Tuesday, February 16
It’s Mediterranean Carnaval at Urbana, which means costumed staff, drag queens, ice sculptures, beads and masks for guests, and happy-hour specials. The $5 menu in the bar and lounge includes brandade-stuffed piquillo peppers, mozzarella-stuffed mushroom arancini, skirt steak with toasted garlic and basil, sautéed calamari with rosemary and olive oil, and chorizo meatballs with potato purée. There’s $5 Cava, Prosecco, Peroni, and Estrella all night long. Any guests who arrive in masquerade attire or get their face painted at the restaurant receive a complimentary glass of Cava or Prosecco. For more information, click here.
Wednesday, February 17
Zola Wine & Kitchen is hosting a cooking lesson with Valentine Miller Farm’s lamb. You’ll learn to make crown rack of lamb, meatballs, and an Americanized version of shepherd’s pie. The class, $50, starts at 6:30. For more information or to register, click here.
Thursday, February 18
Ici Urban Bistro and Newton Winery are pairing up for a five-course dinner. Dishes include a crispy jumbo-lump crab roll with pineapple chutney, braised prime-beef ravioli with shiitake mushrooms and duck consommé, and tarte Tatin with vanilla ice cream. The dinner, $99, starts at 7. Call 202-730-8700 for reservations.
Friday, February 19
The Loudoun County YMCA is hosting its 22nd Annual Chocolates Galore & More Night with hors d’oeuvres and sweets from local restaurants. Participants include Capitol Chocolate Fountains, Gourmet Amore, Sweetz Bakery, Triple Oak Bakery, and Chantel’s Cakes & Pastries. Tickets are $70 for reserved seating and $60 for general admission. The event, 7 to 11 PM, is at the National Conference Center (18980 Upper Belmont Pl., Leesburg; 703-729-8000). Proceeds go to YMCA’s Loudoun County’s Building Bridges annual-giving campaign. For more information or to buy tickets, click here.
Saturday, February 20
Vint Hill Craft Winery (7150 Lineweaver Rd., Vint Hill, Va.; 703-991-0191) is offering a seminar on wine-label requirements in the US. The seminar, $30 (free for any vintners) starts at 10 and is in the winery’s teaching and tasting balcony. Call 703-991-0191 to reserve a spot.
From 1 to 3, Acadiana’s wine and beverage director, Scott Clime, will lead a tasting of Cognac and Armagnac. At the event—$75 per person—which includes history on the spirits and ten tastings, you’ll get fried chicken, meat pies, pulled pork, and biscuits. Call Jillian Zins at 202-408-0201 for reservations.
Sunday, February 21
At 1789, executive chef Daniel Giusti and pastry chef Travis Olson are hosting an Italian-cooking class. Dishes include handmade pasta, risotto, and polenta as well as desserts such as zabaglione and gelato. The class, $85 per person, starts at 11. Call 202-965-1789 for reservations and more information.
Subscribe to Washingtonian
Follow Washingtonian on Twitter
More>> Best Bites Blog | Food & Dining | Restaurant Finder
