Drink more tequila: Oyamel launches their eighth annual Tequila and Mezcal Festival on Monday with a kick-off party from 6 to 9 ($60 per person). Guests can sip samples of the spirits from multiple stations and try dishes paired with specialty drinks. The festival runs until March 15, with daily drink and food specials (priced individually).
Party before Purim: Celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim at Commissary, which throws an early Pre-Purim-Palooza on Monday from 7 to close. Enjoy a bottomless Israeli-style buffet of hummus and falafel, or order brisket and latkes alongside drink specials. Tickets ($18) are available online, and partially benefit the Jewish Food Experience.
Chili cook-off month: Gypsy Soul welcomes the upcoming World Police & Fire Games in Virginia with a month-long series of chili cook-offs on Mondays. Each week a Fairfax County firefighter will have the chance to win earnings for the games by competing against chef RJ Cooper to make the best chili; guests at lunch and dinner receive two bowls and a voting ballot for $10 while supplies (50 portions) last. The first responders win either way–all proceeds are donated if their chili dominates, while 50-percent is given if Cooper makes a better meal. The competition and styles of stew can be followed via social media (first up this week: red chili).
Wine and cheese: Flight Wine Bar teams up with Righteous Cheese on Tuesday for a special tasting. Guests can try an unusual variety of red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines as well as Sherries paired with artisanal cheeses. The event runs from 6 to 8, and tickets range from $10 to $40 depending on the number of pours you select. Email info@flightdc.com for more information.
Wines from Spain: Join Taberna del Alabardero on Tuesday for a Spanish wine dinner from 6:30 to 9:30. Chef Javier Romero prepares a seafood-centric menu with dishes like like Spanish ceviche and pasta with squid to pair with a range of wines, but there’s also a blood orange-glazed duck breast for the carnivores. Tickets ($99) are available online.
Ramen pops up: The month-long Yona noodle bar pop-up begins at G by Mike Isabella on Wednesday, with an à-la-carte menu of ramen bowls, pork steamed buns, and dry-fried wings from the upcoming Ballston eatery. Chef Jonah Kim‘s special lineup runs during the evenings, Wednesday through Saturday (regular sandwich shop hours and the Sunday gravy tasting remain as usual). Call 202-234-5015 for reservations.
Beer bash: One of the biggest beer-filled parties of the year goes down on Saturday with the return of the DC Brewer’s Ball. Over 30 regional craft breweries fill the National Building Museum with tasting stations, alongside food from host Matchbox Food Group, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Cava Mezze, and more. The event runs 7 to midnight, cocktail attire encouraged. Tickets ($135 per person) are available online.
Living the whiskey life: Head to the Grand Hyatt Washington DC on Saturday night for a brown liquor-filled evening at Whiskey Live. The celebration of spirits from 6 to 10 includes unlimited tastings from producers like Dickel and Catoctin Creek, a dinner buffet, and live entertainment. Tickets ($129) are available online; use promotion code “wldram“ to save 15 percent.
Labeling seminar: Do you understand what the terms organic, natural, gluten-free, and GMO really mean? If not, join the DC Metro Celiac Organization on Saturday from 2 to 4 for a seminar that helps buyers understand the labels. Sarah Scholl, a health coach and physical therapist, leads the discussion on how to make informed dietary decisions. Red Bandana Bakery and Zenful Bites will be on hand with delicious sweets. Tickets ($5) are available online.
Kids cooking class: Maggiano’s in Chevy Chase features a St. Patrick’s Day-themed cooking class for kids ages five to 12 on Saturday morning from 9 to 10:30. Both young ones and parents start off with a robust Irish breakfast while learning how to make shamrock shakes, Dublin pie, and Irish macaroni and cheese. Tickets ($15 per child, $25 for adults) are available online.
Slow food: New Belgium Brewery presents an afternoon on the art of slow food from 1 to 4:30 on Sunday: Pickled, Braised, and Brewed. Tickets ($45) to the event at Mess Hall include a biscuit sandwich, slow-made meat tasting, two chef demonstrations, and a hands-on pickling course. Beers are sold separately, and there’s also an after-party at Brookland Pint to keep the suds flowing.
