Photo by shishberg

Dish of the Week: What Cats Dream Of
Where: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Normally it’s not a good idea to eat the same thing as your cat. But the saffron-spiked seafood stew at Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is something that both humans and cats can agree on. Fancifully named “Que Sueño de los Gatos”, or “What Cats Dream Of”, this cozy bowl of ocean-y goodness is the perfect thing to tuck into on a cold, damp evening.

Lovers of gumbo or cioppino will feel right at home ordering Pearl Dive’s take on seafood stew. The dish is a riot of different sea creatures — tiny squid tentacles, whole shrimp, and a moist filet of rockfish crowned with a ring of fat mussels. Wilted spinach and tomatoes add some earthly vegetal matter, but the highlight is the piquant, creamy saffron broth. Bold and spicy, it’s made to be sopped up with a piece of crusty bread or slurped greedily from a big spoon.

Small Bites

Drinking outside 365 days a year
Poste has rolled out an outdoor winter bar, replete with blankets and space heaters so you can keep imbibing al fresco all year long. It’s also a great excuse to enjoy some of Poste’s new winter drinks, including mulled wine and the traditional hot toddy.

Grapeiversary
A.M. Wine Shoppe is turning two years old, and they’re throwing a party. On Saturday, January 28 from 1-7 p.m., stop by for free wine tastings and samples from the likes of White House Meats, El Ceibo Chocolate, and Sarah Smith, sous chef at Cashion’s. Patrons can also sign up for A.M.’s new wine club. Members receive three bottles chosen by the owner each month.

The best week of the year
D.C. Meat Week, a celebration of all things carnivore, returns on January 29. Barbeque joints from Hill Country to Mr. P’s Fish and Ribs barbecue bus will be participating in eight full days of gluttony. Check out the full schedule and be sure to RSVP to reserve your spot.