Wine and Chocolate Pairing

(February 26: 7p.m. - 8:30p.m.; $45 per person; Morton's The Steakhouse; 1750 Crystal Drive; Arlington, VA 22202)
The sweet times don’t stop simply because Valentine’s Day is gone. On February 26th, Morton’s The Steak House and Alexandria chocolatiers Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections are combining their powerful forces to create a delicious evening of wine and chocolate. Guests can sample some fine wines and indulgent desserts. To RSVP contact Kim Christensen at cm.mar@mortons.com.

Wine Fest

February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 19
Fairfax at Embassy Row Hotel; 2100 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
$85-$145; http://www.capitalwinefestival.com
The first annual Capital Wine Festival features more than 50 wines from around the world and includes an intimate, four-course dinner to complement the wine selection. Plus, 20% of the proceeds from the tickets will be donated to the Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

January 22, 2010 – Grand Opening Reception
January 27, 2010 – Far Niente hosted by Larry Maguire
February 3, 2010 – Frog’s Leap hosted by John Williams
February 10, 2010 – J. Phelps Vineyards hosted by Damian Parker
February 17, 2010 – Cliff Lede Vineyards hosted by Jack Bittner
February 24, 2010 – Pio Cesare hosted by Pio Boffa
March 3, 2010 – Alex Gambal hosted by Alex Gambal
March 10, 2010 – Hanzell hosted by Jean Arnold Sessions
March 17, 2010 – Duckhorn Wine Co. hosted by Dan Duckhorn
March 19, 2010 – Closing Reception

Fete of Fashion Fundraiser

(Rue 14; 1803 14th St. N.W.; February 27; 6p.m.-10p.m.; $25 donation or more)
Rue 14 Boutique is showing support for the Capitol Breast Care Center, the only community based breast cancer screening clinic that provides free services to women. The evening will commence with shopping, live music, nibbles and drinks. The evening’s live music is from NYC group Electropoint and guests can also enjoy amazing swag bags from local businesses and sponsors. Bonus: 100% of ticket proceeds from the event will go directly to the Capital Breast Care Center.

Cream: Washington Project for the Arts Art Auction Exhibition

(Saturday, January 30- Saturday, March 6, 2010; The Katzen Arts Center at American University; 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW; Free admission; kac@american.edu)
The Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) artists debut their personal works in this exhibition which are careful selections by some of the top, nationally renowned curators from the most important art institutes. After the exhibition, The WPA will be inviting art fanatics to purchase pieces of which proceeds will benefit WPA programs and exhibitions at the WPA Art Auction Gala.

National Harbor Restaurant Week 2010

(February 15-28, 2010)
National Harbor Restaurant Week is a heaven send for diners everywhere. This week only, they are offering a prix fixe lunch menu for $20 and a three course dinner menu for $35! The participating restaurants include: Cadillac Ranch, Grace’s Mandarin, Ketchup, McCormick & Schmick’s, National Pastime, Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine, Public House, Rosa Mexicano and Sauciety American Grill. The cuisines hail from all over the world and include Mexican, American, Chinese, Seafood and much more. Most of the meals will also be accompanied by the beautiful scenery of the Potomac River which National Harbor sits on. This is a great opportunity to try some amazing new restaurants and delicious food at reasonable prices.

Grace's Mandarin Restaurant

(188 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745)
Grace’s Mandarin Restaurant is the perfect eatery when you want a little East meets West flavor and some amazing views of the Potomac River. The restaurant has received numerous accolades and offers a full sushi bar. The restaurant also features a cozy lounge which serves a full bar of specialty cocktails, wines and sakes. When inside, visitors can admire the elegant atmosphere which includes a three story waterfall and a 33 ft. tall Buddha statue. For a full menu, pricing and location, visit www.gracesrestaurants.com.

National Harbor 2010 Upcoming Events

• Chesapeake Oyster & Beer Festival
Friday & Saturday, Feb 19 & 20
• Live Earth 6K Run
Sunday April 18, 2010
• Movies on the Potomac
Family Sundays- May-Sep
Girls Night Thursdays- June-Aug
• The Washington Post International Arts Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 1 & 2
• American Market
Saturday May 15-October 30
• Riverfront Revolution Race
Saturday May 15th
• American Red Cross Waterfront Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 29 & 30
• Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
Friday & Saturday, June 18 & 19
• CelebrAsean Festival
Saturday, August 7
• Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival
Saturday, August 21
• Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon
Sunday, September 19
• Das Best Oktoberfest
Saturday & Sunday, September 25 & 26th
• National Harbor Food & Wine Festival
June 12 and 13, 2010; Saturday, noon-8p.m.; Sunday, noon-6p.m.

Washington D.C. Newseum

The Newseum is 250,000 sq. ft of news dished to visitors through amazing hands on exhibits and the latest technology. The five centuries worth news feed is combined within the seven expansive levels of galleries, theaters, visitor centers, retail areas and displays. The museum is the perfect place to discover how and why news is created and relayed to the American public. The museum, which is centrally located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave and 6th Street, N.W. in between the White House and the U.S. Capitol and adjacent to the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. Some of the museum’s permanent features include an interactive newsroom (where visitors are encouraged to read the news in front of a live camera), an ethics center (the place visitors can challenge one another to a face paced question game), the newseum gift store and more! Some of the museum’s most beautiful and original architecture depicts a massive 74 ft. high marble engraving of the First Amendment where onlookers can admire the strong words which have held through the ages. The museum also hosts displays that change seasonally so check www.newseum.org often for information on upcoming events.