Pay Tribute to Michael Birchenall This Weekend, Plus More Intel

Friends and family are hosting a memorial Saturday afternoon for the late Michael Birchenall, founder of Foodservice Monthly and an all-around cheerleader for the local dining scene. Event organizers encourage attendees to “bring photos and stories” to the “celebration of life”, which is scheduled to take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Tony & Joe’s Seafood Restaurant (8000 K St. NW). Guests have been asked to RSVP before the end of today.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the parties behind Birchenall’s memorial.

SWAG

As part of its opening week festivities, the new Baba in Arlington, Va., is doling out freebies. The giveaways include gratis La Colombe coffee drinks from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; extended happy hour (think: $5 food, beer and house wine specials, and $6 cocktails) from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and an invitation to experience late-night with DJ Marino on Friday and Saturday (RSVP required by Thursday.)

Reopening Report

A planned renovation has gone on longer than expected at Tysons Biergarten. Management had originally intended to handle some housekeeping issues and be back in business by February, but now tells Eater the beer hall is unlikely to resume service before April. “We are adding a new sprinkler system and changing a few things with the basement,” was all managing partner Matt Rofougaran would say about the ongoing work.