Weekly Food News Round-Up ⋆ BYT // Brightest Young Things

LOCAL NEWS AND SUCH:

SPRING IS UPON US. Rain. Sweater weather. Flowers n’ shit. But more importantly, patio dining. So if you’re ready to get al fresco up in this bitch, check out Best Bites Blog’s favorite outdoor drinking spots in DC.

The only thing that could make patio openings better? Patio-opening pig roasts. This week Poste, Jackson 20, and more will be hosting all out pork feasts. (Eater DC)
OR-joing BLT Steak this Saturday and learn how to cook your own pig with executive chef Victor Albisu (the $100 class include a 4 course lunch of demonstrated dishes including Lechon Asado, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig; Testa, Crispy Pig Ears and Artichokes; Valencia Salad, Almonds, Iberico Ham, Piquillo Peppers and Chorizo Stuffed Pork Loin Roulade, Citrus, Romeso.) For reservations, call Erica Frank at 202-689-8989

Monday marked the start of DC’s VegWeek! Indulge in some vegetarian specials at local restaurants like Amsterdam Falafel, Dangerously Delicious Pies, Pete’s Apizza and Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats. (Eater DC)

DC Brau Beer Company, the first production brewery to operate in the District in over 50 years, had an epic launch this weekend at Meridian Pint. For those who are still looking to give it a try, The Public ale is now available on draft at these D.C. and Virginia locations. (Young & Hungry)
Enjoy our newest edition of DRINK DIARY with St.EX’s Jonathan Fain (who introduces us to a miracle drink called CHAMPAGNESON, after which we will name all our hangovers from now on)

And our SILF column gets a BFF with BILB (BURGER I’D LIKE TO BANG)
Celebrate local wine with Boxwood’s release of their Rose(s) at their tasting rooms across DC this Saturday.
Early look: Jack Rose – “a recent visit to the construction site shows that it shouldn’t be too long before they’re open for business.” (DCist)

Where to eat & celebrate the royal wedding that doesn’t involve Snuggies, a frozen pizza, and a box of tissues. Or is that just me? (We Love DC)

Slideshow: Peeps Contest Finalists – Check out the winning entry and 35 runners-up from the 2011 Washington Post Peeps Diorama Contest.

BONUS! DC HOT DOG NEWS:

TOP DOG truck opens this Friday in Northern Virginia. “At present, Top Dog specializes in two types of dogs. The Sonoran, hailing from Tucson, Arizona, is a bacon-wrapped all beef dog served on a buttery brioche bun, topped with warm pinto beans, caramelized onions, freshly-diced tomatoes, lime-mayo, mustard, and kickin’ jalapeno sauce. The Boss is a Hungarian debreziner sausage – a caraway seed, red pepper, pork artisan sausage – served on a brioche bun, lined with sweet smoky sauce, pickle spear, yellow peppers and onions. And finally some love to the vegetarians – the Not Dog is a brioche bun brimming with warm pinto beans, sliced avocado, caramelized onions, freshly-diced tomatoes, lime-mayo, mustard, and fiery house-made jalapeno sauce“-sounds delishes

Photo by PoPville flickr user Madame Meow

Save the date for May 1st: “Domaso is hosting its first annual “Top Dog Half-Smoke Challenge” in which ten renowned area chefs will showcase their interpretation of DC’s iconic local dish, and compete for the title of Top Dog. Admission is $20 per person and includes samples of all 10 half-smokes, a signature Skyy Vodka cocktail, tax and gratuity.”

…and now for a special edition of the ROUND-UP featuring Daniella’s 5 Noble Truths:

#1) Amy Sedaris is a golden goddess. Really. Not only is she hilarious, but she can also craft gorgeous outfits using Chipotle wrappers.

#2) You can always count on me for useless information. So here’s 12 new ways to waste time: Food Network announces more shows.

#3) Meat is better – always. Well, at least it looks better. And now, even vegans are admitting it! The vegan world was scandalized when news broke that VegNews, a vegan magazine, was caught using stock photos containing meat. Whomp whomp!