Sustainability

Please join us in closing out [Veganuary](https://veganuary.com/en-us/) with a delicious brunch at the all-vegan Pow Pow's H Street location. To secure your seat, you must [reserve your time slot here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veganuary-close-out-brunch-saturday-131-tickets-1981245108453)--space is limited. *Note: RSVP'ing on this meetup page alone does not get you a seat at Pow Pow.* We will celebrate while enjoying classic American diner favorites—reimagined 100% plant-based by Chef Riccio. **Get ready for:** * Fluffy Pistachio and Nutella Creme Pancakes * Crispy Fried Chick’n & Belgium Waffles * Classic Diner “Egg, Bacon & Sausage” Sunrise Breakfast * Home Fries & Crispy Hashbrowns * Loaded Breakfast Burritos * House-made Egg Breakfast Sandwiches * Bubbie’s famous Milkshakes * Drip Coffee, Juice, Hot Chocolate and Nitro Cold Brew Lattes * Bloody Mary Mocktail Bar * Plus more Space is limited & they do sell out → **[RSVP REQUIRED](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veganuary-close-out-brunch-saturday-131-tickets-1981245108453)** Reserve your spot now! ***Everyone will order what they want and pay the restaurant directly.*** **About [Veganuary](https://veganuary.com/en-us/)** Since Veganuary was started in 2014, millions of people have [signed up ](https://veganuary.com/en-us/try-vegan/)to take the vegan pledge for the month of January, and now Veganuary has participants in almost every country in the world. Throughout the year, Veganuary encourages and supports people and businesses alike to move to a plant-based diet as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering, and improving the health of millions of people. [Signing up](https://veganuary.com/en-us/try-vegan/) provides a celebrity cookbook, 31 days of recipes, and vegan coaching emails! Please share with friends and family. **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for the restaurant and others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes.. **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.**

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching.

In the first 30 minutes of class, Qi Gong(5 organ and spirit enlivening)exercises are taught. In the last hour, the class is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups and are taught Lao (old) Yang Tai Chi Chuan.

### ***Stepping Back from Work to Lean into Our True Self*** In today’s society, retirement is often viewed as a time to slow down, travel, or finally do the things we never had time for. Yet for many, this transition can also bring unexpected questions about relevance, identity, and purpose, just when we have the wisdom, experience, and perspective to make a meaningful contribution. In this engaging and reflective program, **Sister Jenna will interview Michael Skoler**, former journalist and Aspen Institute executive, in a heartfelt conversation exploring what purposeful retirement can truly look like. Together, they will examine how stepping away from a career can become an invitation to step more fully into our authentic self, using our life experience to serve, mentor, and support others. This session offers a fresh perspective on retirement, not as an ending, but as a powerful new chapter of inner freedom, contribution, and conscious living. ***(In person at the Meditation Museum in Silver Spring, MD)*** Sat., Jan. 31st, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/EiM2Z](https://shorturl.at/EiM2Z)

New Date due to snow Paint Your Pet Night Fundraiser for ARMA Aussie Rescue Saturday January 31st 6-9pm Space donated by Del Ray Artisans 2704 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301 Painting instruction provided by [painttotherescue.com](https://painttotherescue.com/) Come join us for a fun evening! Create a cherished masterpiece of a beloved pet, all while raising funds to help Aussies in need. 50% of the ticket sales will go to the ARMA! For this event, you will send in a pic of your pet in advance, and Bonnie, the artist extraordinaire, will prep the canvases and bring all the paints. Paint any type of animal you wish, in any colors you want! Some light snacks and wine provided, but feel free to bring your own, along with a beverage of your choice. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-for-paws-with-aussie-rescue-of-the-midatlantic-tickets-1979747930353?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=Iwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNDA5OTYyNjIzMDg1NjA5AAEeLwgY1Si_7-NCfsID2kCSDKKhtNn8AIXwI6YiFtHDYkCgBTHiPyXhBsaYhss&brid=tY0Ywv-B6yNmcjg6VwTk-Q

