Last night, Ba Bay played host to a pre-Taste of the Nation banh mi smackdown to raise money for Share Our Strength, an organization that fights childhood hunger. The competition pitted chefs from Ba Bay, Dino, Lyon Hall, Proof, PS7's and The Source against each other to see who could create the best banh mi. more ›

There is cheese, and then there is cheese. Burrata firmly falls into the latter category. A type of fresh mozzarella, burrata has a mild, milky flavor. What really sets it apart from other cheeses is the texture: Burrata is luxuriously creamy and pillowy soft, a heavenly cloud of cheesey happiness. more ›

'Tis the season for cocktail parties, and it's likely you might encounter deviled eggs among the plates of hors d'ouerves. Something about deviled eggs seems stuck in the era of Mad Men. Maybe it's the way the egg yolks are piped in to little flourishes, the simple ingredients involved, and the specialized dinnerware that is available for serving them. more ›

Dish of the week: Soft-shell crab more ›

Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement, is on Monday, with Kol Nidre prayers happening on Sunday at sundown. Last year, with the holiday falling in the middle of the week, DCist brought those heading to temple a guide for where to pack in the calories before the start of the fast. I followed my own advice and dined at Java Green, but aside from the friends I broke bread with, I didn’t notice any other diners that looked like they were there for a pre-fast meal. And my mock chicken wasn’t so filling. more ›

Who isn’t peckish for a little snack by the end of the work day? The folks at Dino in Cleveland Park know how you feel—but of course, being an Italian restaurant, the words “little” and “snack” aren’t ones that are juxtaposed there very often. Their new happy hour, which has been underway for just under a month, showcases both Dino’s well-established talent for quelling the need for a nosh and its revamped cocktails list and ample selection of wines by the glass. A 25 percent discount on cocktails and wines by the glass—many of which are very reasonably priced—along with a spread of small bites set out along the bar that rival a meal make Dino’s happy hour worth a visit. Specials run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. more ›

Dish of the Week: Brit cuisine more ›

Wednesday evening marks the start of Yom Kippur, Judaism’s Day of Atonement. Those observing the holiday will begin fasting at sundown before Kol Nidre services, continuing through Thursday evening. It’s common to gather with family or friends for a pre-fast meal, but Downtown workers putting in a full day at the office will have little time to make it home for dinner to fill up before attending services. more ›