Meat and cars. There’s the potential for a lot of macho.  

The Washington Auto Show has rolled into town at the same time thatcarnivore restaurants are sponsoring Meat Week. It’s likely unintentional. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be related. What could be more American than checking out the latest muscle car from Detroit, then heading to Hill Country for some delicious brisket? It’s a good time in general for dining and politicking. The Gulf Oyster Industry Council was on the Hill starting on Jan. 21 to discuss the industry’s recovery and challenges in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the BP Deep Horizon oil spill.  

That night, the GOIC showcased the many, many ways one may enjoy Gulf bivalves — raw, marinated, sweet-and-spicy sesame, reimagined Rockefeller style — at Acadiana, all among oyster lovers and the region’s top political officeholders. (Among the most intriguing dynamics was New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu mingling in the same space as Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who defeated Landrieu’s sister Mary last month, and Sen. David Vitter, R-La., whom he might run against for the governor’s mansion next year. Spicy!)  

Moving back from surf to turf, the auto show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is one of the more resplendent trade shows for the capital. The cars of the future stand next to the cars of the imagination and nostalgia. Just ask Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., who told HOH’s Warren Rojas about how some of Ford’s Mustang tchotchkes took him way back to his youth.  “It’s still my favorite car I’ve ever owned,” Quigley said.  

The auto show runs through Feb. 1. For tickets, hours and other info, refer to washingtonautoshow.com.  

After you’ve got your car gazing fix, any number of restaurants are available to cater to any meat cravings . D.C.’s Hill Country, Fat Pete’s, Rocklands, and Mr. P’s Ribs and Fish are among the purveyors ready to serve, also through Feb. 1. For more info, see D.C.’s Meat Week site at meatweek.com .  

Related:

Ford Trinket Transports Mike Quigley Down Memory Road


Resolve to Feast Through January


The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress


Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.