Wine dinners, beer events and cocktails, oh my. That’s just the start of the latest events roundup we have for you. Take a look to see what’s happening right now in the D.C. dining scene, and all of the need to know news and notes for November.
701’s Wine Passport Program Focusing on Rhône Valley, France in November
701 Restaurant is moving into the second month of their Wine Passport Program in November, now focusing on Rhône Valley, France. Three-wine flights which typically cost $30 are offered for just $15 during happy hour at the lounge each night, from 5 to 7:30pm.
The Rhône is divided into two sub-regions with distinct traditions. The Northern Rhône produces red wines such as the Syrah grape, sometimes blended with white wine grapes, and white wines from Marsanne, Roussane and Viognier grapes. The Southern Rhône produces an array of red, white and rose wines from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre.
DC Beer Fest at Nationals Park on November 8th
November in D.C. isn’t all about wine (although there’s plenty more of that below). Enter the 2nd annual DC Beer Fest, which takes place at Nationals Park on November 8th. You can actually take to the field for this event, with over 75 breweries showcasing seasonal and specialty beers, along with live music, games, and food.
$40 tickets include unlimited beer and cider, while food provided by food trucks and other vendors is sold separately. The event lasts from 1 to 4pm. VIP tickets for $60 includes admission an hour early, and additional specialty beers. Get your tickets at DCBeerFestival.com.
Bibiana Hosting Michele Satta Wine Dinner on November 11th
Back to wine at Bibiana. Bibiana Osteria Enoteca is offering a four-course prix fixe wine dinner on Tuesday, November 11th at 7pm, with wine pairings from Michele Satta’s Bolgheri varietals.
As an example of the cuisine you can expect, the signature dish of the evening will be a dry aged porterhouse served with bone marrow, olive oil crushed potatoes and escarole.
Tickets cost $100 per person, and seating is limited, so it’s suggested that you RSVP by calling 202-216-9550.
BLT Steak Saluting Veterans on Veterans Day November 11th
BLT Steak will recognize the many men and women who have served our country by offering a special restaurant discount this year on Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11th. Any veteran or member of active military who visits BLT Steak on Veterans Day, will receive a 50% discount for parties of two or less or a 25% discount for parties of three or more off of the total check, with military ID.
Lunch is served from 11:30am to 2:30pm, and dinner is available 5:30 to 10:30pm.
Vermouth Hour at Vinoteca Starting November 11th
Vinoteca is showcasing a brand new Vermouth Hour on Mondays, starting November 10th, with discounts, demonstrations and discussions from 7 to 8pm. Learn about all-things-vermouth, such as its history and origin, types and flavor profiles, its usage in classic and modern cocktails, and more.
While you may be familiar with vermouth and its usage in cocktails from the Negroni to the Manhattan or Martini, here, you’ll be able to try them neat, in vermouth flights, by the bottle, or by enjoying some of those signature cocktails as well.
Beyond the hour-long vermouth instructional from 7 to 8pm, all Monday, from 5pm to close, you can enjoy specials on five different vermouths. Try one for $5 or a flight of three for $10, or go all European on us and enjoy it by the bottle for $25, served with recommended mixers and garnishes.
Marcus Samuelsson’s New Cookbook & DC Events on November 13th-14th
Marcus Samuelsson joins the fray with all of the latest DC cookbook release parties & events, with his newly released Marcus Off Duty: the Recipes I Cook at Home.
He’s coming to DC and hosting a discussion and book signing at Sixth & I on Thursday, November 13th at 7pm. The next night, Friday, November 14th, he’s hosting another event with the Young Ethiopian Professionals,at the Washington Post Conference Center at 6pm.
The Sixth & I event has a ticket price of $35 for one, with a book included, or $45 for two, with one book. The YEP event costs $37 including a book, and guarantees your spot. You can add your name to the guest list for free, but space isn’t guaranteed.
Get tickets to the Sixth & I event here, and the YEP event here.
DC Cocktail Week November 17th-23rd
More than 50 D.C. area restaurants and bars are participating in DC Cocktail Week, which kicks off on Monday, November 17th and lasts through November 23rd. That buzz should thankfully last you straight through the short pre-Thanksgiving work week.
All of the participating restaurants will offer cocktails and paired bites, offering both for a single discount price.
DC Cocktail week is hosted by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW). Find the full listing of participating restaurants and the specials they’re serving up at RAMW’s website.
Slate Showcasing Beaujolais Tasting on November 20th
Still haven’t had enough wine? Good. Thursday, November 20th marks the debut of the 2015 Beaujolais Nouveau. Slate is celebrating by showcasing private tastings of the 2014 Nouveau, and three additional Beaujolais for guests on the 20th from 5 to 8pm, for $15 per person.
Slate’s owner and Sommelier Danny Lledo wants to help spread awareness that Beajolais Nouveau isn’t the end all and be all of the Gamay grape, and Beaujolais wines. There has been renewed emphasis on the production of more complex Beaujolais wines, including those that are aged longer in oak barrels prior to release.
Bethesda’s Roof to be Revamped
Bethesda’s Roof wants you to know that it has more to offer than, well… it’s roof. The roof won’t get much action in the cold weather, of course, but yet there’s a spacious 2nd floor main dining area which goes largely ignored by many guests.
Therefore, the restaurant will now be known as Roof Kitchen & Bar, and will be showcasing a new menu and a new look.
Chef Jed Fox is putting together a menu with sharable small plates and more accessible and affordable entrees. Happy hour will last from 3 to 7pm on weekdays, with late night happy hours from Thursday-Saturday lasting 9pm to midnight.
The new Roof Kitchen & Bar debuts at the end of the month.
Bastille’s Fundraising Campaign
The owners of Bastille in Old Town Alexandria are launching a fundraising campaign to support the move to a larger location at The Asher. The 45-day campaign will both help to furnish the new joint with equipment and decor, while helping the original location be re-purposed into the new Bistrot Royal.
When you make a donation, you’ll get perks such as free desserts or cocktails, to far more extravagant and unique offerings, such as private dinner parties, or “chef for a day” kitchen experiences.
Check out the campaign at Indiegogo. They’re looking to raise $25,000 in 45 days.
