This week’s menu includes oysters, Virginia beer, wild game, and … American history?
Feast on wild game
Now is the time to secure reservations for the upcoming wild game dinner at Bresca. Chef Ryan Ratino’s Michelin-starred restaurant will prepare five courses, including wild pheasant dashi and dry-aged squab. Food will be paired with wines selected by Oregonian wine maker Joe Swick from the state’s Willamette Valley. Tables can be booked online for the exclusive dinner. (1906 14th St. NW, November 14 during dinner service, $95 with the option for a $55 wine pairing, plus tax and gratuity.)
Get a jump on D.C. Cocktail Week
More than 60 area bars are gearing up for D.C. Cocktail Week, set to kick off on November 12, but first, a handful of participants will throw a preview happy hour Thursday at Wild Days inside the Eaton Workshop. Attendees can sip on drink samples from local spots including Allegory, Colada Shop, and Iron Gate; taste local spirits; and snack on appetizers. The full week will feature specially priced cocktail and food pairings at locations across the city. (1201 K St. NW, Thursday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., $35).
A weekend of food history
It’s time for the fourth-annual Smithsonian Food History Weekend, a gathering of culinary leaders, academics, and enthusiasts with a passion for food in America. Topics this year will center around regional food in the U.S., including how regional identities are formed and how they can shape the country’s relationship with food on a broader scale. There’s a variety of programming, including Saturday’s slate of live demonstrations and talks from chefs, home cooks, and more. The events conclude Saturday evening with a $45 ticketed “Last Call” beer history panel and tasting. (National Museum of American History, Thursday-Saturday, free to attend with other events priced individually).
Beers and oysters on Saturday
Join the Grilled Oyster Company and DC Brau brewery for an afternoon of beers and bivalves in Cathedral Commons on Saturday afternoon. Expect grilled oysters, sausages, and local brews on the patio. Tickets include three pours per person; extras are an additional $5. (3701 Newark St. NW, Saturday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., $35)
Southern shrimp, Southern football
College football fans can cheer on LSU and Alabama while enjoying a shrimp boil this Saturday at Arlington’s Rhodeside Grill. The game isn’t until 8 p.m., but the supersized watch party will kick off at 6 p.m. with a classic spread of shrimp, corn on the cob, andouille sausage, and red potatoes. Two portion sizes will be available along with $8 cocktail specials and $14 pitchers of Abita Purple Haze beer. (1836 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Saturday, 6 p.m., $14-$20)
Oktoberfest vibes in November
Sip through around 80 Virginia-made beers and ciders at Saturday’s annual “Novemberfest” party at Rustico in Alexandria. Featured breweries include The Veil, Triple Crossing, Aslin, and more. Barboursville Vineyards will provide wines for the afternoon, too. While you’re at it, dig into plates of jerk chicken or a Red Apron hot dog or sausage. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture. (827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, Saturday, noon-5 p.m., advanced admission is $25 with 20 food and drink tickets or $10 at the door with additional tickets $1 each. Kids under 14 free.)
Two-for-one drink deals
Bargain hunters can soon pick up the winter edition of the D.C. Passport, offering two-for-one drink deals at 44 bars and coffee shops citywide. Coupons in the $20 booklet are good through April 15. Locations include El Chucho, Peregrine Espresso, Mola, Ivy City Smokehouse and plenty more. (Booklets on sale for $20 through April 15).
