Tuesday, January 18
Andrew Markert, the executive sous chef at PS 7’s, is competing on the Food Network show Chopped. The “Marrowly We Roll Along” challenge involves four chefs racing the clock to cook a three-course meal with ingredients such as bone marrow and frozen food. Head to PS 7’s for a viewing party with Markert. The show airs at 10, but festivities begin around 9. In addition to food specials—including free charcuterie—Markert will answer questions during commercial breaks.
Beef up on your bourbon knowledge at Wisdom, a speakeasy-style bar on Capitol Hill. Whiskey expert Mike Gross, who has worked in multiple bourbon distilleries, will guide guests through the history of whiskies such as Basil Hayden, Baker’s, Booker’s, Maker’s Mark 46, Weller Special Reserve, and Four Roses Single Barrel. The class, which starts at 7:30, is $40. To sign up, visit Wisdom’s Web site or call 202-543-2323.
Wednesday, January 19
Join the Source’s chef, Wolfgang Puck; his local deputy, Scott Drewno; and the American Institute of Wine & Food from 6:30 to 9 for an Asian-inspired banquet celebrating the Chinese New Year. The five courses, paired with wines, include black-bean clams with Chinese sausage and crispy garlic; whole steamed black bass; and rabbit loin with blood-orange reduction (click here for the full menu). Call 202-637-6100 for reservations. If you don’t make the dinner, there’s a special discussion, book signing (Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy), and buffet lunch at the Newseum Friday, January 21, at 11 ($65 for members, $75 for nonmembers. Go to the Newseum Web site to purchase tickets and learn more.
Get an early start on Valentine’s Day with a tasting of chocolates and Spanish wines hosted by the International Club of DC. Biagio Abbatiello, owner of Biagio Fine Chocolate, will lead guests through a tasting of 12 chocolates, including a version made in Switzerland from Bolivian beans, fresh guanaja from France, and the rare porcelana. Six wines are paired with the sweets, such as Rossinyol de Moragas Cava Brut Rosé and the white Mania Verdejo. The event, which begins at 7:30 in Biagio’s store, is $40, and seats can be reserved here.
Thursday, January 20
The Capital Wine Festival celebrates its opening night with an extensive tasting at the Fairfax Embassy Row from 7 to 10. More than 45 varietals are available for sampling. Buffet stations include dishes designed to pair with both white (saffron-braised mussels, Parmesan-asparagus risotto) and red (duck confit with braised greens and cherry-glazed lamb lollipops) wines. See the festival’s Web site for a full menu and to purchase tickets ($85) to the opening night and other events in February and March.
Friday, January 21
If you’ve already checked off all the restaurants on your Restaurant Week list, start ticking off Virginia destinations during Alexandria’s Restaurant Week, starting today and running through February 30. The dinner-only options include three-course meals for $35 or dinners for two at the same price. Participating places include Bastille, Hank’s Oyster Bar, and Cheesetique. For the full list, visit the official Web site. For other Restaurant Weeks and our picks for each, click here.
Saturday, January 22
Local-food queen Alice Waters, cookbook author Joan Nathan, and chef José Andrés are gathering for a cocktail reception from 6 to 9 to benefit DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table. Mixologists Dan Searing of Room 11 and Owen Thomson of Café Atlántico are behind the drinks, and Bourbon Steak’s David Varley and Eatonville’s Garret Fleming are behind the food. Tickets ($100) can be purchased from the Saturday Sips Web site.
The Columbia Room’s Katie Nelson is leading a class on putting together cocktails and making them look attractive with natural colorings. The two-hour session includes lessons on making marshmallows and carving fruit. The cost ($65) includes cocktail samples and appetizers. The hands-on instruction begins at 2, and reservations can be made on the Columbia Room’s Web site.
Sunday, January 23
In 15 homes across Washington, pairs of notable chefs are cooking dinner for an intimate group of guests. Chef duos include the Source’s Scott Drewno and Equinox’s Todd Gray; Jeff Buben of Vidalia with Galileo III’s Roberto Donna; and Ariane Daguin of D’Artagnan with 2941’s Betrand Chemel. Tickets ($500) benefit DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table. Some dinners are already full, but visit the site to see where you can still find a seat.
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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.
