Weekend Picks, 3/8-3/11

Thursday, March 8

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Tasting

What: Wine tasting and a selection of canapés
Where: Agora (1527 17th St. NW)
When:  7–8:30 PM, Thursday, March 8
Price: $45

This 17th Street spot is best known for its Mediterranean cuisine, but on this night it embraces another temperate region: Paso Robles, California. Sample wines from JUSTIN Vineyards, a family-owned winery in the golden state and the first in the area to produce a Bordeaux- style blend. Agora executive chef Ghassan Jarrouj is preparing a selection of light bites to pair with the night’s varietals (Sauvignon-Blanc, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Justin Winery Justification), all vintage 2009.


Friday, March 9

Late Night Happy Hour

What: Specialty martinis and bottles of Prosecco on the cheap
Where: Ping Pong Dim Sum (900 7th St. NW)
When: 10 PM–close, Friday, March 9
Price: PAYG

Happy hour isn’t just for evenings during the work week – get your pumped up kicks tonight in the form of $20 bottles of Prosecco and $7 specialty martinis, such as the crowd-pleasing lavendar margarita. At $4 a pop, you can afford to top the night off with a happy hour desert or three, too.


Saturday, March 10

Starr Hill Beer Dinner

What: Four-course dinner with Starr Hill Brewery
Where: Bread & Brew (1247 20th St. NW)
When: Saturday, March 10, 7 PM
Price: $50

It may not be St. Paddy’s Day yet, but you can get in the spirit now with a local twist. Chef Christopher Carey will whip up a four-course feast inspired by Ireland, all made with local ingredients (think Trickling Springs and Tuscarora Farms) to pair with brews from Virginia-based Starr Hill Brewery. A Starr Hill brewmaster will be on hand to lead the pairings each step of the way.


Sunday, March 11

Champagne Buffet Brunch

What: Unlimited Champagne, mimosas and Bloody Marys
Where: Beacon Bar and Grill (1615 Rhode Island Ave. NW)
When: Sunday, March 11, 11 AM -- 3 PM
Price: $32.95

If you’ve never been to this 17th Street hotel bar for brunch, you’re missing out on a D.C. drinking tradition. Reserve your spot in the sunny bar or well-appointed dining room for bottomless bubbly, mimosas and bloodies, then soak it up with a smorgasbord of brunch fare, including waffles, omelets, steak and all manner of pastry.