Monday, January 10
Watch ten people compete in District Taco's first taco-eating contest. Participants have 15 minutes to eat as many tacos—varieties are breakfast, pollo asado, carnitas, and carne asada—as possible. The scarfing starts at 6:30.
Tuesday, January 11
Although the official start of Restaurant Week is next Monday, Kellari Taverna is offering the three-course $20.11 lunches and $35.11 dinners starting this week. We have the full menu, for Kellari and loads of other restaurants, here. For Todd Kliman's Restaurant Week recommendations, click here.
Wednesday, January 12
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, 701 restaurant in DC's Penn Quarter is offering three specials all month. A three-course $20 lunch includes such options as a chestnut-and-mushroom soup with quince and tarragon; house-made pork-and-cheddar sausage with beer-braised cabbage; and mocha crème brûlée. Pastry chef Melanie Parker is offering a lemon-poppy-seed birthday cake with saffron citrus salad, and the bar will have a Big 20 cocktail for $20 that can serve two.
Thursday, January 13
Gina Chersevani of PS 7's and Philip Greene from the Museum of the American Cocktail are pairing up for a seminar, "On an Evening in Roma," at Occidental Grill & Seafood. The two will talk about the history of Italian cocktails, give information on Italian spirits and drink recipes, and pass around hors d'oeuvres. To reserve a spot for the event, which runs from 6:30 to 8, go to the Museum of the American Cocktail's Web site. $45 in advance, $50 at the door.
Friday, January 14
Elizabeth's Gone Raw is hosting a five-course dinner ($65) with an optional biodynamic-wine pairing ($20) from 5:30 to 9. The downtown DC restaurant and catering service uses only raw foods in its all-vegan meals. For more information or to book a seat, call 202-347-8349 or e-mail reservations@elizabethsgoneraw.com.
Saturday, January 15
In the first event of its yearlong 90th-anniversary celebration, the Phillips Collection is opening its doors for free today (from 10 to 5) and tomorrow (11 to 6). In addition to films and art installations, there'll be complimentary Champagne and birthday cakes from such pastry chefs as Warren Brown of CakeLove, Heather Chittum, and Chris Kajula of Ris.
Sunday, January 16
The Quill bar in the Jefferson Hotel is hosting a cocktail competition focused on bourbon. Mixologists include Sal Aladana of CityZen, Clinton Terry of PX, and last year's champ, Duane Sylvestre of Bourbon Steak. The event starts at 2 with samples from Quill's cocktail menu and canapes. The competition starts at 3, and guests will get to try the competitors' entries. For tickets ($50), contact Mario Bevilacqua at 202-448-3231 or mbevilacqua@jeffersondc.com.
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