Industry night: It’s baaack. Monday marks Graffiato’s February industry night, with guest chefs Lindsay Autry of Top Chef acclaim, Frederik de Pue (Table/Menu MBK), and Doron Petersan of Sticky Fingers. Pay $10 for admission between 10 and 1; proceeds go toward FreshFarm Markets.
Go meatless: Omnivores had their fun last week during DC Meat Week, and now vegetarians and vegans take their turn during Meat-Free Week. Daily activities include a barbecue kickoff at Sticky Fingers on Monday, happy hour at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw on Thursday, and more.
Happy anniversary, Mari Vanna: The original one-year anniversary party at Mari Vanna was canceled due to snow, so the Dpont Russian spot is taking a second stab on Tuesday. Head to the top-floor karaoke bar after 9 for singing, cake, and one free drink.
Sugar & Champagne: The event of the year for sweet teeth returns to the Ronald Reagan Building on Wednesday, starting at 6 for VIP ticket holders. Splurge for that distinction ($150) if you want to sample savory items during a two-hour reception; otherwise there are plenty of desserts from some of Washington’s best pastry chefs during general admission ($90). Also expect plenty of four-legged friends, as the event benefits the Washington Humane Society.
Pork Week: If you’re not participating in the aforementioned Meat-Free Week, the Grill Room is the place to be. The Georgetown spot launches its first Pork Week—really, Pork Three Days, which doesn’t have the same ring— Thursday through Saturday. Chef Jakob Esko and several guests, including Cashion’s Eat Place’s John Manolatos and Bev Eggleston of EcoFriendly Foods design special menus centered on the pig ($95 per person), and visit the dining room on the first night. Dishes can be also ordered à la carte on February 7 and 8.
Embrace fat: Author and food writer Michael Ruhlman makes an appearance at the Washington DC Jewish Community Center on Thursday from 7:30 to 9 to discuss his recent book, The Book of Schmaltz: Love Song to a Forgotten Fat. Tickets are $13.50, and include a schmaltz-based snack.
Dinner as love: In advance of the big Taste of the Nation event on March 31, Urbana hosts a fundraising Share Your Love dinner on Tuesday from 6:30 to 9. Chefs from four Kimpton restaurants, including Zentan and Poste, come together to create a multi-course meal with wine pairings ($125 per guest).
Stout storm: It has been pretty dark and stormy lately, so Black Squirrel pours 15 varieties of stouts starting at 5 on Friday. The kitchen will also offer a special burger infused with Anderson Valley Barney Flats oatmeal stout, plus chocolate-stout cupcakes and beery floats.
Spanish feast: Art and Soul’s monthly Saturday Supper is a little different than usual. Instead of a family-style meal you’ll find a loungey setup with flamenco dancers and stations of tapas to pair with Spanish wines. Tickets are $50, and the event lasts from 7 to 9.
Food for food: Ever wish you could barter for your meals? Now you can at the Alexandria Food Swap, hosted on Sunday from 1:30 to 3 at the Historic Friendship Firehouse Museum. Participants sign up by e-mailing alexandria.food.swap@gmail.com, and can then bring homemade/grown items to trade for others.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
