Chicken karaage and red-bean stuffed waffle at Daikaya Izakaya (Alicia Mazzara).Dish of the Week: Fried chicken and waffles
Where: Daikaya Izakaya, Birch and Barley, Marvin
There are few greater brunch-related dilemmas than the choice between a sweet or savory meal. Eggs Benedict or French toast? Frittata or pancakes? Never fear, because there’s a solution to your first world problem, and it’s name is fried chicken and waffles.
Birch and Barley (1337 14th Street NW) and Marvin (2007 14th Street NW) have been serving this soul food classic for a while now, but I’m most excited about a new Asian twist on this dish. Daikaya Izakaya (705 6th Street NW) takes chicken and waffles and flips it on its head on their new brunch menu. And why not have a little fun, since brunch isn’t even traditionally eaten in Japan? Chicken karaage, Japan’s answer to fried chicken, is crackling and juicy with a delicate crust. The poultry pieces come nestled next to an adorable fish-shaped waffle stuffed with earthy red bean paste. The whole thing is topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of wasabi butter in a surprisingly successful marriage of sweet and savory.
Small Bites
Brewing and BBQing
The DC Homebrewers club is hosting their http://www.blog.dchomebrewers.com/?page_id=170“>second annual BBQ on Saturday from 2-6 p.m. at Kastles Stadium (800 Water Street SW). Stop by for a brew and a plate of ‘cue, and stay for demonstrations and lectures on topics such as “Yeasts Gone Wild” and how to “Brew-in-a-Bag”. Tickets are $15, and proceeds benefit Common Good City Farm.
Must love pho
VietFest, a two day celebration of Vietnamese culture, kicks off this Saturday at the Landmark Mall parking lot (5801 Duke Street, Alexandria). Stop by for music, dancing, and of course, lots of food. For those interested in getting competitive, don’t miss the pho eating contest, crawfish eating contest, and a pho cook-off. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased online or at the door.
Iron Mixologist: Old Fashioned Challenge
On Sunday from 12-3 p.m., Bourbon Steak (2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) will be pitting six bartenders against each other in a contest to make the best Old Fashioned and their third annual summer block party. Contestants include Alex Bookless (The Passenger), Jon Harris (Firefly), Frank Jones (The Gibson), Amy Russell (Jack Rose), Chris Surrusco (Atlas Room), and Jo-Jo Valenzuela (Occidental), so all signs point to a competitive afternoon of imbibing. A $70 ticket gets you the opportunity to sample the entries and nosh on raw oysters and bison sliders and dogs.
Alexandria: now with 100 percent more Restaurant Week
Can’t get enough of Restaurant Week? Head to Alexandria for another week of dinners specials. For $35, you can enjoy a three course meal, or some restaurants are offering dinner for two. The promotion starts today and runs through September 1st. You can book your table at one of the 29 participating restaurants here.
