Vegetarian

Our NEIGHBORHOOD GEMS series features emblematic meals from around the world. This series shines a light on local restaurants and is designed to bring together inquisitive foodies and dishes that are unique and oh so worth a trip on roads less traveled! Join us for authentic Indain dishes at ***Pink Saffron***! **From Northern Virginia Magazine** In his native India, Shashank Chatrapati grew up near a bakery. But his favorite treat sounds more like something out of his adopted home of Virginia: biscuits. "They were cooked in a wooden oven," Chatrapati recalls of the lightly sweet bread. As a chef with 15 years of experience, he and co-founder Ankush Kumar opened Pink Saffron in Westpost at National Landing in November 2025. When they did, Chatrapati tried the biscuit recipe he remembered, complete with nutty filling, but baked it in the restaurant's tandoor. The result is a heat blistered, oily delight that's a cousin to naan, but with a trademark twist. The goal at Pink Saffron is to serve cuisine that would play well in India. Spice levels are slightly higher than most area Indian restaurants, and dishes are mostly of the variety that diners won't find elsewhere in the United States. Chatrapati mentions Bengali dab chingari - a helping of tiger prawns cooked inside a coconut - as a favorite. Inside the tandoor, the fresh young coconut combines with mustard paste, creating a seafood stew. But event those who order familiar classics like butter chicken and biryani will be greeted with new flavors. "On our menu, it's called romesco butter chicken because of the high-quality tomatoes,"explains Chatrapati. He adds high-grade cashews and blends them with the signature Pink Saffron mix of the eponymous stamen and rosewater. "When you eat out butter chicken, it will give you this different taste from any other butter chicken you get anywhere else," says Chatrapati. Even the dessert menu includes several options diners won't likley see without a trip to India. The double ka meetha is a delight for fans of bread pudding; it's simultaneously comforting and novel. Descended from the royal cuisine of Indian Muslim rulers, the sweet features crispy ghee-fried bread in a floral condensed milk mixture called rabdi - which also serves as a base for black gulab jamun - in a startingly pretty treat. Whatever diners choose to order at the new restaurant, they can bet that saffron, rose and freshly ground spices will make it taste like nothing else! **Check out the menu** [here](https://thepinksaffron.com/food-menu) Separate checks will be arranged in advance. All diners will settle their own tabs. 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 and help us support local businesses. 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. To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we will continue to limit the group size. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends. **\*\*** **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow waitlists for paid events. *If this event fills and you would like to be added to the waitlist, please send a note to the host through the Meetup app. **\*\**** In the future, we will vary the days of the week and the types of restaurants to keep events interesting. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO GO WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. \*\* The small non-refundable registration fee helps us share the cost associated with the Meet-Up platform ($360/yr) and reduces the likelihood of no-shows, allowing us to better plan our events and accommodate all participants. Meetup charges $0.51 and Paypal charges $0.53 on the $2 registration fee. Thanks in advance for your understanding!\*\* If you are unable to join us in April, we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to catching up with you for a delightful dinner at Pink Saffron!

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/alexandria-va/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

Join Social Sips & Bites for our Thursday Happy Hour. Great drinks, easy conversation, new faces, familiar faces, and that signature SSB energy that turns a simple night out into something memorable. https://www.capitalonecenter.com/the-perch

NOTE: You MUST sign up and pay via our website to reserve your spot (https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events). Simply responding yes to attend via Meetup does not hold your spot. Thank you for your understanding! #### #### Thursdays, 5pm – 6pm 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11 with performance on 6/18 In this series students will be taught an aerial dance routine over the course of 8 weeks, ending with a performance for family and friends. Students can expect to learn: * How different aerial moves and tricks link together to create a dance routine * How to dance with the aerial hammock * How to add in musicality and performance elements to the routine Prerequisite: Prior aerial experience and/or an Aerial Kids Foundations workshop. Class limited to 8 students. Ages 6-10. Cost of workshop: $420 for the series (payment plans are available, please inquire at the Front Desk) Sign up: https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events Please note: attendees under the age of 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

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

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

Join the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org) for board games in person! (We are capping the event at 16 people.) **SNACKS**: light vegan snacks will be provided by the host. This is an all-vegan event. **WHO**: All VSDC and Meetup members are invited; space is limited to the 1st 16 to sign up. **Note: you must include your first and last name and a valid phone number / email when you RSVP - only the hosts can see this additional info.** **WHEN**: Sunday, Apr 26th, from 3 pm to 6 pm. * **WHERE**: Derwood MD. For the exact location, **text or call the host** (Caroline) at least 24 hours in advance of the event: 240-261-3732. Note: Do not share the address with anyone else. **PARKING**: There is plenty of free parking in the residential neighborhood. Please read and follow all parking signs. **METRO:** This location is accessible by public transport. It is 1.5 miles from the Shady Grove Metro station (Red line). Once at Shady Grove, take Ride-On Bus 64 to Shady Grove Rd.& Briardale Rd; walk less than 0.5 miles. **WHAT TO BRING**: Your favorite game. You do not have to bring food. The host has Taboo; Chess; and Take 5. 3-4 pm: social hour 4-6 pm: games **REMEMBER: *You must include your first and last name and a valid phone number / email when you RSVP - only the hosts can see this additional info.*** **CONTACT THE HOST:** If you need to contact the organizer, call or text Caroline at 240-261-3732. ***Please plan in advance and understand that questions on the day itself may not receive a reply.*** **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/). **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.**

