Gimme Some Sugar

The nation’s capital is getting a lot sweeter this month – in more ways than one! Whether it’s a great new cupcake shop, a chocolate happy hour, or some sugar and champers for a good cause, Washingtonians have several fabulous options for satisfying a sweet tooth in January.

I want to start by reminding everyone that today is the last day to vote for your favorites in Daily Candy’s Sweetest Things 2008. I shared my top choices for DC in a post last month, and encourage everyone to help highlight the amazing individuals and businesses who make your city a little bit sweeter every day.

Cupcakes are seriously my biggest guilty pleasure. That’s why I was delighted to read my CityShopGirl Deal of the Day e-mail on 6 January and learn that Penn Quarter’s Red Velvet Cupcakery is running a ‘buy three, get one free’ special through the month of January, for customers who mention CityShopGirl, natch. Now that’s what I call a sweet deal!

Equinox Restaurant

Chocolate lovers can get their fix at Equinox. The notably locavore restaurant is holding a Winter Chocolate Happy Hour every Friday from 5:00-7:00pm through the end of February. Guests can sip $10 chocolate cocktails and savor complimentary sweet treats prepared by Executive Chef Todd Gray and Pastry Chef Melanie Parker.

And finally, an event where our furry friends can also be a part of the fun. The 7th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair will be held 28 January, from 7:00-10:00pm, at the Ritz Carlton. Guests will be treated to the world’s finest sparkling wines, champagne, and delectable desserts from the area’s top pastry chefs. With proceeds benefiting the Washington Humane Society, tickets are $85 per person, or $125 for VIP admission, which includes a special reception beginning at 6:30pm. The evening will also feature a book signing by Harold J. Creel, Jr., author of Do Old Dogs Dream?. Guests are encouraged to bring their canine companions (no retractable leashes, please).

With a month full of fabulous events like this, I think the theme for February may have to be dentists and diets. Bon appetit!