The region’s starriest celebration of food × LGBTQ+ equality returns Monday, October 27, 2025—and this year it’s reimagined. Instead of one giant gala, Chefs for Equality (CFE) is going intimate with five exclusive collaborative dinners (60–80 guests each) hosted by top chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs from across the DMV. Expect bold flavors, powerful storytelling, and spaces designed to spark conversation. Each evening kicks off with a 5:30 PM cocktail reception, followed by a multi-course paired dinner and special guest appearances.The Lineup:CUT by Wolfgang Puck — Host Chef Wolfgang Puck with Andrew Ho & Ligia Barros (CUT), Amy Brandwein (Centrolina), Harley Peet (Bas Rouge), Bryan Voltaggio (Wye Oak Tavern)Moon Rabbit — Host Chefs Kevin Tien & Susan Bae with Rob Rubba (Oyster Oyster), Ryan Ratino (Bresca, Jônt), Ellin Yin (a.kitchen+bar), Satang Ruangsangwatana & Prapavadee Limvatana (Six Ways to Sunday), Seng Luangrath (Baan Mae), Paolo Dungca (Kaya)The Duck & The Peach — Host Chefs Katarina Petonito & Rochelle Cooper with Johanna Hellrigl (Ama), Matt Adler (Caruso’s Grocery), Carlos Delgado (Causa), Jova Urriolla (Colada Shop), Mike Friedman & Robert Cain (Red Hen), Simon Lam (Tiger Fork), Ria Montes (Fish Shop Bar & Restaurant), Kareem Queeman(Mr. Bake)Acqua Bistecca — Host Chef Colin Clark with Tatiana Mora & Miguel Guerra (MITA), Ruben Garcia (Casa Teresa), Tony Chittum (Iron Gate, Vermillion), Matt Conroy & Isabel Coss (Pascual), Scott Drewno (Fried Rice Collective)Perry’s — Host Chef Masako Morishita with Audrey Angeles (Forst & Flourish) and David Guas (Neutral Ground)Tickets are on sale now at chefsforequality.org for all five dinner experiences. An online auction runs October 20–27 with one-of-a-kind culinary packages and experiences. From October 27–November 2, participating restaurants and bars across the DMV will feature specials and donate a portion of sales to the HRC Foundation. For the full list of auction items and participating venues, visit chefsforequality.org.Now in its 13th year, CFE is one of the country’s most powerful intersections of food and activism, bringing together culinary luminaries, drag performers, and advocates to raise funds and awareness for LGBTQ+ rights. HRC plans a return to the traditional gala format in Fall 2026. For more information, please visit chefsforequality.org

Hello, fall. The DMV is sliding into cozy season. You know, tailgates, steins, sweater-weather patios, and menus swapping sweet corn for squash and figs. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss bites and sips of the season. Get game-day ready with our NFL roundup (here). It’s still al fresco in our book, see Patio Pleasure and Up On The Roof (here, and here).Ill-affected by the shutdown? At least there's some fun specials to cheer you up, here.Looking for this week's best sips? Go here.So much more below:  MARK YOUR CALENDAR: DCCK Capital Food Fight: DC Central Kitchen's Capital Food Fight, presented by Tyson Foods, is set for Thursday, November 6th at The Anthem. The annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen includes a thrilling stage show featuring the rising stars of DC’s culinary scene, tastes from dozens of top restaurants from across the region, and appearances from some of the biggest names in food. More info here. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Black Margarita? Yes, Please (Día de los Muertos Alert): Amparo Fondita will celebrate Día de los Muertos with a limited-time, three-course tasting menu highlighting traditional holiday dishes from Yucatán, Central Mexico, and Oaxaca. The restaurant will also have an ofrenda (altar) with marigolds and offerings to honor loved ones who have passed. Guests are encouraged to bring photos of their departed relatives to place on the ofrenda. Get your reservation here. Stone Crab Season: Every year, Truluck’s captures, prepares and serves over 350,000 delicious Florida stone crab claws during its peak season from mid-October through May. Truluck’s Florida Stone Crab is the perfect way to both elevate the everyday or celebrate a special occasion. Add this delectable and indulgent addition to Truluck’s classic menu offerings including expertly butchered hand-cut steaks, always 100% USDA prime native cattle and aged a minimum of 30 days, as well as the extraordinary TRU PEARLE oysters, an East Coast oyster that has been hand-selected and raised with care, precision, and purpose. trulucks.comThe Big Night Feast: Acqua Bistecca unveils The Big Night, which brings to life the warmth and theatricality of Italian hospitality — abundant, communal, and celebratory. Guests can expect a curated progression of dishes that capture the essence of a shared feast, including True Wild Caught Whole Branzino and a showstopping Butcher’s Board featuring a 40oz Bistecca alla Fiorentina. No substitutions are allowed, ensuring the integrity of the experience, though dietary allergies will be accommodated. acquabistecca.comA Bread to Remember (Día de los Muertos Alert): Apapacho Taqueria invites the community to honor Día de los Muertos with a beloved seasonal tradition — pan de muerto, the sweet, fragrant bread symbolizing remembrance and connection. This limited-time offering is the perfect way to celebrate the season with a touch of Mexican heritage and flavor. 1280 4th St NE, Washington, D.C; apapachotaqueria.comI Need More Cowbell: Cowbell Seafood & Oyster in Union Market has opened. Cowbell Seafood & Oyster is from Sara Quinteros and Chef Reid Shilling, the creative minds behind Fancy Ranch Amish Fried Chicken. The restaurant blends dockside nostalgia with a wink—think freshly shucked oysters on ice, Baltimore-inspired golden crab cakes, and crispy fried chicken tenders done right. 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002; cowbellseafood.comHarp on This: Ruairi Deburca, Jacob Schoonover, and Ashley Lee are teaming up to open The Harp Cask and Kiln (The Harp), a modern Irish pub. The menu blends traditional Irish comfort with modern influences, featuring dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie Croquettes, Fish & Chips, and Ox Tongue Pie, alongside plates like The Harp Burger and Roasted Cauliflower. The bar program highlights Guinness on tap, an extensive Irish whiskey list, and a cocktail menu that combines classic technique with house-made ingredients. 