction to the wines of Alsace—an eastern region of France located on the upper Rhine. Known for its dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir, Alastian wine boasts good-quality taste for a reasonable price. The tasting begins at 7 and will feature six to eight wines as well as bread, crackers, and cheese for palate cleansing. The event is at the Embassy Row Hilton (2015 Massachusetts Ave., NW) and costs $59; for more information and reservations, call 202-244-3700.
Friday, September 26
Ready for the heat to finally subside? Equinox Restaurant (818 Connecticut Ave., NW) is celebrating the seasonal change with its ninth annual Autumnal Equinox Harvest Dinner. Chef and co-owner Todd Gray has created a four-course meal using both late-summer and early-fall produce. The cost of the dinner, including wine, is $110 per person; for reservations, call 202-331-8118.
2941 Restaurant (2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church) continues its wine-and-dinner series with an intimate five-course dinner highlighting the Grand Crus of Burgundy. Set in the chef’s tasting room, the dinner starts at 7 and costs $395 per person; for reservations, call 703-270-1511.
Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28
The 33rd annual Virginia Wine Festival, hosted by the Vinifera Wine Growers Association, will take place at the Prince William County Fairgounds (10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas). The festival goes from 11 to 6 both days and costs $25 per tasting ticket and $15 per nontasting ticket. Aside from the tastings, there will be wine seminars, food-and-wine-pairing demonstrations, children’s programs, and an array of arts and crafts. Click here for more information and call 703-922-7049 for tickets.
There are plenty of Oktoberfest events going on this weekend. Click here for our roundup.
Sunday, September 28
Chef Richard Brooks of the barbecue spot Old Glory and chef Darrell Hughes of the American saloon J. Paul’s will engage in the first Buffalo Battle, duking it out for the title of best wings in Georgetown. The showdown, which costs $20 per person (proceeds go to DC Central Kitchen), will be held at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, Northwest, from noon to 5. For tickets, call 202-337-3406.
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