Rosa Mexicano's Disney-fied dessert.

This week you can sample Disney-inspired dishes at Graffiato, Fiola, Rosa Mexicano, Meatballs, and Ping Pong Dim Sum. The five Penn Quarter chefs behind these eateries are competing to concoct the “ultimate Disney Dish” in preparation for Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic, opening at the Verizon Center on February 15. Minnie, Mickey, and some human judges will ultimately decide the winner, but you can try all of the lunchtime-only selections through February 15 and choose for yourself. Part of the proceeds go to DC Central Kitchen.

If you indulged in last week’s DC Meat Week, repent with DC Meat-Free Week, today through February 13. The lineup of vegetable-y fun includes some serious deals H Street on Tuesday; a vegan cocktail demo and book signing from The Tipsy Vegan author John Schlimm on Thursday; and a raw-food tasting dinner at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw on Friday.

Learn how to create on-point pairings at Cork this week. Photograph by Chris Leaman.

We just received some good news to start off the week: Cava Grill is opening a new branch in Tenleytown this summer. When we checked out the original location in Bethesda—where the Cava Mezze guys launched the “Mediterranean Chipotle”–esque concept last February—the team was planning a swift expansion. Looks like that plan is being fulfilled, with additional locations slated for Tysons Corner, Merrifield, and, per the press release, additional areas in Washington as spots become available.

Free cupcakes will be offered this Sunday at Bourbon. Photograph courtesy Flickr user Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats.

Tickets went on sale this morning for Rogue 24’s upcoming Rogue Sessions dinner with chef Tim Byres of Dallas restaurant Smoke. Head to Gilt City DC’s Web site now to secure your spot—this week’s feasts, to be cooked by Bryan Voltaggio, were gone in a flash.

Just in time to break those New Year’s diet resolutions: Winter Restaurant Week begins Monday, and there’s no avoiding dessert in these three (or more) course prix-fixe meals, set at $20.12 for lunch and $35.12 at dinner. There are a ton of restaurants to choose from, so we’ve created lists of RW newcomers; eateries serving brunch and other special menus; and tips from industry vets like chef Jeff Black and Metrocurean’s Amanda McClements on navigating the sea of deals. Slammed this week? Check out our roundup of extended deals.

In addition to its RW menu, Fiola is rolling out a four-course meal with wine pairings ($60 per person) that is themed around Tuscan flavors. That starts today, runs through the 21st, and includes dishes like tomato soup with a grilled Tuscan pecorino sandwich, linguine with seafood, and braised Florentine short ribs. A special menu of Piedmontese dishes debuts January 23.

For a no-frills New Year's, head to Boundary Stone in Bloomingdale. Photograph courtesy Boundary Stone

Smug as the expression may seem, there’s a reason New Year’s Eve is often referred to as “amateur night”: Things get kinda crazy. One way to handle the insanity is to wait things out at home, but think about it this way, sane citizen of the drinking universe: With the possible exception of St. Patty’s Day, New Year’s Eve is when you and your kind are needed more than ever. So, better to venture forth in the early evening and claim a stool or table at one of these bars and restaurants, all of which are taking a low-key, no-frills approach on the 31st. Sure, some of them may get crowded, but since none charge an entrance fee, you’re free to wander at your leisure.

Proof serves up four courses for $95 this NYE. Photograph by Scott Suchman

2941 Restaurant
Seating(s): Reservations will be accepted between 4 and 10 PM.
Price: $95 per person for three courses.
Selling point: Foie gras is involved.
Etc.: Call 703-270-1500 to reserve.

Adour
Seating(s): 5:30, 6, 6:30, 8:30, 9, and 9:30 PM
Price: The first three seatings are $120 a person; the second three are $195. There’s also a $60 children’s menu.
Selling point: Well, we like it. Adour ranked number five among all Washington-area restaurants in this magazine’s last 100 Best Restaurants list.
Etc.: Call 202-509-8000 to reserve.

America Eats Tavern
Seating(s): 5 and 8:30 PM
Price: The 5 o'clock seating costs $75 a head; the second seating is $150.
Selling point: Who knows if José Andrés's buzzy pop-up celebrating America's food heritage will even be here next year? (Andrés recently announced it would continue operating through July 4, at least.) Also, there's dancing.
Etc.: Call 202-393-0812 for reservations; check out the full menu here.

Ardeo + Bardeo
Seating(s): All evening
Price: $65 for the four-course menu.
Selling point: Relaxation. At Ashok Bajaj's adjoined Cleveland Park eateries, a New Year's Eve dinner will still feel like a special occasion, but in a nice, neighborhood way.
Etc: Call 202-244-6750 to reserve.

Art and Soul
Seating(s): 5:30 to 7 PM and 7:30 PM
Price: The first seating costs $75; the second costs $85.
Selling Point: Free Champagne toast and party favors.
Etc.: Call the restaurant at 202-393-7777. A valid credit card will be required to secure your reservation.

Equinox celebrates the winter solstice this Friday. Photograph Courtesy Equinox

The holidays are upon us, which means lots of excellent food and drink events this week, beginning Monday (tonight), when you can hit up two of three events if you’re feeling spry. It all starts with a special happy hour at Graffiato from 5 to 8 that doubles as a fundraiser for Share Our Strength, a nonprofit that fights childhood hunger. Snag a complimentary glass of house wine, beer, or punch while snacking on free hors d’oeuvres (Jersey Shore pizza, smoked mozzarella arancini) from chef Mike Isabella. The $25 event is a lead-up to the Taste of the Nation DC (i.e., a rare chance to see all your celebrity/rising chef crushes in one place), and you can purchase tickets for both here. (The latter party isn’t until April 2012, but tickets sell out early.)

Againn does Christmas dinner, gastropub style. Photograph by Chris Leaman

CHRISTMAS EVE

Adour
The St. Regis offers a set French menu with dishes like foie gras torchon and a scallop tian with Champagne in addition to its regular à-la-carte offerings.
Price: Set menu, $95 per person; $45 for children
Availability: 5:30 to 10:30 PM
Menu(s): Five-course menu and à-la-carte dinner

Againn
Celebrate Christmas in simple, homey gastropub style with soup, whole roasted fish, and banoffee pie.
Price: Set menu, $58 per person; $87 with wine pairing
Availability: 5:30 to 10 PM
Menu(s): Three-course menu