Events/Things To Do

The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (www.goldentriangledc.com) will host Chef Kazuhiro “Kaz” Okochi, the head chef at the award-winning KAZ Sushi Bistro at 1915 I Street NW, for an outdoor cooking demonstration, Fri., Sept. 16, from Noon–2 p.m., during Farragut Fridays at Farragut Square Park (at the intersection of K St. and Connecticut Ave. NW). Attendees will learn from Chef Kaz as he prepares a twist on okonomiyaki – a popular Japanese dish, sometimes referred to as “Japanese pizza.”

Okonomiyaki, which is more like a crepe than a pizza, is made from a rich savory cabbage pancake in an egg and flour batter with pork belly, red ginger, smoky dried bonito flakes, Japanese mayonnaise, and a special sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Samples will be available on a first come, first served basis.

The chef demonstration is part of Farragut Fridays, a weekly outdoor activation of one of the city’s most well-known national parks, which draws more than 39,000 visitors over the summer. Throughout the day, the Golden Triangle BID invites people to use the free Wi-Fi at Outdoor Office and enjoy a variety of pop-up events including adoptable puppies, scavenger hunts and music during lunch. The programming serves as an additional amenity for workers and tourists, as it’s occurring a block from the White House. The complete schedule of activities can be found at goldentriangledc.com/farragutfridays.

“Just one month before the release of Washington, D.C.’s first Michelin Guide, the city’s attention is sure to be on the food scene. These chef demonstrations will give everyone a taste of the creativity and vibrancy of our neighborhood and the more than 32 restaurants here,” says Leona Agouridis, executive director, Golden Triangle BID. “The fact that Michelin decided to bring on of the new guides here doesn’t surprise me. With the diversity and stature of our region, Washington offers unique dining options for workers, tourists, and residents.”

The Old Town Boutique District today announced the dates for their signature Fall event that encourage shoppers to stroll, shop, find and win fabulous prizes. The Old Town Boutique District Shop & Stroll event will take placeSeptember 22-25 (Thurs-Sun) throughout the streets of Old Town.
Shop & Stroll is a four-day event that invites customers to shop and explore the districts 30 boutiques. Participants who visit all the boutiques and collect stamps at each location will be entered to win a gift package and shopping spree worth more than $1,000.  Additionally, participants who purchase the limited edition event bag ($20) will receive discounts from each boutique. Participants present the tote at all Boutique District shops for a discount on their purchase and a free gift. In addition, shoppers that purchase the bag will be entered to win “Spotted in the Boutique District” prizes during the event as well as a chance to win the Golden Ticket Prize. One lucky winner will find a Golden Ticket in his or her event bag to receive a one-time 50% off coupon good at participating stores on full-priced merchandise only. Shoppers can purchase the bags online and at designated Old Town locations (see website for details).

Those who like to socially share their Shop & Stroll experience are encouraged to post their pictures on Instagram, tag the Old Town Boutique District and use the hashtag #OldTownStroll for a chance to win a $100 gift card of an Old Town Boutique District shop of their choice.

Shoppers can pre-register for the Shop & Stroll event at OldTownStroll.com beginning Thursday, September 8. Shoppers can return their completed stamp cards to their favorite boutique to be eligible for the Grand Prize $1,000 shopping spree (2^nd Place is a $500 shopping spree). Customers who do not pre-register may download the stamp card via the event website.

EVENT DETAILS
What:  Old Town Boutique District Fall Shop & Stroll Event

When: Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun – September 22-25, 2016 (rain or shine)
Where:  Old Town Boutique District
Time:  Hours vary by retailer, visit website for info
Website: www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com or http://www.oldtownstroll.com/

Instagram/Twitter: @OTBoutiques  Hashtag: #OldTownStroll
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldTownBoutiqueDistrict

Washington National Opera (WNO) celebrates the return of free opera simulcasts to Nationals Park with title sponsor Mars, Incorporated with the M&M’S Opera in the Outfield performance of Mozart’s classic romantic comedy The Marriage of Figaro on Saturday, September 24, 2016. Gates open at 5 p.m. for “pregame” activities, and the opera will be broadcast live from the Kennedy Center Opera House to the high-definition NatsHD scoreboard at the ballpark at 7 p.m. Free seating will be available in the stands, while access to the outfield grass will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis when gates open at 5 p.m.