Greetings, For those in search of classic **NeoSoul, Jazz, & R & B in the DMV** (not exclusive to introverts, empaths, and/or advocates), let's meet again for another Last Saturday of the Month **Advocate's PreGame Dinner** at the Wharf DC SW Waterfront. **This month's theme will focus on the leadership and legacy of the honorable** **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,** who's dedicated efforts ensured that marginalized individuals could embrace more peace and freedom today. **There is no obligation to dine or spend money if you RSVP as this is a free meet up event centered on building community, project development, purpose, partnerships, promoting advocacy, supporting others in various life goals, and conversing with those who share similar values.** Feel free to attend and share your **New Year's vision and intentions.** Topics include but are not limited to currently reading books, business partnerships, entrepreneurship, finances, relationships, conflict resolution, community service, health (e.g., habits, routines, self-defeating behavior, accountability), philosophy, metaphysics, and spirituality. Restaurants and entertainment venues at the Wharf include but are not limited: * **12 Stories Rooftop Lounge**--Hip Hop & R & B (usually opens at **6:00pm to 2:00am** for drinks, music, & food) * **Officina Italian Cuisine & Lounge** (**Great Energy Group hosts Saturday Night Hip Hop & R & B** weekly from **10:00pm to 3:00am**; **see link below)** * **Restaurants/Entertainment Venues:** Pappanonnock Oyster Bar, Zooz Cocktail Garden (Lounge & Bar), KinFolk Southern Kitchen, Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen (black/minority owned establishment), Fogo de Chao Brazillian Steak House, Politics & Prose Bookstore, **Live-K Karaoke (open until 3:00am)**, Charlie Whiskey's Lounge & Bar, La Vie Lounge and Restaurant. All are welcome to attend to include those of various backgrounds and ethnicities. **There is no set time to arrive so feel free to come as you please/arrange with others any specific plans.** Parking Garages available, Waterfront Metro within 2 blocks of the Wharf, **ride share encouraged.** If there are any questions or comments regarding this meeting, or if you would like to **facilitate/co-facilitate (optional),** please do not hesitate to message via meet-up messages or phone at anytime, thank you. Note: Feel free to post/suggest, in the event chat/comment section, any **alternative Last Saturday of the Month evening/near future (e.g., January, February) events** (e.g., different dining locations, prescheduled events) if you would like to connect/PreGame with others regarding various activities in the DMV, thank you. **Great Energy Group Saturday Nights at the Wharf DC (25+):** https://www.greatenergygroup.com/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Monday January, 5th, 2026 6:00am (update)

[Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/) (VSDC) is pleased to join with [The Ark of Compassion ](https://theaoc.org/)(AOC) to co-host Compassionate Conversations™ on Sunday, Feb. 1 at [Siena's Vegetarian Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant](https://sienasrestaurant.com/). **Talk Title: Tu B’Shvat - Jewish New Year for Trees** **Speaker: John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/)** **Event Description** Our guest speaker is John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/) and longtime vegan advocate. John’s work is grounded in Jewish values such as tikkun olam (repairing the world), compassion for all living beings, and mindful stewardship of creation. His story bridges faith, ethics, and action, offering a powerful reflection on how plant-based living connects with Tu B’Shvat’s deeper spiritual themes. In this uplifting conversation, John will share: • How Jewish teachings inspired him to build a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals
 • The connection between compassion, environmental care, and Tu B’Shvat’s call to honor the earth
 • What we can learn from animals about responsibility, community, and kindness
 • How plant-forward choices can deepen our practice of tikkun olam No prior knowledge of Judaism or veganism is required. This event is open to everyone who enjoys good food, meaningful conversation, and learning from diverse perspectives. **Why This Event Matters** Tu B’Shvat invites us to reflect on: • Our relationship with the earth
 • Our responsibility to protect creation
 • Our gratitude for the abundance of the natural world By pairing this holiday with a plant-based meal and a conversation led by a sanctuary founder living out Jewish compassion in action, we hope to create a meaningful bridge between tradition, ethics, and modern food choices. **About the Venue** We’ll gather at [Siena’s](https://sienasrestaurant.com/), a beloved kosher vegetarian Italian-Mediterranean restaurant and community gem. Attendees may order directly from Siena’s extensive [vegan menu](https://sienasrestaurant.com/food-menu). . Questions? Contact [info@theaoc.org](mailto:info@theaoc.org) or Aashish Bhimani at [703-231-0291](tel:7032310291) (text preferred). **•** **Cost/Food: Order at the counter (no set ticket price)** **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **[The Ark of Compassion](https://theaoc.org/)** (AOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, outreach, and partnerships that inspire beneficial change for all life. Founded on the belief that compassion should extend to every living being, The Ark of Compassion bridges faith-based and secular communities to explore how our choices, traditions, and systems impact animals, people, and the planet. It creates inclusive spaces for conversation and action, helping launch events and ideas that bring people together. By turning meaningful moments into sustainable movements, AOC amplifies compassion into lasting change. Its mission is inspired by faith, shaped by empathy and reason, and powered by a vision of a future in which animals, people, and the planet flourish together. **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.**

