José Andrés to Talk Food Safety; Lincoln's RNC Dinner

ANDRES WIRE—Speaking of Halloween-related José Andrés events, tomorrow night the Spanish chef is going to be at the National Archives for a very spooky panel discussion titled "Food Frights! Food Safety Then and Now." OK maybe not so spooky, but Meet the Press host David Gregory will serve as moderator and there will be some other wonkier panelists on hand to talk food safety. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the discussion in the William G. McGowan Theater. [EaterWire]

MCPHERSON SQUARE—Since of course you're curious what Michele Bachmann and other powerful Republicans eat at their fancy dinners, Lincoln reports that they served butternut squash soup, steak tartare, root beer braised short ribs, Atlantic halibut, chocolate espresso cake and apple crisp to a group of people who have made $15,000 (and upwards) donations to the Republican National Committee. [EaterWire]

WEST END—Word to the wise is that Friday is National Champagne Day. Marcel's is celebrating the made-up holiday with a special tasting. Robert Wiedmaier's flagship restaurant is picking three champagnes from its substantial list that will be paired with hors d'oeuvres such as quail egg on toasted brioche and kumamoto oysters with champagne mignonette. The full tasting will set you back $100, but you can nix the appetizers and get a tasting at the bar instead for $29. Call ahead to RSVP at 202-296-1166. [EaterWire]

CHINATOWN—Another Champagne Day option is Proof, which is offering a selection of champagnes by the glass on Friday. The options range in price from $10 to the $60 a glass Salon Le Mesnil, which is evidently Salon's 36th vintage of Le Mesnil released in the last 100 years. [EaterWire]