Tuesday, November 10
Get your chick-lit fix tonight at the Georgetown Italian bistro Paolo’s, where Kristin Harmel will sign copies of her newest book, Italian for Beginners, from 6 to 8. The novel, Harmel’s seventh, takes place in Rome, where a professional woman has taken an impulsive trip to visit an old flame—and includes, naturally, a spontaneous Vespa ride with a “handsome stranger.” Sip a glass of Little Black Dress wine while you’re there.
Wednesday, November 11
Unless you’ve already gotten your tickets for the Capitol Food Fight, you’re out of luck—Wednesday night’s star-studded philanthropic event, with attendees such as Anthony Bourdain and John Kerry, is sold out. Legal Sea Foods in Crystal City, Penn Quarter, and Tysons Corner are celebrating Chilean wine through November 14. Prices for select Chilean bottles are $23 to $45 and glasses are $7.50 to $9.50. There’s also flights of three wines for $7.95.
At the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner (1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean), sommelier Vincent Feraud is hosting a Champagne tasting at 6:30. To reserve a spot for the event, which costs $125, call 703-917-5496.
Thursday, November 12
Discover the versatility of the most symbol- and philosophy-laden item in your fridge—the egg—at a dinner at Willow, where Rhône winemaker Xavier Vignan will pair French reds with a selection of egg dishes. This is no Denver-omelet affair, either—think soufflés and béarnaise—with Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. The dinner, $35 per person, runs from 5:30 to 7:30. Call 703-465-8800 to reserve.
Friday, November 13
Food Matters, the Alexandria eatery with seasonal menus and a community-focused philosophy, is hosting a sake dinner with small plates and several varieties of the rice wine. Cheryl Hauser from the importer Kysela will be on hand to talk about the creation of sake plus how to eat it with Japanese izakaya dishes. The dinner, which is $65 per person, begins at 7. Call 703-461-3663 to reserve.
Saturday, November 14
Fretting about Thanksgiving dessert? Get a crash course in the art of pie-making at Art and Soul. Pastry chef Lauren Whitledge will demonstrate a range of crusts and fillings, including pear tart as well as apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies. The hourlong class begins at 3, and you’ll get sent home with a booklet of recipes and a miniature pie. The class costs $40 per person; pre-register here.
Sunday, November 15
If you need more help than Art and Soul’s pie class can give you, head to the Capitol Hill cooking shop Hill’s Kitchen (713 D St., SE; 202-543-1997), where you’ll find a demonstration for an entire Thanksgiving dinner, from bird to dessert and everything in between. Even more impressive, the instructor will do it in three hours. Expect cranberry sauce, stuffing, and winter greens. The class, $80 per person, runs from 3 to 6; e-mail events@hillskitchen.com to reserve. And if you can’t make it this week, the same class will be held next Saturday at 10.
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