Eat for Italy: Starting Monday and running through the end of September, the Mindful Restaurant Group’s eateries are participating in Eat for Italy, an international campaign to support victims of the Italian earthquake. Acqua al 2, Ghibellina and Sotto will donate 50 % of sales to the Italian Red Cross from bucatini amatraciana, a traditional pasta dish from one of the most severely damaged areas. Diners are also able to add tax-free donations to their bills.
Birthday party at 2 Birds 1 Stone: 2 Birds 1 Stone is turning three years old, and celebrates on Monday night with an informal, cocktail-fueled bash. The party runs from 7 pm to midnight with $6 blender drinks, including piña coladas and frosé. Entrance is free and open to the public; more information can be found here.
Taco Takeover: On Monday, taco fans can stop by Espita Mezcaleria to grab a special creation from chef Akhtar Nawab of Choza Taqueria. The “taco takeover” event is part of a monthly series that features guest chefs on the last Monday of every month. Diners can enjoy the limited-edition tacos starting at $12.
Provencal wine tasting: Bar à Vin at Chez Billy Sud hosts a wine tasting on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 pm. The theme is “More than just Rosé: Provence Revealed.” Wine director, Elizabeth Parker leads the tasting course, while chef Brendan L’Etoile serves snacks to accompany the wines. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased here.
Rosé dinner at Ripple: Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley created a special menu for Tuesday’s summer harvest dinner at Ripple centered around everyone’s favorite pink wine. The four-course meal includes manila clams with linguine and heirloom tomato salad. The meal is $75 per person; order tickets online.
Orange Party: Orange Anchor on the Georgetown Waterfront hosts a BYOO event on Thursday from 8 to 11 pm–that’s “bring your own orange,” where free vodka-orange crushes are given out in return for the citrus. Freebies are limited to one per person; drinks are $5 otherwise.
Grapes with the Apes: Party like an animal (literally) at the Smithsonian National Zoo during Thursday‘s Grapes with the Apes event. National and local vineyards present tastings and concessions at the zoo’s “grape Ape House”– the home of six Western Lowland gorillas. Wines, snacks, and live music all make the party. Tickets start at $50 and include a take-home glass (no “sex tiger,” but still pretty nifty). The event is from 6 to 9 pm.
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
