Thursday, January 18, 2007

THE SCENE There Is a Heaven, and It Is Covered in Ganache Celebri-chef Warren Brown and others will be cooking the chocolate temptations for TasteDC's first Chocolate, Food and Wine Festival on Jan. 25. More than 30 desserts are on the menu, and you can counteract the subsequent sugar crash with coffee or a selection of wines. Just some of the dishes planned: cajeta panna cotta with Mexican chocolate sauce and chocolate caviar, chocolate-covered tangerine-oil marshmallow kisses, and truffles. $90; $75 in advance at http://www.tastedc.com. 6:30-9 p.m. Woman's National Democratic Club, 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW.

ON STAGE Choreographers' Showcase The University of Maryland's annual showcase of modern choreography includes "Calming Betty" by Heather Lundy, "Locked" by Lotta Lundgren and "Kids and Science" by Noopur Singha. $25; students $7. 8 p.m. Jan. 27. Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-405-2787.

ON STAGE Gem of the Season? There are many reasons to be excited about Arena Stage's next production, August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean," the story of a transitioning Pittsburgh in 1904, when the specter of slavery still lingered. Among them: The play, which opened on Broadway in December 2004, is one of Wilson's last works before his death in fall 2005; and British director Paulette Randall, who worked closely with Wilson, makes her U.S. debut with the work. Jan. 26-March 18. $52-$66. 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300.

EXHIBIT A Black History Month Reminder of Antebellum Days Sherry Sanabria's paintings, featuring the interiors and exteriors of prominent sites for African Americans, as well as those buildings that once served as slave quarters, honor the people who lived and worked in the spaces. The show opens with a reception at the Athenaeum's gallery Feb. 2, 6-8 p.m. Free. Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m., through March 3. 201 Prince St., Alexandria. 703-548-0035.