The [The Ark of Compassion (AOC)](https://theaoc.org/) and [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](https://vsdc.org/) invite you to join us for a Compassionate Conversation™ on Saturday, February 1st to celebrate Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, a holiday rooted in renewal, gratitude, and reverence for the natural world. **Talk Title: Tu B’Shvat - Jewish New Year for Trees** **Speaker: John Netzel, founder of Peaceful Fields Sanctuary** • Location: [Siena’s Vegetarian Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant](https://sienasrestaurant.com/food-menu) • Address: 4840 Boiling Brook Pkwy, North Bethesda, MD 20852 • Date and Time: Sunday, February 1st, 2:00–4:00 PM • Cost/Food: Order at the table (no set ticket price) Our guest speaker is John Netzel, founder of [Peaceful Fields Sanctuary](https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/) and longtime vegan advocate. John’s work is grounded in Jewish values such as tikkun olam (repairing the world), compassion for all living beings, and mindful stewardship of creation. His story bridges faith, ethics, and action, offering a powerful reflection on how plant-based living connects with Tu B’Shvat’s deeper spiritual themes. In this uplifting conversation, John will share: • How Jewish teachings inspired him to build a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals
 • The connection between compassion, environmental care, and Tu B’Shvat’s call to honor the earth
 • What we can learn from animals about responsibility, community, and kindness
 • How plant-forward choices can deepen our practice of tikkun olam No prior knowledge of Judaism or veganism is required. This event is open to everyone who enjoys good food, meaningful conversation, and learning from diverse perspectives. **Why This Event Matters** Tu B’Shvat invites us to reflect on: • Our relationship with the earth
 • Our responsibility to protect creation
 • Our gratitude for the abundance of the natural world By pairing this holiday with a plant-based meal and a conversation led by a sanctuary founder living out Jewish compassion in action, we hope to create a meaningful bridge between tradition, ethics, and modern food choices. **About the Venue** We’ll gather at [Siena’s](https://sienasrestaurant.com/), a beloved kosher vegetarian Italian-Mediterranean restaurant and community gem. Attendees may order directly from Siena’s extensive vegan menu, which includes: • Fresh salads
 • Homemade pizza and pasta
 • Mediterranean favorites
 • Plant-based options and easy modifications Siena’s warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to honor Tu B’Shvat’s themes of renewal, nourishment, and connection. Questions? Contact CompassionConvos@theaoc.org **[The Ark of Compassion](https://theaoc.org/) (AOC)** is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, outreach, and partnerships that inspire beneficial change for all life. Founded on the belief that compassion should extend to every living being, The Ark of Compassion bridges faith-based and secular communities to explore how our choices, traditions, and systems impact animals, people, and the planet. It creates inclusive spaces for conversation and action, helping launch events and ideas that bring people together. By turning meaningful moments into sustainable movements, AOC amplifies compassion into lasting change. Its mission is inspired by faith, shaped by empathy and reason, and powered by a vision of a future in which animals, people, and the planet flourish together. --- **[The Veg Society of the District of Columbia](https://vsdc.org/) (VSDC)** is the nation’s oldest continuously operating 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization promoting an all-plant diet and vegan lifestyle through education, community-building, and social activities throughout the DC metro area. VSDC believes in treating all people, animals, and the planet with respect and kindness. We are committed to creating a more compassionate and caring world. We do this by creating a community of like-minded people who are on the path to an all-plant diet and vegan lifestyle. Whoever you are, and wherever you are on this path, we offer resources and fellowship to support you. We make your journey easier, more enjoyable and meaningful.

Guest Speakers: Liqin and Frank from United Poultry Concerns Post-PAM Animal Action: TBD Chickens and Turkeys: Who Are They and Why Should We Care? This presentation by Liqin Cao and Franklin Wade of United Poultry Concerns will reveal that chickens and turkeys are intelligent, emotional, and social beings with strong family bonds and natural behaviors. It contrasts their rich inner lives with the suffering they endure in modern animal agriculture, urging greater compassion and respect toward them. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/ The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and Rockville Vegans! We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward.

