Greg Engert's Beer Academy; Lot 38 Opens in Southeast

BALLSTON—So, this is probably going to be neat: the Neighborhood Restaurant Group's expert beer director Greg Engert is launching a Beer Academy in 2012 that involves two-hour-long classes held once a month at Rustico, all discussing various beer-related topics. It gets underway on January 21 with a class titled, "Tasting Craft Beer: Examining the Flavor Spectrum across the History of Beer." Class passes are $24 per person, though there are also packages available for would-be students who would like to enroll for three, six, nine or 12 months at a time. For reservations, call 571-384-1820. [EaterWire]

OPENING REPORT—According to a Don Rockwell thread, a new independent coffeehouse by the name of Lot 38 has opened up in Southeast DC serving Illy coffee. It appears that yesterday was a soft opening in which they gave out free drinks and today was the real opening. The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District notes that the coffee shop will also have sandwiches and pastries as well as Wi-Fi access. [Don Rockwell]

CLARENDON—The forthcoming location of Florida's fast-casual Mexican chain Lime Fresh will be opening in Clarendon in January, according to a release. Though there doesn't seem to be an exact date announced yet, the Lime Fresh will be located on Wilson Boulevard near the Market Common. It will also have a salsa bar and 50 kinds of hot sauce for its tacos, quesadillas, burritos, fajitas and more. [EaterWire]

DUPONT CIRCLE—Borderstan reports that Pizzeria Paradiso's Dupont Circle location has unveiled a special Christmas beer list. [Borderstan]

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS—PETA has named vegan bakery Sticky Fingers as a finalist for its Libby Awards that "honor animal-friendly people and products." Winners will be announced in January, according to the City Paper. [WCP]

Lot 38 [Photo: Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District]