Pork Barrel BBQ Launches Lunch; Hottest DC Restaurants

DEL RAY—Pork Barrel BBQ has announced that it'll finally begin serving lunch at noon tomorrow. Now you can get your barbecue fix early and often. [Twitter]

LOGAN CIRCLE—This is the 15th anniversary of Schmaltz Brewing and ChurchKey is celebrating on Saturday at 2 p.m. by pouring 15 He'Brew/ Coney Island drafts. The brewery's founder will also be there should you be interested in chatting him up. [EaterWire]

LISTICLES—Zagat has rolled out an end-of-the-year listicle reflecting on all the hottest restaurant openings in DC in 2011. Among those that Zagat feels generated the biggest buzz were, surprise, surprise, Shake Shack, ShopHouse, Graffiato, Fiola, Elisir, Hill Country and Pearl Dive Oyster Palace. They've also included both of the new ventures from Passion Food Hospitality, District Commons and Burger, Tap & Shake. [Zagat]

LISTICLES—The Washingtonian is really all over the holidays and have therefore presented you with three listicles today that might prove useful over the next couple of weeks. There's a list of restaurants where you might take out-of-town guests, another list of tips for Hanukkah and, finally, gift recommendations from chefs — such as David Guas, who apparently really would just like someone to give him some vacation time. Which is hard when you're the boss. [The Washingtonian]

LISTICLES—The Going Out Gurus have a listicle of their own that is thankfully not entirely holiday-related. On a list of best bars and restaurants to bring a big group of people, they've listed the likes of Brasserie Beck, Carmine's, Hill Country, Jaleo, Rasika, and Virtue Feed & Grain. [WaPo]

WEST END—Another Saturday afternoon activity that is perhaps a little more family-friendly than beer tastings would be the gingerbread house workshop that Ris is hosting at 11 a.m. They're providing all the materials as well as candy cane ice cream, chocolate macaroons, gingerbread cake, and hot chocolate made by pastry chef Chris Kujala. There will be some adult drinks, too, including a rum-filled apple ginger cider and house-made ginger beer. This is all a benefit for the DC Central Kitchen, so there's a $20 suggested donation for adults and $10 for children. For reservations call 202-730-2508. [EaterWire]

RIS [Photo: Laura P./Yelp]