Cuisine and Culture

Welcome to Casual Dining Out, the event series where we explore counterserve establishments, food halls, and other venues for quick bites of Asian, "fusion", and other fare! As in the past, the field for these events will typically be limited, so please RSVP quickly if you know you're coming (or drop out quickly if you can't make it to give others a chance). RSVPs will close at 4 PM the day of the event and anyone who drops afterwards may be subject to the dreaded "no show" designation. This edition: a brand new sushi buffet! As always, a bonus activity could follow if the mood is right. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

Mondays just got delicious! Join us at **Divino** for **Wine Mondays: 50% off our entire wine list**—all day, every Monday. From crisp Italian whites to bold Barolos, it’s the perfect excuse to explore something new or revisit a favorite. **Less Monday stress...More Wine!** FREE PARKING

This Holiday Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 5pm-7pm for a Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. We are screening our Make a Movie in a Month films at this Happy Hour, so please join us in supporting our filmmakers and their documentary short films! Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com). This event is produced in partnership with[ TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ ReelAbilities Film Festival](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/). PARKING: Paid parking available at the Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron St. See you there on 12/29/25!

🎲♠️♟️ **Game Night & Spades Play in DC** 🎲♠️♟️ Stop in after work for food, fun, and games at 1942 Lounge in DC! ♟️🎲♠️ Play Spades and other games starting at 5pm! All skill levels are welcome! 🍸🍷🍺 Happy Hour Specials Available! Indulge in elevated vibes, craft cocktails, and curated experiences. 📍1942 DC Lounge 1942 9th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 ⏳️ 5pm to 9pm _www.1942loungedc.com_ 🏈 **Stay late to watch Monday Night Football too!** 🏈

This Holiday Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 5pm-7pm for a Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. We are screening our Make a Movie in a Month films at this Happy Hour, so please join us in supporting our filmmakers and their documentary short films! Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com). This event is produced in partnership with[ TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ ReelAbilities Film Festival](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/). PARKING: Paid parking available at the Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron St. See you there on 12/29/25!

Join us in closing out 2025 with a wonderful evening at The Simon in Reston! **NOTE #1: If you wish to try the Duck a la Presse, please send a message in Meetup when you confirm your spot so that we may we notify the restaurant in advance. This dish is $126 and serves 2 people.** **NOTE #2: Restaurant will NOT generate separate checks for our group. Please be prepared to settle up with cash, Paypal / Venmo / Zelle. Thank you in advance for your understanding.** **ABC 7 News:** A taste of France in Virginia: New restaurant offers century-old Duck a la Presse The Duck a la Presse reaches all the way back to France, over a century ago. The French cuisine that originated in the early 1800s in France was once usually enjoyed by France's most elite. "Chefs would take the ducks and carve them tableside, break them down and process them through a duck press to extract the blood and juices to finish the sauce at the table.," Executive Chef Anthony DiGregorio (The Watergate Hotel, Café Boulud Palm Beach) told 7News. However, since gaining popularity over time, the duck dish has made it's way into the states and at The Simon at Reston Station in Reston, Va. "People are bringing back those old school cooking techniques and its the ability to do a table side and bring an experience to the guest," DiGregorio said. The Dry aged Duck a la Presse (for 2) is a Honey lavender glazed Jurgielewicz duck, roasted red beets, foraged mushrooms, red wine poached pear, sauce civet, according to DiGregorio. It is a multi-step process including carving, pressing tableside. The duck, which is raised at a farm in Pennsylvania, is dry-aged for about two weeks, adding flavor, texture and age onto the duck. It is then cooked in a charcoal oven. While the Duck a la Presse has made a comeback, the price for the equipment can be pretty hefty. According to Tasting Table, duck presses, depending on the metal, can range from almost $2,200 to $4,000. For a fancier option, the French maker Ercuis produces a silver-plated Duck Press Grand Hotel that could be yours for a mere €17,600 ($18,700). Two people can enjoy the traditional and historical dish for $126. **Northern Virginia Magazine:** The Simon opened September 16, unveiling a glamorous dining experience that blends global refinement with Mid-Atlantic roots. At the helm are Executive Chef Anthony DiGregorio (The Watergate Hotel, Café Boulud Palm Beach) and Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen (Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Mayfair Hotel London), who are reimagining regional cuisine with creativity and flair. Standout dishes include dry-aged duck à la presse infused with lavender from DiGregorio’s garden, Pennsylvania golden chicken with brioche stuffing, and pan-seared local rockfish with sauce vin jaune. Dessert delights with indulgences such as a Virginia chess pie or the almond crunch bar, while a tableside cheese cart presents the largest Murray’s Cheese selection outside of New York. “Every element of The Simon has been designed so our guests can appreciate the best of the region,” DiGregorio said in a release. “We’ve partnered with local farmers, fishers, and artisans who share our respect for the land’s bounty, and pairing that with craftsmanship, service, and storytelling, will make each dining experience memorable.” Next door, the Schar Bar steals the spotlight with the area’s most extensive amaro collection, rare-bourbon program, inventive cocktails, as well as appealing noshes like oysters, caviar, and Appalachian sour corn hushpuppies. Looking forward to sharing this experience with you! ***Check out menus*** Dinner Menu [here](https://www.thesimonrestonstation.com/menus/#dinner) Cocktails Menu [here ](https://www.thesimonrestonstation.com/menus/#cocktails) Wine Menu [here](https://www.thesimonrestonstation.com/menus/#wines) Dessert Menu [here](https://www.thesimonrestonstation.com/menus/#dessert) We ask that ALL folks honor their RSVP. If you are unable to attend after sending in a YES, please update your status so that others may join. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding. **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. \*Note: Event fee is non-refundable\* In the future, we will vary the days of the week and the types of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will pay their own tab. before departing the event. If you are unable to join us in December we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to catching up with you for a year end dinner at The Simon!

To attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374) ***with MULTIPLE AMAZING TALENTS*** **- *CIRQUE PERFORMANCES*** ***\- LIVE BANDS – INCLUDING 7 DEADLIES & CRUSH FUNK*** ***\- WASHINGTON’S BELOVED MASCOTS\, INCLUDING TEDDY FROM THE NATIONALS*** ***…and much more!*** ***FOUR Options*:** *1) General Admission* 2) VIP Admission 3) White Glove VIP Dinner 4) Late Night Admission **(*Group Rates Available. Email events@thingstodoDC.com for Details)*** **THOUSANDS ATTEND EVERY YEAR – AND THIS YEAR WILL BE NO EXCEPTION!** Tonight, we circle the globe and touch countries from around the globe to make this a truly WORLD-WIDE WELCOME into 2026! *15 INTERNATIONAL THEMED CELEBRATIONS \~ MULTIPLE SEPARATE BALLROOMS \~ ONE OF D.C.’s MOST LUXURIOUS LOCATIONS \~ EXCLUSIVE CIRQUE NEW YEAR’S EVE PERFORMANCES \~ LIVE BANDS, including 7 DEADLIES \~ SALUTE TO MULTIPLE COUNTRIES \~ FULLY STOCKED OPEN BAR \~ MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST \~ HUGE MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP \~ D.C.’S BEST DJS \~ KARAOKE \~ STROLLING ENTERTAINERS \~ PARTY FAVORS \~ CARICATURIST DRAWINGS \~ AFRICAN DANCE SHOW \~ THE CHINESE LION DANCE \~ LIVE IRISH DANCE SHOW \~ OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION\~ INCREDIBLE HOTEL ROOM RATES \~ WHITE GLOVE SERVICE \~ VIP OPTIONS \~ MANY BARS AND STATIONS TO PREVENT LONG LINES \~ A SELL OUT EVERY YEAR \~ AND MUCH MORE!* **… including the Washington Nationals' most beloved President, TEDDY (and some friends) ready to race into 2026 and welcome in the new year with thousands of their fans!** **THE PARTY:** (A) **THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE – GRAND BALLROOMS** 1. T**IMES SQUARE (New York City)** Embrace your patriotic spirit with pride and enthusiasm as we transport you to a trendy New York nightclub setting with one of Washington’s best DJs spinning the greatest American retro, top 40, hip hop, and dance! A giant midnight balloon drop (with a hidden apple) and light show will welcome you to 2026. (…and you don’t have to risk frostbite.) Again, be prepared as a GIGANTIC BALLOON DROP covers the dance floor at the stroke of midnight! **WASHINGTON’S LARGEST MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP: THE BEST IN DC!** **2) EXCLUSIVE INTERNATIONAL CIRQUE PERFORMANCES AND CELEBRATION** 3. **TEDDY FROM THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS** **4) THE HOLLYWOOD EXPERIENCE: Starring** **7 DEADLINES** **(B) THE CARIBBEAN** **1) *BARBADOS, BAHAMAS, JAMAICA, and ALL THE OTHER CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES*** **\- STARRING DJ PUMPKIN** **2) BONUS: WIN A TRIP TO THE CARIBBEAN!** Enter a drawing to win a vacation trip to one of the Caribbean Islands or Cancun, Mexico. **(C) SOUTH AMERICA** **THE 1950′s HAVANA SALSA EXPERIENCE** **(D) EUROPE** **1) *PARIS, ROME, PRAGUE, MOSCOW, BERLIN AND THE* EUROPEAN HIGH ENERGY NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE:** 2. **OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION:** 3. **DUBLIN:** **(E) ASIA** **1) THE TOKYO EXPERIENCE: KARAOKE** **2) CHINESE LION DANCE: The Native Chinese** **(F) AFRICA:** Dressed in full native traditional African outfits, we will be dazzled by their interactive show and energy. **For your price of admission, in a single evening, you will revel in and enjoy:** * One of Washington’s Most Luxurious and Historic Hotels * Fully Stocked Open Bar * Plenty of Comfort Space with No Long Lines for Food or Drinks * Midnight Champagne Toast * Elaborate Buffet Menus (served by the same kitchen that serves royalty) * A Celebration with Beloved Nationals Mascots Teddy and Friends * Washington’s Best DJs * Exclusive Cirque Performances * The Live Talents of “7 Deadlies” * The High-Energy Rockin Beats DC’s Favorite DJs * Teddy from the Nationals * Salsa (with optional lessons) * Karaoke * Magic * An African Dance Presentation * A Chinese Lion Dance Presentation * Oktoberfest Dance Presentation * Live Irish Dancing * Caribbean Music * Huge Balloon Drop * Special Guests * Caricaturist * VIP Options * Two Different Ticket Times and Prices * Hats, Tiaras, Party favors and Giveaways * AMAZING Low Discounted Overnight Hotel Rates (only $164) ...plus many more surprises. **VIP OPTION** Want to make your New Year’s Eve experience extra special? Why not indulge yourself with VIP treatment? Enjoy all of the fantastic amenities our New Year’s Eve Gala has to offer and complement them with our exclusive special VIP Reception and Dinner. **OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAY – Only $172 a Night!** (Rooms Available at:[https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/washington-dc-shoreham/new-years-eve-gala-room-block](https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/washington-dc-shoreham/new-years-eve-gala-room-block) To attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374)