Yoga is a core part of Mindful Leadership. In connection to this, we will do yoga. We meditate at the end of the class. I am a yogi myself and enjoy it a lot. I would like to share the joy with fellow members. We secured a private class, just for our group. We will grab a bite/a booze afterwards (Optional). http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/9/8/5/600_433067493.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/8/6/6/600_433067206.jpeg What to wear? No need to bother with super expensive designer yoga gear- just wear comfy clothes that move with you and provide decent coverage! No shoes are worn during yoga. Shoes aren’t even worn in the room where we practice yoga- so please take your shoes off at the door and leave them on a provided shoe rack or cubby. Water? Bring your refillable water bottle to fill up on free filtered water at the studio, or you can use one of our cups. Drink plenty of water after your class to help flush out toxins released from muscles and organs during class. As an expression of your yoga practice, you may wish to extend your gratitude to this fluid of life as you drink it up! Storage of stuff? Please store your personal items in provided “cubbies” inside the studio practice rooms (please don’t leave things outside the yoga room, especially valuables. And please remember to turn your cell phone off! Food? You might be uncomfortable during class if you just ate. So avoid eating during the two hours prior to class. You can also adopt a yogic diet that is vegetarian and energizing for maximum comfort and benefit. The payment includes registration, instructors fee and mat rental. It goes up to $ 25 on April 5th, 2015. Payment Instructions : 1. You should login from a PC to see the 'Pay Now' 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. 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 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" through their Meetup profile (do not comment in the comment box of the event posting) letting us know the full name and Meetup profile URL (if a member) 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 U Street Cardozo (Please take 13th St. Exit). Also, please take into account Metro's Weekend Track Work & Service Adjustments. Check it on http://www.wmata.com/ and plan accordingly. Street parking might be difficult. However, if you plan to drive, there is a parking garage, under Franklin D. Reeves Center Garage, 2000 14th Street NW, Washington DC. They are open up until midnight and it costs $ 10 plus tax. Tel: 202-265-0010.

