Monday, October 5
It’s all red meat and Redskins at Morton’s tonight. Skins players will be the center of an informal meet-and-greet at the beef joint’s Georgetown location to talk to fans and sign memorabilia. The players arrive at 7:30, and the event is free. For more information, including the names of the attending athletes—which should be available today—call 202-342-6258.
Tuesday, October 6
If you’re a fan of Lebanese Taverna’s shawarma and hummus, here’s your chance to learn how to create those Middle Eastern flavors at home. Arlington's Lebanese Taverna Market is hosting a hands-on cooking class appropriate for all cooking levels. It will include wine, appetizers, and dinner. The class, $60 a person, runs from 6:45 to 9:30. Call 703-841-1562 for reservations and more.
Wednesday, October 7
For the culinary voyeurs in all of us, here’s a peek inside the kitchens of Washington restaurants: Tonight, chef Bryan Moscatello and his team will test new recipes for both Zola and Potenza. Their main ingredient is duck, a perennial autumn favorite. The chefs will review basic knife skills and butchery plus give tips for pretty plating. You’ll then vote on which dishes should be added to the restaurant menus. The class, $50 (including a 90-minute hands-on class, dinner, and a glass of wine), begins at 6:30 at Zola Wine + Kitchen (505 Ninth St., NW). Call 202-639-9463 to make reservations.
There’s nothing like admiring the athleticism and grace of others while you kick back with a brew and a snack. Tonight, stop by the Washington Ballet’s rehearsal and catch a sneak preview of its upcoming performance of Quijote. Beer, chips, and crackers will be provided; the program starts at 6:30 and lasts about two hours. Tickets are $25, less if you’re a member of the Washington European or Jeté societies. Click here to buy them.
Thursday, October 8
PS 7’s chef Peter Smith, bartender Gina Chersevani, and pastry chef Leon Baker gather for a class on making the most of a farmers market. They’ll talk about using fresh ingredients and preparing for holiday parties. The 90-minute class will include demonstrations and samples. The class, $65 per person, begins at 6:30. For reservations and more information, call 202-742-8550.
It’s a locavore’s dream come true: Sample wines from three of the best wineries in the region, meet the vintners, and learn how to order local bottles at GiraMondo Wine’s tasting at the historic Whittemore House (1526 New Hampshire Ave., NW). Pair the wines—both reds and whites—with a selection of cheeses from local creameries, including Firefly, Chapel’s Creamery, and Everona. Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws receives part of the proceeds. The event, $59 a person, starts at 6 and runs until 9. For reservations and more information, call 301-841-7609.
Friday, October 9
Italian Roberto Donna, the culinary force behind the erstwhile Galileo and Bebo Trattoria, will present a hands-on Italian comfort-food cooking class that’ll send you away with an apron, a recipe booklet, and a five-course meal—plus wine. The $160 class starts at 7:30 at Donna’s house in McLean (the address will be given upon registration). For reservations and information, call 202-257-0168.
Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11
What’s not to like about the two-day Old Town Alexandria Food & Wine Festival? From 11 to 6 Saturday and Sunday, the historic neighborhood will host sommelier seminars and winetastings, food-related author readings, and cooking demonstrations. Eleven Alexandria restaurants, including Vermilion and the Majestic, are planning wine dinners. General admission is $15 and will get you into seminars and demonstrations; wine can be purchased separately. A tasting ticket—$31 online and $35 at the door—includes tastings from all the wineries and a souvenir glass.
Have a feel-good weekend at the Washington, DC Green Festival, a cornucopia of environmental workshops and eco-friendly promotions sponsored by the Global Exchange and Co-op America. Listen to a few of the speakers—which includes locavore idol Joel Salatin of Virginia’s Polyface Farms—and try the spread of organic food and beer. The festival, held at the DC Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Pl., NW) is Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 11 to 6. Regular festival passes, good for both days, are $15; reduced prices are available for senior citizens, college students, and those who arrive by bike or public transport. Visit here or call 202-872-5332 for tickets.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Make like Willy Wonka and give chocolate-making a whirl at the TasteDC-sponsored Day of Chocolate. Wilhelm and Melanie Wanders of Chocolaterie Wanders are leading a course that’ll cover every aspect of the treat from history to preparation to candy-making to, of course, tasting. The class, $105 per person, takes place at Wander’s Warehouse (11486 Robertson Dr., Manassas) from 9 to 4; a catered lunch is included. Call 202-244-3700 or click here for reservations and information.
More>> Best Bites Blog | Food & Dining | Restaurant Finder
Follow the Best Bites Bloggers on Twitter at twitter.com/bestbitesblog