3126 12th Street NE; theharp-dc.com Cold-pressed juices Arrive in Reston:  South Block, Northern Virginia’s homegrown smoothie and açai bowl brand known for spreading good vibes one block at a time, will open its newest location at 1835 Fountain Dr. Reston’s South Block will serve the brand’s lineup of açai bowls, smoothies and cold-pressed juices — all made to order with fresh, high-quality ingredients. southblock.comSpooky Specialty Menu at Gerrard Street Kitchen (The Darcy Hotel): From October 15 – November 2, Gerrard Street Kitchen’s bar will serve a festive Halloween-inspired menu featuring $9 spooky treats like Witches Fingers, Mummy Dogs, Witches Brew Lemonade, Pumpkin Spice White Russians, and more. 1515 Rhode Island Ave NW; thedarcyhotel.comWe All Want A Brunch Bazaar (Brunch Alert): The Bazaar by José Andrés at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC has added a new reason to visit: brunch. Served family-style and designed for sharing, “Snacks Like in Spain” set the tone: Catalan-style crystal bread with tomato, Ibérico ham, chorizo, and lomo. thebazaar.comSpooky Sweets (Halloween Alert): Bayou Bakery is taking a bite out of the classic Dracula movie, celebrating its 75th Anniversary and is having a Bloody Good Run with immortal indulgences starting Monday, October 13! Rotating specials include Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with an oozing Vein of Cherry Filling, Count Dracula Coffin Brownies, Cobweb Cookies & Cream Rice Krispies, and Ghost and Bat Sugar Cookies. The Count's Crimson liquid will flow through the Blood Rush Slush, a riff on the classic slurpee, with Strawberry and Cherry flavors. 1515 N. Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA; bayoubakeryva.comNOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:Grab Your Passport: Motorkat has a new tasting dinner, titled "Passport Series". The first installment will be at the end of this month, titled "Tales From Chiba". This dinner will feature a four-course dinner including pairings of sake from the Chiba Prefecture, Japan, taking place on one night only, Saturday October 25. The Motorkat team, including Executive Chef Danny Wells and Wine Director Marshall McGlone, have worked together to create a tasting experience that will be both exploratory and educational, designed to deepen the appreciation of sake and highlight the way it elevates each course. 6939 Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park, MD; motorkat.comAfrican Super Foods: Nuli, a first-of-its-kind, health-forward fast-casual restaurant spotlighting African superfoods and locally sourced produce has opened. The restaurant, founded by acclaimed Nigerian entrepreneur Ada Osakwe, will begin operating with newly expanded hours on Mondays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Menu items include Africa Magic Jollof rice and Fonio bowls, served with plantains, a green salad and a red bell-pepper sauté. The menu’s flavors are influenced not only by culinary traditions across Africa’s 54 countries, but also by the confluence of cultures within the continent, including elements of Mediterranean, Latin American and Indian ingredients. African superfoods like fonio, moringa, cassava, and baobab, can be found throughout the menu, ensuring these nutrient-dense, climate-resilient indigenous crops, sourced directly from smallholder farmers in Africa, are showcased to a global customer base. 1850 K St NW; nuliusa.comCharley’s Going Coastal: Charley Prime Foods is turning the tide with a bold new direction that leans into the heart and soul of coastal Maryland dining. On Monday, October 13, Charley will reopen as a Chesapeake chophouse & bar — where the crab cake reigns supreme, the burgers are smashed, the tenders are double-dipped, and the sundaes come supersized. Charley’s menu will celebrate the way coastal dining should feel — casual, generous, and made for gathering with a cold Crush in hand. Guests can expect a rotating raw bar, peel ’n’ eat shrimp, fluffy cheddar Old Bay cathead biscuits, local beer and wine, and plenty of classic coastal gems: crab imperial-topped Chicken Chesapeake, cornmeal-crusted Maryland catfish, a luscious creamy crab dip, and the crown jewel — Charley’s signature Maryland-style crab cake — coming in at a whopping 9 oz, all lump, no filler. 9811 Washington Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; eatatcharley.comMom’s Recipes on the Menu: Vera Cocina has a new fall menu. At the core of Vera is the unexpected connection between Lebanon and Mexico, inspired by the Lebanese diaspora that settled in Veracruz in the 19th century. Highlights include the fan-favorite lamb brisket, now reimagined as lamb barbacoa, slow cooked with Lebanese spices and served on a crisp tostada. Appetizers feature new housemade salsas and deep-fried pita bread, as it is traditionally done in Lebanese households. Another standout is the Lamb Arnabeet, tender lamb chops paired with red cauliflower and a blend of Mama Issa’s secret ingredients. The Squash & Falafel dish delivers a mix of vibrant textures and tastes with creamy tahini paste, crispy chickpeas and jelepons to round out this modern vegetarian offering. veradc.comMarion Berry Avenue Market = Food Equity in the DMV: Marion Barry Avenue Market and cafe in Anacostia has opened with fresh produce, groceries and a fast casual cafe to the historic Ward 8. Marion Barry Avenue Market and Cafe is an initiative of Dreaming Out Loud, the non-profit dedicated to rebuilding urban community-based food systems, and supported by investments from both public and private partners, including the Longer Tables Fund, founded by Chef José Andrés, and Mayor Muriel Bowser through the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s (DMPED) Food Access Fund. Together, these partners are working to address urgent issues in food systems, social justice, education, and economic inclusion. dreamingoutloud.orgRamen Bar Experience: The Darcy has a new ramen bar. Crafted under the vision of Executive Chef Bader Ali, the Ramen Bar at GSK celebrates the harmony of diverse Asian influences while staying true to our globally inspired culinary theme. Ramen bowls start at $18 with diners' choice of broth base, noodles and protein. The signature ramen at GSK is prepared with a deeply savory, slow-simmered house broth, complemented by your choice of artisanal noodles and premium protein, including chicken katsu, braised short rib, black garlic-glazed tofu and more. 1515 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005; thedarcyhotel.com

Halloween is creeping up on the DMV, and the scene is boo-tiful: cauldrons of punch, haunted prix-fixe dinners, and late-night bar takeovers serving tricks and treats. Come for the pumpkin-everything, stay for the wicked desserts and DJ-fueled ragers.Peep our Calendar for all the ghoulish goings-on – and you know we’re adding new treats daily.

