June 14 through 30

Courtesy of Taste of Reston)

SPOTLIGHT

Taste of Reston 2010
June 18, 3-11p.m. & June 19, noon-11p.m. Experience a taste of the top Reston restaurants, jump into the carnival rides, relax in the beer and wine garden or do all of the above at the 20th Annual Taste of Reston Festival! The event will host more than 30 local eateries and a not-to-be missed “Guns n’ Hoses Chili Cook-off” where police and firefighters will be pitted against each other to create the ultimate chili concoction. Feast your ears too with live musical performances from the Fabulous Dialtones and Gonzo’s Nose (among others). The festival will spread across the Reston Town Center on Market Street. www.restontaste.com; Free admission, but Taste Tickets are $1 each.

Bazin’s on Church Wine Dinner
June 14, 6:30p.m. Bazin’s on Church hosts an intimate wine dinner to feature wines from the Ladera Vineyards. With menu items such as Duck Confit, Mushroom-crusted Halibut, or Sliced “Hereford” Strip Steak all prepared specially by Chef Patrick Bazin and paired with these stimulating wines from the Napa Valley, it’s an event you are invited to taste for yourself. 111 Church St, Vienna; Reservations required at 703 596-0024; www.bazinsonchurch.com; $100.

World Cup Wine Tasting
June 15, 5-7p.m. Come celebrate the World Cup kick-off and world wines at J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fire Steaks of McLean. You’ll be presented with generous tastings of South African wines and six appetizers inspired by the region’s cuisine including ostrich tenderloin with grilled sweet potatoes, oysters in a half shell with peppadew, and bitong – a special cured and air-dried beef. A representative from Cape Classics will also be present to lead you in each tasting. Reservations are strongly recommended. J. Gilbert’s, 6930 Old Dominion Drive, McLean; 703-893-1034; $30.

Class: Shellfish: Cooking with Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, & Lobster
June 18, 7:30p.m. Award-winning Chef Roberto Donno invites you for a hands-on culinary experience learning how to cook with shellfish. All students receive an apron, recipe booklet, and a 5-course meal (which you get to participate in the making, of course!). This month’s classes include a special discount. Reservations are required; 202-257-0168; robertodonnacookingclasses.com; $128.

Catoctin Creek Bottling Day Workshop
June 19, 10a.m. Calling all whiskey enthusiasts! Volunteer to “work the whiskey cow” as you learn to bottle, cap, seal, and label the liquor of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company. You’ll get free lunch and the chance to sign your name onto your handiwork. The fun usually lasts 2-4 hours and a RSVP is requested. Catoctin Creek, 37251C East Richardson Lane, Purcellville; catoctincreekdistilling.com; Free.

25th Anniversary Party of The Grille at Morrison House
June 19, 7-10p.m. An outdoor party full of feasting, drinking, and music to celebrate the restaurant’s tradition of an engaging ‘Sing-Along Piano Night’ that has continued for more than 20 years. Chef Dennis Marron has prepared a banquet of smoked mussels, domestic cheeses, prime rib, and more (not to mention the bubbly). The night will be full of serenades from intriguing musical characters such as Bob Smith (former White House pianist) and Washington Opera singer Michael Blaney. Reservations are recommended. The outdoor courtyard at the Grille at Morrison House,116 South Alfred Street, Alexandria; 703-838-8000; www.thegrillealexandria.com; $75.