Los Vascos Wine Lunch @ Occidental

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Known as the "Napa Valley of Chile," the Colchagua Valley is one of South America's most promising wine regions. I got to try Chilean-born and French-inspired wine from this region today by Los Vascos Wines from Domaines Barons de Rothschild  (Lafite), a Taub Family Wine Selections brand.  Los Vascos is the largest single property in the region and known for its fine Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère varieties. We were invited to a lunch at Occidental with Los Vascos' General Manager Claudio Naranjo, who explained the history and variations offered by the Los Vascos label.

Maialino Mare

Maialino Mare is a Roman-style trattoria with an emphasis on seafood pastas and fish newly opened in DC's Navy Yard — a coastal sister to the original Maialino restaurant opened in New York City in 2009. Sourced from its local family of farmers and fishers, Maialino Mare uses quality, seasonal ingredients throughout the menu, complemented by a robust Italian wine list and beautiful, rustic desserts. Executive Chef Rose Noel draws inspiration from Roman trattorias to create seasonally inspired Italian fare.  Maialino Mare participates in a revenue share and is a non-tipping restaurant.  Closest Metro is Navy Yard.

Bar Charley

Bar Charley was opened six years ago by Jackie Greenbaum and Gordon Banks who told the Washington Post "they opened the watering hole on 18th Street NW for lack of a smart place to eat and drink well that didn't cost an arm and a leg."  Now, the "dark little steakhouse" features six cuts of meat on the menu when Sundays they are half price when you buy a bottle of wine or a scorpion bowl. Closest Metro is Dupont Circle.