I went to this Modan Japanese restaurants on NYE last year. It was an amazing event. I want to share this experience with you guys if anyone is interested in joining me this year. Please let me know. Modan is not a restaurants. It s a relization that the chef brings the world-class of Japanese cuisine every year. Don’t miss out. https://www.modanrestaurant.com/

**Our resolution for this year is, to party harder:) Come help us to do so!:)** Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

To attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374) ***with MULTIPLE AMAZING TALENTS*** **- *CIRQUE PERFORMANCES*** ***\- LIVE BANDS – INCLUDING 7 DEADLIES & CRUSH FUNK*** ***\- WASHINGTON’S BELOVED MASCOTS\, INCLUDING TEDDY FROM THE NATIONALS*** ***…and much more!*** ***FOUR Options*:** *1) General Admission* 2) VIP Admission 3) White Glove VIP Dinner 4) Late Night Admission **(*Group Rates Available. Email events@thingstodoDC.com for Details)*** **THOUSANDS ATTEND EVERY YEAR – AND THIS YEAR WILL BE NO EXCEPTION!** Tonight, we circle the globe and touch countries from around the globe to make this a truly WORLD-WIDE WELCOME into 2026! *15 INTERNATIONAL THEMED CELEBRATIONS \~ MULTIPLE SEPARATE BALLROOMS \~ ONE OF D.C.’s MOST LUXURIOUS LOCATIONS \~ EXCLUSIVE CIRQUE NEW YEAR’S EVE PERFORMANCES \~ LIVE BANDS, including 7 DEADLIES \~ SALUTE TO MULTIPLE COUNTRIES \~ FULLY STOCKED OPEN BAR \~ MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST \~ HUGE MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP \~ D.C.’S BEST DJS \~ KARAOKE \~ STROLLING ENTERTAINERS \~ PARTY FAVORS \~ CARICATURIST DRAWINGS \~ AFRICAN DANCE SHOW \~ THE CHINESE LION DANCE \~ LIVE IRISH DANCE SHOW \~ OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION\~ INCREDIBLE HOTEL ROOM RATES \~ WHITE GLOVE SERVICE \~ VIP OPTIONS \~ MANY BARS AND STATIONS TO PREVENT LONG LINES \~ A SELL OUT EVERY YEAR \~ AND MUCH MORE!* **… including the Washington Nationals' most beloved President, TEDDY (and some friends) ready to race into 2026 and welcome in the new year with thousands of their fans!** **THE PARTY:** (A) **THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE – GRAND BALLROOMS** 1. T**IMES SQUARE (New York City)** Embrace your patriotic spirit with pride and enthusiasm as we transport you to a trendy New York nightclub setting with one of Washington’s best DJs spinning the greatest American retro, top 40, hip hop, and dance! A giant midnight balloon drop (with a hidden apple) and light show will welcome you to 2026. (…and you don’t have to risk frostbite.) Again, be prepared as a GIGANTIC BALLOON DROP covers the dance floor at the stroke of midnight! **WASHINGTON’S LARGEST MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP: THE BEST IN DC!** **2) EXCLUSIVE INTERNATIONAL CIRQUE PERFORMANCES AND CELEBRATION** 3. **TEDDY FROM THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS** **4) THE HOLLYWOOD EXPERIENCE: Starring** **7 DEADLINES** **(B) THE CARIBBEAN** **1) *BARBADOS, BAHAMAS, JAMAICA, and ALL THE OTHER CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES*** **\- STARRING DJ PUMPKIN** **2) BONUS: WIN A TRIP TO THE CARIBBEAN!