Sweater weather, meet shaker season. The DMV’s bars are trading beachy spritzes for cider highballs, smoky mezcal riffs, and hot-toddy cozies all made for crisp nights. We’ve rounded up the most sip-worthy fall beverages that are shaking (and stirring) the season.Thirsty for more? Keep the sunsets going on Patio Pleasure and Up On The Roof (here, and here).Feeling flighty? Browse our Flights list, here.Martini mood? Our Martini Guide is here.Need something snug? Slip into our Underground Bars roundup, here.Ill-affected by the shutdown? At least there's some fun specials to cheer you up, here.Want this week's best food? Go here.MARK YOUR CALENDAR Farewell Celebrations: After six unforgettable years of shaking, stirring, and celebrating the flavors of Latin America, Serenata will officially close its doors on Saturday, November 2, 2025. To mark the occasion, the bar will host a Goodbye Celebration Night at 6:00 PM featuring live DJ sets, guest bartenders, and one final toast with the community that has made Serenata a beloved gathering place. While Serenata’s story is coming to a close, the space will continue its tradition of creativity and hospitality. Beginning November 11, 2025, the venue will transform into a Holiday Coquito Bar, a festive Puerto Rican and Latin American–inspired pop-up featuring Coquitos and other seasonal drinks.  Pinot Party at Planet Wine: Planet Wine is back with one of its most anticipated tastings of the year — the Pinot Party! Sip and savor an incredible lineup of wines crafted from the diverse Pinot family of grapes. From the stony minerality of Pinot Gris and the creamy richness of Pinot Blanc to the elegant rosés and cherry-driven Pinot Noirs from France, Oregon, and California — this tasting showcases the many faces of Pinot, all perfect for the fall season. Saturday, November 15, 2025; Tickets here. DCCK Capital Food Fight: DC Central Kitchen's Capital Food Fight, presented by Tyson Foods, is set for Thursday, November 6th at The Anthem. The annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen includes a thrilling stage show featuring the rising stars of DC’s culinary scene, tastes from dozens of top restaurants from across the region, and appearances from some of the biggest names in food. More info here.  NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Fly Away: José Andrés’ acclaimed cocktail laboratory, barmini by José Andrés, has unveiled a new cocktail flight: a six-course journey through flavor, imagination, and innovation. The cocktails include:Amaricano — yuzu vodka, decaf Campari, sweet vermouth, Averna, and Branca MentaA DC Sunset — calvados brandy, Nixta corn liqueur, Magdala, Szechuan peppercorn, and wineSoup du Jour — onion caramel, peppercorn, vodka, chive oil, Gruyère espuma, and briocheBeet It — ginger, beet, Cynar, mezcal, Scotch, and a beet yogurt sammieBreakfast of Champions — Elijah Craig, bacon, Bubba’s whisky, black cardamom, pancake, and maple syrupThanks Y’all! — sweet potato, vanilla, allspice, brandy, cognac, rye, and Montenegro marshmallowminibarbyjoseandres.comSeychelles-Inspired Rooftop in Shaw: Realm has recently opened, featuring classic cocktails, housemade signature drinks, and handcrafted non-alcoholic beverages. Highlights include the Golden Hour, a bright and effervescent blend of Hendricks gin, passion fruit, lemon, and vanilla, finished with a pour of brut champagne for a refined tropical sparkle and Moon of Mahé, toasted coconut-tamarind syrup shaken with coconut cream, fresh lime topped with toasted coconut dust for two refreshing tropical twists. 899 O St NW, Washington, DC 20001; realm.comAperitivo in City Ridge (Happy Hour Alert): Acqua Bistecca has a new signature Happy Hour. The curated menu offers a taste of Italy through refined small plates, vibrant cocktails, and approachable wines and beers — all designed to bring people together over bold flavors and relaxed hospitality. The drinks menu highlights house cocktails such as the Positano (mezcal, lime, raspberry-basil granita), the Atrani (tomato-washed gin, grapefruit, club soda), and the sparkling Amalfi (vodka, pear, lemon, prosecco), alongside $10 wines and $6 Peroni. 10 ridge square; Falling for Afternoon Tea: Head downstairs to indulge in the legendary Fall Afternoon Tea within Willard’s Peacock Alley, where seasonal herbal teas such as Bourbon Pumpkin Praline, savory delights including a Butternut Squash Tart, and Saffron Deviled Egg highlight the flavors of the season. For those seeking a spirited toast, the historic Round Robin Bar invites guests to celebrate the season with fall-inspired mocktails and cocktails. You may sip on the refreshing Autumn Spritz mocktail – a blend of  Lyre’s, blood orange, apple juice, lemon juice, and soda water – or indulge in Thyme to Rum, crafted with Captain Morgan, sweet vermouth, honey syrup, and bitters. washington.intercontinental.comA James Beard Award-Winning Happy Hour (Happy Hour Alert): Every day from 4pm until 7pm, guests of Perry’s can enjoy beverages and plates from James Beard award-winning Chef Masako Morishita at wallet-friendly prices during the restaurant’s Happy Hour. Drink specials include varied Rail Liquor drinks ($7), rotating Red, White, and Sparkling Wines ($8), Sake ($6), as well as Japanese beer options including Kirin Light ($5) and Asahi Super Dry ($6). 