Where to Splurge for a Good Cause in DC Metro

Sommelier Showdown at International Wine and Food Festival

Don’t even think about those New Year’s resolutions during the early days of February. Top chefs, mixologists and wineries will be pulling out the stops at gourmet galas and food and wine festivals to help worthy charities. Here are some standout ways to splurge for a good cause in the next few weeks.

February 4: A who's who of talented women chefs, including Diana Davila-Boldin (Jackie’s), Ris Lacoste (Ris), Jamie Leeds (Hank’s Oyster Bar), Nora Pouillon (Nora’s) and the Georgetown Cupcake sisters will be dishing up their specialties to raise funds for the fight against ovarian cancer. The delicious evening, called, Turn Up the Heat, takes place at the Ritz-Carlton/West End (1150 22 St. NW) at 6:30 PM. Go here for tickets, starting at $275.

February 5-9:  The International Wine and Food Festival’s expanded format will include seminars, tastings, food pairings, dinners, and an evening signature event, like the sommelier showdown, where area experts display their skills (or embarrassing misses) at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. There will be a silent auction to benefit Cohn’s Kitchen work with underprivileged youth.Go here for details and tickets - a few events are free (1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW).

February 12:  A galaxy of star restaurants including Adour, Bourbon Steak, Central, CityZen, Marcel’s, Proof and Willow will fill the majestic Building Museum with stellar food and drink for the posh St. Jude Gourmet Gala, which raises funds to help children suffering from catastrophic and life-threatening diseases (401 F St. NW; 5:30-9:30 PM; go here for tickets, starting at $350).