✔ Pick of the Pack
Theater: ’I Love to Eat’
As more celebrated (and celebrity) chefs set their sights on the nation’s capital for new restaurants, Washingtonians no longer need to go to New York to get a decent meal. In fact, the James Beard Foundation, named after the first television chef and famed cookbook author and culinary teacher, has recognized numerous Washington, D.C., chefs and restaurants in its annual awards, which are the equivalent of the Oscars for restaurateurs. Jaleo’s Jose Andres won Outstanding Chef of the Year in 2011, while restaurants including Fiola, Little Serow, Marcel’s and Restaurant Eve, to name a few, were semifinalists this year. It’s fitting, then, that James Still’s one-man play, named after Beard’s first television show in 1946, has come to the area after debuting to rave reviews at the Indiana Repertory Theatre last year. Starring Nick Olcott as Beard, the show explores the chef’s contributions to American culinary arts — and perhaps some recipes, too. Wednesday through Nov. 4 at the Round House Theatre. 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda. 240/644-1100. Web: www.roundhousetheatre.org.
Lecture: ’The Armageddon Letters: Kennedy/Khrushchev/Castro in the Cuban Missile Crisis’
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban missile crisis, and historians James Blight and Janet Lang at the Balsillie School of International Affairs have developed an innovative way to tell the story of that frightening October. “The Armageddon Letters” is a multifaceted project that includes their new book of the same name, as well as short films, an interactive website and even graphic novels that explain the events through the eyes of the major players from Washington, Moscow and Havana and the letters they exchanged. Join the authors Friday at noon at the National Archives to learn more about their project and pick up a signed copy of the book. The presentation coincides with the National Archives’ new exhibit, “To the Brink: JFK & the Cuban Missile Crisis,” which features documents and White House recordings as well as a series of lectures and other events. Lecture and book signing at noon Friday; exhibition through Feb. 4 at the National Archives Experience, Constitution Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets Northwest. Phone: 202/357-5000. Web: www.archives.gov.
Culture: DC Wine Week
October typically is for beer lovers, with a slew of Oktoberfest events serving brews and brats throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Now, wine lovers have reason to rejoice, too, with DC Wine Week, a week of wine pairing menus, tastings and educational events at more than a dozen participating restaurants and bars. Highlights include the launch of Vinolovers — a local start-up wine subscription club personalized to your tastes — at the Dunes on Wednesday, as well as a “Twine Up” — a “Tweet Up” for social-media-savvy oenophiles — Thursday at Dupont Circle wine bar Veritas. Additionally, participants including Dickson Wine Bar on U Street Northwest, Grapeseed in Bethesda, and the Boxwood Winery tasting rooms in Reston and at the National Harbor, among many others, will host events throughout the week. Monday through Oct. 22 throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Web: www.dcwineweek.com.
Children: Disney on Ice Presents Rockin’ Ever After
Disney and Pixar’s most recent feature film, “Brave,” was praised by both princess-obsessed little girls and their parents for featuring the strong-willed Scottish princess Merida, a princess who prefers her bow and arrow to glass slippers and Prince Charmings. Now, Merida comes to life in Disney’s latest ice-skating extravaganza, “Rockin’ Ever After.” She’s joined by her friends Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel, and their trusty sidekicks from around the Magic Kingdom as they compete to be the next rock ’n’ roll superstar. Opening Wednesday at the Patriot Center, the show is sure to delight audiences of all ages with classic Disney tunes and impressive double Axels. Be on the lookout for Mickey and Minnie! Through Oct. 21 at the Patriot Center at George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Phone: 703/933-3000. Web: www.ticketmaster.com.
Fundraiser: Karaoke in the Capital
Who says we can’t all get along? Democrats, Republicans, House members, Hill staffers, the media and others will come together for a night of fun and bad singing as the American Association of Political Consultants’ Mid-Atlantic Chapter hosts its third annual “Karaoke in the Capital.” Proceeds benefit the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, which donates musical instruments to schools with underfunded music programs. Thursday at the Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. Web: https://karaokeinthecapital.com.
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