Upcoming Food Fun: Wine Riot, Fish Fry, Oktoberfest and more

Wine Riot:  Try over 250 different wines from every major country and region on the planet.

Opening Night: Friday, Oct. 21, 7-11 PM
Riot One: Saturday, Oct. 22, 1-5 PM
Riot Two: Saturday, Oct. 22, 7-11 PM
Location: Daughters of the Revolution Constitution Hall
1776 D Street Northwest, Washington, DC

Fish Fry (October 21, 7:00pm)
Steeped in tradition, the diverse origins of the Fish Fry range from Italy and the Feast of the Seven Fishes, to Prohibition-era Wisconsin, where restaurants and taverns created Fish Fry social events to replace alcohol and provide a fun, affordable activity for the whole family. Watershed is putting its own spin on the Fish Fry, keeping the neighborhood-focused, friendly atmosphere, and adding traditional Mid-Atlantic coastal dishes and beverages from DC Brau. Check out the full menu.

Bar Dupont is giving Washingtonians, beer aficionados and visitors alike another reason to strap on their lederhosen and celebrate fall by hosting a two-day Oktoberfest beer festival out on the Bar Patio from Saturday, October 22 (11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.) until Sunday, October 23 (11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.).

Women of Good Taste Style Series
Where: J and G Steakhouse Main Dining Room
When: Saturday, October 22 at 11:30 am
The summer style series continues this fall for expecting moms. J and G Steakhouse partners with Urban Chic to host "Chic While Showing, " stylish looks for expecting moms, minus the maternity clothes. Cost: Tickets are available online for $30, including a two-course brunch, fashion show and a gift bag.
 

October 28, 2011: In celebration of National Champagne Day, Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s flagship restaurant, Marcel’s, is having a $100 French Tasting featuring three specialty champagnes each paired with three extravagant hors d'oeuvres.

On October 29th from 12:30 - 3pm, BLT Steak's Executive Chef Victor Albisu will partner with Ibérico Ham importer Wagshal's Market for a cooking class experience which will provide guests with the most extensive tasting of Ibérico Ham in DC and teach several recipes which highlight the flavors of the exciting food. Check it out at BLT. 

Four-Course Fall Wine Dinner
Where: J and G Steakhouse Wine Bar (lower level of W Hotel)
When: Tuesday, November 1 and Wednesday, November 2 at 7:00 pm
Enjoy comforting fall dishes paired with wines from the France, Italy and the U.S. Each dinner seats 18 guests for an intimate experience in the cozy Wine Bar.
Cost: The menu and reservations are available online for $115 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. 
 

Food Network stars Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentiis and Guy Fieri will be joined by culinary legend Jacques Pepin at the November 5-6, 2011 Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Hours: 10 am – 6 p.m. Nov 5; 10 am – 5 pm Nov 6. Ticket prices: General Admission - $24.50 in advance; $27 at the door.

On Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in an exclusive interview for the Smithsonian Associates, Martha Stewart will discuss her influences and inspirations and the continuing evolution of American domestic culture. Stewart will also make a special presentation on entertaining in the home. The event will be held at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street N.W.

Oyster Roast (November 18, 7:00pm)
The social event of the season in South Carolina’s Lowcountry and other coastal regions, oyster roasts bring communities together to gather around a hot bonfire, keep away the chill of the late autumn and enjoy the local bounty. Watershed sources its own oysters directly from eastern Virginia’s Rappahannock River.

Thanksgiving Brunch in The Willard Room and Crystal Room: This traditional Thanksgiving feast will display a tasty array of autumnal offerings on our plentiful buffet. Children have their very own Thanksgiving Buffet and entertainment. Seatings are at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Price is $85 per adult, $35 for children ages 4 through 12, and free for children under 4. Price excludes tax and gratuity.

Bring your party to the Willard on Wednesday, December 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and enjoy dinner and dancing with an all-inclusive price of $2000, for a 10-person table. This spectacular party offering includes: a one-hour reception serving hors d’oeuvres, wine and Champagne by the glass, a three-course plated dinner including wine service, a live band and photographer for individualized portraits, all amidst the Willard’s spectacular holiday décor. Reserve your table by Friday, November 18 to receive the special pricing. Reservations may be made by calling (202) 637-7325 or via email to steele.stevenson@ihg.com. 

Goose Roast (December 16, 7:00pm)
A hearty goose roast tops the list of December’s holiday festivities. Full of old-world charm, a goose roast was the centerpiece of a Christmas Day meal in England until the Victorian era, when the turkey grew in popularity. Watershed’s wintry feast features community-farmed, regionally-sourced fowl.  

Photo by Emily Clack