The Marriage of Figaro tells an upstairs/downstairs story of love, lust, seduction, infidelity, and ultimately, forgiveness, all set to some of the most sublime and memorable music ever written. The vibrant production, adapted from The Glimmerglass Festival, is directed by Peter Kazaras, whose La bohème was a hit of WNO’s 2014–2015 season. The opera is performed in Italian with English captions, making it easy to follow along with the story and music.

M&M’S Opera in the Outfield will take place rain or shine—in case of inclement weather, some covered seating is available. Regular concessions will be available throughout the ballpark.

More information about the free M&M’S Opera in the Outfield simulcast of The Marriage of Figaro at Nationals Park is available atOperaintheOutfield.org. A full press release is attached.

Play ball! Or Play Mozart!

Culinary Council Chef Marcus Samuelsson is coming to Macy’s Metro Center Wednesday, October 26^th at 5:30pm.  Join Chef Samuelsson for an evening of food, fun, and music – all in celebration of his new cookbook, The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem!

Samuelsson will share stories and secrets on how to prepare some of his favorite award-winning dishes from his latest book.  There will be Harlem-inspired food and entertainment from W.A.F.F.L.E. (We Are Family For Life Entertainment), an internationally recognized dance group that performs a new hip-hop style and The Rakiem Walker Project, performing their signature style of music- a mix of blues, jazz, hip-hop, and Latin.

RSVP here to receive a $10 Macy’s gift card upon arrival.  Plus, with any purchase of $35 or more in the Home department, guests will receive a copy of The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem, which chef Samuelsson will sign.

The Columbia Heights Initiative will host its first annual Columbia Heights Night on Friday, December 2^nd 2016 from 7pm to Midnight. The inaugural event will celebrate the neighborhood’s diverse businesses and residents, as well as raise money for initiatives that greater enhance and promote commerce within Columbia Heights.

Highlights throughout Columbia Heights Night include ‘A Taste of Columbia Heights’, which will feature a bevy of popular cuisines from some of the corridor’s most beloved restaurants and food vendors. Seasonal cocktails will flow and the dancing will commence with live entertainment and music featuring The Harry Bells. A silent auction loaded with tailored gifts, spa treatments, dining destinations, and more will also be held during the evening. The annual Columbia Heights Tree Lighting Extravaganza will be held the following day, Saturday, December 3^rd, 2016 at 6:30pm in the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza.

Tickets for the evening are $75 and are 100% tax deductible.  A ticket gains access to the event, four (4) drink tickets, an amazing dinner buffet served up by some of Columbia Heights’ best restaurants, silent auction access, and a swag bag full of goodies.

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/columbia-heights-night-tickets-28345969558

The Columbia Heights/Mount Pleasant Main Street will join eleven other DC Main Streets programs that have been accredited through DC Main Streets and the National Main Street Center, Inc. As a DC Main Street designee, Columbia Heights Initiative will implement programs and services to support the growth and development of neighborhood businesses and the revitalization of the commercial corridors of Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant.

When: December 2, 2016

7pm-Midnight

Where: All Souls Unitarian Church, Pierce Hall

1500 Harvard Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

What: Official Main Streets Award Announcement, a “Taste of Columbia Heights,” Silent Auction, Live Entertainment.

Who:  One Eight Distilling, El Buho Mezcal. Acre 121, Lou’s City Bar, Maple, &Pizza, El Tio, El Chucho. Kangaroo Boxing Club, The Heights, Chick Fil-A, Chipotle, The Coup, The Harry Bells, Columbia Heights Initiative

The Columbia Heights Initiative will host its first annual Columbia Heights Night on Friday, December 2^nd 2016 from 7pm to Midnight. The inaugural event will celebrate the neighborhood’s diverse businesses and residents, as well as raise money for initiatives that greater enhance and promote commerce within Columbia Heights. Expect a festive evening of food, dancing, live music and entertainment for one of DC’s oldest and most popular neighborhoods.

Columbia Heights Night follows the decade-long success of The Columbia Heights Initiative’s signature event: Columbia Heights Day. Columbia Heights Day draws tens of thousands of DMV residents to the community, while shining a light on local businesses and services. Much like Columbia Heights Day, Columbia Heights Night invites the entire region to explore the best of the neighborhood in one venue, on one evening.

