Grape Festival at Zaytinya last through Sunday, Nov. 27.

Last Chance Weekend: Zaytinya Grape Festival

My “taste” of the Grape Festival at Zaytinya begins with a heavy dose of larger-than-life celebrity chef José Andrés himself, who mans the entrance to a private area that has been cordoned off to showcase the special dishes and cocktails centered on the grape. 

Of course, wine, in abundance, flows. 

Andrés smiles broadly and greets me with a hearty, “¡Hola, guapa!” (“Welcome, dear!”). I normally don’t like it when anyone under the age of 92 calls me dear. But on this night, I’m late, and I appreciate his warm, Spanish bievenida.

Live for the Day of the Dead at Oyamel

Through Nov. 2, Oyamel’s Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, menu is heavy on carbs—of course!—to replicate the complex and nearly divine dishes and beverages inspired by the state of Michoacán. Monarch butterflies migrate to the area, which is also where you’ll find Pátzcuaro, the city with the most elaborate Día de los Muertos celebration—a fusion of indigenous religious and Catholic European traditions.

Courtesy of the Phillips Collection

Enjoy your own Renoir-esque luncheon at Sofitel.

How the French Lunch

When I look at the Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, I can’t help but think of carefree weekend afternoons with friends conversing over hours of poured wine and endless plates of charcuterie and cheeses.

Oyamel's executive chef Joe Raffa

Oyamel: I'm Still in Love

Whenever a cloud drifts over my day, it’s good to know there are places like Oyamel—a culinary refuge where most everything is magnificent.

Not traveling south of the border anytime soon? That’s OK, because if you’re in DC and venture to Oyamel (oyamel.com), made magical by executive chef Joe Raffa, you’ll feel damn close.

Jaleo's Paella Festival, with iconic guest chef Rafael Vidal, runs through Aug. 1. 

Summer Bliss: Paella Fest at Jaleo

My summer culinary calendar revolves around a single event: Jaleo's Annual Paella Festival (July 18-Aug. 1). All right, maybe that’s a stretch—but this is serious business for me.

Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre's "Brunch Without Borders" runs throughout the summer.

Brunch Without Borders at Cuba Libre

Fidel, eat your heart out. We are enjoying the tastes of Cuba right here in the nation’s capital—especially during this summer’s Brunch Without Borders at Cuba Libre, located at the corner of 9th and H St NW. It’s big, imposing—with a touch of “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Darko Zagar

Shrimp and grits at Watershed from Chef of the Year winner Todd Gray.

And the RAMMY Winners Are...

I knew the Marriott Wardman Park's ballroom would be filled with peacocks in the form of D.C. area's hottest chefs each trying to look cool and gracious, yet eager to edge out the competition. So I decided to stand out and wear an orange silk sheath dress.

I click-click-clicked in my gold strappy sandals into this Washington gem—one of the classic hotels that can hold and entertain the more than 1,600 guests who celebrated the 2011 RAMMY Awards sponsored by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington.

Shish Tavuk (grilled chicken breast served on pita) at Agora.

Agora: 1 Year and Still Delicious

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whizzed by Agora, located in the heart of D.C. on 17th Street where fresh-faced college summer interns and head-turning women meet and greet outside the Safeway, bars and a yoga studio. What I’ve been missing in the one year since the opening of a restaurant named after a Greek word that means "gathering place."

Greek, Turkish and Lebanese aromas and flavors mingle inside and, now that it’s warm, on the outdoor patio.  

Andrew Lightman

Chef Mike Sindoni showcases lots of fish on his spring menu. 

Spring Menu at Againn Features Amazing Cakes

One major sign that spring has finally settled in: D.C. restaurants are lining outdoor patios with tables and chairs, and unveiling menus that feature the best of what the season has to offer.

Darko Zagar

Chef Michael Costa at Zaytinya

Get Me to the Greek Eats

I now adore Greek Easter…and food is the culprit.

Last week, I checked out ever-hip Zaytinya, as its culinary team unveiled a Greek Easter menu that tempts and fulfills the senses.

Head chef Michael Costa created the menus for the restaurant's Third Annual Greek Easter festival.