Food

The Week in Food Events: Derby Day Parties, VinoFest Returns

Veloce turns one: Pizzeria Paradiso owner Ruth Gresser’s fast casual pizza spot, Veloce, is celebrating its one year anniversary with a week of giveaways and specials. Follow Veloce on social media from Monday to Friday for free pizza, cupcake promos, and a special happy hour with plenty of pies and beers. 

Drink more cider: Before DC’s first cider-centric bar/restaurant opens in Shaw, ANXO Cidery and Pinxtos bar is taking over Petworth’s Crane & Turtle, which closed on April 23. Drop by Wednesday to Sunday from 5 to 10 pm for Basque small plates like stuffed squid and cod fritters, as well as hard ciders, wines, and cocktails. Reservations can be made Wednesday through Friday from noon to 3 pm by calling 202-810-ANXO.

Sushi history: Ever wonder how the Japanese delicacy became an American favorite? You can find out at the National Museum of American History’s hands-on sushi demonstration and historical culinary lesson from chef Kevin Lee on Friday at 2 pm.

Derby Day parties: The Kentucky Derby only lasts two minutes, but there’s plenty of bars and restaurants celebrating the horse race all day on Saturday. If you’re breaking out a big hat and pastel seersucker, head to Logan Circle’s ChurchKey from 3 to 7 pm to enter its best-dressed contest while you sip mint juleps and craft brews, all to the tune of live bluegrass. Tickets are $65 and include four drinks and Southern snacks. Another big party goes down at Jack Rose, which hosts a viewing party from 3 to 7 pm on its terrace with plenty of juleps, complimentary Southern snacks, and a new Flying Dog Mint Julep Ale. Those interested in fancy headwear can stop by the Red Derby for a “Big Hat Brunch” from 11 to 3 pm—plus you can Instagram your big hat for a chance to win free mint juleps. More into pigs than horses? Head to Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar at 3 for an all-you-can-eat-and-drink party that includes kegs, whole roasted pigs, and other swine-y treats like meat lollipops (tickets are $48 per person).

VinoFest returns: VinoFest—the area’s third annual wine and music festival—is back at the Yards Park on Saturday from 3 to 10 pm. Listen to Stephen Colbert’s jazz bandleader, Jon Batiste, The Original Wailers, and more while sampling various dishes and wine pairings. The restaurant roster includes Maketto, Milk Bar, Dirty South Deli, Timber Pizza, and more. General admission is $55 and includes eight 2-ounce wine tastings from a selection of 20+ vineyards.

Farmers’ market openings: April showers bring May flowers, not to mention fresh vegetables. A number of FreshFarm markets are kicking off this week: CityCenter on Tuesday from 11 am to 2 pm; Mt. Vernon on Saturday from 10 am to 1 pmand Sunday from 11:30 am to 3 pm at Union Market. Look here for more information on schedules and locations around the DMV.

Mother’s Day: It’s time to celebrate mom on Sunday! Here’s what some of our top 20 restaurants have planned for holiday brunch.

Web producer/writer

Greta started as an editorial fellow in January 2016 and joined as a full-time staff member that August. She now works as a web producer and writer. She was previously an intern at Slate and National Geographic and graduated from the University of Missouri’s Journalism School. She lives in Adams Morgan.