Cooking

Hello Social Sips and Bits group! We’re excited to take our next meetup to The Perch at Capital One Center- a rooftop destination that’s unlike any other. Perched high above Tysons, this beautiful spot combines scenic city views, a beer garden, lush green spaces, games, and more. Join us on the top floor to catch up over delicious bites and drinks, enjoy some lawn games, or just relax and take in the incredible skyline. Whether you’re here for the good conversation, the stunning views, or just a little break from the everyday, you won’t want to miss this event. So grab your friends and head up to The Perch with us—we can’t wait to see you there! https://www.capitalonecenter.com/the-perch

Every meal is a chance to care for the Earth. Come learn and taste with us! Celebrate Earth Day with a special edition of **Cooking for Peace** and discover how the food we choose can nurture both our inner world and the Earth we share. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore how plant-based cooking supports not only our physical health, but also our mental clarity, spiritual well-being, and the health of the planet. Together we’ll present and taste simple, delicious recipes while reflecting on the deeper impact of our food choices on animals, ecosystems, and future generations. You’ll also learn how conscious cooking and mindful eating can become everyday practices that help reduce our environmental footprint while bringing more peace, balance, and gratitude into our lives. Join us for an inspiring Earth Day experience that brings together **food, awareness, and care for the planet**, one meal at a time. This workshop includes a discussion and vegan food tasting. Saturday, April 18th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum - Maryland, 9525 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. **Free Event - Donations Appreciated. Registration required at [https://shorturl.at/a7UT3](https://shorturl.at/a7UT3)**

Come join us for brunch with a view of the Potomac

Join us for a members meet and greet pizza night! We will play some ice breaker games too. great pizza and other food menu's too. FREE Parking I will have a reservation for the group Members only please The place is small so you will find the group RSVP today to get your seat! Hope to see you there!

🍵**Zen & Zest: Japanese Art & Culture Workshops** \*\*Unlock the secrets to perfectly whisked, delicious Matcha!\*\*🍵 👉**Registration** is **Online Only** at: [https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6616428](https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6616428) ***(No drop-ins accepted.)*** 🕒**When:** Sunday, **19 Apr 2026**, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 📍**Where:** Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 **Details:** This immersive class teaches you the precise techniques for brewing, along with proper care for your tools. You'll leave with your very own Matcha set and the knowledge to find peace and flavor at home. While we sip, enjoy quiet mini-discussions on intriguing Japanese cultural mysteries. Master the art of Matcha and bring daily tranquility into your life! This class includes the Kit. Children are welcome but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or guardian if under 12. ⚠️ HOW TO REGISTER An RSVP on Meetup does NOT reserve your spot. **Please register via the link below** to attend. ***(No drop-ins accepted.)*** 👉[https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6616428](https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6616428) Hope to see you there!

The Alexandria Brunch Club is a long running brunch event. We're a friendly bunch of people of different backgrounds, who enjoy a nice morning brunch and fun conversations. As has been the tradition, La Madeleine's in Old Town Alexandria is our place for brunching on a Sunday of every month. I find that a Sunday brunch is nice way to socialize and to just get myself out of the house. Afterward, Old Town, the Potomac and the myriad of parks are nice places for strolling after breakfast. BEST PARKING IN OLD TOWN Courthouse Square Parking lot 111 S Pitt St - Same side as La Madeliene, Two Doors Down Usually $1/hour Weekends and after 5pm, Weekdays For any questions and such feel free to message me. I am the main organizer. My best to all! Phil Matera

