The Rudolph burger and Candy Cane shake at BTS. Via BTS.By DCist contributor Travis Mitchell
Dish of the Week: Venison burgers
Where: Burger Tap & Shake, McGinty’s Public House, Thunder Burger
Whether it’s Sven from Frozen or Rudolph himself, reindeer are among the stars of the Christmas season. But they don’t often make their way onto the dinner menu. Several area restaurants, however, are embracing the season by offering the meat to adventurous diners.
As is true of venison in general, reindeer can be a love it or hate it protein. The gamey taste largely depends on whether the animal was wild or raised on a farm, as well as how the meat was butchered and prepared. Just try not think about Santa’s sleigh as you bite into a juicy patty.
Restaurants currently serving some form of venison include Burger Tap & Shake (2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). This month’s Rudolph burger is made with a venison and pork patty, gruyere cheese, grilled onions and cranberry mustard. Another option is the black label burger at McGinty’s (911 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, Md.), made with ground venison and pork belly topped with caramelized onions and a chili chutney.
While it’s not deer, Thunder Burger (3056 M Street NW) is now selling an elk burger and fries for $15. The restaurant will be offering reindeer on December 17 and 24, though it’s unclear in exactly what form.
Small Bites
A new option for seasonal sweets
RareSweets bakeshop opens its first store on Monday, December 15 at CityCenterDC after a year of doing catering and pop-up business. Founder and pastry chef Meredith Tomason’s resume includes various New York City stops, including at Tom Colicchio’s Craft restaurant. Expect to find a smorgasbord of fruit-forward sweets including seasonal cakes, doughnuts, cookies and ice creams. The first 100 customers on opening day will receive a free hot chocolate with their purchase.
BBQ arrives at Union Market
After opening two BBQ Joint restaurants in Maryland, Chef Andrew Evans’ low and slow style has arrived at D.C.’s Union Market. In addition to ribs, brisket, collard greens and cornbread, the menu will also feature exclusive smoked Sriracha and beer sausages. The location will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will offer takeout as well as catering for larger events.
Say yes to $10 bowls of pasta
Rarely does $10 buy more than an appetizer-sized portion of anything these days, so it’s an undeniable deal when a restaurant offers full bowls of pasta for such a low price. Head to Osteria Morini for “Morini Mondays” where $10 gets you an order of pasta like veal agnolotti or crab bucatini, both of which normally cost more than $20. The weekly deal also includes $20 bottles of lambrusco and $2 Fernets.
Taylor Gourmet gets into the “Hoagie-Day” spirit
Stop by any Taylor Gourmet location between December 12 and 24 and enjoy any regular-sized sub for $6. The promotion is valid throughout each day, so feel free to celebrate the season and indulge during lunch and dinner.
