egs@2911productions.com

The team behind recently opened Cupcakes Actually invites all to celebrate their grand opening event on Saturday, May 16th. From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy the spring season with friends and family in the form of a good old-fashioned block party, complete with face painting, jugglers, balloon artists, a cupcake eating contest and a raffle giveaway to win a fully cupcake-catered kids birthday party. The first of its kind in the local community, Cupcakes Actually is a family affair, co-owned by sisters Jennifer Neiman and Susan Woodhouse, along with siblings Karen and Kenny assisting. The quaint shop specializes in cupcakes that rely on their own secret family recipes. Most notably, this cupcake destination has garnered early praise for their famous hand-dipped chocolate, caramel and peanut butter cupcakes, a method that has been passed down through family generations, where buttercream iced cupcakes are dipped in the chosen topping then chilled. Other sweet delights include: Razzmatazz, delicious vanilla cake infused with raspberry purée and raspberry buttercream; Death By Chocolate, a chocolate fudge cupcake filled with ganache and topped with chocolate buttercream drizzled with chocolate ganache and sprinkled with white chocolate curls; and Cherries Jubilee, a cinnamon-vanilla cupcake with chunks of cherries and topped with a dab of buttercream. Most varieties will be offered during the block party along with 1950s styled kitchen aprons, t-shirts and mugs all for sale to show off your cupcake dedication. Live music and entertainment will round out the day. Cupcakes Actually is located at Fairfax Corner: 11944 Grand Commons Ave; Fairfax, Virginia 22030 (571-522-6315; www.cupcakesactually.com).

Just found it the event is officially sold out!! Hope to see all you ticket holders there!

Mio is proud to announce an upcoming wine dinner with renowned Sonoma County Moshin Vineyards and Winery. On Thursday, March 5th Mio and Executive Chef Nicholas Stefanelli will host a four-course wine dinner, highlighting select Pinot Noirs and the sweet and succulent grapes found only during the late harvest. Joining Stefanelli will be vineyard owner Rick Moshin, whose insight and knowledge of the winemaking process will ensure this as an ideal event for oenophiles and foodies alike. A particular wine to look forward to is an exclusive choice dessert pairing from the late harvest, which has yet to be released to the public. Guests can expect Stefanelli’s signature Modern American cuisine inspired by the sought after late harvest grapes, with dishes such as Plancha Seared Skate with salsify and wild mushrooms and Stuffed Quail with spaetzle and Brussels sprouts. Hand-picking this boutique vineyard for its commitment to sustainable practices, Stefanelli is pleased to bring together this exclusive prix fixe with acclaimed Pinot Noir selections. Moshin Vineyards and Winery is located along the Russian River Valley and specializes in handcrafted and sustainable techniques to produce premier wine. This special event will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the cost of $75 per person. Reservations can be secured by calling Mio at 202-955-0075.

The time has come again! Yes, Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation 2009 is quickly approaching. Held on Monday, March 30th at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium, the event will celebrate its 21st year with the support of D.C.'s 40 finest restaurants, chefs and mixologists. Join James Beard Award Winning Chef Chair RJ Cooper in coming together for a night of fine dining and fundraising as the D.C. culinary community raises the critical funds needed to help end childhood hunger. Complementing the evening’s incredible fare, guests can look forward to the new Wine Bar feature as well as specialty cocktails from the city’s top mixologists and Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim from Las Vegas. Complete with the festive sounds of DJ Erin Myers plus fabulous live and silent auctions, this culinary celebration is sure to be a night to remember. Help us ensure no kid in America grows up hungry and support Taste of the Nation DC! This year’s VIP section will launch its first interactive feature, as chef Cooper and chef Kaz Okochi lead hands-on demonstrations with VIP guests while top mixologists create innovative cocktails. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample sweet treats throughout the night from DC’s finest pastry chefs in the new VIP Dessert Den. VIP guests will have the rare opportunity to mingle with notable DC chefs who will be honored for their long-standing dedication to the local culinary community. This year’s honorees are: Jeffrey Buben, Roberto Donna, Bob Kinkead, Ris Lacoste, Kaz Okochi, Michel Richard, Jeff Tunks & Robert Wiedmaier. To purchase tickets please visit Taste of the Nation Washington, DC We look forward to seeing you there!

Celebrate this Fat Tuesday, February 24th in true New Orleans style. Enjoy the cuisine of NOLA and indulge with a night of eating, drinking and bawdiness as Executive Chef Nicholas Stefanelli creates a delicious four-course feast. To honor the resilience of New Orleans’ cuisine and culture, Mio will donate a portion of the proceeds from their Fat Tuesday celebration to Make It Right Foundation (www.makeitrightnola.org); the New Orleans-based organization working to re-build safe and sustainable homes in the lower 9th Ward. Celebratory toasts will kick-off the evening at Mio’s sleek bar and lounge. Special ‘Hurricane’ cocktails will be served all night long as an ode to the French Quarter’s mainstay, ensuring a night of cheer and southern carryin’ on. Guests can look forward to a bayou-inspired menu of Charbroiled Rappahannock River Oysters, Barbecue Shrimp with Potato Pancakes, Roasted Pork with Red Beans and Rice, and Beignets with a Coffee Chicory Milkshake ending the meal on a sweet note. In addition to “N’awlins” cuisine, guests can look forward to a typical Big Easy party with lively music, drinks and of course, beads! At $48 per person relax, enjoy and cheers to Mardi Gras! Looking forward to seeing you there!

Locanda now offers Aperitivo Hour Tuesday-Friday from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Discount Italian cocktails, beer and wine. Read more: Quaint Capitol Hill eatery Locanda is celebrating one of the finest elements of Italian culture this winter with the launch of Aperitivo Hour. Stay warm with seasonal cocktails such as the house specialty Gingercello. For those looking to truly embrace this Italian tradition, aperitivo highlights include Campari-based cocktails such as the Negroni, a combination of gin, vermouth and the bitter Campari. Choice Italian wine and beer will also be offered. Additionally, guests can look forward to stuzzichini, the customary Italian appetizer to accompany these alluring drinks. The menu boasts a selection of fine Formaggi and Salumi and Antipasti created by chef Brian Barszcz, such as Arancini with Wild Mushroom and Truffle Oil, Marinated Warm Olives and Calamari Fritti. Originating in Milan, Italy’s epicenter of indulgence, this custom is a known gem within Italian society. Locanda looks forward to providing the DC community with a true taste of this Italian ritual in drinking, dining and coming together at the end of the day. From 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, this neighborhood favorite invites guests to step out of the cold, have a seat at the charming bar and escape to the Mediterranean. * Aperitivi are priced between $5-$10 accompanied by a versatile bar menu of light fare.

Chef Brian Barszcz has been back since September. Things are back and better than ever! They're even starting monthly wine dinners now as well.

Inspired by his mentor, Chef and French native Laurent Tourondel, and his own love affair with the city, Chef de Cuisine Victor Albisu of BLT Steak is offering to transport you and your mother to Provence in celebration of Mother’s Day. Join this talented chef in his sleek downtown dining room as he demonstrates and prepares three courses of classic French dining. Reap the benefits of his hard work, learn great tips, and enjoy a fabulous meal without Mom having to do the dishes. BLT Steak “Escape to Provence” Cooking Class $95 per person 12:30 Saturday May 10th 1625 I Street, NW 202.689.8989 – Please speak with Erica for reservations www.BLTSteak.com