Join us in opening the new year in French-Mediterranean Style at Barbouzard! The Washington Post review (by Tom Sietsema Sept. 18, 2025) The crackle of energy whenever a new restaurant debuts reminds me of opening night at the theater. In many cases, the dining room is (over) staffed with a cast of well-rehearsed people, dressed to impress in whatever uniform the owners think represents the theme, everyone eager to introduce you to a concept they hope you enjoy. A new-car smell typically mingles with kitchen aromas. “Welcome to Barbouzard,” a server says to my posse, launching into a spiel that announces veteran chef Cedric Maupillier, of the late Convivial in Shaw, as the headliner and a theme designed to bring a taste of the French Riviera to downtown Washington. The name, suggested by a friend of principal managing partner Nasr El Hage and rooted in French slang, alludes to the city’s sense of power, intrigue, the clandestine. “Barbouzard means ‘secret agent,’” says our server, whose gaze then pivots to me. “You never know,” he says playfully. “One of *you* could be a secret agent!” Maupillier and El Hage met at a Bastille Day party at the French Embassy last year and launched Barbouzard on K Street NW with a cocktail party for friends and supporters July 14 — a year to the day later. Maupillier seems born for this job. A son of Toulon, the chef has relatives in Cannes and Marseille. (His résumé includes the late Mintwood Place, Central Michel Richard and the long-shuttered Citronelle.) “I want to cook for everybody,” he says, acknowledging that not everyone has “a budget for caviar,” a feature along with shellfish platters at Barbouzard. One of his more gently priced dishes, a rabbit pasta, is $31 and harks back to his youth, when he spent time in Provence, hunting with his grandfather. Maupillier uses ruffled, bell-shaped campanelle, the better to catch juicy bites of braised rabbit, lightly sweet with carrots, woodsy with mushrooms and whisked to the table beneath filings of pecorino. If you pay any attention to menu categories, an increasing number of restaurants are offering what amount to two sets of appetizers. One is usually described as “snacks” or “bites,” sometimes for sharing; the other is a typical first course. A sly way of getting diners to spend more money? A chance for chefs to put more of their creativity on display? Whatever the reasoning, focus on what the menu at Barbouzard calls “easy to share finger food.” The showiest of the bunch look like petits fours: bases of brioche layered with foie gras mousse, preserved cherry and port jelly. Each of the five bites of “Foie Gras Opéra” glints with edible gold. “I feel bad about eating this,” says a companion as he pops the rich art into his mouth. Even the more common combinations call to me. Crimson slices of bell pepper slowly cooked in olive oil and paired with Nicoise olives and plump, intense Calabrian anchovies feels like eating red peppers for the first time, and salt cod whipped with potato, olive oil, garlic and thyme and sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs makes a standout brandade de morue. Kudos to the restaurant for welcoming more people to the party by flagging dishes that contain nuts and pork and are gluten-free or vegetarian. Cracker-like chickpea pancakes served with a pistachio-colored foam of whipped scallions and cream cheese present like some of the fanciest chips and dip in town. Your next stops on the menu ought to be crudo and scallops. Maupillier creates what resembles a rose from ribbons of raw tuna, which blossom in a frothy pool of coconut milk and minced bell peppers dotted with cilantro oil. Influencers (aren’t we all these days?) are also likely to snap and post seared scallops interspersed with miniature corn flans in a foamy orange pool coaxed from red curry paste, fish stock, milk and sharpeners including ginger and lemongrass. The dish tastes of sea, summer, the tropics. Chef might consider bottling and selling just the sauce. (Hint, hint.) This being downtown, the owners thought Maupillier should put steak on the script, which the chef reluctantly did. D.C. is stocked with places that excel at grilled beef, after all. Still, hanger steak served with a bold green peppercorn sauce and housemade fries could compete with the city's best. More novel is a fan of smoked duck, each slice rimmed in a band of flavor-carrying fat, splayed over braised leeks and endive and a dark red beet puree. Orange in different guises lends vibrancy to the main course. Some lesser moments sneak in, among them the rich-on-rich lobster Américaine, the seafood a little muted, the pasta cooked nearly to mush. I love the sauce, though, a creamy, cognac-laced bisque fueled with lots of flavor from lobster shells. Maupillier is proud of his elegant bouillabaisse, in which the different fish and shellfish are cooked separately and the broth is added at the table. Fans of the traditional, more robust and saucier version of the classic might be disappointed. (In fairness, the dish is listed with quote marks.) The restaurant doesn’t pause between lunch and dinner. Instead, it offers “golden hour,” during which lighter fare — a wagyu cheeseburger, gazpacho, truffle prosciutto croquettes — is offered. Basically, the amenity is a happy hour that does double duty, playing up the room’s gold accents and its location in the Golden Triangle, downtown’s business district. I can see the room animated with diners who prefer way-late lunches, super-early dinners or anyone who needs a little festivity at odd hours. Convivial enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for sweet endings, renown that continues at Barbouzard, where the warm date pudding is enhanced with halvah ice cream and a cardamom-infused toffee sauce. Fittingly, one dessert is designed to look like a tin of caviar. In reality, it’s tiramisu paved with chocolate pearls set with chilled oil (hence a shimmer like pricey roe) set in a tin atop faux crushed ice. Very Vegas, the confection goes by “Caviamisu.” The charm award goes to what looks like a pear robed in chocolate, named for the chef’s mother, who adored the dish. Slicing into the dessert, Poire Belle Michèle, reveals a delightful surprise: the form is shaped from hazelnut financier, diced pear, white chocolate and more, then centered in a wavy bowl of marzipan-sweetened custard sauce. El Hage says he wants to make Barbouzard a dining destination, and he’s off to a strong start. More than $4 million went into the interior whipped up by designer Olvia Demetriou of HapstackDemetriou+. The light fixtures suggest champagne bubbles, the floors are paved with stone or tiles that look like white oak, the ceiling is coffered, and the seating — plush red chairs, cinnamon-colored booths with their own sound systems — is all about your comfort. El Hage says he plans to dim the lights and use blackout shades for future brunch service. Already, a DJ emerges on Friday and Saturday nights, when the owner hopes “After Dark” catches nightcappers. Is now a proper moment to talk about luxury dining? The times are some of the most sobering I can remember in the past 25 years, what with wage hikes, the federal takeover of DC police and ICE crackdowns on immigrants. I point this out to say the word “restaurant” comes from a French verb that means “to restore” and that eating establishments are, good times and bad, the backdrop to many of our lives — indeed, some of them make life more worth living. Barbouzard aspires to help light the way. Looking forward to sharing this experience with you! ***Check out menus [here](https://barbouzard.com/menu/)*** 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. 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. **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. \*Note: Event fee is non-refundable\* In the future, we will vary the days of the week and the types of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will pay their own tab. before departing the event. If you are unable to join us in January we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to catching up with you for a fantastic dinner at Barbouzard!

