Grilled shishito peppers at Churchkey (Alicia Mazzara).
Dish of the Week: Shishito peppers
Where: Churchkey, Daikaya Izakaya, Estadio
Peter Piper may have only been interested in peppers of the pickled variety, but we think he’d agree that these Japanese peppers make an excellent bar snack. Shishito peppers look like kind of like a smaller, skinnier jalapeño, but their taste is milder, sweeter, and rarely spicy. Grilled until the skin puckers and chars, the peppers take on a smoky flavor and a melting texture. Pop the whole thing in your mouth and enjoy, seeds and all.
Shishitos have started making an appearance on menus around the city in the last year or so. Estadio (1520 14th Street NW) keeps the preparation simple, just applying heat and salt. At Churchkey (1337 14th Street NW), the salty, fire-blistered peppers and harissa-spiked peanut dipping sauce play nicely with a cold beer. Daikaya Izakaya (705 Sixth Street NW) also keeps tiny fried shishitos on the menu in the dining room and at happy hour in the bar area. On my last visit, they were paired with a bittersweet orange marmalade, but they’re currently being served with gouda cheese and a sprinkling of piquant togarishi powder.
Small Bites
Domo arigato, Mr. Yogato
Quirky Dupont Circle yogurt spot Mr. Yogato (1515 17th Street NW) is turns five this weekend. To celebrate, it’s hosting a scavenger hunt this Saturday with prizes from SpaceX, Tesla Motors, and, of course, frozen yogurt. The scavenger hunt is free, but participants should be sure to show up at Mr. Yogato by 6:30 p.m. to register.
Battle of the burger
Poste (555 Eighth Street NW) will be hosting a charity burger battle on Sunday afternoon from 3:30-6:30 p.m.. Sample burgers from the 10 competing chefs, including The Source’s Scott Drewno, Granville Moore’s Teddy Folkman, Proof and Estadio’s Haidar Karoum, and Birch and Barley’s Kyle Bailey. Tickets are $75 for all you can eat and drink. Proceeds benefit local youth non-profit Brainfood.
Red, white, and blueberry
Swing by Union Market this Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. to sample treats by local bakers Goldilocks Goodies (gluten-free baked goods) and Whisked! (pies and quiche). The Red, White, and Blueberry event will be hosted by home goods store Salt & Sundry and will feature drinks, snacks, and 15% off items in the store. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online.
Mike Isabella goes Greek
Gird your stomaches. Mike Isabella’s (of Graffiato and Top Chef fame) newest restaurant has an official opening day of July 5. Kapnos (2201 14th St NW) will feature–what else–Greek small plates. Harkening back to his days cooking at Zaytinya, Isabella will bring his former sous chef, George Pagonis, on board at Kapnos. You can make reservations for opening night online.