Please join us for the first ride of 2026 from Bethesda to Hains Point and back. We will be starting from the [Park and Ride for Capital Crescent](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BKo6KKeexQPENXHEA) trail in Bethesda. The meeting spot provides ample free car parking, and also it is convenient to get to from Bethesda Metro. Going to Georgetown will be a piece of cake (it is downhill). Coming back we will be digesting the cakes we eat. Before signing up, please make sure you will be able to sustain at least 10 mph average speed for this lengthy ride. Meeting point: [Park and Ride for CC Trail](https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8icfVLC4mdfagQj6) Date: Saturday, April 25 9:00am Route: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/njF8xXDfrH8kvVP96](https://maps.app.goo.gl/njF8xXDfrH8kvVP96) Length: 24 miles Difficulty level: strenuous (due to distance) Elevation change: 420 ft up & down Time: \~3 hours at moderate pace Pace: moderate \~10 mph Biking surface: paved Route type: mostly paved trails, some roads and sidewalks Metro accessible: yes (with an additional 1 mile of ride) Snack spot: we will be stopping in Georgetown for a snack. Multiple vegetarian options available: \- Chaia Tacos \- South Block Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snacks and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy. Please carry plenty of water! Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page. *For important updates, regularly monitor the "Comments" section on this page (below).* ***Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.*** *Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below* RULES * Pets are not allowed * Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event. * Practice safe biking habits including: * Wearing a bike helmet * Keeping safe distance between each other (bikes don't have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes) * Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity **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](http://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/). **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.**

Families with teens &/tweens - bring a snack & come play/hang out! The Teen/Tween potluck meetup is normally monthly. We meet for eating, playing, conversation... I'm mom to 11 & 15 year olds. We've been vegan since 2012. This meetup is for vegan or vegan-curious youth & their families. All are welcome. If your family has a food allergy, please let me know & I'll share with the group. Make or buy vegan food to share and hang out/play. Bring: -vegan snack to share -your own drink -outdoor games/balls -chairs/blanket Please make sure the snack you bring to share is vegan. I'll provide paper towels. There is a basketball court, a small playground and a field. We'll have some frisbees. Please attend if your child is age 10 or older. Please note that there are no restroom facilities in the park. There is a church across the street. Turn into the parking lot between the small, white, Waves of Glory Church & the Norbeck-Muncaster Park sign. Event will be held in all weather. In case of inclement weather, we will hold the event at our home, 1 mile away, on our large covered patio.

◦Join us for a laid-back Sunday Brunch. The Brunch is All-You-Can-Eat buffet and a bottle of Champagne (750 ml) with Orange Juice. You make your own mimosa. Just only for $ 35.00 per person without tax & gratuity! It includes French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelettes made to order, Pasta, Salads, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs, oyster bar, cheese bar and Salmon, plenty of fresh fruit, yogurt, cakes, cookies, and pudding....mmmm! After brunch, we mingle and socialize. Closest Metro Station is Clarendon. Please take into account Metro's Weekend Track Work & Service Adjustments. Check it on http://www.wmata.com/ and plan accordingly.

Ok, we’re stepping slightly outside the I-270 corridor for this one—but it’s worth it. Join us for the Hungarian Heritage Festival: great food (goulash, pastries, more), live music, folk dancing, and a relaxed, authentic vibe you don’t get at the usual crowded events. [Hungarian Heritage Festival, April 25, 2026](https://kossuthfoundation.org/events/hungarian-heritage-festival-april-25-2026/) Get your tickets in advance: [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AV3FKWAU59BRQ](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AV3FKWAU59BRQ) It’s a bit beyond our usual range—but sometimes the best stuff is just outside the bubble. Come out, explore, and make a day of it.

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 12 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.

[The Kind Exchange](https://www.facebook.com/events/3087825058070662/) A gathering to share, swap, and connect with like-minded people who care about plant-based living, sustainability, and mindful choices. This is more than a swap — it’s a space to circulate what we already have and meet others in the community. Bring any of the following to share: * **Vegan-related books** (cookbooks, sustainability, mindful living, etc.) * **Plants or cuttings** (optional) Swap for something new-to-you from others. *The more you bring, the more there is to exchange!* Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly- [https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073](https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVGxJeFRub0FQNmhUcmF3VnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4u9YhVWcSkITKfEn_NajeEUIyxFrXbcaG0HjFHoQn-MCxKlhGlUpFAnsMIzw_aem_vo9QISntFpTtGskmWaVEkQ) Unclaimed books/plants at the end of the event will be donated.

Get ready for a fun night with amazing food, great energy, and even better company! 🥰✨ 🍽️ Portia’s Café — 6:30PM 🛼 Skate Zone 71 — 8:30PM Come join us for delicious vegan food and/or roller skating — it’s totally up to you! Whether you come for the food, the skating, or both… you’re in for a great time 💗 📍 Portia’s Café 4424 Indianola Ave Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Skate Zone 71 4900 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (Tremont Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

**Pickleball + coffee + community 🌱** **Let’s kick things off with pickleball at Park of Roses, then join us at Blackend Coffee to unwind and connect.** **Pickleball 🏓 10:30am-12:30pm** **Blackend Coffee ☕️ 🌯 1-3pm** **All levels welcome!** **Can’t waitt to see everyone!** **📍 Park of Roses** **3901 N High St** **Columbus, OH 43214** **📍Blackend Coffee** **2619 N High St** **Columbus, OH 43202**

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

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/