Clementina Festival: All DC locations of Jaleo celebrate the annual Clementina Festival starting on Monday, and running through December 20th. The clementine-themed menus feature the fruit in dishes like grilled black cod with citrus, and four seasonal cocktails. Prices vary.
Hanukkah happenings: The Festival of Lights began Sunday evening, and Washington restaurants are bars are celebrating all week with special menus, creative cocktails, and plenty of latkes.
Christmas in Hawaii: Pizzeria Paradiso in Georgetown hosts a holiday theme night on Monday from 6 to 10 in remembrance of the Pearl Harbor. The restaurant features Christmas ales like Scaldis Noel, Unibroue Resolution, and Brewers Art St. Festivus. Staff don ugly Christmas sweaters and donate their evening’s tips to DC Greens. Make sure to try the special Hawaiian pizza with prosciutto and pineapple. Food and drink prices vary; reservations are not required.
Hannukah happy hour: Jewish Food Experience presents Latkepalooza on Monday from 6 to 8 at Commissary. Guests can feast on unlimited donuts and latkes, including creative riffs like sweet potato and zucchini. Holiday cocktails and house wines will also be available. Tickets ($20 to $32, depending on drinks) are available online.
100 mile supper series: Head to Firefly on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 for a four-course meal paired with beers from Flying Dog Brewery. Late autumn dishes include boudin blanc, duck breast, and dutch apple pie. Tickets ($55 all -nclusive) are available by calling 202-861-1310.
Champagne feast: Brabo hosts a dinner featuring Chef Robert Wiedmaier and Pommery Champagne on Wednesday from 7 to 9. Chef Harper McClure teams up with Wiedmaier to pair dishes with the bubbly. The evening’s collaboration also includes a selection of luxury products. For more information or to reserve a seat ($150), email events@braborestaurant.com.
Holiday tasting: Praline Bakery & Bistro hosts another installation in its Thursday series at 6 centered around caviar and sparkling wine for the holidays. Sample salmon roe, sturgeon, and smoked caviar with bellini and creme fraiche, paired with tastes of Crément d’Alsace Brut Rose, Prosecco Riondo, an more. Reservations ($45) are available by calling 301-229-8180.
Grand opening: Bar Deco in Penn Quarter has been in the soft opening stages, and officially launches on Thursday at 4 with a grand opening party. Stop by for beer from Port City Brewing Company, passed appetizers, a Champagne toast, and music from Barry Charlton and Mike Leveroni. Make sure to try the hot apple cider stations throughout the space. There is no charge for admission.
Sweet hope: Chef Fabio Trabocchi hosts a benefit for St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital on Saturday from 1 to 3 at Casa Luca. Sample the restaurant’s signature desserts, sing Christmas carols, and entertain the kids with a variety of activities. Bring an unwrapped toy to gain entry. RSVP to pam.geiger@stjude.org.
Late night eats: Enjoy a Filipino Christmas on Saturday from midnight to last call at Daikaya Izakaya. Sip beverage specials from mixologist Jamie MacBain and try Filipino small plates from the kitchen like fried lumpia spring rolls, macaroni salad, and puto bumbong (rice cakes). Food and drink prices vary.
Spirits class: Head to Acadiana on Saturday from 1 to 3 for a cocktail class focused on port, sherry, and madeira. Sample, sip, and ask questions of the restaurant’s beverage team. A full lunch will be served in addition to the day’s drinks. Tickets ($85) are available by emailing laura@passionfoodhospitality.com.
Eat more oysters: Pearl Dive hosts a Saturday afternoon Champagne and oyster tasting from 2 until 5. Different bivalves are paired with a range of bubblies. Tickets ($75 per person) are available online.
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.