1811 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009; perrysam.comIt’s All Golden: Afternoons become golden at Dupont Circle with Barbouzard’s newest happy hour. Sip and savor the very best of the Riviera with barside $10 speciality cocktails or $14 martinis paired with luxurious bites, including salted cod dip, lamb merguez, and a generous raw bar selection. 1700 K St. NW, Washington, DC; barbouzard.comHora Dorada: Eunoia’s barside Golden Hour brings the spirit of the Mediterranean and the flavors of the Yucatan to the heart of NoMa. Indulge in chef-driven small plates starting at $6: rice chicharron with avocado purée, flour gorditas with pork and tomatillo, and cheese boards adorned with seasonal fruits and housemade focaccia. Bites are paired with $9 wines, $6 beers, and $8 cocktails, including the bar’s signature white and red sangrias, house Old Fashioned, and Eunoia margarita.  320 Florida Ave. NE, Washington, DC; eunoiadc.comA Smashing Happy Hour: Astro Beer Hall recently refreshed its menu with new signature smashburgers and value-driven happy hour specials. Happy hour is available Tuesdays through Fridays from 4-6 pm at the two-story beer hall alongside its full food and beverage menu. During happy hour, guests can enjoy $2 off all beers, including the locally brewed Haxan from Right Proper Brewing Company andDueling Grounds from DC Brau. Seasonal brews such as the Pumpkin Blend Cider from Downeast Cider House are available now through the end of the fall season. 1306 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005; astrobeerhall.comWhy Should Candy Just Be for the Kids: Why should kids get all the treats on Halloween? Little Blackbird indulges adults with a collection of wine & candy pairings and cocktail & candy pairings.  Fourteen wine pairings are being added to the menu. They will be available through Saturday, November 2, 2024. Wine pairings are priced from $11 to $19 for a piece of candy and either a 3.5-ounce or six-ounce wine pour. The list of Halloween and Autumn-inspired pairings and tasting notes is below. 3309 Connecticut Avenue, NW; .littleblackbirddc.comWhat is a Wonderwall, Anyway?: Press Club has unveiled the latest iteration of their popular “Playlist” tasting menu – a curated flight of cocktails and bar bites all inspired by an iconic album. This iteration honors Oasis’s landmark album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary, and is timed to the wildly popular OASIS LIVE ‘25 reunion tour that goes through November. Try the drinks like Some Might Say (Jack Daniels, Apple Cordial, Amontillado, Sakura & Cremant): A reimagined whisky highball featuring an apple cordial made of apples from Blackrock Orchard and Jack Daniels, a nod to Liam Gallagher’s line, “you only drink Jack Daniels when you’re with us.” Wonderwall (Caravedo Pisco, Earl Grey, Moscatel, Orange & Lime): Inspired by the famous London cocktail, the Breakfast Martini, this rendition is infused with different expressions of citrus grown in various oasis-like climates for a sunny take. pressclubdc.comFall Spirits: Bar Chinois has new fall drinks. Among the standout additions to the cocktail menu at both Bar Chinois locations is the Fall in Normandy, made with Claque-Pépin Calvados, Combier Banana, Amara di Angostura, Cinnamon and Lime – the ideal option for an autumn-spiced daiquiri to get into the fall spirit. Other new drinks include the perfectly-balanced Fumée Créole, with Mezcal Amarás Reposado, Poblano, Orgeat, Honey, Saline and Lime, the smooth Fashionably Late, with Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Red Berry Campari, Zirbenz Stone Pine and Cocchi Rosa, and the Bay of Biscay with Pineau des Charantes, Macallan 12, Italicus, Pineapple and Yuzu. 455 Eye Street; barchinoisdc.comFeed Me, Seymour: Buffalo & Bergen is sharing a menu of cocktails inspired by The Little Shop of Horrors - available all month! Raise a glass to drinks like Suddenly Seymour with Gin Green Chartreuse, Basil, Gin, and Lime or the Wink Wilkerson’s Weird World with Dark Rum, Pomegranate, Cranberry Spiced Maple, and Lemon. buffalobergendc.comShow Me Your Hand: Show of Hands is shaking up the season with a fresh cocktail menu that reinvents the classic highball. Dubbed “High Baller, Shot Caller,” the collection features effervescent, flavor-forward creations layered with housemade syrups, exotic tinctures, and playful finishes. Drinks include Melon Pop, a Japanese whiskey, plum sake, shiso melon syrup, vermouth, lemon hop bitters, yuzu, and soda water. Bright, citrusy, and subtly smoky, and more. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue; theroostsedc.com NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: Chef Uchi’s Specials: Bar Japonais has new fall-inspired drinks. Try the Chef Uchi’s special, Uchi-Sans Midnight Kōhī with Haakku Vodka, Café Shochu, Benedictine, Crème de Cacao and Espresso. New additions also include the Autumn Rouge, with Tokii Black, Nocino Walnut Liqueur, Kabosu, Cinnamon, Hibiscus and Egg White, the spiced Le Bad Bunny, with Bacardi, Yuzu, Kotta Pandann, Lime, Carrot and Ginger, and the Pomme Pomme with Apple-infused Haku Vodka, Calvados, St. Germain, Lemon, Butternut, Chamomile and Nutmeg. For non-alcoholic options, the housemade Cinnamon Hibiscus Soda and Butternut Chamomile Soda, are the perfect autumn-inspired drinks.1520 14th Street NW; barjaponaisdc.comWine Wednesdays: Josephine's is having a weekly midweek wine ritual: four rotating bottles at 50% off. The list changes every Wednesday to spotlight producers Josephine loves—think crisp whites, soulful reds, and a surprise gem or two—curated to pair perfectly with dinner or a laid-back catch-up at the bar. 109 South Saint Asaph St., Alexandria VA; josephineoldtown.com Paging Danny Lee: Singing Tiger is open in Hotel Nell in Union Market, offering a late-night destination where inventive Asian-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and private karaoke rooms come together under one roof. The menu includes creative drinks with Asian-inspired flavors, like the Baritone Burn made with five-spice butter–washed Japanese whiskey and the Kimchi Killa martini. Zero-proof options such as Berry Basil Bliss offer the same thoughtful approach without alcohol. 