Dining Out for Life helps DC nonprofit

Food and charity often go hand in hand in this town, and Dining Out for Life is no exception. Being a part of the action is easy: Enjoy a meal at one of 147 participating eateries on Thursday and the restaurateurs will donate a portion of proceeds to Food & Friends, a Washington nonprofit group that provides meals and groceries to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other diseases.

You'll get the most bang for your charitable buck at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, a Crystal City gay bar that will donate 110 percent of proceeds to the organization. Posto, Ristorante Tosca and Annie's Paramount Steakhouse will donate 100 percent. Find a full list of participating establishments (and whether they're offering the deal at lunch or dinner) at http://www.foodandfriends.org/dol.

-- Julia Beizer

Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant 555 S. 23rd St., Arlington. 703-685-0555.

Posto 1515 14th St. NW. 202-332-8613.

Ristorante Tosca 1112 F St. NW. 202-367-1990.

Annie's Paramount Steakhouse 1609 17th St. NW. 202-232-0395.