Spring baking at Centrolina
Sharpen your seasonal baking skills at this Sunday’s demonstration and tasting with Centrolina executive pastry chef Caitlin Dysart. She’ll demonstrate several Italian confections, including tiramisu al limone and bocconotti—mini tarts made with a buttery crust and seasonal jam. Tickets are for sale online. (974 Palmer Alley NW, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., $45)
Steak lessons from a master
Dive into the world of dry-aging and butchery this weekend with Rare Steakhouse chef Marc Hennessy. Attendees will learn about sourcing and techniques for preparing the ideal cut of meat, as well as have the opportunity to taste beef and veal from Autumn Olive Farms and Highland Orchard Farms in Virginia. Lunch is included, with dishes like 80-day aged strip loin and 90-day aged buffalo. Reserve tickets online. (1595 I St. NW, Saturday at 1 p.m., $99 per person)
Crawfish, hurricanes, and more
It’s peak crawfish season, so expect these “mud bugs” to pop up on patios around the region in the coming weeks. Feast on them in the spirit of Louisiana at Bayou Bakery in Arlington, which will boil them up this Saturday with a side of corn of the cob, potatoes, coleslaw, mini muffaletta sandwiches, and cornbread. Seconds will be available while supplies last, and peel-and-eat shrimp will be available to purchase by the half pound. Wash it all down with hurricanes and Abita beer while enjoying free live jazz. (1515 N Courthouse Rd, Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., $5-$6 for drinks and $35 for a platter of crawfish and fixings.)
Get a taste of Barracks Row
Eat and drink around more than 20 restaurants along this Capitol Hill neighborhood during Saturdays “Taste of 8th” street festival. Participants include Ambar, Belga Café, Valor, Ted’s Bulletin, District Doughnut, and more. Bites will be served tapas-sized, with tickets sold in packs of five. (8th St. SE south of Eastern Market Metro, Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., $20-$25 per ticket package).
A Shaw neighborhood showcase
The Howard Theater is the backdrop for April 24’s Eat.Drink.Shaw, an evening of food, cocktails and more. There will be more than two dozen exhibitors in all, including the Michelin-starred The Dabney. Expect a make-your-own biscuit bar from Mason Dixie, pasta from San Lorenzo, cocktails from Roy Boys, and other neighborhood favorites. All-inclusive tickets include live jazz, a swag bag, and valet parking. (620 T St. NW, Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., $80)
Georgetown French Market
Spend the weekend moseying along Wisconsin Avenue during the annual Georgetown French Market. The three-day event brings together 35 shops, restaurants, and vendors selling special and discounted items. Grab $3 pizza slices at Manny & Olgas or splurge on a $50 six-pack of curated wines from Bacchus Wine Cellar. Patisserie Poupon will serve up French favorites from its grill, and there will lots of live music and family programming throughout the festival. (Wisconsin Ave. NW between Reservoir Rd. and O St., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., a la carte).
New Penn Quarter happy hour drinks and snacks
Snack on $1 oysters, a selection of $6 and $9 appetizers, $8 cocktails, and other early-evening specials on the new happy hour menu at The Smith in Penn Quarter. Drink options run from the bitter and boozy oak-aged Old Flame (rye, Campari, dry vermouth and yellow Chartreuse) to the refreshing buck with choice of liquor and house-made ginger beer. Build a meal out of the hot potato chips with blue cheese fondue or opt for a plate or spicy salmon tartare or a filling wild mushroom flatbread. (901 F St. NW, Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and after 10 p.m., $1 and up).
DC United watch party
The Wharf is organizing a free DC United watch party this Sunday afternoon, when the team faces off against Minnesota. Fans can gather along Pearl Street to catch the screen on a jumbotron while taking advantage of multiple beer and food stations. (Pearl St., Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., a la carte).
