Culinary Arts

Artistic Artifacts hosts **Open Stitch sessions EVERY Thursday evenings** from 5:30 - 7:30 pm — join us! This is a drop-in, bring your own hand stitching project and the necessary supplies (or you can knit, crochet... whatever needle arts you like). There’s no fee to attend, no instruction nor agenda — just a time to spend with other creatives! Visit our website for all our class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

An evening of wit, wine, and a little friendly competition. Join us for **Trivia Night at Divino**, where Northern Italian flavors set the stage for a lively night of questions, laughter, and prizes. Bring your sharpest friends, enjoy housemade pasta and curated wines, and see who leaves crowned champion. FREE PARKING GARAGE

Greetings! \*A Few Quick, Important Notes\*: 1. Tickets required at: **[https://thewashingtonforum.com/summer-social-2026/](https://thewashingtonforum.com/summer-social-2026/)** 2. A Free RSVP on Meetup is NOT a ticket for admission to this event. This is NOT a free event. Thanks! 3. Can't make this one, but interested in future events? Sign up here: **[https://forms.gle/4Pnws1HBn5M89Ro28](https://forms.gle/4Pnws1HBn5M89Ro28)** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* You are cordially invited to a **SUMMER SOCIAL:** • A photo exhibition by **Sebastian Schuster** • The **Summer Social** will bring together people from across Washington for an evening of conversation, connection, and new introductions beyond the workday. From public service and nonprofits to business, media, culture, and the arts, the city is full of overlapping worlds that rarely come together in one room. This is a chance to change that—informally and in good company. Event details and registration: [https://thewashingtonforum.com/summer-social-2026/](https://thewashingtonforum.com/summer-social-2026/) Feel free to invite friends or colleagues who may be interested. I hope you can join us! Yours, **John Hanshaw** **Questions? Feel free to connect and reach out at:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhanshaw](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhanshaw/)

Some people eat to live. We live to eat — and we want you at the table. Fork & Wander is a D.C./NoVA food community built for people who get genuinely excited about a good meal. We meet up regularly to explore restaurants you’ve been meaning to try, hidden gems off the beaten path, cuisines that take you somewhere new, and spots so good you’ll wonder how you lived without them. No awkward networking. No cliques. No dress code. Just great food, easy conversation, and people who will absolutely order the thing they’ve never heard of. What we do: • Monthly group dinners across D.C., Arlington, and Northern Virginia • Cuisines from all over — we go everywhere and try everything • Occasional food crawls, market visits, and cooking nights • A welcoming mix of regulars and newcomers every time Whether you’re a serious foodie or just someone tired of eating alone — pull up a chair. The more the merrier, and the table’s always big enough. Who joins us: Food lovers, solo diners looking for community, couples, transplants exploring the city, and anyone who believes the best part of a meal is who you share it with. Come hungry. Leave with new favorites and new friends. 🥂

Join us for [Muay Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai) kickboxing at [OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): an energetic evening class focused on striking technique, conditioning, and controlled sparring. 🔥 This adult (16+) class combines **technical instruction, pad work, partner drills**, and **cardio training** to build real-world **skill** and **endurance** in a **safe**, **structured setting**. Beginners and experienced students alike will learn how to apply the principles of **Muay Thai: *The Art Of Eight Limbs***, through precise **strikes**, **timing**, and **defense**. Classes take place every **Tuesday** and **Thursday** at **7:00 PM**. The **drop-in fee is $20**, payable on-site, and note that we are located in **suite #130**. Come train with us and see why so many in [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) choose One Spirit Martial Arts for top-tier martial-arts instruction. **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)** Q: Is this class suitable for someone interested in **boxing**? A: **Yes**! Muay Thai shares many of the same **striking fundamentals** as [boxing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing), including **stance**, **timing**, and **defensive movement**. Students searching for boxing gyms in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) or Northern Virginia train at OSMA to develop **solid punching technique** along with **kicks**, **knees**, and **elbows**.

