Photo by erin m.
By DCist Contributor Travis Mitchell
Drink of the Week: Vermouth
Where: Vinoteca, Mockingbird Hill, Estadio
In the U.S., Vermouth is most known for being a complementary ingredient in many standard cocktails, including the martini, the Manhattan, and the negroni. In Europe, vermouth is also a popular aperitif and frequently enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Similar to sherry, vermouth ranges in taste from sweet to dry and is essentially a high-alcohol wine.
Thankfully, as cocktails continue to become more popular here in D.C., vermouth is finally getting some much-deserved attention. Bars are carrying higher-quality vermouths, which make ordering the drink on its own more enticing.
Vinoteca (1940 11th Street NW) is helping to end the stigma against vermouth by rolling out a Monday evening vermouth tasting hour from 7 to 8 p.m., during which drinkers can purchase tasting flights, cocktails or neat pours of vermouth. For a nontraditional option, try the angry peach—a combination of peach-infused rye whiskey and vermouth. There will also be an opportunity to learn about vermouth through an hour-long discussion on its history and use.
Mockingbird Hill (843 7th Street NW) is another place to try a simple drink such as vermouth on the rocks or with a splash of soda water. Or, head to Estadio (1520 14th Street NW) for cocktails made with sherry and sweet or dry vermouth.
Small Bites
Have your cake and drink wine too
Buttercream Bakeshop is the newest project from pastry chef Tiffany MacIsaac (formerly of Neighborhood Restaurant Group). The shop makes its debut today at Cork Market & Tasting Room (1805 14th Street NW) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. A second popup is planned on November 14. Stop in this afternoon for a slice of the cookie monster—a brown sugar and chocolate chip cake with cookie dough layers, cookies and cream frosting and a topping of mini oatmeal cream pies. Other menu items include Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispy treats and coffee-raspberry marshmallows.
An afternoon of beer and baseball
The 2nd annual D.C. Beer Festival is happening this Saturday, Nov. 8 at Nationals Park. You won’t catch any home runs this time of year, but there will be samples of more than 75 craft beers along with music, games and food. A $40 general admission ticket buys unlimited beer and cider tastings from 1 to 4 p.m. VIP tickets run $60 and include 12 p.m. entry and additional specialty beers. Among the participating food trucks are Red Hook Lobster, DC Empanadas and The Big Cheese.
Rock the red – for charity
Washington Capitals fans will want to swing by the City Tap House (901 9th Street NW) on Sunday, Nov. 9 for a Veterans Day fundraiser benefitting the Foundation 4 Heros. John Carlson, Karl Alzner and Troy Brouwer will guest bartend throughout the event, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. The $20 entrance fee includes a free drink, and autographs will cost $10.
B Too Goes Norwegian
Whether you’re looking to try some new cuisine, or are just obsessed with “Frozen,” head to B Too (1324 14th Street NW) from now until November 14 to experience its special Norweigian-themed menu. Take a break from Belgian cuisine and experience a three course, seafood-heavy menu for $35.14. Expect dishes featuring mackerel, crab legs, cod and halibut.
