Lok lak: marinated Wagyu beef, cucumber, tomato, rice noodles, lettuce, herbs (Alicia Mazzara).Dish of the Week: Lok lak
Where: Maketto pop-up at Hanoi House
This heat is enough to kill even the strongest of appetites. But you can’t subsist on popsicles and gin rickeys alone; even in a heat wave, you gotta eat. In face-melting times like this, turn to the cuisine of countries close to the equator for a meal that’s light yet satisfying.
Lok lak is a sort of Cambodian lettuce taco that’s perfect for quenching your hunger after a sweaty walk from the Metro. Marinated beef cubes are served along with crunchy raw cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs. Tuck a few bites of each into a crisp leaf of lettuce, dip the whole thing in the tangy lime sauce, and you’ve got a super fresh explosion of flavors.
Starting this week and running through October, diners can dig into a refreshing plate of lok lak and other Cambodian specialties at the Maketto take-over/residency/pop-up at Hanoi House (2005 14th St NW). Whatever you want to call it, the restaurant will be playing host to Toki Underground chef Erik Bruner-Yang as he previews dishes from his next culinary project. The menu at Maketto is Bruner-Yang’s homage to Southeast Asian street food, with a heavy lean towards Cambodian dishes. Diners can enjoy a six course pre fixe meal for $30; additional snacks ($2) can be ordered off dim sum carts that periodically circle the plush dining room. Come with an open mind: like Thai X-ing or Little Serow, everyone is served the same six courses, and the menu is continually evolving based on ingredient availability and chef creativity.
Small Bites
It’s a girl, it’s a boy, it’s a beer
This Saturday, Jack Rose Dining Saloon (2007 18th Street NW) will be hosting a beer “shower” to christen the opening of Shmaltz Brewery’s new East Coast location. The event will feature a rooftop party, 18 different Shmaltz beers on draft, 6 cask or vintage bottle varieties, reuben and brisket sliders, and shower-themed games. The party starts at 2 p.m. and is free.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for National Ice Cream Day
Union Market (1309 5th Street NE) is hosting the third annual DC Scoop, a celebration of all things frozen and creamy, in honor of National Ice Cream Day. Stop by the market on Sunday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for samples of local ice cream, gelato, custard, fro-yo, and other icy treats, cooking demonstrations, an ice cream eating contest, and live music. Free.
A margarita with your quickfire challenge
If you’ve ever wished that a bar would play Bravo instead of ESPN, be sure to hit up Masa 14 (1825 14th Street), El Centro (1819 14th Street, NW), or Zengo (781 7th Street) on Wednesday. The three restaurants will be hosting Top Chef Masters viewing parties in honor of contestant and chef Richard Sandoval. Stop by any location starting at 5 p.m. for $5 margaritas and stay for the premiere at 10 p.m.