“We’re here to celebrate our incredible partners, residents, businesses, board members, and the many volunteers who help make it all possible. We’ll be raising a glass to some of this past year’s achievements, which include implementing community clean-ups, monthly networking events, and growing the overall support and voice of our local businesses.” Says Brianne Dornbush, Executive Director of the Columbia Heights Initiative.  “With the success of Columbia Heights Day, our goal is to use Columbia Heights Night as an opportunity to once again brings our neighborhood together to join us as we cast a vision for the future of our organization and the neighborhood of Columbia Heights.”

Highlights throughout Columbia Heights Night include ‘A Taste of Columbia Heights’, which will feature a bevy of popular cuisines from some of the corridor’s most beloved restaurants and food vendors. Cocktails will flow and the dancing will commence with live entertainment and music featuring The Harry Bells. A silent auction loaded with tailored gifts, spa treatments, dining destinations, and more will also be held during the evening. The annual Columbia Heights Tree Lighting Extravaganza will be held the following day, Saturday, December 3^rd, 2016 at 6:30pm in the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza.

Tickets for the evening are $75 and are 100% tax deductible.  A ticket gains access to the event, four (4) drink tickets, an amazing dinner buffet served up by some of Columbia Heights’ best restaurants, silent auction access, and a swag bag full of goodies.

Guests can register and purchase tickets for Columbia Heights Night via  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/columbia-heights-night-tickets-28345969558

WHAT: Little Chefs’ Pizza Making Class  

WHO: James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Jeff Michaud and his daughter, Gaia

WHEN: December 4^th @ 2:00pm

WHERE: Pizzeria Vetri D.C.

HOW: Call (202) 794-9057 or visit the website to reserve seats; tickets are $50/ guardian and child, additional attendees are $25

The longest running annual designer warehouse sale today announced the date for its once a year winter event. Deemed in the region as the “Super Bowl of Shopping Event” (always occurring the Saturday of Super Bowl weekend), the 12^th Annual Alexandria Warehouse Sale is set for Saturday, February 4^th in Alexandria. Due to the growing popularity of the sale, last year’s event had to expand and move to a new location at the Westin Alexandria and will be held again at the hotel located in the Carlyle District of Old Town Alexandria. The fun, yet casual, free to enter event will include a variety of new boutiques and retailers not only located in Alexandria, but throughout the Metro region. Over the past several years, the sale has averaged approximately 1,000 shoppers throughout the day.

Deal seekers will find the very best from Alexandria’s and the regions finest retailers and indie brands with various brands of clothing, shoes, jewelry, home furnishings and more up to 80 percent off retail prices. Experienced sale shoppers line up early in the morning hours to get first grabs at top label merchandise, and throughout the day the sale has a steady pace of shoppers. Folks that decide to wait until the last few hours of the sale can score even more markdown deals with merchants looking to move seasonal merchandise.

Participating merchants include (as of January 5^th):

Clothing

Beau and Ro

Brit Ryan

CCH Collection

Duchess M

Ellsworth and Ivey

Gossypia

J McLaughlin
Kiki Lynn

Lettie Gooch

Lululemon

Lynn Louisa

Periwinkle

Sara Campbell

Sherman Pickey

Shop Refine

Stifel & Carpe Vintage

The Hive

TSALT

Wrabyn

Home & Culinary

Coco Blanca

Olio Tasting Room

Stuart Nordin

Jewelry & Accessories

Eye to Eye

Queen Bee

Mystique Jewelers

Top It Off Accessories

She’s Unique

Kids

Bambeeno Cashmere

Little Birdie

Shoes

Bishop Boutique

Eight Royale

The Shoe Hive

The event is also giving away early entry into the Warehouse Sale to four lucky shoppers. Visit www.AlexandriaWarehouseSale.com or Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ALXWarehouse for details.

Shoppers can enjoy ample street parking and $5 garage parking at select garages surrounding the Westin Alexandria (visit website for location details). The Westin will also offer a shuttle the King Street Metro starting at 7 a.m.

EVENT DETAILS
What:  12^th Annual Alexandria Warehouse Sale
Presented by:  Old Town Boutique District
When: Saturday, February 4, 2017
Where:  The Westin Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA (located in the Carlyle District of Old Town Alexandria)
(Ample Street & Garage Parking. There will also be a free shuttle from the King Street Metro)
Time:  9AM-4PM
Admission: Free
Website:  www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com or www.AlexandriaWarehouseSale.com
Twitter:  @OTBoutiques