LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS AND ALL THAT JAZZ:

In Washington, late-night eats heat up: “Say goodbye to the days when eating after 11 p.m. meant a big slice or falafel; a slew of restaurants are introducing late-night palates to kimchi quesadillas, vegan pies and local-egg omelets.” (WaPo)

Last Exit – Mt. Pleasant’s New Speakeasy: Prince of Petworth has got the scoop + pictures on the latest venture from the owners of Tonic. Check it out for yourself; the grand opening is tomorrow night at 3155 Mt. Pleasant St, NW. (Prince of Petworth)
Speaking of cocktails-we test drove some of spring’s new offerings at some of our favorite locations last week: click here for more info on poptails and spicy, spicy margaritas

We’re also looking forward to tasting: The Source by Wolfgang Puck salutes the start of horse racing season with three very special cocktails inspired by the Triple Crown, the three most elite horse races in the United States. Equestrian and cocktail enthusiasts can try the restaurant’s takes on iconic drinks from the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes from May 1st through June 15th for $12 each
HAPPY SPRINGTIME! Beginning Sunday, May 1, 2011, Proof will introduce Sine Qua Non Sundays and Marcassin Mondays, offering a 30% discount on all bottles of wine from these two California “cult” wineries on those respective days. (high five to wine director Sebastian Zutant!)

With the arrival of chic botiques and Flying Fish Coffee and Tea (opening next week), Mt. Pleasant might just be the next ‘it’ neighborhood. The Feast rounds up nine of Mt Pleasant’s Best Eats, which is, um, pretty much every restaurant in the area.

Toki Underground’s Erik Bruner-Yang: Young & Hungry interviews the chef behind one of H St’s most hyped new eateries.

The Washington Post Food section is holding its first-ever Smoke Signals Barbecue Sauce Recipe Contest. Click here for more information on rules, prizes, and how to enter. The entry deadline is this Sunday, so hurry up and get cookin’!

“The open-air Georgetown French Market celebrates its eighth year on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30, which of course means three things to us: Baguettes, crepes, and pastries.” If you’re planning on going, The Feast has compiled a a foodie itinerary for nom-worthy event listings and specials at participating restaurants.
THIS SUNDAY! “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.”

The long-awaited Senart’s Oyster and Chop House plans to open today on Barracks Row in Capitol Hill. Head over to Thrillist for photos and menu details, including a raw bar that’s half-price between 3 and 6 p.m.

While you’re there, remember: the 3rd annual TASTE OF 8TH is this SATURDAY. 1pm to 4pm – 20 Barracks row restaurants will present tastings of their signature dishes:

Washingtonian’s Best Bites Blog takes An Early Look at Watershed-With Menus. “The owners of Equinox are focusing on East Coast seafood at their new casual restaurant in DC’s NoMa neighborhood.”

Monday, May 2: Ba Bay is teaming up with Jesse Tittsworth, Bev Eggleston and the folks from Tattoo Paradise for PIGment: a tattooed pig roast. Seatings are at 5:00 and 8:30 p.m. and will cost you $65 per person — with proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross.

UPDATE! 8:30PM seating is sold out and Ba Bay is auctioning off pig space today along with two tix to the 5PM seating. It’s all going down on eBay, and the auction lasts one day. DO IT.

Speaking of pig, make sure to check out our full report (with photos) from BLT’s WHOLE HOG cooking class:

RAMMYs Bonus:

Public votes determine the outcome of several RAMMY Award categories, including: “Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene, “Neighborhood Gathering Place,”and“Power Spot.” During the week of 4/28 to 5/5, diners can “Eat the Vote” and participate in pretty awesome sounding events events full of food and cocktail specials etc. Here’s who’s doing what

Bar Pilar (1833 14^th St. NW) is throwing a Neighborhood Block Party on 4/28 from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring cocktail specials, food specials, and the return of the famous photo booth. Photos will be free to all who vote for the restaurant.
Bastille (1201 North Royal St.) will be offering happy hour pricing all day and night on 4/28, cocktails will range from $6 to $6.50
Bombay Club (815 Connecticut Ave. NW) is offering a $10 Power Cocktail throughout the week made with 2 oz. of Bank’s Rum, .5 oz. of Orange Curacao, .75 oz of house made raspberry syrup and .5 oz. of fresh squeezed lemon juice.
Carmine’s (616 E St. NW) will be hosting a Power Party from 4 to 7 p.m. on 5/5 featuring cocktail and appetizer specials; surprise “Power Guests;” tours of the restaurant’s Secret Service entrance for all who vote; computers set up at the bar for patrons who wish to vote.
Equinox (818 Connecticut Ave. NW) is hosting a Power Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. every night from 4/28-5/5, which includes cocktail specials and free bar munchies for those who have voted.
Masa 14 (1825 14^th St. NW) is offering a drink and food special at a discounted price of $10, includes Mango Mojito, Mojito Traditional, Spicy Tuna TemakiHand Roll and Mango Summer Rolls.
PS 7’s (777 Eye St. NW) will be hosting a Voting Punch Party on 4/29 featuring master mixologist Gina Chersevani’s famous punches at the discounted price of $7 each, as well as burgers and its signature flatbreads for half price.

and now, for the ROUND-UP:

Daily comic site Toothpaste for Dinner tackles fine dining:

Something new and different has hit the market! Cupcake Vodka. The product promises to deliver a “mouth-feel reminiscent of an indulgent delicious treat.” Guh… mouthfeel. (Grub Street)

Both Facebook and Google now testing Groupon clones.

The amazingness that is Aziz Ansari breaks down his food lexicon on last week’s episode of Parks and Recreation. In short, the man is brilliant. (Eater)

Taste buds are just one reason why we love some foods and hate others (WaPo)

The innovative geniuses over at 7-Eleven have developed a new Slurpee scheme that will let you mix and match your flavors – which is, essentially, two straws in one. *Facepalm