May 17 through 23
SPOTLIGHT
Spring Wine Festival at The Plains
May 22-23; 11a.m.-6p.m. The festival will feature 250 of Virginia’s best wines and several artisans, culinary seminars, musical entertainment, and food. The event makes the opening of the polo seasons at Great Meadows. Extra free event on Saturday night includes a Porsche exhibit, fashion show, bonfire, Twilight Polo, and pig roast, 7-10p.m. Free bonus event on Sunday Afternoon includes a NAPPA Point-to-Point Youth Steeplechase Race. Great Meadows Equestrian Center; The Plains; 703-823-1868; www.winefestivalattheplains.com; $30 online
Chef Steven’s Beer Dinner
May 18, 6:30-8:30p.m. James Roth, co-owner of Red White & Blue, will provide insight into the world of brewing beers as East & West Coast ales will be paired with Wildfire’s Executive Chef Steven Lukis’ four-course menu. The menu includes Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Wildfire’s Famous Steak & Egg. Call for reservations. Wildfire Tysons Galleria; 1714 U International Drive, McLean; 703-442-9110; www.wildfirerestaurant.com; $40 plus gratuity.
Organic & Biodynamic Wine Seminar
May 19, 6 & 7p.m. Learn the difference between organic, sustainable, and biodynamic methods of creating wines, how the use of sulfites varies between them, and how to recognize terms and logos that indicate earth-friendly products. You will also get to sample a variety of organic and biodynamic wines. Call to reserve a seat for either session. The Curious Grape; 4056 Campbell Avenue, Arlington; 703-671-8700; http://curiousgrape.com. Seminars are free.
8th Annual Hottest Cool Jazz Festival
May 22, 10a.m.-6p.m. Sip on some wine at Chrysalis Vineyards while listening to incredible jazz from the areas hottest bands and eating from local “BBQ Catering King,” and cheese, chutney, and chocolates from local producers. The festival will include exhibits from jewelers, photographers, artists, and designers. Chrysalis Vineyards; Middleburg, www.chrysaliswine.com/jazzfestival10.htm $15 in advance, $20 at door.
Tea Time at Lansdowne Resort
May 22, 1-3p.m. The menu will include handmade items (finger sandwiches, mini desserts, scones, jams, clotted cream) served with a selection of tea (green, black, and white herbal teas). For an additional $150, try “The Grand Tea-ton” which includes chilled shrimp & crab, handmade canapés, and sweet tartlets. Reservations recommended. On the Potomac Restaurant at Lansdowne Resort; 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg; 703-729-4073; www.lansdowneresort.com $25 per guest, Free for children under 6.
DC 101 Chili Cook-Off
May 22; 11a.m.-8p.m. The annual DC 1010 Chili Cook-Off benefits the National Kidney Foundation at RFK Stadium in DC. The event is an International Chili Society (ICS)-sanctioned event, which requires participants to prepare their chili on-site under certain restrictions. Contestants will compete in 7 categories. Several bands (Stone Tempe Pilots, Alice in Chains) will be performing during the event. www.dc101chilicookoff.com Tickets are $35 in advance, $55 day of the show.
Chicks with Chips Ladies Poker Tournament
May 23, 4p.m. The 2nd annual charitable women’s poker tournament will be held at Whitlow’s on Wilson to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A quick rules tutorial will be provided and cards will be dealt by Chippendales-outfitted University of Maryland students. Ladies will have the chance to win several prizes and enjoy food and drinks. All participants will receive swag bags as well. Tickets: $60 per player. Whitlow’s on Wilson; 2854 Wilson Blvd., Clarendon; www.whitlows.com; Contact: Ria Freydberg for more info: catering@whitlows.com
Paddle and Wine
May 23, 10:30-5p.m. Paddle down the Potomac in a 7-mile guided tour ending at Tarara Winery where you will enjoy a private wine tasting session, nibble on cheese and crackers, and tour the wine making cave. Choose between a kayak and a canoe and bring your own picnic lunch or try the River & Trail boxed lunch for an additional $8. Tarara Winery; www.tarara.com. $88 per person, $78 kids ages 16-20. Reservations required
Sound Bites
May 23, 4p.m. Sound Bites will feature local musicians and food in the first indoor/outdoor event at the 9:30 Club. 18 DC and Virginia caterers and restaurants (including EatBar and Harry’s Tap Room) will participate in the fundraising event to benefit DC Central Kitchen. Restaurant tastings will begin outside at 5p.m. and the bands will kick off indoors at 6p.m. Local acts include DJ Will Eastman, US Royalty, Bluebrain, Fatback DJs, Midnight Kids, and Beautiful Swimmers. 9:30 Club, 815 V St. N.W., Washington, DC; www.930.com $30.