411 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002-7025; opentable.com New Coffee Line:  Yellow has collaborated with Lost Sock Roasters in Washington, D.C. to source, develop, and roast two blends that are unique and exclusive to YELLOW. Sungold is 70% washed Colombian + 30% washed Ethiopian blend with a sweet, approachable profile and tea-like structure. Poppy is a deeper 80% washed Brazilian + 20% natural sundried Ethiopian blend that’s chocolatey, nutty, and full-bodied with a touch of natural sweetness. Order here.  

Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve got your eating and imbibing covered across the DMV. But sometimes you want something else—or a way to build an appetite. Enter our fall activations: museum must-sees, crisp-air strolls, pop-ups, tours, and only-in-autumn happenings. Scroll below, pick your adventure, then reward yourself with something delicious: LGBTJews in the Federal City: Explore this landmark exhibition through Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Capital Jewish Museum. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65+ and students, and free for members and ages 12 & younger. The exhibition brings together DC history, Jewish history, and LGBTQ+ history with 200 photographs, 120 artifacts, and over a dozen oral histories, highlighting legal milestones, protests, religious change, and vibrant cultural life. Info here. Family Programs: Story Time at CJM: Bring children under 5 and their caregivers for stories, songs, crafts, and activities. Presented in partnership with Bender JCC, Edlavitch DCJCC, Pozez JCC, and PJ Library. Free. Info here.Upcoming dates:Thank You / Toda — Thursday, November 13 at 10 AMShalom — Saturday, November 29 at 3:30 PMHanukkah — Thursday, December 11 at 10 AM Monday Game Night at Northside Social, Clarendon!: Every Monday night, Northside Social in Clarendon invites guests to unwind, connect, and play during its lively Game Night. Arrive by 7:00 PM to settle in before gameplay begins at 7:30 PM. Participants can bring their own games or choose from Northside Social’s in-house collection. A $10 minimum purchase is required to join the fun. Info here. Live Music Nights Along the Waterfront: Experience the allure of live entertainment with a curated cocktail in hand at CUT DC by Wolfgang Puck. In partnership with Blues Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously operating jazz supper club, CUT DC brings a lineup of acclaimed artists performing jazz, ballads, and soulful improvisations in an intimate lounge setting. Find the complete schedule and lineup on Instagram @cutdc under the “Music” highlight. Live Music Nights take place every Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 1050 31st St. NW, Washington, DC. Info here. Flight Club DC: As the weather cools, Flight Club DC offers the perfect indoor escape with tech-enabled Social Darts® for just $15–$17 for 90 minutes—a fun, affordable way to gather with friends, family, or coworkers. Every week, Flight Club Fridays brings a live DJ and a free bullseye challenge, where winners score a $100 bar tab. It’s a lively alternative to a typical bar or restaurant, ideal for casual nights out, Friendsgiving celebrations, or some friendly tournament-style competition. Info here. Contemporary Art at the Folger: The Folger Shakespeare Library presents Contemporary Art at the Folger, a rotating exhibition running from October 2025 through April 2026, showcasing the work of four Artist Fellows whose projects draw inspiration from the library’s world-renowned collection. The series highlights how early modern history and literature continue to shape contemporary artistic expression. The exhibition will be on view in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall through April 5, 2026. Located at 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC, the Folger is open Tuesday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (Fridays until 9 p.m.), with free admission and a suggested $15 donation. Info here.Elise Ansel: October 3 - November 9 (Artist Talk on October 10)Missy Dunaway: November 14 - January 4 (Artist Talk on November 21)Dominick Porras: January 9 - February 15 (Artist Talk on January 9)Mandy Cane Villalobos: February 20 - April 5 (Artist Talk TBD) Coming Together: Reimagining America’s Downtowns: Now open at the National Building Museum, Coming Together: Reimagining America’s Downtowns is an interactive exhibition exploring how cities across the country are transforming their downtowns post-pandemic into vibrant cultural hubs where people live, work, and connect. As the first major exhibition in the Museum’s Future Cities initiative, it features multimedia displays, case studies, and an engaging City Action Hall that invites visitors to envision and shape the future of urban life. Open Thursday–Monday, 10 AM–4 PM. Info here. Info here.

