Mediterranean Cooking

This CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, June 22, 2026 from 5pm-7pm for CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). 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://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com). 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 one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.) See you there on 6/22/26! Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour6-22-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour6-22-26.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/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software.

Everyone, please join us on Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m. to discuss [Discipline And Punish](https://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Punish-Prison-Michel-Foucault-ebook/dp/B007OLYO7I/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0) by [Michel Foucault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Foucault)\. \| 309pp\. ***Discipline and Punish*** is an analysis of the social and theoretical mechanisms behind the changes that occurred in modern Western penal systems. Foucault argues that prison did not become the principal form of punishment just because of the humanitarian concerns of reformists. He traces the cultural shifts that led to the predominance of prison via discourse on the body and power and by examining the parallel use of discipline in schools, hospitals, and the military. A long list of other books we are considering reading is available [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1coctalgTkYrjCFUtZniKSksN6wvALCjH7NvR7M02rMA/edit?usp=sharing). Our meetings have a $3 fee, purely to offset the cost of Meetup. This can be paid via Venmo, Paypal, or in cash. We do not accept requests from authors to read their books. We will never ask for money beyond the above fee. If you receive offers purporting to come from the club they are part of an online scam.

\*\* Tickets are $71.50 ($65 + tax) and can be purchased [here](https://www.exploretock.com/barcelona-wine-bar-14th-street/event/609847/uncorked-thirty)[.](https://www.exploretock.com/barcelona-wine-bar-14th-street/event/594770/terroir-uncorked) \*\* UNCORKED is a walk-around tasting where they open 30 different bottles from their award-winning wine list. For their 30th birthday, UNCORKED becomes a wine retrospective: a one-night look back at some of the most iconic, storied, and unforgettable wines on their list. The classics. The cult favorites. The holy sh\*t bottles. They’ll be opening bottles like Nucerro, which is more than a wine to them at this point — it’s Barcelona folklore. Gramona La Cuvée, from a family making sparkling wine in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia since 1816, with an operation that still manages to stop them in their tracks. And Rezabal, one of the benchmark producers of Txakoli, farming Hondarrabi Zuri just outside Zarautz on Spain’s Basque coast. This night is a celebration of those wines, and of the relationships & memories that shaped their restaurant over the last thirty years. Each ticket includes access to all 30 featured wines, plus chef pairings and passed food throughout the evening. Hope to see you there!

Let's go deeper! More than just a fun aerobic exercise, immerse yourself in the cultural roots of Brazilian movements and stir in the contemporary expression of dance Flavia Nascimento is top trained Brazilian dancer helping others explore the Afro Diaspora of Brazil through movement and music. Join the class to lift your heart rate and elevate your spirit. $20

