Culinary book club: Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything Fast: A Better Way to Cook Great Food is the feature of this month’s “Feeder’s Advisory” book club for food lovers at the Shaw Neighborhood Library. Drop by on Monday from 7 to 8:30 to talk about the recipes, and bring some to share. Admission is free.
Many mussels: The Black Squirrel hosts an all-you-can-eat mussel happy hour on Tuesday from 5 to 8, served alongside Belgian beers from three breweries: L. Huyghe, Het Anker, and Oud Beersel. The bottomless moules comes with three different sauces: white wine-tomato, curry, and Andouille sausage.
A Southern affair: James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock of Charleston’s McCrady’s and Husk teams up with Jack Rose Dining Saloon chef Russell Jones for a collaborative event on Wednesday from 6 to 9 at Jack Rose. Signatures from both chefs like shrimp and grits (Brock), and fried oysters (Jones) are passed around the dining room, where guests can also partake in an open bar and country ham and biscuit station. Tickets are $125, and benefit Jeeps for Joy.
Wine tasting: Taberna del Alabardero hosts Santiago Vivanco for a dinner and wine tasting on Wednesday at 6:30. The evening begins with a reception, followed by a five-course meal with pairings. Tickets are $99, and available online.
Beer dinner: Circa Dupont hosts a dinner with 3 Stars Brewery on Wednesday from 7 to 10. Guests sit down to a four-course, beer friendly meal with dishes like lamb leg poutine and pear upside-down cake alongside the local, seasonal brews. Tickets ($80) are available online.
Oregon meets Germany: Join Boss Shepherd’s and Teutonic Wine Company for a spring dinner on Thursday at 6:30. In addition to dishes such as carrot ravioli and lavender panna cotta, pairings include wines from Oregon and Germany with a number of Pinot Noirs and Rieslings. Tickets can be purchased by calling 202-347-2677 or by emailing boss@boss-shepherds.com.
Espresso basics: Master basic, delicious espresso drinks during a class at La Colombe on Thursday at 7:30 PM. The course explores machine terminology, extraction techniques, and recipes. Each ticket includes a complimentary bag of espresso beans. Tickets ($50) are available online.
Duck dinner: It’s quack! The duck dinner series returns to Dino’s Grotto on Thursday at 6:30. Ten tasting courses all feature the bird, whether in open-faced ravioli, matzo ball soup, or confit. Seating is at communal tables, and there’s an optional pairing of a Brunello di Montalcino 1997 flights. Tickets ($85 including tax and gratuity) are available online.
Rooftop pork extravaganza: Celebrate the return of warm weather at Del Campo, which brings back its rooftop Del Campo at Dusk series on Friday from 6 to 9. Chef Victor Albisu heads to the upper outdoor level of the Penn Quarter restaurant, recreating pork-filled dishes from this year’s Cochon 555 competition. Great views, cocktails, and live music are all part of the scene. Suggested attire: early 80’s Miami-chic.
Bottomless punch: The Gibson celebrates May Day on Friday with bottomless floral punches on their outdoor patio. Don your best gingham and drop by between 6 and 9 for snacks and drinks with a springtime theme.
Foodie fest: The National Harbor Wine & Food Festival returns this weekend, with a lineup of tastings, cooking demonstrations, cookbook signings, and more on Saturday and Sunday. General admission ($49 in advance; $55 on-site) allows access to unlimited food and wine/beer samples, and certain demos/workshops, while VIP tickets are also available for special tastings and access to chefs. Passes are available online.
Hail to the Mary: Love bloody Marys? Then check out a festival devoted to the brunch cocktail on Sunday from 1 to 4 at Blind Whino, featuring concoctions from 12 different restaurants such as the Source, Range, and Tico. Tickets ($50) include three hours of unlimited tastes, Rocklands BBQ sliders, live music, and more.
Neighborhood pig roast: The growing Pike & Rose development in North Bethesda hosts a block party on Sunday from 1 to 5. Autumn Olive Farm roasts a pig onsite ($20 adults; $10 kids) with additional eats, beers, and wines from nearby restaurants like Stella Barra and City Perch. Admission is free.
