I bought a class for myself and a friend who likes to cook for her bridal shower gift at L'Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda. (I think they have other locations as well.) They have all kinds of one-night classes--wine & food, cooking for two, and various cuisines.

The website is: http://www.lacademie.com/

I'm not sure he still teaches but I liked Joel Olsen.

^^ here's a link http://www.wineandfooddc.com/

There's also an international wine festival every February at the ronald Reagan bldg in dc. It's a lot of fun.

I've done a few wine tastings with Giramondo Wine -- the ones at the embassies are fun.

http://www.giramondowine.com/

And we really enjoy cooking nights with Jinny and Ed of Company's Coming -- they work out of their home in Cleveland Park. You cook and then sit down to eat together. You meet some fascinating people!

http://www.companycoming.com/

Considering something like this as a xmas gift for my wife (we'd do it together). If anyone can recommend something like this (first hand experience preferred) that would be great. Thanks