This week is paradise for pork lovers. It’s officially the Year of The Pig, and that’s given restaurants an excuse to serve pig in all sorts of ways, from whole-roasted barbecued to fast-casual snacks. The calendar also includes an opportunity to sip some vintage beers, mingle with scientists, and more.
Dacha’s Winter-inspired cookout
Need immediate dinner plans? Fill up with a hearty plate of roasted Maryland farm-raised pork and fixings paired with a trio of local stout beers at Dacha Beer Garden. Each $15 plate will be loaded with pulled pork and sides like jalapeno mac and cheese, cornbread, and slaw. Pair it with a flight of stouts for $7. Beers include Purple Black Eye, a boozy coffee Imperial Stout from Ocelot Brewing Company; Union Craft Snow Pants; and Vasen Brewing Company’s Sour Cherry Walrus. See this event for full details. (1600 7th St. NW, Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., a la carte)
Après all day
Camp out at Wunder Garten this weekend for the first of its 2019 “Après-Ski” parties. The heated beer pavilion will be transformed into an “urban ski lodge” with fire pits, winter cabanas, and hot boozy beverages. Take advantage of virtual reality ski experiences and DJs, too. (1101 1st St. NE, February 7-10 and February 14-17, free entry).
Pig out after dark
The team from Himitsu will take over Chiko this Friday for late-night snacks inspired by the Year of the Pig. Chef Kevin Tien and bartender Carlier Steiner will serve up specialty cocktails and a selection of $8 dishes alongside Chinese and Korean dishes from the Chiko team. Walk-ins are welcome with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. (423 8th St. SE, Friday from 9:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
More late-night noshing
It’s time again for one of Tiger Fork’s vibrant night market parties. This time it comes with the backdrop of the Lunar New Year festivities. Guests chefs will be on hand from Reren and Shanghai lounge to cook alongside the Tiger Fork crew. Thursday’s event will feature Chengdu spicy wontons, Grandma pancakes with salt and pepper fish, and plenty more. Cocktails, jewelry, and other gifts will be sold as well. (922 N St. NW, Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight, free entry)
Spin up love
Find that special someone and loosen up with a round of ping pong at Spin DC during its Love Pong party this Friday. The downtown bar and game room will be decorated like a wedding chapel, fake officiant and all. Admission is free, with food and ping pong ($9 per hour) available for an additional cost. Enjoy games and prizes and grab a drink like the Love Potion, made with cacao and mint vodka, wild berries, lime, strawberries, foam, and dry ice. (1332 F St. NW, Friday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., free entry)
A scientist walks in a bar…
Geek out this Thursday with an evening of questions and answers with real, in-person scientists at bars across the city. The gin-focused Wisdom, for example, will host experts in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, and cancer virology. Grab a drink and get the curiosity flowing. Check out this event page for full details and locations. (1432 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., free)
Five years of Roofers Union
Toast to five years of craft beer, sausages, and more at Roofers Union this Sunday evening. The multi-level Adam’s Morgan bar is celebrating the milestone birthday with special $6 pricing on all draft beers, including some vintage options. Guests can also graze on some of the kitchen’s favorite menu snacks. Anyone who can’t make it for the big party can stop in throughout the week to try a different vintage draft beer each day along with half-priced beer bottles from the cellar list. (2446 18th St. NW, Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free)
Lamb, truffles, and wine
Leave this week’s Sunday dinner to the professionals at Zaytinya. José Andrés’ Mediterranean dining room will host Pennsylvania’s Jamison Farm for a five-course dinner filled with lamb, truffle, and wine pairings. Dishes include a spit-roasted lamb shoulder with pita and housemade harissa and a Lebanese-style lamb tartare with a Rappahannock oyster. Tickets can be purchased online. (701 9th St. NW, Sunday at 6:30 p.m., $120)
