Tropical oasis: The Royal transforms LeDroit Park into a tropical scene on Monday from 9 pm to 1 am for its island-themed industry night. The bar serves South American-style tiki cocktails ($8 to $10) crafted by guest bartender Lukas B. Smith (Dram & Grain), including Bolivian brandy-topped scorpion bowls, pisco-filled fruits, and shaved ice cocktails, all while movies like Blue Hawaii and Donovan’s Reef play. Admission is free.
Movie and dinner: Head to Prequel on Monday from 7 to 9 for a screening of Pulp Fiction and themed dinner put on by chef Hamilton Johnson. The three-course meal includes dishes like a strawberry cheesecake milkshake and royale with cheese. Guests are encouraged to dress to the theme. Tickets ($54) are available online.
Winter wine: Vinoteca hosts a wine class on Tuesday from 7 to 9 showcasing vino from Northern Italy, including mountain-grown whites, Barbaresco, and Barolo. Learn more about the history and viticulture of the region. Tickets ($49.50) are available online.
Paella 101: Chef Greg Basalla of Kapnos Taverna heads to G by Mike Isabella for a Spanish cooking class on Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:30. Learn how to make paella Valenciana, fideuà (a noodle paella), and torrada de escalivada (grilled country bread with smoky eggplant and red peppers). Vegetarian offerings will also be prepared. Tickets ($101.22) are available online.
Duck, duck, sherry: Head to the Source on Wednesday from 7:30 to 10:30 for a dinner from Redeye Menus, a traveling pop-up series that combines sherry and Asian food. Chef Scott Drewno prepares a whole roasted duck bar, rockfish station, and dumplings, all to be paired with tasty sherries and cocktails. Tickets ($95) are available online.
Foie gras festival: Learn more about foie gras, responsible farmers, and delicious interpretations during the Winter Foie Festival (Wednesday through January 20). A dozen restaurants along the H Street corridor, including event organizer Boundary Road, create foie-filled dishes and compete to win the Golden Duck trophy, voted on by the public. The festival features responsibly-raised foie gras from D’Artagnan and other producers.
Top Gun: Head to Hank’s on the Hill on Saturday at 10 pm for a special screening of Top Gun and a performance by cover band VIPER. The restaurant serves a themed cocktail menu alongside specialty oysters. Admission is free; food and drink are priced individually.
Drink for good: Chefs Behind Bars raises money for No Kid Hungry on Sunday from 2 to 4:30 at Prequel. Toques like Andy Clark of Eat the Rich, Liam LaCivita (Bar Civita), and Brine’s John Critchley get out of the kitchen and behind the bar to make cocktails. Guests can also by discounted tickets for No Kid Hungry’s annual Taste of the Nation event in April. Tickets ($40) are available online.
Sunday supper: Celebrate local author and farmer Forrest Pritchard, author of Growing Tomorrow and Gaining Ground, on Sunday beginning at 5. Bastille Restaurant creates a three-course family-style meal featuring dishes like deviled eggs, roasted root vegetables, and Angus beef stew featuring products from Smith Meadows Farm and Tuscarora Organic Cooperative. Drink pairings and copies of the book are available separately. Tickets ($35) can be purchased by emailing reservations@bastillerestaurant.com.
