Cocktail competition: Some of the District’s top barmen and women break out their shakers on Monday for District Swigs, a cocktail competition at American Ice Co. from 7 to 9. Talents from Bar Pilar, the Gibson, Dram & Grain, and more create sips using ingredients from co-host 4 Bros. Bar Essentials. Admission is free.
Grand tasting: Head to the National Building Museum on Monday from 6 to 9:30 for Taste of the Nation, an annual chef-filled benefit in support of No Kid Hungry. Sample fare from over 100 Washington restaurants, drink cocktails from top mixologists like Derek Brown and Gina Chersevani, and get cookbooks signed by celebrity chefs like Bryan Voltaggio and Hugh Acheson. Tickets ($120 to $170) are available online.
East meets west: Chefs Harper McClure of Brabo and Tim Ma (Maple Ave., Water & Wall) team up for a collaborative East Meets West dinner at Brabo on Tuesday, starting at 7. The evening is the first in a monthly series that brings together top toques from the Washington region. Dishes include live sea scallops and oak-smoked poussin. Secure reservations by emailing events@braborestaurant.com, or call 703-894-3440 ($65 excluding tax, gratuity, and beverage).
Equal pay, cheaper wine: Capitol Hill wine shop DCanter commemorates Equal Pay Day on Tuesday with bottle discounts and a clothing drive benefiting Dress for Success. Female customers receive a 22% discount on wines (the number reflects the pay disparity between men and women), while anyone can drop off gently-used professional apparel for women in need returning to the workforce.
Rooftop launch party: Celebrate the return of warm weather on Wednesday from 5 to close on the rooftop of Roofers Union. Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley serves dishes from her new seasonal menu, while springtime sips like slushies and Pimm’s cups go for a discount ($5 each). Admission is free, with food and drinks priced individually.
Wine dinner: Osteria Morini hosts a dinner on Wednesday at 7 highlighting the vineyards of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. In addition to four courses and wine pairings, the evening includes a welcome reception. Purchase wines from the event at DCanter afterwards. Tickets ($115, excluding tax and gratuity) can be purchased online.
Sweet competition: Head to Poste‘s patio on Thursday from 6 to 8 for a tasting competition between some of Washington’s top pastry chefs. Guests can sip complimentary sparkling wine and try savory snacks from the restaurant while sampling sweets from participants like Carri-Anne Hamer of Pearl Dive and 2941’s Caitlin Dysart. Proceeds benefit Brainfood, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through food. Tickets ($25) are available online.
Wine extravaganza: Celebrate World Malbec Day on Friday with complimentary vino at Rural Society from 4 to 6:30. Sip complimentary samples of eight Argentine Malbecs paired with small bites from chef Louis Goral. Admission is free.
Oyster meets wine: Join Black’s Bar & Kitchen resident fishmonger MJ Gimbar and sommelier Alicia Chyun for an oyster and sparkling wine class on Saturday from noon to 1. The seminar covers concepts like minerality, salinity, and acidity in the varietals and bivalves. Each ticket ($45) includes a dozen oysters, a flight of four sparkling wines, tax, and gratuity.
Italian wine dinner: Chef Roberto Donna teams up with Alessandro Barosi of Cantiniere Imports on Sunday at 6:30 for a dinner at Al Dente centered around organic Italian wines. Dishes on the menu include stuffed red peppers with bagna cauda sauce, and braised beef cheeks over potato puree. The evening costs $75, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Call 202-244-2223 for reservations.
Emporiyum returns: Take a road trip to Baltimore for the return of the Emporiyum food fest on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10. Local and national vendors and restaurants such as Woodberry Kitchen, Fatty Sundays, and Sfoglini Pasta Shop sell ready-to-eat dishes, pantry items, and other edibles. Tickets ($15 to $40) are available online.
Gelato giveaway: The newest Dolcezza shop debuts in CityCenterDC on Sunday, and they’re marking the occasion with complimentary mini-cones of gelato from 2 to 5. Drop by for a taste of the seasonal flavors.
