If you’ve never had paella – a Valencian rice dish traditionally cooked in a huge skillet — you might not know what you’ve been missing. Happily, all of José Andres’ Spanish tapas Jaleo locations are throwing a two-week celebration of the feast, complete with a duo of cocktails to go along.

The fun starts with a kickoff celebration on Monday, September 17 at Jaleo Crystal City. Chef Ramón Martínez will welcome master of paella, chef Rafael Vidal of Restaurante Levante in Benisanó, Spain, the birthplace of the dish, and the two will offer samples from a giant paella from 6–8 PM. This event is free, but RSVP is required (rsvp@jaleo.com).

After that, for the following two weeks, there will be rotating paella specials available at all three Jaleo outposts, priced between $45–$65 and designed to serve 4–6 people each. Also on offer will be two special cocktails: the Gold Standard, made with saffron-infused gin, and the Cracked Nut Primed, made with horchata and Spanish brandy ($12 each).

If you want to learn how to prepare paella yourself, check to see if there are any spots left in one of two classes with Martinez — the first is noon–2 PM, Wednesday, September 19 and the second is at the same time on Wednesday, September 26. Classes are $25 each, held at Jaleo Bethesda and include lunch. Reservations can be made by calling 301-913-0003.

Event Date: 09/17,09/30
Event Time:
Location: Jaleo
Price: Varies
Type: Food,Spirits,Wine
Website: www.jaleo.com/index.php/about/calendar/10th-annual-paella-festival-september-17-september-30