Monday, December 15:
Old Town’s Fontaine Caffe & Crêperie (119 S. Royal St., Alexandria) will host a reception for local photographer Bruno Mahlmann tonight from 5:30 to 8:30. Sample free French cider and sweet crêpes while viewing Mahlmann’s photographs of Paris. For more information, call 703-535-8151.
Tuesday, December 16:
The French Wine Society hosts a “Champagne Blanc de Blancs” seminar tonight. Participants will learn to recognize different traits of the Champagne, which is made from Chardonnay grapes, through a guided tasting. This “Grand Vins” series event costs $85 for members and $99 for non-members. It will be held at Sofitel Lafayette Square (806 15th St., NW) at 6:30; call 202-466-0808 for reservations.
Wednesday, December 17:
Lebanese Taverna’s hands-on cooking class this month features instructions on how to prepare an artichoke salad, baba ghannouj, simmered vine leaves with lamb chops, and macaroons. The class costs $60 and will begin at Lebanese Taverna Market (4400 Old Dominion Dr., Arlington) at 6:45; for reservations, call 703-841-1562.
Thursday, December 18:
Vincent’s Wine Club, headed by former Maestro sommelier Vincent Feraud, is celebrating the holiday season with a Champagne and sweet-wine tasting at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner (1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean). Chefs Jeff Sklaney and Gael Cruchet will prepare small dishes to pair with the wines. The tasting, which goes from 6:30 to 8:30, costs $110 per person; call 703-917-5496 for reservations.
Friday, December 19:
Celebrity chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak opens tonight. Located in the Four Seasons in Georgetown (2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW), the 144-seat steakhouse and 42-seat bar/lounge will serve lunch from 11:30 to 2:30 and dinner from 5:30 to 11. For dinner, the restaurant’s offerings include cuts of Dakota bison tenderloin and American Wagyu ribeye. Complimentary duck-fat fries and potato-and-truffle focaccia land on each table. Call 202-944-2026 for reservations.
Saturday, December 20:
A holiday-themed tea party featuring a visit from Santa and a reading of the Polar Express will take place at the Grille at Morrison House (116 S. Alfred St., Alexandria). There will be a spread that includes holiday cookies and desserts, hot chocolate, warm cider, organic teas, scones and biscuits, and a selection of gourmet sandwiches. Children will be able to make their own ornaments and design their own picture frame for a photo with Santa. The tea starts at 2 and costs $38 for adults and $28 for children. Call 703-838-8000 or e-mail storytime@morrisonhouse.com to reserve your spot.
Sunday, December 21:
Start your Chanukah on a tasty note with potato latkes prepared by chef Spike Mendelsohn, a former Top Chef contestant and owner of Good Stuff Eatery. Chef Spike will instruct guests on how to prepare the classic Jewish dish and hand out some of his favorite recipes. The event starts at 6 and will be held at the Historic Sixth & I Synagogue (600 I St., NW). It’s $6 per person. Visit sixthandi.org to purchase tickets.
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