Celebrating Nora: Big-name chefs including José Andrés, Patrick O’Connell, and Cathal Armstrong host a cocktail reception on Monday at Jaleo DC in honor of Restaurant Nora chef/owner Nora Pouillon and the launch of her new book, My Organic Life. The event runs from 5 to 7 and includes a signed copy of the work, drinks, and dishes from Rappahannock Oyster Co. and the host restaurant. Tickets ($58) are available online.
Negroni week: Good news for Negroni fans—there’s a whole week dedicated to the classic Italian cocktail in ten cities across America, starting on Monday. A number of Washington restaurants participate, including Founding Farmers and Urbana. Each donate a portion of sales to a charity of their choosing. Prices and variations on the drink vary.
Farm dinner: Head to the K Street Farm on Tuesday at 6:30 for a dinner celebrating a partnership between DC Greens and a number of local chefs. The benefit features top toques like Bryan Voltaggio, Spike Mendelsohn, and Mike Isabella. Early Mountain Vineyards supplies the wine. Tickets ($250) are available online.
Red, White and Brew: Charlie Palmer Steak gets patriotic in the kitchen during a rooftop dinner on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 centered around local ingredients and beers. Guests sip brews from 3 Stars and Port City while dining on dishes sourced from chef Jeff Russell’s nearby community garden. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Brain Food. Tickets ($50) are available online.
Wine dinner: Join restaurateur Jose Garces of Rural Society and Catena Zapata Vineyards for a collaborative dinner on Thursday at 6:30. Sip cocktails and wine with Garces before meeting winemaker Ernesto Bajda. The progressive meal features Chardonnays and Malbecs to complement the Argentinian food. Purchase tickets ($125) online.
Not their first rodeo: The second annual Food Truck Rodeo goes down on Friday from 11 to 8 at Alexandria’s Southern Towers. Ten vendors like Red Hook Lobster Pound, Rocklands, and South Meets East dish up eats, while Port City provides beers. Admission is free; food and drink prices vary.
Movies at the market: Union Market’s drive-in movie series returns on Friday. Grab eats and drinks from the market vendors—including specially-themed items—before settling in to watch films from the 80’s and 90’s. First up: Jurassic Park. The parking lot opens at 6 ($10 parking fee; free for walkers/bikers), and the movie begins at 8.
Beery brunch: Even if you didn’t score tickets to this weekend’s sold-out Savor, Birch & Barley offers a taste during a Saturday Brewer’s Brunch at 11. Five courses such as fried chicken and waffles and eggs with ham and asparagus are paired with six beers from Bluejacket, Country Boy Brewing, and more. Reservations ($60 per person) are made by calling 202-567-2576.
Beers and boats: Devils Backbone hosts the second annual Brews Cruise, a beer-filled float on the Potomac on Saturday from 11 to 2 aboard the boat Cherry Blossom. Guests sip a variety of DB beers, listen to live tunes, and fill up on food from King Street Blues. Tickets are $60; the ship departs behind Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory.
Late-night crawfish boil: Head to Daikaya Izakaya on Saturday from 11pm to 1am for a New Orleans-themed late-night party. The kitchen serves a traditional crawfish boil complete with all of the fixings, while the bar pours Louisiana beers and frozen boozy drinks. DJ Smudge mixes tunes. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Prices for food and drink vary.
Drag brunch: Birdie La Cage hosts a Pride Kickoff Drag Brunch on Sunday from 12 to 3 at STK. Sip bottomless brunch cocktails ($19.95), fuel up on dishes from the regular brunch menu, and dance the afternoon away. Call 202-296-1880 for reservations.
Cheers the 1960’s: Guest bartender Erin Goodman of Roofer’s Union joins Dustin Beruta on Sunday at Cashion’s from 10 to midnight for the beginning of a Decades of Cocktails series, which showcases retro drinks through the ages. First up: the 1960’s. Guests can sip a tiki-style blue Hawaiian or trio of classic martinis while snacking on throwback eats like deviled eggs, chicken a la king, and Julia Child’s beef bourguignon. Admission is free; food and drink are priced individually.
Taste of Peru: Wind down the week with a celebration of Peruvian fare at Taste of Peru, held at the University of the District of Columbia from 10 to 6. A lineup of Peruvian chefs offer tastes and hold cooking demonstrations, while guests can also listen to live music, shop from vendors, and more. Tickets ($15 for admission only) are available online.
