As part of an ongoing effort to alert you, the readers of DC Foodies, to all of the really cool food-related events, classes and opportunities throughout the Washington Metropolitan area, we give you this week's edition of the Foodie To-Do List.

Each Wednesday, we give you a heads-up on a few of the upcoming events that we think look particularly interesting.  This week, we've got:

Complementary Tasting of Madecasse Chocolates at Biagio Fine Chocolate:

What:
Made from cocoa harvested on cooperatives in Madegascar, Madecasse chocolates are produced bean-to-bar (a rarity) in their home country.  Join co-founder Tim McCollom for an opportunity to taste the chocolate and to learn a bit more about what goes into the production process.

When:
Thursday, May 28th from 6:30-8:30 PM

Where:
Biagio Fine Chocolates
1904 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC

Why:
Biagio takes chocolate very seriously, and they eagerly support principled producers who also happen to turn out high-quality products.  When they make a recommendation, it's worth checking out...especially if it's a free taste!

Cost:
Free.  This is a complementary tasting.  But 10% of all sales at Biagio from now until Sunday will be donated to the Millennium Challenge Account to provide fermentation tanks, drying areas, scales, small business development training and technical oversight to newly formed cocoa cooperatives in Madagascar, so part of any purchases you make will go to a worthwhile cause.

Cochon 555 at the Mandarin Oriental:

What:
When it comes to "whole animal" cooking, there's nothing quite like pig.  From snout to tail, chefs all over the world revel in coming up with new and creative uses for the parts that aren't used to make bacon and barbecue.  This competition pits five local chefs - Nicholas Stefanelli of Mio, Brian McBride of Blue Duck Tavern, Jamie Leeds of CommonWealth and Hank's Oyster Bar, RJ Cooper of Vidalia, and John Manolatos of Cashion's Eat Place - against one another as they each prepare a 70-pound heritage pig.

When:
Sunday, May 31st @ 5 PM (VIP reception begins at 3:30)

Where:
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
1330 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, DC

Why:
The Swine Flu scare is SO last week.  Between the all-star chefs and the five local wineries that will be presenting their products, this is a pork-lovers dream come true.

Cost: 
$125 per person for basic tickets, $175 for VIP Experience.  Tickets must be purchased in advance here. 

Exploring the Florida Market / Capital City Market as part of Walking Town DC:

What:
This weekend, Cultural Tourism DC sponsors their annual "Walking Town, DC" weekend of free walking (and, in some cases, bicycling) tours.  Topics range from neighborhood histories to tours of the National Arboretum; this particular walk focuses on the wholesale and retail vendors who make up the Florida Market in Northeast.

When:
Saturday, May 30th from 10 - 11:30 AM

Where:
Meet outside New York Avenue Metro station (Florida Avenue exit)
End at Litteri’s Italian Deli, 517 Morse Street, NE

Why:
The Florida Market is a part of DC Foodie history (as is A. Litteri's), but there are plans in the works to redevelop this entire area.  Take a walking tour with Richard Layman, an authority on the market and on historic preservation and urban revitalization, and learn about what the market currently offers.  Along the way, check out some great food finds that you probably didn't even know existed!

Cost: 
Free, but there will be opportunities to purchase food from retailers and vendors along the tour. 

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If you would like your events posted here, please email [email protected] with the event info.