On April 1, J&G Steakhouse (515 15th Street NW) will launch a “Sips & Bites Menu” at their downstairs wine bar. During their new happy hour — Monday through Friday, 4-7 p.m. — patrons can order from a menu of 9 of Chef Philippe Reininger’s small plates, each complemented by a half pour of wine, selectively matched by J&G’s sommelier. Three pairings can be had for $20, or just one pair for $8.

All the food sections and blogs are talking about what they think will be the food trends in 2011. Lots of pie, lots of macarons, lots of cocktails…but one that we’ve seen neglected in D.C. has already come to life: hash. The dish has stealthily made its way on to a number of menus across town, and the version at Birch & Barley made it on to our list of favorite dishes in 2010.

With its cutesy, annual one-penny price hike, winter Restaurant Week starts today. Three-course meals at selected D.C. restaurants are $20.10 for lunch and $35.10 for dinner. Longtime residents know the drill by now: you either love getting to try to new dining options for a relative bargain, or you feel the restaurants don’t put their best foot forward, for whatever the reason, and prefer to sit it out. If you’re new to Restaurant Week,…