Fiola Opening Friday; Flores Captures ARTINI 2011 Award

PENN QUARTER—Last week we reported that Fabio Trabocchi's Fiola was slated to open April 11, but apparently things are ahead of schedule. The general public can start making reservations for the soft launch this Friday — and expect a 10-percent discount on the entire bill until April 16 while the restaurant is fine-tuning. [WaPo]

AWARDS SEASON—Congrats go out today to Art & Soul's Ronald Flores who took home the critics' choice award at ARTINI 2011. Flores competed against mixologists the likes of Cafe Atlantico's Owen Thomson and Tabard Inn's Chantal Tseng in the Corcoran Gallery of Art benefit. The winning cocktail? Gentleman Jack, mezcal, yuzu-agave syrup, rhubarb bitters and vanilla cola — with a beef jerky swizzle stick. It was inspired by William Christenberry's Coleman's Cafe sculpture. [EaterWire]

CHEF SHUFFLES—Pastry chef Heather Roth is headed back to school as L'Academie de Cuisine's admissions director. The former Top Chef: Just Desserts contestant and Hook pastry chef tells the Washington Post that she's seeking some balance after a roller coaster year. [WaPo]

Fiola [Photo: Amy McKeever/Eater.com]