Along with eating and drinking, this week’s food events offer a couple of ways to get hands-on experience with some food and drink favorites. Learn the ins and outs of pizza or mix up tropical cocktails.
Dough making with the pros
Join Pizzeria Paradiso chef and owner Ruth Gresser and beverage manager Drew McCormick on Saturday for a special dough demonstration and beer pairing class. The hands-on ticketed event will be held at the restaurant’s Old Town Alexandria location and include deep dish pizza tasting and curated beer picks. It’s the first in an upcoming educational series—future topics include an intro to beer in Georgetown and a build-your-own-pizza workshop in Hyattsville. (124 King St., Alexandria, Saturday, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m., $30 plus fees)
One Eight turns four
Ivy City’s One Eight Distilling is marking four years of its D.C.-made vodka, gin, and whiskey. This year’s anniversary coincides with the release of its Untitled Whiskey 14. The Saturday party starts at 1 p.m. with complimentary whoopie pies from Little Miss Whoopie for the first 75 guests and a la carte Asian-Caribbean fare from Qui Qui Catering. A DJ and late-night food options will keep things rolling from 7 p.m. to midnight. Don’t miss the birthday toast at 8 p.m. (1135 Okie St. NW, Saturday, 1 p.m.-midnight, a la carte)
Taste the best in cask beer
There’s a second chance to celebrate Bier Baron‘s 8th birthday: Due to beer delivery issues, the Dupont Circle tavern rescheduled its cask beer competition planned for last Saturday. Attendees get a souvenir glass, a 5-ounce pour from each participating cask, and a chance to vote for their favorite. Be prepared for a marathon, though—as many as 30 to 35 breweries from across the country are expected to be on hand. Designated drivers and others who plan not to drink can get free admission. (1523 22nd St. NW, Saturday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m., $20).
Pretend it’s summer with a cocktail
Brighten up these January days with one of six new bubbly Peruvian cocktails at José Andrés’ China Chilcano. The refreshing drinks are a blend of mix of pisco, fruit and ginger ale and come in tropical flavors like guava, raspberry, passionfruit, grapefruit, mango, and tamarind. Each will be available for special pricing from now through January 20. (418 7th St. NW, through January 20, $10 per glass and $45 per carafe).
Roll out for Restaurant Week
Winter Restaurant Week kicks off on Monday with more than 250 restaurants across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia offering discounted pre-fixe menus. The three-course meals start at $22 per person for brunch and lunch and run $35 for dinner. It’s your chance for a curated meal from plenty of newer spots, including Cuban cuisine at El Sapo, tinned fish at Dyllan’s Raw Bar & Grill, or American comfort food at Seasons & Sessions. Some restaurants offer supplements and upcharges, so it pays to take a close look at the options beforehand. (Multiple locations, January 14-January 20, $22 and up)
Chow on chowder for just $1
Take the sting out of all that holiday spending with a cheap and hearty bowl of New England clam chowder. Area locations of Legal Sea Foods are ladling up $1 cups of the soup on Tuesday with the purchase of any entrée. Find them in D.C. in Penn Quarter and Union Station and in Crystal City. (multiple locations, Tuesday, $1 with entrée).
Tackle tiki cocktails
Snag a spot now for next week’s interactive “Tropic Like It’s Hot” cocktail class at Mess Hall. Drinks expert Tory Pratt will lead the evening of shaking, stirring and sipping traditional tiki concoctions. These drinks can pack a punch, so attendees can also fill up on musubi, dumplings, and other tiki-inspired snacks. A take-home tiki glass is included as well. Tickets are for sale online and going quickly. (703 Edgewood St. NE, January 17, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., $75)
