From Super Bowl festivities to chili cook-offs, February is packed from end to end. Here are some of the month’s best bets:
Super Bowl Party at Murphy’s, Feb. 4
Whether you’re there for the game, the commercials, or the halftime show, pull up a stool and settle in for Super Bowl LII at Old Town’s venerable Irish pub. While the New England Patriots play the Philadelphia Eagles, you can feast on Sam Adams drink specials and Murphy’s Super Bowl party menu filled with football favorites. 6:30 p.m. 713 King St.
Microgreens Lecture and DIY Class at Barrett Branch Library, Feb. 5
What are microgreens, and how can you use them? The Virginia Cooperative Extension – Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia hosts a talk and hands-on workshop focusing on the benefits of microgreens and how to grow them. Get ready to get your hands dirty and learn some new culinary skills. 7-8 p.m. 717 Queen St. Free, but registration requested at mgnv.org.
Captain Gregory’s Drag Dinner, Feb. 6
Ring in Mardi Gras in style with a two-course dinner and drinks while you take in a “Salute to Divas” drag show at Captain Gregory’s. The popular Shi-Queeta-Lee will preside over the proceedings, which will pay tribute to the likes of Tina Turner, Beyonce, Adele and Amy Winehouse. Two seatings at 6:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. 804 N. Henry St. $85.
Del Ray Citizens Association Chili Cook-off, Feb. 10
It’s definitely still chili season, and what better way to enjoy it than with a multiple of varieties, each one serving as the entrant’s best? Taste as many chili styles as there are competitors at the DRCA Chili Cook-off – and wash it all down with some beer. May the best chili chef win. 5-7:30 p.m. Commonwealth Academy Gymnasium, 1321 Leslie Ave. Free for members; $10 for non-members.
Metro Red Release Party at Port City Brewing, Feb. 16
Port City is bringing back its popular double red ale a bit early this year due to an ahead-of-schedule shipment of Citra and Amarillo hops. But its calendar shift is beer lovers’ gain. This annual favorite is that way for a reason, teeming with citrusy flavors bubbling just under a bitter veneer. Metro Red will be offered up on tap and in six-packs; pick up a meal from the Borinquen Lunch Box food truck to complete the experience. 3-11 p.m. 3950 Wheeler Ave.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.