Food incites emotion. Ask a guy to recall his mother’s most delicious dessert or his favorite meal on his last trip to Italy, and he’ll likely have plenty to say. Perhaps because they’re food-related, shows on the Food Network conjure similar passions—just read any blog comment on perky Rachael Ray, sultry Giada DeLaurentiis or exuberant Emeril Lagasse. It seems that even when we’re not eating their meals, we often respond to the processes and presentations…

NoVa Empire Expands The owners of Tallula, Vermillion, Planet Wine Evening Star Café in Arlington, Old Town, and Del Ray are expanding yet again. Rustico Restaurant, tucked away on Slater Avenue in Alexandria opens this weekend, and it looks like it might itch your scratch for great beer. With over 250 bottle and can selections, and an impressive draft list of 30 assorted beers, you will get all the malt-hops-yeast punch you could want. A…

MONDAY >> Monday welcomes the Fictionista Book Tour to Washington, D.C., featuring readings from Josie Brown (True Hollywood Lies), Kayla Perrin (Gimme an O!) and Stephanie Lessing (She’s Got Issues). Good gravy! All that chicklit in one place? Does it get any better? Oh, people. It does. The event is taking place at the Hard Rock Café — and that means Aerosmith-themed quesadillas. 999 E. St NW., 7 p.m. TUESDAY >> In her book, Nickel…