For Adults: Beginner Macrame Plant Hangers January 31, 2026 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Create a basic cord plant hanger and then practice some simple macrame knots to use in future projects. Hosted by Metro Parks VENUE Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 Phone (614)895-6216

Start the year surrounded by Love From the Earth—with delicious vegan eats, sweet treats, artisan goods, and a chance to win one of our raffle baskets filled with plant-based goodies. Support small businesses, enjoy great food, and spend a cozy day with the community. We will reserve a table for this group if there is enough interest. Just comment "interest" below. Don’t miss out—see you there! Check [event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/893838639773267/) for a vendor list.

🎉 You’re Invited! 🍩 Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a fun community gathering at Monster Baby Donuts, a vegan, peanut & gluten-free, local family-owned business that just opened their new storefront! They started as a beloved food truck, and now they have a permanent location. 📍 700 Bryden Rd, Columbus, OH 43205 🗓 Saturday, January 31 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Come enjoy amazing donuts, meet other vegans, and help grow our community with people who share your values. It’s a great opportunity to connect, support a local vegan business, and have a good time. 🥪🥗 The shop also has ready-to-go sandwiches and salads. 🚗 Ample parking in the back. Everyone is welcome — see you there! 🌱💚

**Day 1 — Foundation & Deal Control** This two-day, end-of-month Real Estate Investing (REI) Intensive is designed for investors who want real traction, not theory. Day One is about controlling the deal flow. We break down how to find opportunities in today’s market, underwrite them correctly, and avoid the emotional and financial traps that wipe out most new and mid-level investors. You’ll learn how operators are sourcing deals right now, how to analyze markets and properties with discipline, and how to structure acquisitions so the numbers work before you ever swing a hammer. This is about building a repeatable system—not chasing the next shiny strategy. **Day 2 — Capital, Execution & Scale** Day Two shifts from deals to execution and scale. We go deep on renovation management, capital stack planning, and exit strategies—fix and flip, buy-and-hold, and hybrid plays—so you understand how to protect downside risk and maximize upside. You’ll see real case studies, real numbers, and real mistakes made by experienced operators, not influencers. The intensive closes by connecting the dots between education and action, showing you how to plug into ongoing coaching, deal opportunities, and higher-level collaboration for investors who are serious about building long-term wealth, not just doing a one-off deal. REGISTER HERE: [SIGN UP TODAY](https://link.elitereimm.com/widget/form/CqtTT4UVTJj3JvHKns3x?am_id=debbie4982)

Our group, KIND MEALS, will be picking up the tab for pizzas, at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT SLICE, on Sunday, February 8th from 12-2pm. We will be trying out MIKEY'S Vegan Fake-ass BBQ Chick'n pizza and Vegan Fake-ass Pepperoni pizza, as well as some other special vegan pizzas that are served there. All the vegan pizzas are covered with Selfish Cow vegan cheese. The pizza is free, drinks on your own. Join us to learn more about **[KIND MEALS](https://kindmealscolumbus.org)** (a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Cols. Ohio, providing hunger relief services to those in need). All of the food we serve is fresh and vegan! If you love working with community, being of service, looking to hang with some fun like-minded people, and just love to socialize on a Sunday afternoon, join us for some FREE vegan pizzas at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT on 4th and Main. Mikey said the more the merrier!

Join us Saturday, 1/31 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for an evening at The Cozy at Portia’s Café. Come learn about this local, grassroots animal rights organization and our current campaigns. Whether you want to do more for animals or simply meet other activists and vegans, this is the place for you. Bring your friends — all animal lovers are welcome. Enjoy games, socializing, and meaningful connections with fellow vegans and animal advocates. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Feel free to purchase food from Portia’s if you’d like — it’s completely optional. Location: Portia’s Café 3083 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202 The Cozy is located right next door.