Phillies fans may be celebrating the return of Pedro Martinez, but we're celebrating the rise of Pedro Ximénez. Also known as PX, Pedro Ximénez is the name of a Spanish white grape, as well as an intensely sweet and dark dessert sherry. more ›

Cascadia's high-ceilinged space has been painted a golden shade of yellow in anticipation of the opening this Saturday of Taberna del Alabardero. (That's sommelier Jaime Anasagasti from Madrid, ready to welcome you.) There's been an Alabardero in "the other Washington" since 1989, a fancy spot that caters to diplomats and nearby K-Street lobbyists. But the history goes back even further: to the Palace Honor Guard in Madrid, who wielded ceremonial "halberds"--those fearsome pole-axe blades on pikes. more ›