Crack Open Cool New Wines on H Street

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November 3, 2017

ALEXANDRIA--Neighborhood restaurant Vermilion had a secretive star in for dinner this week. On October 31, Maynard Keenan — the front man for bands including A Perfect Circle and Tool — consumed cavatelli and cocktails with friends and wine reps. The rocker owns Caduceus Cellars in Arizona and part of his tour stop at Eagle Bank Arena included a private pre-show tasting.

ATLAS DISTRICT—Maryland’s Old Westminster Winery is about to release three new estate-grown canned wines from its 2017 vintage. Only 100 cases of each — a pinot gris, chardonnay, and cabernet franc — will be sold at stores and restaurants. Its worldwide debut is slated for Wednesday, November 8, at Dio Wine Bar (904 H Street NE) from 5 p.m. to close. Each 375-ml. can — the equivalent of half a regular bottle — retails for $10.99.

DOWNTOWN—At last night’s annual Knock Out Abuse gala at The Ritz-Carlton (Eater DC parent company Vox was a sponsor), a hospitality-centric package conjured big bids during the live auction. The “Ultimate Girls’ Night Out” bundle for 10 went for a whopping $6,100 and includes SoulCycle classes, lunch at the new Nobu, and a double magnum of Perrier Jouet to pregame for the grand finale: dinner at new Wharf restaurant, Del Mar.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Chain eatery Zoës Kitchen just launched a Mediterranean sweepstakes promo, offering one lucky winner and a guest a five-night dream vacation to Athens, Greece and Rome, Italy. Enter here or by joining its new loyalty program.

SOUTH BEACH—Escape to Miami for a cause this month at Taste of SBE, featuring a gamut of seaside events to benefit José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen. He’ll join fellow two-starred Michelin chef Dani Garcia (Bibo and Lobito de Mar) Wednesday, November 15, at SLS Brickell’s Bazaar Mar by José Andrés. Scroll a full schedule and ticket information here.

October 30, 2017

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Beefsteak’s fall menu has arrived and it includes four new bowls packed with seasonal greens and root veggies, like napa cabbage, kohlrabi, lollo rosa lettuce, and butternut squash. The new Hokey Beet Poke ($7.99) is a twist on the poké bowl, with ginger marinated beets. And the Oh My Squash soup just made a comeback.

DOWNTOWN—BLT Steak’s newly minted executive chef, Michael Bonk, beat three other competitors on Food Network’s Chopped. On Tuesday, October 31, watch his win at a viewing party as it airs (8 p.m.). He’ll recreate his winning first course dish, with PEI mussels, spam musubi, maitake mushrooms, congee broth, shallots, and fresh herbs. 1601 Eye Street NW

LOGAN CIRCLE—The Bird just laid a throwback Adult Swim celebration, hosted by Erin Mara of the late 1990s Adams Morgan hot spot Pearl Restaurant & Lounge. Every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., starting this week, guests can find discounted drinks and free passed bites. And sister spot Commissary is having an Acid Trip on Wednesday, November 1 in honor of National Vinegar Day, complete with white balsamic ice cream, salt and vinegar potato chips, and a balsamic bloody mary.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Need inspiration for last-minute Halloween plans? Eater DC just updated its growing guide, which includes everything from an urban pumpkin patch at Halfsmoke on U Street to a spooky social media contest at Ladurée in Georgetown.