Back-to-School Crash Course in Beer, Wine, and Bourbon at EatBar: Tuesday, September 6 through Thursday, September 7; 5 to 8 PM
Forget geometry. Brush up on the really important stuff—like your booze knowledge—with three educational tastings at Arlington’s EatBar. Tuesday, the local team from Colorado’s Left Hand Brewing Company will discuss the beer-making process while pouring pints of Milk Stout, Polestar Pilsner, and 400 Pound Monkey IPA.
On Wednesday, Owen Roe Winery will hold a tasting of varietals such as “Mirth” Chardonnay and Sharecroppers Cabernet—both available by the glass and tasting pours.
If you’re still standing on Thursday, Truman Cox, master distiller of Fredericksburg’s A. Smith Bowman, discusses the liquor-distilling process and offers samples and specialty cocktails made with his small-batch bourbon and gin. Samples at each event are priced individually. Call 703-778-9951 for more information.
“Around the World” Menu Launch at 2941: Tuesday, September 6
Chef Betrand Chemel kicks off a series of three-course menus ($42 per person) that will vary from Japanese to Indian to Egyptian. The tour starts off in England, and guests can sample potted shrimp on grilled sourdough with beetroot salad; shortrib stew with yorkshire pudding; and sticky toffee pudding with dried figs and clotted cream through September 16. Click here for upcoming menus, which will change about every ten days through December 9. Call 703-270-1500 for reservations.
Georgetown Fashion’s Night Out: Thursday, September 8; 6 to 11 PM
It’s not all about clothes at this neighborhood shopping fete, where plenty of restaurants and bars will revive weary customers with specials and complimentary tastings. Stop by Sprinkles (3015 M St., NW; 202-450-1610) for free miniature cupcakes, drop into Dean & DeLuca for a free Napa Valley wine tasting and cooking demonstration (duck confit taquitos), or head to Sea Catch for an extended happy hour featuring Svedka vodka-based drinks.
Citronelle is hosting its own event ($25 per person) from 6 to 10 PM. It includes a fashion show, passed hors d’oeuvres, and wine and cocktails. Call 202-625-2150 for tickets. Click here for more details.
Screening of Lunch Line at the National Archives: Thursday, September 8; 7 PM
This hour-long documentary focuses on what an estimated 31 million American children experience every day: school lunch. The film explores the history of school lunches, hunger issues, and the realities of school-lunch reform. After the screening, former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman, nutritionist Dr. Margo Wootan, and filmmaker Michael Graziano will gather for a discussion. Admission is free. Click here for more information.
Jazz and Beer Fundraiser at ChurchKey: Saturday, September 10; 2 to 6 PM
Pair cold brews with tunes for a good cause with this event that benefits the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz. North Carolina’s North Coast Brewing Company—which has long supported the nonprofit in its goal to offer free public school jazz education programs—will share a selection of their rarer brews (priced individually by the glass or tasting pour), including the Brother Thelonius, Old Rasputin, Scrimshaw, and Grand Cru. A jazz trio will play throughout the evening. Click here for more information.
Pre-Opening Charity Cocktail Party at Pearl Dive Oyster Palace: Saturday, September 10; 6 PM to 1:30 AM
Get a sneak peak of Barbara and Jeff Black’s soon-to-open Logan Circle venture (1612 14th St., NW) during a pre-opening fundraiser for juvenile diabetes (proceeds will go towards building a special kitchen at Children’s National Medical Center). Tickets ($30 online; $40 at the door) include nibbles from the opening menu—think grilled oysters, mini po’ boys, crab cakes, and raw bar selections. A cash bar will serve such specialty cocktails as the Abalone Bellini, made with vodka, Calvados, apple, and cucumber. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Five-Year Anniversary Celebration at Bastille: Saturday, September 10; 7 PM
Celebrate this Old Town French bistro’s anniversary with a five-course dinner ($85 per person; $135 with wine). The menu will feature beignets with foie gras and spiced cider relish; cassoulet of pork belly, duck confit, and smoked duck sausage; and tarte tatin with Roquefort cheese and a bacon tuile. Click here for the full menu. Call 703-519-3776 for reservations.
Rockville Restaurant Week: Saturday, September 10 through Sunday, September 18
Another restaurant week begins, this time with offerings at a wide range of prices. 20 Rockville eateries will offer prix fixe menus at either $8 lunch/$15 dinner or $15 lunch/$30 dinner. Restaurants like Il Pizzico, Spice Xing, and Sushi Damo among others offer deals. Click here for a list of restaurants taking part and their individual pricing.
Great Grapes Wine Festival at Reston Town Center: Saturday, September 10 through Sunday, September 11; noon to 6
There are 200 wines to sample at this two-day event, which features Virginia wineries such as Cooper Vineyards, James River Cellars, and Horton Vineyards, among many others. Tired of sipping? There’s a full lineup of live music, plus chef demonstrations from Vinifera’s Bo Palker and cookbook author Maria Liberati. Advance tickets—$35 for two-day VIP passes, $25 for a general admission pass, and $15 for wine-free designated driver admission—are on sale here through Wednesday (you can also buy them at the door). Click here for more information.
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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.
Andrew Beaujon joined Washingtonian in late 2014. He was previously with the Poynter Institute, TBD.com, and Washington City Paper. He lives in Del Ray.
