Eating Around: Wine 101

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PUT 'EM AWAY
GRAPE INVESTMENTS
Wine as an investment has gained popularity in the last few years — perhaps because investment-grade wines have beaten the stock market for three years running.

Even if you can't drop megabucks on a cask of Bordeaux, Taste DC's surprisingly affordable "Wine Investing 101" class provides insight about a completely different world from that of the average wine drinker.

While you're working your brain, work your palate, too — bread, cheese, and a few wines will be served. The best part of wine investing is decidedly lowbrow: Unlike with a mutual fund, you can drink your failed investments.

» Embassy Row Hilton, 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., $65, reservations at tastedc.com.

WHAT'S THAT SOUND
IT'S PING
Charlie Chiang's has a new addition to its modern-Asian restaurant family: Ping by Charlie Chiang's in Shirlington. Ping's been open since February, but the owners are still tweaking the menu. Much of the food is nothing to write to Beijing about, but the dong po pork belly is a steal at $8 for a small dinner plate, and an even better deal at lunch, when it comes with three sides and a California roll for $15. And though you wouldn't normally go to a Chinese place for sushi, some of chef Chung's special rolls — notably the Volcano, with spicy scallops — are worth the trip.

» 4060 Campbell Ave., Arlington; 703-671-4900.

ANCIENT MEETS MODERN
DIG INTO THE GREEK FESTIVAL
The Greek Modern Festival at Zaytinya is in full swing, having started last Monday with a meet-the-guest-chefs and tasting party. But you still have 11 days left to taste the cuisine of visiting chef Christoforos Peskias from 48 the Restaurant in Athens, Greece, including pork-belly souvlaki "sous vide" with tzatziki foam, sardines and grape leaves in three variations. 48's pastry chef Theodoros Moisides, also visiting from Athens, brings his touch to dessert specials like chilled fig soup with thyme, walnuts and yogurt sorbet.

» Zaytinya, 701 9th St. NW; 202-638-0800. (Archives-Navy Memorial)

Written by Express contributor Rachel Kaufman