More Mexican sandwiches: Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe launches a Cocina Tortas pop-up on Monday from 5 to 10. Chef Quinten Fry dishes up creative versions of the popular Mexican sandwiches, such as Tecate-braised red chili pork, fried chicken with charred orange mayo, and headcheese carnitas. Dan Searing of Room 11 will pour tequila punch for the kick-off party; the pop-up will continue every Monday going forward.
Chilifest: Hill Country starts its month-long chili -fest on Monday highlighting three types of stew popular in Texas: the bean-free “bowl of red,” a mole-style chili, and chicken chili. Guests can add a beer flight ($12 including chili) to wash down the spicy bowls, and add chili to any dish. The specials culminate in a chili cook-off party on February 27.
Sneak peek: ANXO hosts another pre-opening pop-up at Sally’s Middle Name Tuesday from 5:30 to 10, where you’ll find 12 ciders for tasting and Spanish pinxos on the dinner men (think Serrano ham croissants and roasted quail with grapes). Reservations are not required, and the event is open to all ages. Drink and food prices vary.
Austrian wine dinner: Poste Modern Brasserie and Young Winos of DC host an Austrian wine dinner on Wednesday from 6:30 to 9. Learn more about the country’s winemaking history while dining on a four-course meal. Tickets ($95) are available by calling 202-783-6060.
Wine dinner: Journey to the Piedmont region of Italy for an evening with GD Vajra winery and special guest Francesca Vaira on Thursday from 6 to 9 at Fiola. Guests will learn about the century-old vineyard while sampling wines along with a five-course menu, which includes dishes such as bay scallop tonnato and veal ribeye cap with langoustine and porcini mushrooms. Tickets ($225) are available online.
Sour beer party: Lost & Found hosts a vintage sour beer release party on Saturday from 5 to 8. The main feature is New Belgium’s 2016 La Foile, an award-winning sour brown beer. Build your own flight, munch on paired appetizers from Union Kitchen, and listen to live music from Jonny Grave. Guests will take home a custom letterpress poster print. Tickets ($30) are available online.
Ramen 101: Learn about the history of Sapporo ramen on Saturday from 10 am to 11 am at Daikaya. The one-hour class ($28) includes history lessons, demos, and tastings. Guests can fill up on a bowl of the noodle soup and a soft drink after the course. Call 202-589-1600 to reserve your spot.
Pisco day: Ocopa celebrates National Pisco Sour Day on Saturday. All cocktails made with the potent spirt are half-priced for the day, and both pitchers and flights are available for $25. Several variations ($6 to $7 each) include pisco with lime and elderflower liqueur, and pineapple-mescal.