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birthday-sunset-open-bar-cruise-august-edition-tickets-113727048664). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ABOUT THE EVENT Let us celebrate your birthday in a grand style, on a cruise ship, unbeatable Breathtaking DC panoramic cityscape on the Potomac River and a two-hour TOP SHELF free flowing Open Bar. Yes, what you read is correct, four full hours of Open Bar! Lock in your savings now and save your spot at the grandest Cruise Party! Tickets are limited and prices will increase. The event will sell out early as usual. Join us for an enchanting Cruise Party filled with breathtaking views along the Potomac river, music, dancing, and many more. What to look forward to: EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE CRUISE PARTY 2-HOUR TOP SHELF OPEN BAR SOME SNACKS (MUNCHIES) MASSIVE CRUISE Dress: Dress to impress Open Bar Drinks Menu LIQUOR : Tito's Vodka Captain Morgan's Rum Captain Coconut Rum Tanqueray Gin Bullet Bourbon Peach Ciroc Red Berry Ciroc Don Julio Tequila BEER: Blue MoonBud Light WINE: Rose Sauvignon Blanc Ticket Options: 1. Table for 6 people : $960 Access to the Cruise Party 4-hour open bar Snacks (Munchies) Massive Cruise 2. Velvet Rope Experience/Individual Ticket : $199 Splurge on the Velvet Rope experience and let us bring the party to you. This package includes all the offerings of the Table Service. However, you have to share the table with others. For instance, if you are buying the individual ticket for two people, you will be sharing the table with four other people. Access to the Cruise Party 4-hour open bar Snacks (Munchies) Massive Cruise Due to the pandemic the entire set up of this event is changed: - We will be complying with all CDC, state, and local guidelines. - Occupancy never exceeds 50%. That is why ticket price is on the higher end. - No Cash Transaction to reduce contamination. - No more than 6 patrons would be seated at a table/section. - All patrons must wear masks. If you don't wear a mask, we don't allow you to board and you won't be refunded. - A thorough cleaning and disinfection of frequently contacted surfaces will be done during the event and please bear with us. Event will occur whenever a rain date is rescheduled. - For birthday specials email (info@merevents.com) OR text 202-368-1878 - Event is 21+ - Come one, come all; 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 *This event usually sells out and this year won't be an exception. ** Detailed meeting point will be send to ticket holders. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to those who RSVPed 'YES' advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. METRO & PARKING INFO Closest Metro Station is Foggy Bottom. Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking. We highly encourage you to take a ride share or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITELINK. IT RULES.**

We are going to talk about the books we read—any books, from any genre. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, classic literature or something modern, everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, impressions, and favorite passages. It’s a relaxed and friendly conversation where we can discover new ideas and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Washington.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-21-39-years-olds-tickets-879182146467](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-21-39-years-olds-tickets-879182146467)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ABOUT THE EVENT Come meet your Soul Mate! We have lots of success stories. Our Speed Dating Event is just like a happy hour. It is structured and with purpose. So, come relaxed, natural and be ready to have fun. As usual we will try to make it a low pressure event. The only huge favor we ask from you, is to be on time. Ticket price includes a COMPLIMENTARY DRINK! NOTES : 1. We mingle and socialize for the first half hour. 2. We will give each couple 3 minutes seated interaction time. 3. After we finish the rotation, the party continues at the cash bar. 4. Since we paid for the venue, it is non-refundable. However, we will refund fully if the event is cancelled. 5. The payment secures serious and committed people and it is subject to increase. 6. RSVP will be open up until matches between sexes evens up. However, RSVP doesn't guarantee attendance, unless you buy your ticket. We constantly update the RSVPs. 7. If you are not able to attend you can sell your ticket to same sex. 8. For the dating session, we seat one man across from each woman. Then, we rotate each man to the next woman, until each man has met each woman present. Please try to speak loud, since everyone would speak at the same time. 9. After the 3 minutes time is up, you will then secretly circle yes or no on your date card depending on whether or not you would like to get to know the person you just met better. 10. Then, we will do the matching right after the event and will send you the result by email. 11. Address will be sent to ticket holders on the day of the event. Payment Instructions : 1. Login to see the 'Get Tickets' button, after RSVPing. Then hit the button. 2. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. 3. **If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card".** 4. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and they hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1. Go to Settings 2. Scroll down to Safari and click on it 3. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. For Google Chrome Users : 1. Open Google Chrome. 2. Click on the three dots and you will see many options. 3. Click on Settings. 4. Scroll down to content settings. 5. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. Refund & Ticket Resell All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. **FOR FURTHER INFOR, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK. IT RULES.**

Details Let's join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) Taco Bar Margarita and Beer tasting Complementary chips and salsa Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase Freshly prepared snacks in the deli for purchase Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: $15.00 per person (covers 4 Margarita or beer samples and one pass thru the Taco Bar) Where: #MarketDistrict (Grandview Yard) location. The party room (our private space) will be decorated with both patios open! Adjoining upstairs area also open for over flow and mingling. After Party: Sometimes, we head to a venue to hear live music afterwards. LDNL is at Black Swan in Hilliard tonight! Wear your bright colors and cheerful !Salud!

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us for pizza and conversation at Stone Bar & Kitchen 🍕 Good slices, good stories, and plenty of laughs around the table. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and let’s enjoy a relaxed evening with great company. Extra cheese and extra chatter encouraged! 😄