Dining on fine cuisines

Social Sips & Bites Presents: A Monthly Culinary Experience **Small Group • Big Flavor • Great Company** We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly food series designed for those who truly appreciate great food and even better company. Each month, a small group of just 10 food lovers will gather at one handpicked spot in the DMV area, chosen for its vibrant flavors, cozy vibe, and overall wow factor. Think hidden gems, chef-driven menus, and memorable bites. This isn’t just about eating out. It’s about sharing a beautiful meal, great conversation, and unrushed time together. Reservations will be made in advance, so you can relax, savor the moment, and connect. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or just someone who loves a well-plated dish, this is your table.

Let's Brunch and welcome the New Year at Sixty Vines located at 216 Ellington Boulevard at the Crown in Gaithersburg, MD. It's a New Year with new goals and new opportunities. Why not come and meet new people? Parking is free.

Manoli Canoli has offered my group %50 percent off our meal for their NYE mix up. So I have made a reservation for the group. Small Place so you will find us. Get to know others in a small group event. Great event for new members. This is for members only, no guests. FREE parking behind the stores. It's dark back there so please be careful walking. RSVP today

**Our resolution for this year is, to party harder:) Come help us to do so!:)** Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***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. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

**Our resolution for this year is, to party harder:) Come help us to do so!:)** Socialize, mingle and dance the night away, your memorable one, rubbing your shoulder with DC's party snobs. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. 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 rotate attendees. So that everyone meets everyone. You would get to meet your future friends/acquaintances/buddies/pals /partner-in-crimes or may be more:) To hang out/go out or do things together. Also, this is an ideal event if you are new in town or not! ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp'!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** We will have specials, including our usual suspect MERtini:) Dress code : Weekend Casual Event is free and 21+ * Come one, come all; YOU COULD FLY SOLO TOO:) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member * Ideal for either you are new in town or not, to make friends and acquaintances * RSVP on Meetup is required. That is how we check you in. * We will have a registration station and check you in. Cover is $20. **But it is FREE with RSVP.** **Fellas, it is hard to pass on this!** http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/5/6/600_434918742.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/1/3/6/600_418768982.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/9/c/600_434918812.jpeg

Walk 3 miles circle followed by brunch.

**‼️🔔 IMPORTANT RESERVATION DETAILS 🔔‼️ We will be seated at small tables of 6, and all spots must be secured through an OpenTable reservation organized in our WhatsApp group. 👉 If your name is not on an OpenTable reservation, you do not have a confirmed spot. RSVP links and table coordination will be shared exclusively in the Glow Girl Lounge on WhatsApp. How to join the Lounge: 1️⃣ First, stop by Introductions and share a quick photo + short intro so we can verify who’s who. 👉[ Glow Girl Introductions](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KQjjpJMbXCCJ8rQsyCfmVr) 2️⃣ Once verified, you’ll be granted access to the Lounge, where brunch spots are coordinated. We can’t wait to brunch together 🤍✨** Turn brunch into a glow moment with your favorite girlfriends✨ Join Glow Girl Social Club for a cozy Sunday brunch to ease into the year together in Washington, D.C. We’ll connect with new girlfriends over good food, easy conversation, and a beautiful setting. Whether you’re new to Glow Girl or already part of the community, this is a lovely way to spend your morning. 🌟 Event Flow 12:00 PM — Arrivals & table seating 12:15 – 2:45 PM — Brunch + conversation 2:45 – 2:00 PM — Optional group photos & wind down 💖 What to Know ✨Dress code: Winter-chic brunch attire. Come comfortable, warm, and feeling like yourself. ✨Costs: Everyone will cover their own meal + drinks. Expect ~$40–$70 per person depending on your order. ✨You can look over the Brunch menu here: https://thepembrokedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pembroke-Brunch-Menu-Sep-2025-CWKH.pdf Who’s welcome: Women who want to indulge in a beautiful brunch while building friendships that glow. 🕓 Cancellation Policy If you reserve a seat but can’t attend, please remove yourself by Friday, Jan 2 by 11:59 PM so another Glow Girl can take your place and hosts can coordinate seating. ❗ Last-minute cancellations after the deadline and no-shows will result in a cool-off period for the next 3 curated events, to keep things fair for everyone. ✨ Hosted by Glow Girl Social Club, a women’s community founded in the San Francisco Bay Area with 900+ members and growing. A few reminders:
✨ Please let the organizers know if you have any concerns or feedback, we’re always open to hearing how we can make things better.
✨ If there’s ever an issue with your order or service, try to resolve it directly with the café or restaurant first so they have a fair chance to make it right

**Celebrate [Veganuary](https://veganuary.com/en-us/)** on Saturday, January 3rd, with the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org) with a vegan networking and social event at [DC Vegan](https://www.dc-vegan.com/)! This will be the kick-off to Veganuary in DC. *Yes, we will also do a round of vegan trivia with prizes!* *About Veganuary: "Our vision is simple; we want a vegan world. A world without animal farms and slaughterhouses. A world where food production does not decimate forests, pollute rivers and oceans, exacerbate climate change, and drive wild animal populations to extinction." Veganuary has inspired and supported millions of people to try vegan since 2014 – with participants from almost every country in the world. They have worked with businesses to drive up vegan options in shops and restaurants, and have made veganism more visible and accessible through their work with national and international media.* DC Vegan will feature a special mocktail for the occasion. There is **no fee to attend but PLEASE DO purchase food and drinks from the DC Vegan cafe. Everything is vegan.** Note: DC Vegan Cafe is a *VSDC Green Rewards members so show your VSDC member card and get 10% off on food and beverages*. If not already a [member of VSDC, then join today](https://vsdc.org/join/#join). Additionally, if you would like to ***reserve a table in advance, please go to the following link and [make your booking here](https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/a3575f59-b1e6-49dd-934e-21cb80b98be0/findTime)***. If you don't book a table in advance, then please know you will be joining numerous others standing in the open areas as part of the social with mingling. This event will take place on Saturday, January 3rd, starting at 3 pm. Come then or come later - people will be there over the course of the evening. Announcements and trivia will occur sometime around 4 pm. Don't be a no show! If your plans change, please update your RSVP. By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). ***See you at the event and bring friends! Be sure to RSVP in advance to let us know.*** **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The VSDC membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

**Karaoke Night**: Bring your glee club friends. Enjoy a flashback to your choir days. No chorus line. It's all you baby. Sing. Shout. Scream. Lip sync if you need to. But do show up and do have a good time. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Let’s meet for dinner at the Rossi, In the short north. The plan is to have dinner and then head over to Good Night John Boy around 9 pm for drinks and dancing. Please only RSVP if you are having dinner so that I have a head count for the restaurant. If you want to only join us for John Night John Boy, you don’t have to RSVP, you can write a comment under the event. This is the menu for the restaurant: https://rossikitchenandbar.com/dinner

**3rd Annual Great Chili Cook Off**: Calling All Cooks! This is your shot at dethroning our 2-time repeat Chili Champion and claim the 1st place Chef's Cap and Apron for yourself. Second and Third place winners will also receive a cap and apron. This is often one of our more well-attended events so please RSVP early and come hungry. Members will be given a ticket to vote for their favorite chili. No campaigning this year please. Let the chili speak for itself (no, not like that. I know what you are thinking. Stop that.) **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*