Monday, April 13
Learn how to match wine and cheese with a “Principles of Pairing” class at Shirlington’s Curious Grape (4056 Campbell Ave., Arlington). The class teaches guests how to pair a citrusy white wine with fresh chèvre and a bold red with mountain-style cheese. The class starts at 6:30 and costs $45 per person. For reservations, call 703-671-8700.
Tuesday, April 14
It’s the eve of tax day, and there’s only one thing to do: have a drink. The Museum of the American Cocktail is hosting an evening of cocktails and history at DC’s Darlington House restaurant (1620 20th St., NW). The museum’s Phil Greene and Derek Brown of the Gibson will be mixing classic libations, which include the Income Tax Cocktail, Scoff Law, Rum Runner, and Three Mile Limit. Garrett Peck, author of the forthcoming The Prohibition Hangover, will lead a discussion on topics such as the Whiskey Rebellion, Prohibition, bootlegging, rum running, and of course, tax avoidance. Appetizers will be provided by the restaurant. The event, which goes from 6:45 to 8:45, costs $40. For reservations, call 504-569-0405.
Wednesday, April 15
It might be tax day, but not everyone wants your money. Grapeseed (4865 Cordell Ave.), a bistro and wine bar in Bethesda, is offering a free turkey burger or grilled fish taco to the first 100 patrons that make reservations between 11:30 and 2:30. The offer is for dine-in customers only. Call 301-986-9592 for reservations.
Thursday, April 16
TasteDC hosts an Introduction to Artisanal Cheese with Cowgirl Creamery cofounder Sue Conley at the Embassy Row Hilton (2015 Massachusetts Ave., NW). Conley will lead a tasting of eight to ten artisanal cheeses with wine pairings chosen by TasteDC president Charlie Adler. The class starts at 7 and costs $65. Call 202-244-3700 for reservations.
Friday, April 17
Learn how to make the most of fresh spring produce at Zola Wine & Kitchen’s class on ramps, morels, and peas. Recipes will showcase the delicacies and their unique flavors. The class, which goes from 7 to 9, costs $95. Call 202-654-2855 for reservations.
Saturday, April 18
Hank’s Oyster Bar (1624 Q St., NW; 1026 King St., Alexandria) hosts its second annual Oyster Fest from 11 to 3 today at both locations. Tickets to the festival cost $65 per person and include all-you-can eat buffets of freshly shucked oysters from New Point, Rappahannock, and Penn Cove. The cooked fare includes fried and barbecue oysters, onion rings, and French fries. Guests can accompany the food with a selection of beers, including Allagash White, Allagash Dubbel, and Victory Prima Pilsner. For reservations, which are required, call 202-462-4265 or 703-739-4265.
Lia’s(4445 Willard Ave., Chevy Chase) is celebrating that tax day is over with a comfort-food cooking class at noon. Executive chef Peter Russo and pastry chef Donna Yuen will teach participants how to make shepherd’s pie with ground sirloin, peas, cremini mushrooms, onions, carrots, and buttermilk-mashed Yukon potatoes; macaroni and cheese with truffled orecchiette and fontina and Taleggio cheeses; lasagna Bolognese with beef-and-veal marinara, basil ricotta, and house-made mozzarella; and chocolate-chip, peanut butter, and snickerdoodle cookies. For reservations and more information, call 240-223-5427; $55.
The Potlikker Film Festival screens a series of films on Southern cuisine, including Hot Chicken, Eat or We Both Starve, and Feeding the Soul at Jones Valley Urban Farm, at Johnny’s Half Shell (400 N. Capitol St., NW). Food, provided by Washington chefs, includes potlikker shots by Mark Furstenberg (Remarkable Breads), wood-fired Florida hoe cakes by Terrel Danley (Crème Cafe), Delta-catfish tamales by Ann Cashion (Johnny’s Half Shell), buttermilk-brined fried chicken by Gillian Clark (General Store and Post Office Tavern), heirloom pigs in hand-stitched blankets by Jeff Buben (Vidalia), and jack-and-sweets pie by David Guas (Damgoodsweet). Jazz music will be provided by the Jimmy Burrell Band. The event costs $40 and goes from 6 to 9. Register at www.southernfoodways.com.
