A fête of a French chef, a showcase of Virginia’s spirits, stinky cheese and Valentine’s Day — there’s a lot going on around the city throughout February. Here are some events to make special note of.
Stinky Cheese Class at Cheesetique, Feb. 10
What makes some cheese so…aromatic? How can you choose which cheese for which party? And what on Earth is a “washed-rind” cheese? These age-old questions and more will be addressed at Cheesetique’s Stinky Cheese Class. Guests will taste – and smell – eight cheeses and learn what makes them tick. Cheesetique Del Ray General Manager Scott Freestone will lead the class on a tour of odoriferous cheeses – and two wine pairings, too. 2411 Mount Vernon Ave. 6-7:30 p.m. $55.
“A Tribute to Chef Paul Bocuse” at Brabo, Feb. 11
On the heels of “Merci, Chef: A Tribute to Chef Paul Bocuse” in New York City on Jan. 22, the five French chefs (including Brabo’s Sebastien Rondier) who celebrated Bocuse last month have brought the festivities to Old Town’s Brabo to honor the chef’s birthday with another rendition. From cocktail reception to six-course dinner, the evening is poised to be a revelry-filled event that’s a replica of the dinner menu from the January event at the James Beard House. 1600 King St. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $150.
Valentine’s Day dinner, Feb. 14
As per tradition, restaurants the city over are offering Valentine’s Day specials for Alexandria’s romantics. From Café 44 to Vola’s Dockside Grill, from Lena’s to Brabo, there are plenty of special menus for you and your sweetheart on the big day. Scope out the options – it’s a pretty sure bet your favorite “special place” will have something going on – and make a reservation lest you’re left out in the cold.
Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow at Building Momentum Co-Op Space, Feb. 23
Get ready to toast to Virginia’s best spirits at an event celebrating the diversity of distilleries within the Commonwealth. From just down the road at Mount Vernon’s distillery to as far afield as Chesapeake Bay Distillery in Virginia Beach, nearly a dozen purveyors will be present for the afternoon. Guests can taste the various spirits neat or can give them a try within craft cocktails created for the event. 5380 Eisenhower Ave. Suite C. Noon-5 p.m. $50 for two tickets; $30 for one.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.