Cherries on top: The cherry blossoms have yet to peak, but dining and drinking specials related to the national festival are going strong. Check out our updated list of all the offerings, from cherry cocktails to Japanese-inspired specials and sake tastings.
Beer day: As if you needed another excuse to soak up suds, Monday is National Beer Day! City Tap House celebrates by offering rye-infused beers, special whiskey cocktails, and bites such as a French dip with a beer-infused dipping jus. The event is free; most beers cost between $6 and $10.
Restaurant party: Graffiato’s monthly industry night returns on Monday from 10 to 1, this time with a local lineup that includes bites from chef Haidar Karoum (Proof/Estadio/Doi Moi) and Zentan’s Jennifer Nguyen and drinks by Founding Farmers beverage director Jon Arroyo. There’s a $10 cover charge (donated to charity) as usual.
Pick your pinot: Vinoteca continues its spring wine series on Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 with a class dedicated to Pinot Noirs from around the globe. Learn about Pinots from various old- and new-world regions while sampling the wines and snacks. Reservations are $40, and made by calling the restaurant.
Historical brewing: Author Garrett Peck of the newly published Capital Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in Washington D.C. discusses one of his favorite topic at the Warehouse Theatre on Wednesday from 6:30 to 8. You’ll sip samples of local brews and a beer-tail and snack on appetizers, and Peck will sign copies of his book ($35).
Tiki party: It may not feel like summer yet, but Trummer’s on Main is getting into the warm-weather mood with a patio tiki party on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30. You’ll sip drinks such as pineapple-vanilla margs and white-peach sangria, sample chicken satays and salted grilled pineapple, and listen to live music. Tickets ($32) can be reserved by calling the restaurant.
Patio party: Casa Luca opens its sidewalk patio on Thursday (weather permitting) with a casual party from 5 to 7. Drop by for cocktails, rosé, and complimentary spring bites.
Truckeroo season begins: It’s baaack! Truckeroo returns to the Bullpen on Friday from 11 to 11, featuring tons of food trucks, live music, cold beer, cornhole, and more. Look for monthly appearances through early fall.
Bacon and beer fest: Love pork and brews? Apparently you’re not alone—Saturday’s Bacon and Beer Festival at Penn Social is sold out. The good news: You can get on a waitlist for tickets (starting at $45) to gain access to all the brews and bacon.
Beer fest: This week has plenty for brew fans, including the biggest this weekend: the DC Beer Festival at Nationals Park on Saturday. Two sessions (1 to 4 and 6 to 9) offer 120 kinds of beers from 60 craft breweries, along with beer-friendly eats, live music, games, and more. Admission is $40 and includes unlimited tastings, with food sold separately.
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.
