Gin on the patio: Urbana partners with New Columbia Distillery for a patio debut party on Tuesday from 6 to 9. Taste a series of new warm-weather cocktails made with Green Hat Gin, like a white negroni and aperol spritz ($7). The event is free and open to the public.
Empanada special: Did you know that Wednesday is National Empanada Day? Commemorate the savory pastry on the patio at Rural Society from 11:30 to 6:30. The restaurant serves empanadas, chorizos, Quilmes beers, and glasses of Malbec. Reservations are not needed. Food and drinks ($3 to $6) are sold individually.
Wine dinner: Head to Republic in Takoma Park on Wednesday at 7 for a collaboration dinner with Acorn Wines from the Russian River Valley. Chef Danny Wells pairs dishes like seared duck breast and potato gnocchi with pours from the vineyard. The dinner costs $85, and reservations can be secured by calling (301) 270-3000.
Peak blossom social: One Eight Distilling hosts a cherry blossom party with Toki Underground on Thursday from 7 to 10. Guests can roam the production facility, sample bites from chef Erik Bruner-Yang, and try cherry blossom-themed cocktails made with spirits from the distillery. Tickets (for guests 21+) are $20, include the first plate and cocktail, and are available online.
Pizza popup: Can’t wait for chef Ruth Gresser’s Veloce Pizzeria to open downtown? Drop by the patio of the Dupont Pizzeria Paradiso on Saturday from 9 to noon for a pop-up on the sidewalk. Preview dishes from the upcoming menu includes egg-topped breakfast pizzas, calzones, and a smoked salmon pocket, alongside drip Compass Coffee. All items are $5.
Secrets of smoke: Head to the Restaurant at Patowmack Farm on Saturday at 11 for a cooking class lead by chef Tarver King. The course centers around cooking with charcoal, and guests will be treated to a yakitori lunch paired with Japanese beers in addition to instruction. Reservations are required for the two-hour session ($85 per person).
Book signing and dinner: Chef Bryan Voltaggio hosts a dinner at Aggio in Chevy Chase on Saturday at 7. He will also sign copies of his new book Home: Recipes to Cook with Family and Friends. Admission also includes a ticket to the DC Design House for a subsequent date. Tickets ($250) are available online.
Party primer: Learn the basics of bartending from the team at Eat the Rich on Saturday from 11 to 3. Participants learn shaking, muddling, stocking, and serving. Tickets ($65) are available online.
Greek easter: The springtime celebrations continue with the arrival of Greek Easter on Sunday. Three top restaurants offer special meals: Zaytinya, Iron Gate, and Kapnos. See our Easter roundup for more details.