**A note from the organizers:** We see that this is becoming a popular event and so there's not a ton of space available for general non Patreon members rsvp'ing via meetup. Space is limited by how many volunteers we have to host games each month, and first access goes to the members of the Patreon who support everything DCGG does. We have the goal to train and provide additional staff for this event as we gain capacity. **Note: If you are a member of the Patreon and have already secured early access via the form you do NOT need to RSVP on Meetup.** By popular demand and with the amazing friendship of the Highbinder Bar, we are introducing the **Charcuterie Board!** These are meaty games for experienced tabletop players or players who are comfortable with complexity. **About the Games** This series will focus on bringing experienced tabletop fans and meaty games together. These games will include titles with rulesets that are a bit more complex, take a bit more time, and are often strategic and competitive. DCGG will curate the games and provide trained game hosts to help get games going quickly and make sure all players are supported as they learn and engage with the games. The month's games will be in the title of this event. **Who this event is for:** Self-declared board game enthusiasts and/or people people looking to get into the hobby of tabletop games. While our game hosts will be there to help explain the game and rules, this event is targeted at players who are comfortable learning lots of rules and dedicating a few hours to a single game. And as always, DCGG enforces polite and healthy play spaces. **Not into complex games or just not ready for the meaty games?** Please explore our other events, such as Meat You at Fat Pete's or Rhythm and Brews, which have more party-focused and easy- to mid-level games. **What if we don't have enough players?** Through the power of teamwork and friendship, we will find a way for everyone to play and have a good time. **Please arrive on time, or else your space will be forfeit (cuz we often cant wait for people to get games going).** **BUT WAIT THERES MORE:** If you are interested in becoming a Supporting Member and enjoying perks like: ***Early RSVP Access: **Supporting Members will get early access to RSVPing to regular events. ** *Town Hall meeting: **Supporting Members will be invited to participate in town halls and polls that will help determine how revenue past operating costs is directed. *** Discounted Ticket: **In the event that DCGG hosts paid ticketed events in the future, Supporting Members will be offered discounted prices. *The knowledge that you make all this possible! Visit the Patreon here: [https://www.patreon.com/DCGamingGroup](https://www.patreon.com/DCGamingGroup) Feel free to join the DC Gaming Community by hopping into the Discord: [https://discord.gg/NP7v7VF](https://discord.gg/NP7v7VF) **Disclaimer and Community Code of Conduct:** The DC Gaming Group is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for participants. to learn more about our code of conduct you can read more here. Events may be recorded for promotional materials.

Join VSDC to enjoy a meal at Brews and Barrels in Gaithersburg, MD! They just launched a **new vegan menu**, and we want to show our support and be among the first to try it! You can **see the vegan menu below**. Out of respect for others, while eating with VSDC, please order and consume vegan food only, even if that is not your norm. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) 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 membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being 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. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Come chill with us we'll eat, drink, discuss the book of the month : The starless sea by Erin Morgenstern and get to know each other most of all. If you didn't enjoy the book, haven't had time to finish it or even start it, no worries come anyway, everyone is welcome, we come together to share our passion for books written by women ! I'll bring homemade baked goods, feel free to bring something to eat and/or drink, it always make events more special !

**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

**Learn how to make perilla kimchi and discover how perilla leaves can elevate your Korean BBQ nights.** Our instructor is Soomin Kim, owner of Annandale's own [Virginialicious](https://virginialicious.com/), which offers delicious Korean food tours. After the cooking lesson, we'll feast! (Potluck dishes do not have to be Korean or even Asian -- just something you love and want to share.) **WHEN:** June 28, 6-7:30 pm **WHERE:** Mission Center, 7901 Heritage Drive, Annandale **\# of SEATS:** 24\. Every attendee must sign up for a slot [on sign up Genius (CLICK HERE to RSVP)](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FADA923A5F8C61-64286925-korean#/) and bring a dish to share. FILLS UP QUICK 16/24 seats already reserved, registration will only be valid through sign up genius. **This event is free, but limited in capacity so PLEASE CANCEL if you can't attend so someone else can enjoy the event!** **PARKING:** You can park in the driveway around the Mission Center or in the commercial parking lot next door. Send questions to HOH at info@handsonharvests.org.

