Photo by brunofish

FOOD & DRINK: In advance of the Kentucky Derby this weekend, Del Frisco’s Grille (1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) is holding a “Derby” Bourbon Dinner tonight. The five-course meal on the patio will “pair select bourbons with Executive Chef Rob Klink’s inspired cuisine like jumbo shrimp wrapped in sugar-cured bacon, mesquite smoked pork loin with Byrd Mill stone ground grits and double chocolate chip cookies stuffed with butter pecan ice cream.” Call (202) 450-4685. 6:30 p.m. $70.

TALK: Temple Grandin is an inventor, author, and one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” (in 2010). She’s also autistic. You may have seen Claire Danes portray Grandin in the HBO movie about her life, and tonight you can see her in person. Grandin will be discussing her book The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue (600 I Street NW) this evening. 7:30 p.m. $12 to attend, or get two tickets and the book for $28.

>> Isabel Allende, author of The House of the Spirits and most recently Maya’s Notebook, speaks tonight at National Geographic Live! (1600 M Street NW). The talk will be followed by a book sale and signing. 7:30 p.m. $22.

MUSIC: Tropicalia (2001 14th Street NW) is celebrating Godfather of Soul James Brown this week, since he would have been 80 on May 3rd. Tonight, come celebrate with DJs Sam Burns, Damu, and Underdog. 9 p.m. $5.