Eating Around: Spice Fans Take Notice

TWO PENZEYS SPICES outlets are up and running in the Washington area; a Falls Church location is the newest fragrant outpost. Spice fans like the chili power blends, made with ground chili peppers, cumin and Mexican oregano. In mild, medium and hot, and at prices between $2.39 and $13.50, that's crowd-pleasing flavor for a steal.
» 1048 Rockville Pike, Rockville; 301-738-8707.
» 513 West Broad St., Falls Church; 703-534-7770.

» TASTE OF BETHESDA: Oct. 6 marks this year's Taste of Bethesda from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Woodmont Triangle. Participating restaurants include Passage to India, Ri Ra Irish Pub, Rock Bottom Brewery, Divino Lounge and Restaurant and Jaleo, whose tapas is pictured at right. Ticket bundles are $5 for four. Don't feel like driving? Take the Metro to Bethesda and catch the Circulator.

» OCTOBERFEST AT THE OMNI: Celebrate Octoberfest outdoors at the Garden Cafe at the Omni Shoreham's "Your Stein or Mine" event. This German-themed happy hour costs $15 for mini-bratwurst, soft pretzels with mustard and a selection of European fall lagers. A band playing German music will lend atmosphere.
» Omni Shoreham, 2500 Calvert St. NW; 4-8 p.m. nightly, 202-234-0700. (Woodley Park-Zoo)

» POOCH CAFE: Looking for a place to watch the game? The Lost Dog Cafe in Arlington has the goods to go with your game. From the Redskin sandwich — barbecue, bacon and coleslaw on a roll ($6.25) — to the Democrat — roast beef, ham, bacon and Swiss cheese ($6.25) — chances are there's a sandwich named for your favorite team. Though hundreds of bottled microbrews are offered, Octoberfest and Dogfish Head's Punkin Ale on tap may be the choicest way to go. And as the doggie decor and the name suggest, the restaurant and deli is committed to rescuing pets, too.
» Lost Dog Cafe, 5876 Washington Blvd., Arlington; 703-237-1552.

Photo by Susan Biddle/The Washington Post