Covid Alert: We will start having classes again at Canal Park on Wednesdays and the dojo on Saturdays. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, and a mask are a must! We'll practice from a safe distance from each other; and progress from there. On Saturdays, class is limited to the first 5 persons to rsvp (until further notice) "DC Kali" is an official training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Please come out and learn some Kali. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Although FCS Kali is a combat-oriented systems that involves edged weapons, we provide a safe environment for learning w/o sacrificing realism in our training. We teach in small semi-private groups, allowing each individual student to progress as quickly as he or she can absorb the info being taught. Hope to see you all there. Mosi K. Jack, Esq. Training Group Instructor · FCS Manong (under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo) http://www.fcskali.com/ ) Filipino Combat Systems is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. Filipino Combat Systems(FCS) is an organization/system with members from around the world. FCS is based on Tuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) styles. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We’ve all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth. Please pick one of the following class and fee combos: Drop-In Fee: $25/per class (after 1st free Saturday class) Monthly fees: $80/month (Wednesday park classes included for free), or Quarterly fees: $210/every 3 months (which comes to $70/month; includes the Wednesday park classes), or Wednesday Park only: $50/month • Cash and Paypal are preferred method of payment (online payments via Square are available at: https://squareup.com/market/dc-kali ) • One free trial class is permitted (but must rsvp ahead of class) • Equipment: if you have training knives, rattan sticks, training swords, and/or mma gloves bring them. If not, we may have a few extra. Training Videos http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/fcs-curriculum-videos.html http://www.bloodnbonesgear.com/id5.html

We’re not just bringing it back… we’re turning it ALL THE WAY UP. Disco Night 1.0 was a movie. Packed dance floor. Nonstop energy. People didn’t want to leave. Now we run it back - bigger, louder, and even more electric. Fernando is taking over the music again, dropping hit after hit from his signature playlist. No breaks. No slow moments. Just pure dance-floor energy from start to finish. Lights. Music. Movement. That moment when your “one song” turns into five more. If you were there last time - you already know what’s coming. If you missed it - don’t make the same mistake twice. This is not a stand-around event. This is a show up, move, and lose track of time kind of night. Social Sips & Bites… we’re taking over the dance floor again.

Join Guro [Krysta Scharlach](https://www.instagram.com/kindafabulous/) for a full weekend of [Muay Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai) and [Kali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnis) training at [Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/) in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia): **four sessions** across **two days**, open to **all levels**, on **June 27-28**, 2026. **Registration and Pricing** **Each session** is priced at **$20**, with **four sessions available** across the weekend. Attend one, a few, or all four -- *the choice is yours*. To **reserve your spot,** visit the [event registration page](https://sparkpages.io/?i=_5QEb) on SparkPages. **Kali Section** Guro [Krysta Scharlach](https://www.instagram.com/kindafabulous/) brings deep expertise in [Filipino Martial Arts ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_martial_arts)(FMA) to this seminar, offering material that is **accessible to beginners** while remaining rich enough to **reward experienced practitioners**. For more information about Kali training in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia), visit the [PSA Kali program](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/kali-herndon-va/) page. **About Coach Krysta** Coach Krysta has been studying multiple disciplines in the martial arts for **17 years** and has earned the following **certifications**: * *Full Instructor* under [Bryan Mossey](https://inosanto.com/congratulations-bryan-mossey-on-your-gracie-jiu-jitsu-black-belt/) (Mossey Academy of Martial Arts) * *Full Instructor* under [Ajarn Chai Sirisute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chai_Sirisute) ([World Thai Boxing Association](https://thaiboxing.com/)) * *Associate Instructor* under [Guro Dan Inosanto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Inosanto) ([Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts](https://inosanto.com/)) * *Associate Instructor* under Marc McFann ([United Fighting Arts](https://unifiedfightingarts.com/)) * *Blue belt* under [Professor Pedro Sauer](https://pedrosauer.com/en/about#leadership). Coach Krysta trains [Filipino Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_martial_arts), Silat, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do/Jun Fan Gung Fu, Western Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This [Kali seminar](https://nvma.group/2026/05/15/muay-thai-kali-seminar-guro-krysta-scharlach-herndon-va-june-2026/) has been cross-posted with additional information including details about the Muay Thai section of this seminar.

Welp, it's official. I'm moving to Taiwan on June 30. It would be great to see everyone before I go!

**NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS** Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members. → **[Learn how DC Metro Dining works](https://tinyurl.com/Landing-Page-DC-Metro-Dining)** → **[Ensure Group Notifications are Setup (Announcements + In on Waitlist/Attending List)](https://app.tango.us/app/workflow/Enable-Meetup-Email-Notifications-3a85109614fc4907940503d096331392)** **RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)** → **RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Sunday 10a, 6/27**. (*Late Cancel applies after this; repeat occurrences can impact membership*) We are heading to **ALA** in **Dupont Circle**. This modern Eastern Mediterranean restaurant has built a strong reputation for mezze-style dining, wood-fired cooking, and refined presentations without becoming overly formal. **FOOD:** ALA focuses on MODERN Eastern Mediterranean and Levantine-inspired cuisine built around mezze, grilled meats, vegetables, and seafood. Ala themselves describe their food as "ala serves Levantine cuisine with a modern twist. We do not serve anything traditional". Recent diners consistently highlight the whipped feta, muhammara, halloumi, lamb preparations, and kebabs, as well as several vegetable-focused plates that balance smoke, acidity, and spice well. The menu supports both lighter shared dining and more traditional entrée-style ordering. There is also an **optional fixed priced shared mezze format available** where the table may choose a fixed-price selection of hot and cold mezze dishes. We would **ONLY consider this if the ENTIRE group unanimously agrees** once attendance is finalized, since the restaurant requires full participation. Otherwise, members are free to order individually from the regular menu. Cocktails, wine, and Mediterranean-inspired beverages are also well reviewed and tend to pair naturally with the smaller plate format Most members should expect to spend between 45 and 90 dollars for dinner and drinks after tax and tip, depending on ordering style and alcohol on ordering style & beverage participation → **Explore ALA Dupont Circles's menu** **[https://www.ala-dc.com/menu](https://www.ala-dc.com/menu)** **SPACE**: Comfortable and modern dining room with an upscale casual feel. Expect a lively but manageable atmosphere on a Saturday evening, with moderate noise levels and a neighborhood dinner crowd → **Visit the restaurant site**: **[https://www.ala-dc.com/](https://www.ala-dc.com/)** * Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details) * Limited to 8 slots See you there Joe **CLOSEST METRO** * **Dupont Circle station** (Red) is the closest stop. Exit toward Connecticut Ave NW and walk south toward N Street NW, then west toward 19th St NW. The walk is about 8–10 minutes using standard pedestrian routing and traffic signals. * For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website [(click on your preferred Metro statio](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/index.cfm)n then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip" **PARKING**: Street parking in Dupont Circle can be difficult on weekend evenings. Several paid parking garages are located within a few blocks of the restaurant, though pricing varies depending on demand. Members may also want to check parking apps such as SpotHero and Parking Panda for discounted garage reservations and advance booking options nearby. Plan accordingly. \**\*\* Attendance Notes \*\*\** **If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing u**p. With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant. * New Members / 1st Timer*s*: Trying to get a slot?\*\* Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots *(often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox)* * Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total\*. This is part of our group’s expectations (factors DC's 10% tax and restaurant large party 20% gratuity) and helps smooth out service with the restaurant Looking forward to dining with you Joe

After a few months away, we're excited to get back to exploring the world one meal at a time. For our June dining experience, we're heading to Qui Qui to enjoy the bold and delicious flavors of Puerto Rico! Expect great food, good vibes, lots of laughs, and the chance to connect with both familiar and new faces. **A few quick notes:** * Space is limited, so please RSVP only if you're committed to attending. * Everyone will be responsible for their own check. * New members are always welcome, so don't be shy—we'd love to meet you! We're looking forward to catching up, making new memories, and kicking off the second half of the year with an amazing dining experience. Can't wait to see everyone there! -Diana

**Join us for an afternoon of community art and craft time!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilltop Branch** in **Meeting Room 4**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** The RSVP count for this event is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. Please try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, allowing folks on the waitlist time to check their schedule. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

**Get your creative flow going with a Saturday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Parsons Avenue Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Let’s check out this Mediterranean restaurant in Clintonville. Parking is the back or on the side streets. Check out the menu; https://allorakitchenbar.com/dinner/

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Join us for a fun and relaxing brunch at Carfagna’s! Come enjoy delicious Italian food, great conversation, and a chance to connect with other amazing women in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re new to the group or a familiar face, we’d love to see you there. Please RSVP early so we can plan seating. Looking forward to a great brunch together!

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ Every week we get together and work technical skills and full contact spar. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from street fights to the ring and some still compete in cage fighting. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ Wear workout clothes. \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ $10 per class $5 per class if you are wearing a club shirt Club shirts are $25 Hope to see you soon. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

The ultimate Thursday night out is back. Join us for BAM Thursdays (Bar, Art, and Music) at the Columbus Museum of Art. Live music, great art, delicious bites, vendors and fresh cocktails in the garden space. Limited seating is also available inside Schokko Café (yummy sharable plates). **FEE:** BAM Thursday evenings offer **FREE general admission** from 5:00–9:00 PM. See what’s on view [here](https://www.columbusmuseum.org/art-exhibitions/on-view-now/) (special exhibits are $5.00 fee). **TOUR**: I'll lead a tour of the main museum from 6:30pm til 7pm. FREE **PARKING** behind the museum is $7.00. Nearby parking a little cheaper. **SEATING**: *Tables are available on a first come first serve basis for dining. In the event of inclement weather, BAM Thursdays will move inside to the atrium.* **DRESS**: Summer dressy casual