Most minds are on Valentine’s Day this week (procrastinators, check out these dinner options). But enough about love: The coming days feature a big anniversary for a favorite local bar, a meal cooked with produce scraps, and a discussion about the intersection of wine and hip-hop music.
A dozen years at The Pug
Swing over to H St. NE to celebrate 12 years of low-key drinks at The Pug. The local hangout is partying tonight and will raise money for a good cause at the same time. A cover charge for the evening buys free draft beer and goes to support the creation of a new student- and teacher-created history exhibit at the nearby Payne Elementary school. (The Pug, Wednesday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., $20)
To Nintendo, with love
Valentine’s Day isn’t the only reason to go out on Thursday evening. Engage in some easy going vibes at Sun Cinema’s latest Lazy Omakase, a three-course cocktail menu curated by bartender Adam Bernbach. There will also be some classic Mario Kart action for those who prefer friendly competition to roses and chocolates. (Suns Cinema, Thursday, 7 p.m.-12 a.m., $25 for two cocktails and punch)
No-waste dinner
Equinox chef Todd Gray is known for his heavy use of vegetables and local ingredients. That commitment takes another step this Monday with the restaurant’s first annual “Not Wasted Dinner,” in which four chefs will cook a meal from overlooked ingredients like roots and stems. Dishes range from carrot peel soup with pickled Swiss chard and cilantro stems to a cobbler made with sweet potato and apple trimmings. Guests can also participate an interactive panel discussion on eliminating food waste. Tickets do not include drinks. (Equinox Restaurant, Monday, 7 p.m., $65 plus drinks and gratuity)
Circus, with a side of cocktails
Movie theaters have bars these days, and now the big top does, too. The traveling Big Apple Circus lands at National Harbor starting this Thursday, and adult tickets can be upgraded to an all-you-can drink cocktail and concession experience. Drinks are curated by Pamela Wiznitzer, a three-time American Bartender of the Year winner. Options include circus’ namesake cocktail, with vodka, lemon, rosemary, and sparkling apple juice, and the whiskey- and chai-based Howl at the Moon. Grab some hand-spun cotton candy and organic popcorn and get ready for a show. (National Harbor, February 14-March 24, $15 for the show, $20 for the concession package)
Shop D.C. at The Wharf
Building off a successful run in Dupont Circle, hyperlocal retailer Shop Made in D.C. is expanding to The Wharf. Join the store for the grand opening on Saturday for a variety of specials, including brunch from Call Your Mother and Lost Sock Coffee and drinks from Republic Restoratives. Evening hours feature drinks from Bluejacket Brewery and One Eight Distilling in addition to food from Chop Shop. (10 District Sq., SW, Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., free entry)
Wines in the world of hip hop
Nerd out over the links between hip hop music and wine during a weekend seminar at H Street’s Dio Wine Bar. The event is the latest in the bar’s “Book-ish” series, which are part wine class and part topical discussion. Participants will taste five wines that have been embraced by the hip hop community, be it Drake of Nicki Minaj. (Dio Wine bar, Sunday, 1:30 p.m., $40)
Take a friend to brunch
Score a buy-one-get-one-free American brunch buffet all this month at The Delegate in Mt. Vernon Square. Dig into a spread that has something for all tastes, including a carving station with beef and ham, an omelet bar, smoked salmon and bagels, and much more. Mimosas are an additional $9.01 each, with refills for $0.99 a piece. The discount applies to purchases of an adult brunch only. (The Delegate Restaurant, through February 28, $32.50 plus drinks)
