Since derby season is right around the corner, we’ve re-tooled this classic from our archives for your drinking pleasure. Enjoy!

If you’re ever near the new convention center (yes, I realize I should stop refering to it as the “new” convention center) and you find yourself craving a delicious microbrew, pop in to the first of several Old Dominion franchises slated to open in the DC area.

I am on a mission, friends: To repair your notion of Riesling. Chances are, when you hear Riesling, you’ll tend to think of a generally sweet and froufrou kind of wine that any self-respecting Barolo drinker wouldn’t be caught within ten hectares of. Before I explain why you should Riesling deserves your respect, let me explain why you hardly give it a second thought right now.

I wanted to love Beacon Bar and Grill.

In their offering of Sangria, the Spanish shared a secret to beating the oppressive summer heat. As we are in the heart of summer, LitD decided to contribute a version that we enjoy. Feel free to double or triple the recipe…but only if you’re having guests of course.

I was enthralled by the Reef upon my first visit back in May, and immediately wanted to share my thoughts with the world at large. However, I convinced myself that more in-depth research was necessary, and so I’ve spent the last several months speaking with the owners, the chef, the waitresses, and the bartenders (mostly the bartenders) as well as touring the Reef’s menu offerings, from exotic beverages to organic appetizers and entrees. The things I do for you people.