From Cinco de Mayo to beer yoga, May is a jam-packed month of activities for diners of all stripes. Here are a few of the city’s best bets.
Springtime in Paris Restaurant Week at Bastille, May 1-6
With a rash of 70- and 80-degree temperatures of late, springtime weather may finally be upon Alexandria. And though there’s no Eiffel Tower as a backdrop (will the Masonic Memorial suffice?), Bastille invites you to take a seat on the patio and pretend you’re in Paris. Partake of a three-course lunch or dinner for a sensible price while soaking up the sun (or moon). 606 N. Fayette St. $25 for lunch, $35 for dinner. Reservations recommended.
First Friday Taste of Cinco de Mayo at Durant Arts Center, May 4
Kick off the weekend’s Cinco de Mayo festivities a day early at the Durant Center. Mexican culture will be on display through music, dance and, of course, food. Grab some grub from the likes of Los Tios, El Paso, Los Toltecos, Taqueria Poblano and more while you take in a folklore performance and lots of live music. 1605 Cameron St. 6-9 p.m. $9.
Chocolate and Wine Tasting at Carlyle House, May 5
Sweeten up your Cinco de Mayo with a pairing of two of life’s great vices. Woodbridge’s Potomac Chocolate Company will match up their wares with suitable wines for a delicious way to celebrate a Saturday evening. Breathe in the fresh air on the historic house’s Magnolia Terrace while you sip and nibble on sweets and savory snacks. 121 N. Fairfax St. 6:30-9 p.m. $40; registration required.
Beer and Yoga Fundraiser at Port City Brewing, May 19
Port City has joined forces with VETOGA, a nonprofit offering yoga, meditation and healing arts classes for military veterans, to sponsor a fundraiser for the group’s teacher training program. Admission to the event includes a 60-minute yoga class and a free beer to “rehydrate” after the fact. 3950 Wheeler Ave., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $25; reservations recommended.
Grape Expectations Wine Book Club at Sonoma Cellar, May 21
Join other ravenous readers – and Ellen Crosby, the author of this month’s book, “The Champagne Conspiracy: A Wine Country Mystery” – at Sonoma Cellar to lift a glass and chat about literature. The book takes place in Virginia wine country, adding a bit of local realism to the discussion. 207 King St., 7-8:30 p.m. $30; $15 deposit required at time of reservation.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.