Monday, May 3
Decompress and listen to live jazz at Zentan, the Asian-inspired restaurant and lounge in the Donovan Hotel on DC’s Thomas Circle. The weekly Blue Mondays event, which runs from 6 to 10, features bassist Tommy Cecil and two rotating guest musicians—this week, they’re Chuck Redd (vibraphone) and Donato Soviero (guitar). You can also order from a special small-plates menu (all $7): seaweed salad; sweet-chili wings; steamed pork dumplings; shrimp-stuffed Chinese doughnut; tempura shrimp; fluke sashimi; and steak tartare. There’s also $5 Blue Moon and $10 specialty cocktails. For information and reservations, call 202-379-4366.
Tuesday, May 4
Wendell Berry, a Kentucky farmer and renowned author of more than 30 novels, will discuss his life’s work in a rare public appearance at Arlington Central Library. Berry, who once proclaimed that “eating is an agricultural act,” is widely credited for inspiring the movement toward sustainable farming practices. Says library director Diane Kresh: “Without him, we probably wouldn’t have a vegetable garden on the White House lawn or Wal-Mart selling organic produce.” The discussion, which is free, starts at 7. For more information, call 703-228-5990.
Wednesday, May 5
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Celebrate Mexican heritage with a four-course tasting menu ($39 per person; $59 with wine pairings) at Ceiba, a nuevo Latino eatery in Metro Center. Chef de cuisine Alfredo Solis and guest chef Patricia Jinich are showcasing some of the foods from their homeland, including a shredded-beef taco with avocado/cucumber/radish salad; a Yucatan-shrimp-ceviche cocktail with pico de gallo and crisp corn tortillas; baked red snapper with almond/chipotle sauce; and for dessert, coconut flan with seasonal fruit. The dinner menu is available May 1 through May 8. For information and reservations, call 202-393-3983.
Westend Bistro is hosting a five-course dinner with tequila pairings ($150 includes tax and gratuity). Dishes include crab with avocado and spiced potato; striped bass with black-bean/quinoa salad and mole; spit-roasted goat with juniper-savoy slaw; and churros with almond/chocolate sauce. For more information and to make reservations, contact Melissa Chanselle-Hary at 202-974-5566 or Melissa.Chanselle-Hary@ritzcarlton.com.
Looking to celebrate with a pitcher of margaritas? Click here for a list of our favorites.
Thursday, May 6
Join Top Chef alumni Carla Hall, Chris “CJ” Jacobson, and Fabio Viviani at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel for the Celebrity Chef Tour dinner. The event includes a cocktail reception in the hotel’s mezzanine, followed by a four-course dinner (with wine pairings) in the Chinese Ballroom. A portion of the proceeds benefits the James Beard Foundation’s educational programs. The dinner starts at 7. For information and tickets ($175 per person), click here or call 720-201-1853.
Travel Channel hosts Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods and Dhani Jones of Dhani Tackles the Globe join 16 of Washington’s top restaurants for an evening of tapas, cocktails, and goodwill. Proceeds benefit Global Explorers, a nonprofit that helps low-income students travel abroad. Participating restaurants include BLT Steak, Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier, Brasserie Beck, Co Co. Sala, Chef Geoff’s, Etete, Equinox, Founding Farmers, Marcel’s, Proof, Rasika, Restaurant Eve, TenPenh, and Zengo. The event begins at 7 (VIP reception at 6) at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. For information and to purchase tickets ($100 for general admission; $200 for VIP), click here or call 877-627-1425.
Friday, May 7
Bring your yoga mat (and your appetite) to Zola, an Italian dining room in Penn Quarter. The restaurant is joining forces with David Romanelli—cofounder of Yoga + Chocolate—who’s touring the country to show the connection between yoga and food. The evening begins with an hour of flow yoga and is followed by chef Bryan Moscatello’s three-course menu (with wine pairings). The event ($70 per person) starts at 6:30. For information and registration, click here or call 202-654-0999.
Saturday, May 8
Join chef Jacques Haeringer at his Great Falls restaurant, L’Auberge Chez François, for a cooking demonstration and luncheon ($100 per person). Haeringer will demonstrate some of the cooking techniques in classic and contemporary French cuisine. A five-course lunch (paired with three wines) follows, and a vintner will be on hand to discuss the wine selections. The demonstration starts at 11. For information and reservations, call 703-759-3800.
Sunday, May 9
We hope you didn’t forget about Mother’s Day! If your mom is anything like ours, the way to her heart is through her stomach. Check out our guide to Washington restaurants that are offering special menus.
In honor of mothers, the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner is hosting an afternoon-tea ceremony. Choices include traditional Earl Gray, English breakfast, green, chamomile, and other varietals. Pastry chef David Nolan will offer tea sandwiches, scones, fresh fruit, and gourmet cupcakes. You may also opt to add a glass of Champagne. There are seatings at noon and 3. For information and reservations, call 703-506-4300.
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