Lights up, DMV! TheListAreYouOnIt’s latest Theatre Guide rounds up what’s on stage across the region. Broadway favorites, touring productions, and bold originals — and you know we have smart pre-theatre dining picks near each venue. From black box gems to big-house blockbusters, the talent here is the real deal.Pro tip: Chasing post-show bites? Old Ebbitt Grill’s kitchen serves until 1 AM. Curtain down, forks up, people!Arena StageStep Afrika!December 5–21, 2025Chez JoeyJanuary 30–March 15, 2026Where to EatDel Mar by Fabio TrabocchiLimaniMoonraker at the PendryPhilippe ChowFolger TheatreAs You Like ItMarch 10–April 12, 2026Where to EatChikoThe Duck and the PeachParaisoQuill and CrumbFord’s TheatreCurrently Closed Due to Government ShutdownWhere to EatJaleoMoon RabbitSuccotash PrimeThe Riggs HotelNational TheatreHadestown — November 18–23, 2025Some Like It Hot — November 25–December 7, 2025Water for Elephants — December 9–14, 2025Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical — December 30, 2025–January 4, 2026Where to EatCafé du ParcOld Ebbitt GrillThe OccidentalVue Rooftop at Hotel WashingtonOlney TheatreHello, Dolly! — November 6, 2025–January 4, 2026A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas — November 28–December 28, 2025Where to EatBrew BellyOlney StationSalt and VineScratch KitchenRound House TheatreRules for Living — December 3, 2025–January 4, 2026Where to EatAventinoBlack’s Bar and KitchenCubano’sThe Salt LineSignature TheatreStrategic Love Play — Now–November 9, 2025Fiddler on the Roof — November 4–January 25, 2026Where to EatCarlyleCorso ItalianOur Mom EugeniaStellina Pizzeria ShirlingtonStudio TheatreThe Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions — November 12–December 21, 2025Where to EatAcqua BisteccaKing Street Oyster Bar City RidgeShinwa IzakayaTaco BambaShakespeare Theatre Co.The Wild Duck at the Klein Theatre — October 18–November 16, 2025Guys & Dolls at Harman Hall — December 2, 2025–January 4, 2026Where to EatOyamelTonariRasikaZaytinyaSynetic TheaterFrankenstein or the Modern Prometheus — November 1–21, 2025Where to EatBar CollineBeauty Champagne and Sugar BoutiqueNi HaoWater Bar Theatre JEnemy of the People — Now–November 23, 2025DC Theater Talk with Holly Twyford — December 8, 2025–May 4, 2026 (Mondays)Where to EatEttoIron GateHank’s Oyster BarMallardWarner TheatreWashington Ballet Nutcracker — November 29–December 28, 2025Where to EatCentral Michel RichardOlio e PiùThe HamiltonThe HenriWoolly MammothHo Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha Ha — November 13–December 21, 2025The World to Come — February 2–March 1, 2026Where to EatCranesCentrolinaLucky DangerRasika

DMV, let’s get back to the table. Starting October 1, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) launches Together We Dine, a month-long initiative to rediscover favorite spots, explore new ones, and rally around the restaurants that feed our communities.— What it is: A region-wide dining campaign designed to reconnect neighbors over great meals and support restaurants navigating a tough stretch.— Who’s behind it: RAMW, with support from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development (DMPED), Events DC, and Coca-Cola Consolidated.— Why now: RAMW’s latest survey shows a rough August: 71% of DC restaurants reported sales declines and 74%saw fewer diners than last year.Restaurants are more than businesses; they’re where communities connect and cultures blend. October focuses on celebrating that connection and filling seats. In September, RAMW distributed $100,000 in microgrants (via DMPED) to help restaurants cover operating expenses and invest in workforce development—seeding momentum for October’s push.How to Take Part— Make a plan with friends, family, and neighbors, then book that table.— Revisit a beloved standby or try someplace new across DC, NoVA, and Maryland.— Share the love: post, tag the restaurant, and spread the word.For details TogetherWeDine.org 

As the shutdown strains household budgets and neighborhood businesses alike, we’ve rounded up deals designed to help. In true DC fashion, restaurants, cafés, and bars across the DMV are stepping up with deals for furloughed workers (and in many cases, for everyone). Note some places you do nee a Federal ID : Shutdown Specials:a.kitchen+bar DC: Free dish with purchase of cocktail or NA beverage.AlfredaBOGO pizza (buy one, get a plain pie free) + $8 spritzes, Mon–Fri 3–6 PM½-off wine bottles on WednesdaysAmazoniaSour Hour (Mon–Fri open–7 PM; all day Sun): ½-price anticuchos; select bites $10; ceviche $19; $9 pisco sours/punches; select wines & NA wineAnjuHappy Hour (Mon–Fri, 5–6 PM, 1st floor): Mandu or pork & kimchi dumplings (3) $6; Honey