Photo by Alicia Mazzara
Dish of the Week: Sweetbreads
Where: Blue Duck Tavern, Boundary Road, Proof, Vidalia
Celebrate Halloween with sweetbreads, the organ that looks like a brain. Creepy, yes, but sweetbreads sure taste a heck of a lot better than other questionable Halloween foods.
Despite their cauliflower-like appearance, sweetbreads aren’t actually made of brains. The name refers to two different animal parts: the thymus—a gland in the throat—and the pancreas. Aside from their appearance, sweetbreads’ creamy texture and mild flavor have also described as being distinctly brain-like.
One of the best ways to enjoy sweetbreads is fried, rendering the outside crunchy but the inside soft and custardy. At Vidalia (1990 M Street NW), fried sweetbreads are paired with a butternut squash waffle for a riff on Southern fried chicken and waffles. Blue Duck Tavern (1201 24th Street NW) also takes their crispy sweetbreads in a breakfast-y direction, serving them with a brown butter pancake and a maple-tinged sauce. For something more savory, try Boundary Road’s (414 H Street NE) grilled version with radishes and pureed celeriac, or Proof’s (775 G Street NW) sautéed sweetbreads over polenta and earthy chanterelle mushrooms.
Small Bites
Godzilla vs Izakaya
Japan’s favorite reptilian monster is turning 60, and Daikaya (705 6th Street NW) is celebrating with a special Godzilla-themed menu November 3-9. Stop in on Monday night to watch the original film while munching on fried alligator karaage, grilled elk and pork meatballs, and Snickers bar soft serve flambéed in Japanese whiskey.
Just like Nona
Learn how to make pasta like an Italian grandmother at Urbana’s (2121 P Street NW) latest pasta making class. On Saturday,November 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. Chef Ethan McKee will teach students how to create pappardelle noodles, stuffed agnolotti, and open ravioli. Classes cost $45 and include snacks, samples, and recipe cards. Reserve your spot by calling 202-956-6650.
Shaking it for breast cancer
Eighteen local female bartenders will be competing for the title of fastest mixologist at Speed Rack DC, a women-only bartending competition that raises money for breast cancer. Contestants will be representing a bevy of strong cocktail programs, including The Columbia Room, Jack Rose, The Gibson, Hank’s Oyster Bar, and Founding Farmers. The event will be hosted at the Howard Theater on Monday, November 10 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door and include cocktails and snacks.
