Monday, October 26
Start the week with a hoppy bang at Birreria Paradiso’s Smuttynose Brewery dinner. This sudsy affair, which begins at 6:30, pairs six varieties from the New Hampshire microbrewery with a four-course meal. Get into the Halloween spirit by downing Smuttynose’s Pumpkin Ale, and meet the man behind the product, lead brewer Dan Schubert. The dinner costs $65 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 202-337-4963.
Tuesday, October 27
Sip Heinekens and Budweisers, sample a buffet of offerings from DC dining rooms, and help make a difference at StreetWise Partners’ second annual Taste of Success, held at Jones Day (51 Louisiana Ave., NW). The organization pairs mentors with those working their way out of poverty, and participating restaurants include Mandu, La Tomate, Circa, Oceanaire, Café Saint-Ex, and many others. The event begins at 6:30. Tickets, $85 to $100, can be purchased in advance here .
Wednesday, October 28
Channel your inner Don Draper and sign up for the first class in Morrison House’s four-part Mad Men series. The class, called “Cigar How-to’s and Whiskey Wherefores,” will be led by Jason Tesauro, author of The Modern Gentleman. Indulge in bourbon, whiskey, and cigars as you learn the difference between single malts and blends and how to light that stogie properly. Chef Dennis Marron of the Grille at Morrison House will provide the appetizers. Those who attend all four classes receive a free stay and dinner at the hotel. The class, $80 per person, begins at 7. Reservations can be made by calling 866-834-6628.
Thursday, October 29
If the idea of becoming an executive chef at a sleek restaurant makes you salivate, now’s your chance to play make-believe at Zola Wine + Kitchen (505 Ninth St., NW; 202-639-9463). Help Bryan Moscatello and his staff create and test new recipes for next door restaurant Zola’s fall menu with a 90-minute class on shanks, followed by a three-course meal of osso bucco, beef, and braised lamb meal at the restaurant. Moscatello will explain how Zola’s menu is put together, and participants will get to vote for their favorite dishes. The class, $50 per person, begins at 6. Reservations can be made here.
Who knew Top Chef contestent Bryan Voltaggio was such a Poe fan? Tonight, his Frederick restaurant, Volt, is offering an homage to the macabre writer’s 200th birthday with two four-course tasting menus. The first takes inspiration from Poe’s birthplace, Boston. The second focuses on Baltimore, where he died. Each menu is $55. A portion of dinner proceeds benefits Frederick Reads.
Friday, October 30
Start Halloween and your weekend shopping early at Eastern Market’s (Seventh St. between C and D sts., SE) free Hilloween at Halloween. Starting at 5:30, you can listen to live music, take a hayride on a horse-drawn wagon, and shop for produce and meat at DC’s oldest fresh-food emporium. The market closes at 7, but festivities continue outside until 7:30.
Saturday, October 31
Don your most menacing mask and head to Poste for its Ghost Roast. Join chef Robert Weland in the restaurant’s courtyard (warmed by outdoor heaters) as he spit-roasts a baby goat and pairs it with mulled cider, roasted pumpkin, and other autumn-inspired creations. Diners will leave with red-wine/caramel apples and house-made petits fours, and a five-course chef’s tasting for two will be awarded to the guest with the best costume. The dinner, $45 per person, runs from 6:30 to 9:30. To reserve, call 202-449-7062.
Click here for more things to do on Halloween.
Sunday, November 1
Halloween is so yesterday. Turn the calendar page and gear up for Thanksgiving by stuffing your face for a cause. The third annual Slice of Life Pie Sale is sponsored by Food & Friends, and proceeds will help people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening diseases this Thanksgiving. Whole pies, $35 a piece, come in such flavors as pumpkin, harvest-apple-crumb, sweet potato, Southern pecan, and creamy chocolate cheesecake. The sale takes place from 11:30 to 1:30 at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW) and in front of the Marriott hotel at Metro Center (755 12th St NW). Members of the DC Council will be serving free slices to customers. Click here for more.
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