Photo by Julian.
Dish of the Week: Corn dogs
Where: Bourbon Steak Lounge, Buck’s Fishing and Camping, DC-3, Shake Shack
The end of summer in D.C. isn’t known for much except humidity and the empty halls of Congress. But across much of the rest of the country, people are flocking to their annual state fair for a taste of fried candy bars, 4-H competitions, and ferris wheels.
Unfortunately D.C.’s State Fair bears little resemblance to the typical state fair—essentially an orgy of fried food mingled with the scent of barnyard. But you can reclaim a little bit of that spirit with a good old fashioned corn dog. Because nothing epitomizes the state fair experience more than food on a stick.
For a classic corn dog experience, head to DC-3 (423 8th Street SE) which sells a no-frills version with yellow mustard. They’re also on the menu at all local Shake Shacks (except Nats Stadium) this weekend as part of a Labor Day special. If you’re not ready to eat an entire corn dog for dinner, consider the miniature versions at Buck’s Fishing and Camping (5031 Connecticut Ave NW).
Diners in the mood for something a bit fancier also have options: The corn dog is one in a line of many childhood classics that have gotten the chef treatment as of late. For instance, Bourbon Steak (2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW) swaps out the lowly hot dog for pieces of lobster enrobed in slightly sweet corn breading. Look for them on the restaurant’s lounge menu.
Small Bites
Food truck mash-ups
Since food trucks started rolling along D.C. streets, there has been tension between the mobile vendors and brick-and-mortar restaurants. But at this year’s Food Truck Week, a handful of local trucks will be collaborating with area chefs to create some special meals. Highlights include a braised pork and soppressata sandwich topped with chimichurri, peppers, and sharp provolone from Taylor Gourmet and Dirty South Deli, and a crispy pork belly rice bowl from PhoWheels and Toki Underground. The trucks will be offering Food Truck Week specials September 7-11.
Cheap whino
Think you can’t afford nice wine? Proof (775 G Street NW), Estadio (1520 14th Street NW), Doi Moi (1800 14th Street NW), and 2 birds 1 stone (1800 14th Street NW) are all launching half-price bottle nights, each on a different day of the week. Oeneophiles can start at Proof on Sunday night for half off about 100 bottles. Estadio will follow with a similar promotion on Monday, Doi Moi on Tuesday, and 2 bird 1 stones on Wednesday. If you’re going to get sauced on a school night, this sure beats Two Buck Chuck.
Turkish Restaurant Week returns
Here’s a Restaurant Week deal worth getting excited about: Eight local restaurants will be participating in Turkish Restaurant Week from September 12-20, offering a three course lunch for $18 or four course dinner for $30. Participating restaurants include Agora, Zaytinya, and Cafe Divan; see the full list here.
Get schooled in summer pasta
Learn how to transform all those beautiful late summer vegetables into delicious pasta at Urbana’s (2121 P Street NW) pasta making class on September 12 from 2-4 p.m. Students will learn how to make potato gnocchi with cherry tomatoes and arugula pesto butter; kale pappardelle with zucchini, leeks, and mushrooms; and ricotta-filled ravioli with spicy eggplant bolognese. The class is $45 per person. Call 202-956-6650 to reserve a spot.