** Enter a drawing to win a vacation trip to one of the Caribbean Islands or Cancun, Mexico. **(C) SOUTH AMERICA** **THE 1950′s HAVANA SALSA EXPERIENCE** **(D) EUROPE** **1) *PARIS, ROME, PRAGUE, MOSCOW, BERLIN AND THE* EUROPEAN HIGH ENERGY NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE:** 2. **OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION:** 3. **DUBLIN:** **(E) ASIA** **1) THE TOKYO EXPERIENCE: KARAOKE** **2) CHINESE LION DANCE: The Native Chinese** **(F) AFRICA:** Dressed in full native traditional African outfits, we will be dazzled by their interactive show and energy. **For your price of admission, in a single evening, you will revel in and enjoy:** * One of Washington’s Most Luxurious and Historic Hotels * Fully Stocked Open Bar * Plenty of Comfort Space with No Long Lines for Food or Drinks * Midnight Champagne Toast * Elaborate Buffet Menus (served by the same kitchen that serves royalty) * A Celebration with Beloved Nationals Mascots Teddy and Friends * Washington’s Best DJs * Exclusive Cirque Performances * The Live Talents of “7 Deadlies” * The High-Energy Rockin Beats DC’s Favorite DJs * Teddy from the Nationals * Salsa (with optional lessons) * Karaoke * Magic * An African Dance Presentation * A Chinese Lion Dance Presentation * Oktoberfest Dance Presentation * Live Irish Dancing * Caribbean Music * Huge Balloon Drop * Special Guests * Caricaturist * VIP Options * Two Different Ticket Times and Prices * Hats, Tiaras, Party favors and Giveaways * AMAZING Low Discounted Overnight Hotel Rates (only $164) ...plus many more surprises. **VIP OPTION** Want to make your New Year’s Eve experience extra special? Why not indulge yourself with VIP treatment? Enjoy all of the fantastic amenities our New Year’s Eve Gala has to offer and complement them with our exclusive special VIP Reception and Dinner. **OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAY – Only $172 a Night!** (Rooms Available at:[https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/washington-dc-shoreham/new-years-eve-gala-room-block](https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/washington-dc-shoreham/new-years-eve-gala-room-block) To attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374)

**Our resolution for this year is, to party harder:) Come help us to do so!:)** Come exchange Asian Languages that you speak! ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will assign tables for represented languages. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. As you all remember well, this event used to bring out hundreds of people every week. However, it was discontinued last year for obvious reasons and we couldn't gather that many people now, because of restrictions. Hence, we are downsizing and caping the number of attendees. We have super limited spots and advance ticket purchase is required. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. You ought to have register on Meetup for a free entry\. Otherwise\, you will be subject to a cover charge\. 11. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. 12.

