Apartment Showcase Blog

Just one more: "Now that everyone is gone, I can have all of this to myself! Mwahaha!" (yanivba via Flickr)

Renters in the D.C. metro area already have a slew of things to do during February, but we’ve found another one: the 13th Annual Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival.

Taking place on February 11 and 12 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, “The Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival (IWFF) is the most popular event of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic,” according to the site.

Let’s start right off the bat by admitting this is a little expensive. But my hunch is that people who enjoy fine wine and food will be more than willing to part with a significant amount of lucre to sample the world’s finest whites and reds.

[ Related: Lansdowne: Fine Wine, Dining Await the Renter in This Upscale Community ]

The festival kicks off on Saturday, February 11, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a grand tasting. Tickets are $90. On Sunday, the event again takes place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., only you get in a little cheaper; this time it’s $85. Big spenders or people that really, really love their wine can pick up a two-day pass for $145.

There will be more than 500 “rare, unique and loved wines” from 100 global wineries to taste. There will also be many gourmet food vendors and some of the city’s best restaurants handing out food samples.

Each guest will receive an etched wine glass as well as “have the opportunity to speak directly with winemakers while enjoying and learning about a wide variety of wines.” You will also be able to purchase wine and select gourmet food at the event.

Of course, festivalgoers will be entertained too, in the form of both chef and exhibitor demonstrations.

[ Related: Dupont Circle's Ruth's Chris a Prime Choice for Steak Lovers ]

In addition, the soiree has two pre-events, one, “Cupid’s Not Stupid, Cocktails to Fall For,” takes place on the 10th at Aria Pizzeria & Bar from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The festival has several partner restaurants, including Jack Rose Dining Saloon and the aforementioned Aria Pizzeria & Bar; also a partner is food, wine and kitchenware store Dean & Deluca.

If you’re an apartment renter in Northwest with a love of fine wine and food, you may want to trek down to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, located in the Federal Triangle, before Valentine’s Day to get in the mood.

Metro’s Federal Triangle station (Blue/Orange Lines) is right across the street.

In it to spin it: Members of The Capitol Steps cut up during a performance at Catholic University. (cuatower via Flickr)

I haven’t yet written about these wiseacres because, well, I just haven’t.

But today we feature The Capitol Steps, a cultural institution of another sort that features performers who, unlike many in this town, don’t take themselves seriously. That’s good, because goofing on politics is what this comedy troupe does.

They perform year-round every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, located in the Federal Triangle neighborhood in Northwest.

The Capitol Steps began life in December 1981, when a group of Senate staffers decided that satire was the sincerest form of flattery. They set about making fun of their bosses and haven’t looked back since. Skewering Capitol Hill and the headlines is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.

These days, not all of the Steps are former staffers, but a boatload of them still are. They’ve recorded more than 30 albums, the latest being “Desperate Housemembers.” Ha ha. The group has enjoyed face time on most of the major networks and four times a year can be heard on National Public Radio during their “Politics Takes a Holiday” radio specials.

As a renter in Northwest, you might want to schedule a visit to the Reagan Building one weekend soon and laugh it up. All of you walkers are in luck, as Metro’s Federal Triangle stop on the Blue/Orange Line is close by.

The way things are, laughing’s better than crying.