MONDAY MARCH 5
Do you have a “week” spot for wine? Yes, it’s a weak pun, but I didn’t come up with it đ Celebrate the 50th National Wine Week at Smith & Wollensky March 5-9, 2012. To commemorate the occasion, the chain is introducing the Smith & Wollensky âPrivate Reserveâ Sauvignon Blanc, which will be available throughout the week. You can also indulge in a $50 3-course lunch menu that comes with a sampling of 10 wines. And if 3 courses is to much for you you can also get the 10 samples for $10 with the purchase of an entree. The list of wines available will change daily.
TUESDAY MARCH 6
It’s super Tuesday!!! Kimpton Hotel mixologist Rico Wisner created 5 politically charged cocktails inspired by the presidential hopefuls (my favourite: the gin-grich!!) so you can  sip on your favourite candidates during Topaz Bar’s Super Tuesday Viewing party. The Tower Oaks Lodge in Rockville, MD is hosting a different kind of viewing party, for their executive chef, Jeff Eng, who is competing in The Food Network‘s Chopped. Complementary appetizers will be served starting at 9PM and the show will be followed by a Q&A with Chef Eng.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 7
The Francophonie Festival 2012 is in full swing!! This Wednesday raise a (beer) glass to French-speaking Belgium at the Natural History Museum (7PM) for Art de Bien Manger event. I was just in Brussels a few weeks ago, and trust me, they eat well there!! 2012 is the Year of Gastronomy in Belgium and chef Paul Fourier of La Gourmandine will explain his country’s unique culinary traditions, from street food (waffles… miam miam) to croquettes and mussels and of course world renowned beers! A light reception, with Belgian treats, will follows the presentation. Tickets are $20-25. Afterwards, head to Cafe Saint Ex for a night of music from the streets of Brussels by DJ Marceleaux and Miguelito (downstairs, 9PM-2AM, free.)
THURSDAY MARCH 8
By now we’ve all heard about the HBO movie “Game Change” starring Ed Harris as John McCain and Julianne Moore as his Vice-Presidential candidate. The film debuts Saturday at 9PM and is based on a 2010 book by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann. The two political reporters will be at Newseum Friday to talk about the 2012 presidential race, the GOP primaries and of course, the HBO movie. The program, followed by a book signing, will be held in the Newseum’s Knight TV Studio from 2:30-5:30PM. The 5:30PM end time means you can rush over to the Source and catch the end of happy hour where you can select any 3 food items from the lounge menu for just $20.12. Oh, it’s also National Meatball day! Book a table for 6 people or more at Carmine’s, mention “meatballs,” and get free orders of, you’ve guessed it, meatballs. If you’re like me though and can’t eat meat on Friday for another few weeks, don’t worry. The deal is good all week through March 11th.
SATURDAY MARCH 10
Vamos United! It’s D.C. United‘s Home Opener (vs Sporking KC) today at RFK Stadium (7:30PM, tickets here). Also in sports, don’t miss the 6 Nations Rugby tournament at Fado’s. Italy faces Wales at 9:30AM. I normally would be all boooo Italy, but they do have a French coach now so I guess (not too loud) Forza Italia! Not that they have a chance, the Welsh team has been impressive so far. Ireland faces Scotland at 12PM ($20 cover). If sport isn’t your thing, htere are a couple of other great options. Les Dames d’Escoffier are hosting Sara Moulton for their annual salute to women in gastronomy. The all-day event (8:30AM-5:45PM) at the Universities at Shady Grove features more than 40 speakers in 16 different sessions with hands-on cooking classes and a festival of desserts…. which I must confess sounds awesome. Finally, it’s pay-what-you-can for the 2PM performance of Les Justes at Artisphere. You can catch the play full price ($25-35) at 7:30PM or 2PM on Sunday, March 11th.
SUNDAY MARCH 11
France faces England at the 6 nations Rugby Tournament. Come cheer “Les Bleus” live at 11AM ($20 cover) at Fado’s. Â You can cheer for England too, of course, but I don’t want to hear about it đ
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