Take time this week to hear about chef Kwame Onwuachi’s rebirth when his book tour swings by the Wharf, or if camping in style’s your thing, ditch the city for food over the campfire from Little Sesame’s chefs. When you’re feeling thirsty, head over to Dirty Habit for reggae and tiki-style cocktails or to Jaleo for special gin & tonics.
Kwame Onwuachi’s book tour hits D.C.
Chef Kwame Onwuachi, 29, a finalist for the 2019 James Beard Award for rising star chef of the year, will discuss his buzzy new memoir Notes From a Young Black Chef on Tuesday at the InterContinental Hotel-The Wharf. In his book, the Top Chef alum of Nigerian, Caribbean, and African-American descent explores some of the racism and ageism he’s encountered on his way to the top. This marks the first D.C. book event for Onwuachi, executive chef of the acclaimed Kith and Kin and owner of Philly Wing Fry. The chat is presented by Dine Diaspora, which highlights the influence African food and culture have around the globe (InterContinental Hotel, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., the $40 ticket includes an autographed copy of Onwuachi’s memoir, light snacks and a cocktail)
#NotWasted On Earth Day
Join culinary tree huggers Monday for #NotWasted, an environmentally friendly meal at Culture House DC (formerly Blind Whino) made from ingredients people usually throw away. Look forward to #NotWasted hors d’oeuvres, “trash” cocktails, beer and wine, the “One Man’s Trash” art auction with pieces from Malachi Broadnax and Shelly Smith, and a panel of several chefs active in D.C.’s zero waste food movement. Those chefs include Todd Gray of Equinox Restaurant, Michelle Brown of Teaism, David Fye of Congressional Seafood, and Chef Dean of DC Central Kitchen. All proceeds will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. (Culture House, Monday, 6 p.m.–8 p.m., tickets $55 in advance, $65 the day of)
Going glamping with Little Sesame, Outdoor Voices
Athleisure company Outdoor Voices and hummus shop Little Sesame have teamed up for Wild Sesame, a weekend trip in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia that starts Friday and ends Sunday. The inaugural event’s agenda includes kayaking, a group yoga class, a cocktail-making class with an herbalist, and an outdoor cooking class. Besides that, you’ll get put up in Getaway House’s luxurious cabins and you can also look forward to large meals from Little Sesame’s chef/owners Nick Wiseman and Ronen Tenne over the fire. (Stanardsville, Va., Friday-Sunday, tickets $100-$300 per person, not including your own transportation)
Destination Osaka
Now through Saturday, sample Japanese food from Masako Morishita, an alum of Momo Yakitori, at Destination Wedding’s Destination Osaka pop-up bar on 14th Street. Once there, you’ll find four dishes: Spam Rice Sammie (Spam, steamed rice, nori, scrambled eggs, grilled cabbage, and Kewpie mayo), Japanese Chicken Curry Rice, Okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake), and Miso Butter Peanuts. (Destination Wedding, 8 p.m.- midnight Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday., dishes range between $4 and $8)
Can’t get enough of gin?
Head over to all three D.C.-area Jaleo locations for its Spring Gin & Tonic Festival, running now through April 28. You’ll find a long list of gin & tonics, gin tastings and food to pair with the beverage, including oysters, shrimp, chicken wings, and jamon. There’s a patio-only $10 special dubbed José’s Ultimate Gin & Tonic (Hendrick’s Gin, tonic, lemon verbena, juniper, lemon, and lime), among other specials. (Jaleo in D.C., Crystal City and Bethesda, through April 28, make your reservation here)
Taste of the Tropics
Sip on Tiki-style cocktails on Dirty Habit’s patio—weather permitting—during its evening of reggae beats from Greg Ward, a saxophonist, composer and producer. Drinks—available all night—include the classic hurricane, and a banana daiquiri made from white rum, Crème de Banane, Allspice Dram, caramelized pineapple, and lime. (Dirty Habit, Tuesday, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., the performance is free and open to all ages on a first-come, first served basis; cocktails $10-$14)
Dusting off the 90s slow jams
Take it nice and slow Saturday for a 90’s R&B wine tasting at the Serengeti Gallery of African art in Capitol Heights. The interactive tasting, led by Lisa Avery of WineKnowBlog.com, and presented by Mahogany Cheers and FGM Events, features different new world wines and refreshments. DJ Play Too Much provides the soundtrack for the tasting, so feel free to dance while you imbibe—just be sure to wear comfy shoes. (Serengeti Gallery, Saturday, 7 p.m., tickets $50)