BBQ chicken sandwich $10; Kirin draft $5; Shandy $7; red/white wine $7/glsBarrel“Unhappy Hour” from open to close: $10 milk punch, Old Fashioned, or Manhattan; $6 IPA and lager drafts.Carmine’sAll-day happy hour throughout the shutdown for everyone: $5 meatball sliders; $8 “Here We Go Again” (frozen big berry Cosmo) and “The Essential Worker” (frozen peach bellini). Bar area only.Compass CoffeeShow government ID: free pastry with any drink.Cork Wine Bar & MarketDownstairs bar happy hour 3 PM–close with federal ID: $8 select wine by the glass, $5 Frico can, $5 avocado toast, $6 fries.Daru & TaporiAll-night happy hour Sun–Thu at both spots (menus available online). Great for stretching dollars with standout Indian-inspired plates and cocktails.Doro$12 fried chicken lunch specials daily from 11 AM:– Fried chicken (1-piece) + any side– Chicken tenders + any side– Fried chicken sandwich with berbereDuke’s GroceryShow federal ID: complimentary shot of bourbon or glass of house wine with any burger or entrée; $5 select beers for federal employees.Emmy Squared PizzaOffering 20% off all orders (excluding alcohol) for federal employees who show a valid ID at its three participating DC-area locations: Navy Yard, Old Town Alexandria, and Shaw, through October 15th.Gogi YogiShow federal ID: complimentary beer with any all-you-can-eat option.Hard Rock Cafe (Penn Quarter)With federal badge, for duration of shutdown (bar area for HH): All-day happy hour + $12 entrée special (Classic Burger or Flatbread with fries/salad + fountain soda).Hyde SocialHalf-off all drinks daily 4–7 PM until the shutdown ends.Immigrant Food$5 Classic Margarita with government ID at Planet Word & Ballston (normally $12). White House location: $5 canned cocktails. Valid until the shutdown ends.Jose Andres Group: Free lunch item with government ID at Jaleo, Oyamel, Zaytinya, & China Chilcano.KNEAD Hospitality + DesignFree punch with valid government ID at each brand, including:– Gatsby: Greta’s Punch (mango-infused vodka, rhubarb, strawberry, ginger, mint, bubbles)– The Grill: Grill Punch (pineapple-infused vodka, gin, grilled mango, ginger, mint, bubbles)– Mi Vida: Ponche De Lola (mango-infused vodka, Sauza Reposado, ginger, guava, mint, strawberry, bubbles)– Bistro Du Jour: Colette’s Punch (mango-infused vodka, rhubarb liqueur, cassis, ginger, lemon, bubbles)– Succotash: Belle’s Punch (mango-infused vodka, bourbon, ginger, peach, mint, bubbles)King Street Oyster Bar (multiple)Daily HH 3–6:30 PM: $1 KSOB oysters (3 per order); $5–$7 cocktails/beer/wine; $6 tuna tacos/shrimp bites; $7 bruschetta/mussels/burger/wings/shrimp po’ boyMadhatterMon: Trivia 7:30 PM + $7 build-your-own burgersTue: Taco Tuesday—$3 tacos, $4 Coronas, $5 house margsWed: Whole Maine lobster $18Thu: $1 Coors Light mugs (8 PM–close)Fri: $5 martinis (4–8 PM)MallardBurger Wednesdays: Steamburger + any draft beer $20 (weekly rotating special burger), from 5 PMMcClellan’s RetreatShutdown special: $15 grilled cheese + Old Fashioned (Mon–Sat). All-day happy hour on Weds & Sun during shutdown: Old Fashioned or rotating punch $8; Paloma or Aperol Spritz $9; Martini $10.NAJA Mediterranean Furloughed federal workers can enjoy a Dip & Sip, which includes one of their signature dips paired with any signature cocktail, house wine, or beer for $15. Must show a valid federal ID. Osteria Morini$15 pastas for federal workers with government ID.ParaísoAll-day happy hour for government employees: $9 Classic & Passion Fruit Margaritas; $4 Tecate; $8 wine; $12 tapas (Queso Fundido, Mejillones en Curry, Taquitos de Short Rib).Rasa$10 bowls (chicken or veggie) for federal workers with badge.Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten (Dupont)With federal ID: extended happy hour till 10 PM; $6 green tea shooters; $7 pretzel bites all day.Shaw’s TavernWith federal ID (Mon–Fri): $5 beers (Miller Lite or Tavern Lager), $6 house red/white, $7 Deep Eddy martini; $10 cheeseburger or pizza (red or white).Taco BambaOne free taco with purchase of any taco for federal employees (valid ID; in-store orders; one free taco per guest).Thompson Restaurants (Matchbox, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza, Big Buns, and more)20% off for government employees with valid ID until the government reopens. Full list of participating brands/locations at thompsonrestaurants.com.Union Pub$3 select beer or $7 hot dog + select beer combo.Vera Cocina & بارComplimentary dessert with dinner offered to furloughed government workers.Yume Hospitality20% off for government employees (show ID) at YUME Sushi, KYOJIN, and RIMTANG. Not valid on happy hour. Runs until the government reopens. You now the drill —> Offers can change; confirm before you go.

