Monday, September 29


It’s Monday—are you ready for some sake? Sushi Damo (36-G Maryland Ave., Rockville) is inviting all guests with dinner reservations between 6 and 8 to enjoy a free sake tasting. Japanese brewmasters from Dassai and Taitetsu Ice Dome will hold a demonstration on how to make the rice wine. For reservations, call 301-340-8010.


Monday, September 29, through Wednesday, October 1


If you didn’t have time to cook a proper Rosh Hashanah dinner, you can still enjoy one at Dino (3435 Connecticut Ave., NW). The Cleveland Park Italian spot is celebrating the Jewish New Year with a five-course, family-style dinner that combines autumn ingredients with traditional Jewish fare (apples and challah; sautéed local greens with baked carrots, sweet potato, and dried fruit). Dino opens at 5 on Monday and at 6 the rest of the week, and the last seating is at 9:30 each night. The menu is $37 per person and $15 for children under 13. For reservations, call 202-686-2966.


Tuesday, September 30


Learn the art of Lebanese cuisine through a hands-on cooking class at Lebanese Taverna Market (4400 Old Dominion Dr., Arlington). The class includes wine and appetizers, plus you’ll make such dishes as sharhat ghanam (grilled lamb loin), and rice-pudding parfait. The cost is $60, and the class runs from 6:45 to 9:30. For reservations, call 703-841-1562.


Wednesday, October 1


Bartender Chris Kelley of Mie N Yu (3125 M St., NW) hosts a tasting of retro and reimagined Venetian cocktails, and executive chef Tim Elliott will be on hand with Silk Road-inspired appetizers. The tasting costs $35 and runs from 5:30 to 7. For reservations, call 202-222-0948.


Friday, October 3


To celebrate Vendanges, France’s fall wine festival, the Willard InterContinental hotel (1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) and its restaurant, Café du Parc, are hosting a grape-stomping on Pennsylvania Avenue. The event, held in the Willard’s courtyard, will feature music, dancing, a cooking demonstration, wine, and festival-style French food including crepes, charcuterie, and cheese. Tasting tickets are $2 each, and the festival takes place from 3 to 9. For more information, call 202-637-7309.


Saturday, October 4


The annual Taste of Bethesda festival is back for its 19th year. From 11 to 4, four stages and 50 participating restaurants will entertain guests in the Woodmont Triangle. Eateries taking part include Mia’s Pizzas, Jaleo, Olazzo, Gaffney’s, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Admission is free, but tasting tickets cost $5 per four-ticket pack. For location boundaries and more information, click here.


Saturday, October 4


Scott Clime, wine-and-beverage director at the Passion Food Group, will lead a bourbon tasting at Acadiana (901 New York Ave., NW). The tasting includes selections from rare and premium bottles, including single-barrel and small-batch bourbons, as well as a history of the manufacturing of the liquor. Lunch will also be provided. The event costs $75 and runs from 1 to 3. Call 202-408-0201 for reservations.


Sunday, October 5


Get a jump on fall dinner-party ideas with “Cooking Your Game,” a demonstration class at 2941 (2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church). It’ll cover preparations for venison, pheasant, and duck and will also include a wine lunch. The class runs from noon to 2 and costs $110 per person. For more information and reservations, call 703-270-1511.

More>> Best Bites Blog | Food & Dining | Restaurant Finder