Restaurateur Mike Isabella’s First Beer is Here, Plus More Intel

Brand builder Mike Isabella is unveiling the new beer he created with 3 Stars Brewing Company on Wednesday, September 13 at a keg tapping party hosted by his flagship restaurant, Graffiato. The specialty Saison, which is flavored with coriander, is scheduled to begin flowing at 5 p.m.; the first 50 guests will get one free draft.

The beer will be available at all of Isabella’s D.C. restaurants on Thursday, and is expected to migrate to his outlying properties — including the forthcoming Isabella Eatery — in the coming months.

Ch-Ch-Changes

Washingtonian reports that Trump lawsuit litigant Cork Wine Bar is moving its standalone restaurant into the neighboring wine shop it also owns next month, rebranding the new all-in-one operation as Cork Wine Bar and Market. Major updates include a 30-seat outdoor patio, and on-site wine making. [Washingtonian]

Art beat

Several local food trucks and regional producers are expected to cater to those attending the multi-sensory Opus 1 event at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Saturday, October 7. Contributors include: Fluffness (glow-in-the-dark cotton candy), Ice Cream Jubilee (custom ice cream flavor), Big Cheese, The Jolly Pig, Pablo’s Toc Os, People’s Bao, The Stackery, and Swizzler.

Coming Attractions

ARLnow reports on Shaw-based Chercher’s expansion into Northern Virginia. Construction could begin any day now at the Ethiopian eatery’s new spot in the Courthouse area; the goal is to open this winter. [ARLnow]