Venezuelan-born Irena Stein has spent her career braiding culture and hospitality into living, breathing spaces. She piloted zero-waste cafés at Johns Hopkins, opened Alma Cocina Latina in 2015 to champion contemporary Venezuelan cuisine (earning national acclaim and a 2024 James Beard nomination), co-created Alkimiah to serve 150,000+ free meals during the pandemic with partners like Mera Kitchen Collective and World Central Kitchen, and published AREPA: Classic and Contemporary Recipes of Venezuela’s Daily Bread, the first global cookbook devoted to the arepa, featuring her own photography. Next up: Candela, a new arepa bar debuting in 2025, adding even more Venezuelan soul to Baltimore’s Station North.If you have not yet experienced Alma, the experience is transportive: ceramic tile underfoot, greenery everywhere, and a tapestry by Juan Félix Sánchez that nods to the Andes. Plates arrive like small works of art. Chef Héctor Romero maps the Amazon, Andes, Caribbean, and llanos on every dish. For Irena, it’s all one story: food as memory, belonging, and responsibility and … she shared her story with us here at TheListAreYouOnIT.comThe List: For readers new to your work, what’s the thread that ties photography, anthropology, and restaurants together?Irena Stein: Storytelling. Anthropology taught me to listen; photography taught me to see. Restaurants let me bring those senses together so people can taste a culture, feel welcome, and leave more connected than when they walked in.The List: Alma is as much a feeling as it is a restaurant. How did you design that?Irena: We wanted the room to breathe—plants, natural textures, art that speaks to Venezuela. When people sit, shoulders drop. That sense of belonging is intentional; hospitality starts before the first bite.The List: Describe the food lens at Alma.Irena: Chef Héctor Romero carries a deep knowledge of Venezuelan gastronomy. Each plate is a map, Amazon to Andes, Caribbean to plains—told through ingredients and memory. Even our peppers carry history: seeds from home, now grown by Maryland farmers.The List: You’ve called food “a bridge.” When have you felt that most?Irena: During the pandemic. Through Alkimiah, with Mera Kitchen Collective and World Central Kitchen, we cooked more than 150,000 meals for Baltimore communities. It reminded me that kitchens can be engines of dignity and care.The List: Sustainability has been part of your work since the Johns Hopkins cafés. What does it look like at Alma today?Irena: It’s daily practice, composting, thoughtful sourcing, minimizing waste, and investing in our team. Sustainability is culture, not a marketing line.The List: You’re also a mentor and community builder. How does that show up?Irena: Alma has been a starting point for many, talent from Venezuela and beyond. Some stay, some take what they’ve learned out into the world. That circulation of knowledge is the legacy I care about.The List: Your book AREPA is the first global cookbook centered on the arepa. Why that project, and why now?Irena: The arepa is everyday bread, versatile, ancient, beloved. I wanted to honor its history while inviting people to create with it today. Photographing it myself kept the storytelling intimate.The List: Candela launches in 2025. Give us a taste.Irena: Candela is an arepa bar next door to Alma, playful, bold, and very Venezuelan. It will spotlight heritage corn, bright fillings, and the convivial energy of a bar where you eat with your hands and talk with everyone.The List: What’s one dish that captures Alma right now?Irena: A plate that marries local produce with Venezuelan technique. familiar and surprising at once. You see it, smell it, then taste a memory you didn’t know you had.The List: Advice for young chefs and creators who want to blend purpose with craft?Irena: Know your “why,” protect your team, and practice patience. Beauty and impact take time—and they’re built choice by choice.The List: Last question: when you look back at the “yearbooks” you’ve made of Alma, what do you see?Irena: Faces. Moments. A decade of shared table. It’s proof that restaurants can be archives of community as much as places to eat.Follow Alma Cocina Latina for updates, and watch for Candela’s debut in 2025. If you know, you know, behind the counter is where the best stories start.

The James Beard Foundation has opened the entry and recommendation window for the 2026 James Beard Awards now through Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.  These are the culinary world’s benchmark honors, spotlighting excellence across restaurants, bars, media, and the broader food system plus a commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive. Recognition at any stage (semifinalist, nominee, or winner) meaningfully moves the needle as many recent semifinalists reported increased covers after their nods. Who Should Throw Their Hat InRestaurants & Chefs (yes, self-recommendations are welcome)Beverage Pros & Bars (including the newer categories added in 2025)Media: Books, Broadcast, JournalismChangemakers: Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, and Impact Awards (introduced in 2025) What’s New(ish) & NotableImpact Awards recognize visionaries driving transformative change in the food system.Expanded beverage recognition: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Key DatesOpen Call Window: Opens Wed, Oct 1, 2025 (9:00 a.m. ET) • Closes Fri, Nov 21, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)Physical Book Deadline (Media/Books): Fri, Dec 5, 2025Ceremonies (Chicago):Media Awards — Sat, June 13, 2026Impact Awards — Sun, June 14, 2026Restaurant & Chef Awards — Mon, June 15, 2026 How to Enter or RecommendRestaurant & Chef Awards: Submit a recommendation (free).Impact Awards: Submit a recommendation (free).Media Awards (Books, Broadcast, Journalism): Submit an entry ($85 per entry; fee waivers available upon request). Pro-Tip: You can self-recommend! The 2026 James Beard Awards ceremonies will be hosted in Chicago June 13-15, 2026 —> Mark Your Calendars Now.