Photo by Kevin H.
Dish of the Week: Watermelon
Where: your local farmers’ market, Ted and the Bully Bar, Suburbia
Tomorrow is National Watermelon Day, and while we don’t know who comes up with these silly holidays, it is a great time to grab a fresh, juicy slice of watermelon. August is really the height of farmers’ market season in D.C., with stands overflowing with sweet fruit and ripe veggies. Stop by your local market next week–which just happens to be National Farmers’ Market Week—for the quintessential fruit of summer.
You can also find watermelon-based dishes showing up in restaurants this time of year. Stop by the recently opened Ted and the Bully Bar (1200 19th St NW) on Saturday for an entire menu built around watermelon, including lamb chops with watermelon hash, seared watermelon and feta, and barbecued watermelon with corn and duck confit. Watermelon is also stellar in a beverage. And if you’d prefer to drink your watermelon, you’re also in luck. On a trip to Union Market (1309 5th Street NE) last week, I snagged an smoky watermelon frozen margarita from Suburbia, an airstream trailer bar from Gina Chersevani’s Buffalo and Bergen soda shop.
You can also whip up your own watermelon libations at home—just run watermelon chunks through the blender or food processor and strain for some homemade watermelon juice. Try it with some vodka, a few sprigs of basil (slap it between your hands to release the oils), and a splash of San Pellegrino limonata.
Small Bites
Bar Pilar says goodbye to Bittner
Justin Bittner, longtime chef at Bar Pilar (1833 14th Street NW), is leaving the restaurant after seven years. The Logan Circle eatery will be throwing a pig roast on Saturday, Aug. 17, to celebrate Bittner’s tenure. You can book your table through CityEats starting on Tuesday.
Nine years of Wonderland
The Wonderland Ballroom (1101 Kenyon St NW) is turning nine years old this weekend. The Columbia Heights staple will be celebrating the “9 Lives of Wonderland” on Sunday starting at 4 p.m. Stop in for all-night happy hour, food specials, and plenty of sweaty dancing.
Let Chipotle buy your groceries at the farmers’ market
Next week is National Farmers’ Market Week, and Chipotle will be on site at several D.C.-area markets to give away $10 tokens good toward the purchase of any food at the market. See below for the full scheduler:
Sunday: Dupont Circle FRESHFARM market (20th Street NW between Massachusetts and Connecticut avenues), 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday: Crystal City FRESHFARM Market (251 S. 18th and Bell Streets, Arlington), 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: White House FRESHFARM Market (810 Vermont Ave NW), 11 a.m. to 2:30pm
Saturday, Aug. 10: H Street NE FRESHFARM Market (H and 13th streets NE), 9 a.m. to noon.