Join us for a New years eve dinner @ Manoli Canoli It is a wonderful Greek or Italian Food. I have a reservation for 10 people. FREE Parking The place is small so you will be able to find the group I will have ice breaker games for us to play to start the dinner off. Meet new people Enjoy a great meal RSVP today

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Join us as we celebrate **National Spaghetti Day** with this hearty dish! Though the origins of spaghetti are disputed—whether it was Marco Polo bringing back culinary invention from the East or a home-grown Sicilian treat dating back to the 12th Century—we can all agree that a cold day with a big bowl of noodle-y, saucy goodness is balm for the soul. # Carfagnas Spaghetti and Sauce *Everybody's favorite!* Our handmade egg spaghetti topped with our homemade marinara and served with two of our famous meatballs. There are other classic spaghetti dishes on the menu, too. **Where:** We'll have tables in their beautiful upscale bar at Carfagna's Ristorante; and you need to check out everything Italian this place has to offer under one roof!! (shopping, pastry) ***Reservation for 12 under Michele Z starts at 2pm***. *Members Only. Space is limited so no guests, please.* I hope you'll join me at Carfagna's AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. -Michele

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

# Save the date! FUTURE MEETINGS! [](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) [Hosted By](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) [Dara T.](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) This listing is information only. Each event will be scheduled individually. ## DO NOT TRY TO SIGN UP ON THIS LIST! January 12 , 2025 - Greek epiphany: Blessing of the Waters, Mad Greek Restaurant February 9, 2025 - Valentine's Day in Germany, Hillgarten Beer Garden, Hilliard March 15, 2025, Indian Holi Festival, Aab India Restaurant April 6, 2025 - Chinese: Hanchi / Qingming Festival May 4, 2025 - Japanese Golden Week, Akai Hana Japanese Restaurant June 8, 2025- Hawaiian King Kamehameha Day, Ohana Grill Hawaiian Restaurant July 5, 2025, 60's Nostalgia: Dance to the Moonbats, JT's Restaurant (Fabulous pub food and great beer, as well as dancing music). They play British Invasion music. Dining Out Fun Times Make New Friends ## Photos (1) [See all](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/photos/34336422) Add photos

## 🏓 Winter Singles Pickleball League \| Ages 20s\, 30s & 40s **Hosted by DateColumbus** **[Registration Through Eventbrite - Click Here!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-singles-pickleball-league-tickets-1975043737987?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Looking to meet new people OFF the dating apps this winter? Join us for an **8-week Singles Pickleball League** designed to help you connect, move, laugh, and meet other active Columbus singles — IRL. **📅 Thursdays, January 8 – February 26** 🎟 $160 (PLUS FEES) **⏰ 6:30–8:30 PM** **📍 Paddle Taps \| 535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd\, Worthington\, OH 43085** *** ## 🏓 What to Expect * 💬 A fun, easygoing way to meet singles in their **20s, 30s & 40s** * 🎾 **Beginner-friendly!** Instructors onsite for the first 30 minutes of Weeks 1–3 * 🔄 **Open Play Format** Rotate courts + partners often = tons of chances to connect Winners stay one round, then rotate * 🍻 Food + drinks available at Paddle Taps’ full bar and restaurant * 🏓 Paddles available each week — or bring your own * 💬 Eat, drink, mingle before/after games * ⏳ Runs every Thursday for 8 weeks Whether you’re experienced or brand new, you’ll fit right in — this league is all about connection, not competition. *** ## ⭐ IMPORTANT — READ THIS ⭐ **This is a PAID event. Meetup RSVP does NOT count as registration.** You **must purchase a ticket on Eventbrite** to participate. [👉 ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-singles-pickleball-league-tickets-1975043737987?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[DateColumbus Winter Singles Pickleball League LINK HERE!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-singles-pickleball-league-tickets-1975043737987?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Spots always fill fast — grab yours early!

Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a NOON Year’s Eve at Vida's!! We will count down to noon on 12/31. This is a great opportunity for families or for people that do not want to stay up past midnight for New Year’s celebrations. We will be eating food from Vida’s Plant Based Butcher 🤤 Here is the link to their website: 🔗 https://www.vidasbutcher.com/ You can order ahead of time if you want, just let them know that it is for the Meetup happening from 11:30am-1pm. If you do, order on their website and not by call. They open at 11. Vida’s also has a preorder for that classic cheese ball so place those orders if you want that during the meetup!🧀 👀 The hosts will be providing the sparkling juice and glasses for a celebration drink when the "ball" drops 🥂✨ Please do not bring your own drinks. So yeah! Come join us and celebrate with fellow vegans and animal lovers while supporting a local family owned vegan business 🤩