From Ethiopian cuisine to Virginia spirits, from crab fests to Oktoberfest, there’s a lot for a foodie to do around the city in September. Here are some of our top picks.
Second Annual Taste of Ethiopia, Sept. 14
Immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Ethiopia with a waterfront festival showing off all the country has to offer. While taking in dance demonstrations, listening to live music and cheering on models during a fashion show, inhale the aroma of spicy Ethiopian food — and then settle in for a serving or two. Food, beer and wine as well as dry goods will be available for purchase, so bring an appetite and prepare for a trip across the world without leaving Alexandria. Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Place. 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Free.
Port City Brewing Crab Fest, Sept. 14
Think you’ll only get beer at Port City Brewing? Think again. Along with Quarterdeck, the brewery is co-hosting a crab fest with all the fixings. Festival-goers have four options from which to choose, ranging from an all-you-can-eat crabs-only selection to all-you-can-eat crabs with shrimp, clams, mussels, cole slaw, hush puppies, potatoes and corn. Bring an appetite — and wet your whistle with $5 pints or $15 pitchers of several of Port City’s flagship beers. 3950 Wheeler Ave. 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. seatings. Tickets range from $65-$95.
Oktoberfest Kickoff Party and Hops N Shine, Sept. 21
Those familiar with the German holiday season of Oktoberfest will know that contrary to the celebration’s name, the feast begins in September each year, not October. Hops N Shine is following suit with the schedule and launching a kickoff party on the first day of Oktoberfest, Sept. 21, at their Del Ray pub. Along with food and drink specials, Hops N Shine will play host to eating and stein-hoisting competitions and more. 3410 Mount Vernon Ave. 2-5 p.m.
Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow, Sept. 21
The Commonwealth’s distillers take center stage at the Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow, hosted by the Building Momentum co-op space on Eisenhower Avenue. Take a taste of spirits from ten distillers, hailing from the likes of Charlottesville and Richmond, Newport News and Purcellville, and numerous towns in between. Prefer a little more mixer with your spirits? Craft cocktails will also be on offer. 5380 Eisenhower Ave. 3-8 p.m. Tickets ranging from $20-$35.
Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at hope@kitchenrecessionista.com.