**RSVPing on Meetup does not reserve a seat. To secure your spot, tickets must be purchased through the Square link below.** [RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLZT03NY98FTK/checkout/GAEE44FQD4CW3FPMA3XMAYSS) \~\~ Join us this summer for a pop-up dinner with ZEST Supper Club. We’re excited to partner with Megan and Daniel, owners of this cozy Brazilian coffee shop, Allelo, for an intimate four-course dining experience. Guided by Chef Zaria’s years living abroad, ZEST is rooted in a spirit of connection—bringing together diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and flavors. This philosophy extends into the kitchen, where collaboration and storytelling through food take center stage. As you step into Allelo, you’ll be welcomed into a warm, living room-styled space filled with natural light, layered textures, and a cozy bar known for its standout Brazilian coffee—an intimate setting designed for gathering. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu as we eat, connect, and share in the experience. Your reservation includes all courses, alcohol-removed wines and cocktails, and a fully immersive evening with Chef Zaria. The evening will conclude on a sweet note: her mother’s beloved cheesecake with blueberry compote, paired with Allelo’s specialty coffee, alongside other thoughtfully curated menu offerings. ***Allergen notice: Some dishes may contain nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, or shellfish. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate any dietary substitutions for this dinner.*** Please arrive promptly at 6 PM for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Seating is extremely limited—RSVP soon. **About Chef Zaria** Zaria blends American and global influences shaped by a lifetime of international living and experience in DMV kitchens, including stages at Michelin-starred restaurants like Minibar and Albi. Alongside her husband, Dave, she hosts intimate supper clubs centered on food, community, and thoughtful hospitality. **About Allelo Coffee (shortened)** Allelo sources specialty coffee from Brazil’s Campo das Vertentes region, known for its high-altitude farms, rich soil, and exceptional growing conditions. Their beans are carefully selected and roasted in small batches, producing beautifully balanced, high-quality coffee that anchors the experience. Sold out or can’t make it? Another dinner is coming soon! \~\~\~ Photos and video will be taken for promotional use. Questions? **info@zestsupperclub.com** Follow **@zestsupperclub** on IG for updates.

Mama Lucia's in Rockville has half-priced bottles of wine on Weds. They also have the best pizza and my favorite type (NYC-style). They have great pasta dishes too. If it's nice, we can sit outside. Great view of the parking lot. LOL Have a look at their menu: [Mamma Lucia Menu | Order Pizza, Pasta Online Delivery & Pickup](https://mammaluciarestaurants.com/menu/) Please pay $2 via Venmo to @DIANNEE-GODAR for this event or I will have to remove you from the guest list. Thank you All aboard mates!

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.

Come join us for lunch together at Bendi Wok, one of my favorites!

Welcome, readers! Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage*** **by Alfred Lansing.** A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds. 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 **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

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!

Local members of Ohio Paper Folders are invited to our home Fourth of July cookout and fireworks show. This will be on Sat July 4th. This is a four grill (plus a big-ass smoker) cookout with burgers, brats, veggi burgers, salmon burgers, roasted corn and lots of sides (feel free to bring a side). The fireworks show is...huge. 760 mortars plus four tables of multi-shot cakes. (anything worth doing is worth over-doing). We start cooking around 5:00 PM, end when everyone is stuffed. Fireworks just after sundown, so around 9:30 PM. We have an air conditioned building where people hang out and eat. Here is a [link to 2025 show](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNS4q5TrEdc) (rushed a bit because rain coming in) Rain date Sun July 5th. Plenty of parking. 4066 Philipps rd Granville OH 43023

**💫 Cape Coral Singles Night — Speed Dating Over Zoom** Spend an evening meeting Cape Coral singles face to face on Zoom, matched by age and personality before you arrive. **What to expect:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Pick the age range that fits you:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cape%20Coral&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cape%20Coral&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cape%20Coral&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cape%20Coral&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=55+&face_v=8.0) > Important: RSVP is not the same as registering. Use your age link below and complete the quiz to secure a place. Limited capacity. Your next great conversation is one click away. 🌷

**Our July novel is: *Listen for the Lie* by Amy Tintera** **This month’s novel was named one of the best books of 2024. It’s a domestic thriller with crime, mystery, and murder, told from women’s perspectives. The story includes a detective, an unreliable narrator, and plenty of suspense. The book is 352 pages in print and 9 hours and 18 minutes on audiobook.** What if you thought you murdered your best friend? And if everyone else thought so too? And what if the truth doesn't matter? After Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer. Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart, and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all, and if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life. But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast "Listen for the Lie," and its too-good looking host Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one that did it. The truth is out there, if we just listen.

**Let’s have lunch and have some extra fun! Bring your favorite game! 🥳**