What's Happening In Washington, DC: Wines To Sip, Sweets To Eat, And More
Bourbon Steak
Whether you are a Napa Valley wine neophyte or expert, few names are as renowned as Duckhorn so why not sip a glass or two while enjoying a fabulous meal in the lovely dining room of Bourbon Steak. On Sunday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. Bourbon Steak is hosting an exclusive wine dinner featuring wines from Duckhorn Vineyards paired with a special five-course tasting menu prepared by head chef Joe Palma. The price is $160 per person, not including tax and gratuity, and seating is limited so please call (202) 944-9173 to reserve your seats.
ENO Wine Bar
In 2015, ENO Wine Bar is again hosting their popular wine tasting classes held each Sunday in The Cellar from 6 to 8 p.m. The next class, "Somm Might Say," is March 1 and includes a guided, interactive blind tasting during which guests will form unbiased opinions on five wines, typical of their terroir, from around the world. Students will leave with customized cheat sheets to assist with future wine tastings. Classes are priced at $50 per person and include five glasses of wine paired specifically with ENO's signature bites. Space is limited and reservations are required. To purchase tickets email ENO; see the full class schedule here.
The Hamilton
Foie gras may be a controversial delicacy in certain places, but there is no mistaking the talent, business savvy, and culinary prowess of Ariane Daguin, CEO,and co-founder of D'Artagnan specialty foods. To celebrate D'Artagnan's 30th anniversary, Ms. Daguin and chef Anthony Lombardo, executive chef at The Hamilton, will be serving a sinfully decadent, five-course meal prepared by five of Washington, D.C.'s esteemed chefs whose dishes will be paired with the stellar wines of Côtes du Rhône winery Michel Chapoutier. The anniversary gala is on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. and 60% of ticket sales will benefit No Kid Hungry, the campaign to end childhood hunger by Share Our Strength. This event is part of a series of parties being held around the country, and joining chef Lombardo in the kitchen will be chef Sam Kim of 1789 Restaurant, chef Erik Bruner Yang of Toki Underground, chef Mike Friedman of The Red Hen, and chef Nate Anda of Red Apron Butchery. Guests will dine on foie gras torchon brulée, Thai-style beef tartare, saffron rigatoni "al Maialino," Rohan duck breast, and duck egg zabaglione. Tickets are $175 per person and may be purchased online.
The Hour DC
On Wednesday, February 25 from 7 to 9 p.m., you can support your local baker and attend The Hour DC's one-year anniversary at Pleasant Pops. Satisfy your sugar craving and nosh on sweets and a few savories and beverages too. The Hour is a collaboration of two bakers—Goldilocks Goodies and Kate Bakes—and they will be hosting gluten-free food, art, music, and fashion in a monthly series of events at cool venues all around the city. Other treats will be served from Baklava Couture and the Popcorn Queens, so take advantage of their special ticket offer: the first 10 ticket buyers receive a goodie bag filled with treats, and the first 20 ticket buyers can bring a friend for free when they buy their ticket. Buy tickets here.
Napoleon Bistro
According to the Washington Post, Napoleon Bistro will be going through a dramatic makeover and remodeling job with a tentative return reopen date of March 21—as an Afghan restaurant. While this may seem like a drastic and unexplainable change, it makes sense since the owners, Zubair and Shamim Popal, are Afghan expats who fled here in the 1980s. Here's hoping D.C. will get an authentic restaurant that reflects the country's fantastic cuisine and traditions. Obviously, the restaurant will have an entirely different name and menu, so stay tuned and we'll have more news later.
Provision No. 14
If you are inclined to believe "the more the merrier" is the way to dine, Provision No. 14's communal approach to restaurant service will be right in your comfort zone. This new venture is the latest project from industry vets Naeem Mohd, Mike Bramson, and Alex Lopez who are the owners of the newly formed Social Restaurant Group. The restaurant will go into the space formerly occupied by Diego at 14th and V Streets NW and will feature bars and dining areas on two floors with seating on the first floor for about 57 people, room for 80 upstairs, and additional outdoor seating for 60. The menu will feature classic American fare prepared with modern twists along with quirky dishes like fondues, snacks, and a rotating daily selection of communal boards serving an entrée and complementary side dishes—all of which are designed to share. There will also be 20 draft lines, small craft beers from around the globe, and large format cocktails meant to be imbibed in groups. Look for their opening in late March or early April.
Summer Whitford is the D.C. City Guide Editor at The Daily Meal and the DC Wine Examiner. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva.