Eaters and drinkers in and around D.C. have got a full lineup of options that include all-you-can-eat oysters, celebrating World Whisky Day with the Washington Wizards’ DJ, and supporting charitable events for endangered wildlife.
Bethesda’s best
Switch things up Wednesday and head over to Rockville for Bethesda Magazine’s Best of Bethesda party where you’ll sip specialty cocktails, sample food from at least 20 Best of Bethesda-winning restaurants, and hear live music. The culinary lineup includes Jaleo, Owen’s Ordinary, JennyCakes Bakery, Seasons 52, and Wild Tomato. (Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., tickets $69.95)
Take a “bite out of extinction”
You can help the Smithsonian save endangered wildlife around the world on Thursday at ZooFari: Bite Night, a benefit for animals jumping off at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. You’ll munch on cuisine from more than 70 eateries, including Indique, Bidwell, and The Royal. If you spring for one of the VIP packages, you’ll also sink your teeth into bites from Charlie Palmer Steak, Sababa, Asia Nine, and more. Mingle with chefs Tim Ma of American Son, Cathal Armstrong from Kaliwa and Restaurant Eve, and Luigi Diotaiuti of Al Tiramisu and Aperto. The rest of the evening includes a silent auction, live entertainment, and visits with the exotic guests of honor—the animals. (Smithsonian National Zoo, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., general admission tickets are $175 for Friends of the National Zoo members, $225 for nonmembers, VIP packages start at $1,000)
Food hall for charity
Eastern Market’s North Hall turns into a charity food venue Saturday with bites from The Salt Line, The Dubliner, Rocklands BBQ, and more for the second-annual Night at the Market. The event, hosted by the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation, benefits Children’s National Medical Center, and offers a silent auction as well as live music. Admission includes all food and drinks. (Eastern Market, Saturday, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., tickets $100-$125)
Gear up for Game of Thrones finale with trivia brunch
We’re still reeling from the bloodbath of last Sunday’s fiery episode, but what better way to pregame for the show’s finale than to put your Game of Thrones intel to the test? Blackfinn Ameripub is throwing a trivia brunch Sunday with themed food and drinks, a costume contest, $13 bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys, and other surprises that don’t include killing off beloved characters. (Blackfinn Ameripub, Sunday, noon, team reservations for tables are free and must be made by calling 202-429-4350 or sending an email to imansilla@blackfinndc.com)
Beer everywhere
Even if you didn’t score tickets to the sold-out SAVOR, D.C.’s annual craft beer and culinary extravaganza, you can still try some libations at the after-party. Head over to The Berliner on Friday for beer you won’t find anywhere else in the city: The restaurant will host three California breweries: Societe Brewing Company, Three Weavers Brewing, and The Rare Barrel. The kitchen will stay open until 1 a.m. so you can score the brats, pretzels, and other Berlin-inspired street food the eatery is known for. (The Berliner, Friday, 9 p.m.-close, FREE)
World Whiskey Day with Wizards’ DJ
Dstrkt Events is celebrating World Whisky Day on Saturday at Prequel with an unusual party theme: Sundresses & Whiskey. Knock back Irish whiskey from Jameson Black Barrel and score small giveaways from the company, including T-shirts and keychains. The popular Puddin’ food truck will park itself outside of the venue and serve up its Southern comfort food. Bonus: DJ Heat, the official DJ for the Washington Wizards and the Washington Mystics, spins the soundtrack all night. Sundresses aren’t required, but welcome. (Prequel, Saturday, 3 p.m.-8 p.m., tickets $25-$450)
Birthdaying with Republic Restoratives
Republic Restoratives celebrates its third anniversary Sunday with an all-day party. You’ll score handcrafted sips with the woman-owned distillery’s vodka, rye, bourbon, and apple brandy, limited-edition swag, and bites from Reverie and New Standard Sandwich in Annapolis (Republic Restoratives, Sunday, 12 p.m.-6 p.m., free entry, registration is required)
Oysters for days
Hank’s Oyster Bar Dupont Circle’s OysterFest on Saturday coincides with the eatery’s 14th anniversary. The all-you-can-eat-and-drink celebration includes a large selection of local oysters to slurp down, whether they’re fried, barbecued, on the half shell, or shooters. If oysters aren’t your jam, there’s plenty of calamari, fried popcorn shrimp, corn on the cob, German potato salad, and more to go around. Thirsty? Try Atlas Brewery’s Hank’s Hops, vodka spritzes from Grey Goose, Bloody Marys, and wine, among other drinks. (Hank’s Oyster Bar Dupont Circle, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., tickets $135)
