Belgian Restaurant Week, through Thursday What started as a simple dinner commemorating Belgian National Day has grown into a seven-day event celebrating the food and drink of Belgium.
Welcome to Belgian Restaurant Week.
“It’s to show that Belgium has a place in D.C.,” said Bart Vandaele, owner and executive chef at Belga Cafe. “It’s about the culinary experience.”
Belgian Restaurant Week features specials at participating restaurants, including Belga, Brasserie Beck, Granville Moore’s and Marvin, among others. Additional events include a Mussel Throw Down at Eastern Market on Saturday, and a dinner at the Belgian Ambassador’s Residence on Tuesday.
“I jumped at the opportunity,” said Teddy Folkman, executive chef at Granville Moore’s. “It unifies. We’re not in competition with one another.”
Folkman added that while some of the restaurants participating are not strictly Belgian, such as Granville Moore’s, they’ve all bonded to promote Belgian food and culture. He also said that the establishments involved are not competitive.
“It’s an opportunity for all of us to get together,” he said.
Added Vandaele: “Competition is always a little bit healthy. But I don’t look at it as a competition. We all have our own forte. We’re always looking out for each other.”
Why the food and drink of such a small country of approximately 11 million people is so popular in D.C. is explained by Vandaele.
“It’s about the soul,” Vandaele said, adding that Belgian cuisine is more than waffles, chocolate and beer. “It’s simple. It’s comfortable. A lot of people can relate.”
When: Various events, through Thursday
Info: belgianrestaurantweekdc.com
Dave Foley at the Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse, Friday & Saturday
Probably best known for the comedy troupe Kids in the Hall, while others will recognize him from the sitcom “NewsRadio,” Dave Foley owns one of the finest comedic bonafides of a generation. Check him out at the Drafthouse for a series of four shows.
Info: $30; arlingtondrafthouse.com
When: 7:30 and 9:55 p.m. Friday and Saturday
‘The Dark Crystal’ at E Street Cinema, Friday and Saturday
Movie lovers of a certain age need no introduction to “The Dark Crystal.” Jim Henson and company go a little darker in this full-length fantasy feature. One of the most imaginative films of its time, check it out at again, or for the first time, at midnight on Friday and Saturday at E Street Cinema.
Info: $11; landmarktheatres.com
When: Midnight Friday and Saturday
Lil’ Wayne at Jiffy Lube Live, Saturday
If you didn’t catch him at Verizon Center earlier this year, don’t miss out seeing Lil’ Wayne at Jiffy Lube this weekend. Also look for “Tha Carter IV” to drop in August. With Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, Far East Movement and Lloyd
Info: $35.75 to $175.75; livenation.com
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Bastille Day at the Embassy of France, Saturday
Bastille Day was actually on Thursday, but the French Embassy throws its big party this weekend. Enjoy a buffet of French food, open bar and a silent auction. In addition to celebrating one of the most significant dates in French history, the event is also a fundraiser.
Info: $100 general admission, $150 benefactor; la-maison-francaise.org
When: 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday
