Rum fun: The team behind Cotton & Reed’s rum distillery will host a pop-up in the space slated to become Rosario Italian restaurant this Tuesday starting at 5 pm. A rotating cast of guest bartenders will serve three $10 rum cocktails, including the “Rum G&T,” which mimics a gin and tonic with white rum and botanical-infused tonic. They’ll also serve $8 glasses of punch, $5 spiced rum shots, and $5 “mezcalado” shots that are half mezcal and half spiced rum.
Holiday market madness: This Wednesday from noon to 9 pm, Compass Rose will host a sprawling holiday market full of food, drinks, and cheer. The kitchen will prepare special dishes inspired by European holiday markets, and several local vendors (including the Lemon Bowl and Pax Apothecary) will offer their wares. While the event is free, guests are encouraged to donate $5 or $10 to Martha’s Table.
Reviews to remember: The fun at Compass Rose continues through Wednesday evening with the second annual “Industry Reads Bad Reviews” event, which will feature local chefs, restaurateurs, and bartenders performing dramatic readings of bad reviews they’ve received from food critics and customers. Inspired by Jimmy Kimmel Live’s segment “Celebrities Read Mean Tweets,” the evening will give the industry a chance to laugh at themselves–and their customers. The readings start at 10 pm.
You can do it: Also on Wednesday, get into the spirit of giving at the Dupont Circle location of Pizzeria Paradiso. Customers who donate a can of food to Bread for the City will receive a free can of beer, including DC Brau Public and New Belgium Fat Tire.
A Festivus for the rest of us: If you and your friends are looking for some holiday revelry in Alexandria, don’t miss Rustico’s 10th annual Festivus celebration on Thursday. Beer director Greg Engert provides 20 kinds of holiday ales, while chef Daniel Rothbart serves Seinfeld-inspired bar snacks like pastrami sliders and black-and-white cookies. No-cover; admission starts at 5 pm.
Dress not to impress: Throw on your most hideous holiday attire and head to Republic’s ugly sweater party this Friday from 9:30 pm to midnight. The winner of the ugly sweater contest will receive their choice of a $50 gift card, or a $50 bar tab for the evening. The second option will be tempting, given the bar serves up $1 oysters, $4 mini beers, and $7 rail cocktails and wines by the glass.
Christmas eve dining: Several local restaurants are staying open for Christmas Eve dinner on Saturday night. Whether you’re looking for a prix fixe menu or a Feast of the Seven Fishes, check out our round-up of the best options here.
Maxine is an editorial fellow passionate about covering food, news, and politics. Her work has also been published in Forbes, Marie Claire, and Inside Higher Ed. She recently graduated from Brown University with honors in nonfiction writing.
