Photo by Kimberly C.
By DCist Contributor Travis Mitchell
Dish of the week: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Where to find it: Capitol Lounge, Ventnor Sports Cafe, Laughing Man Tavern
After seven long months, professional and college football is back. That means plenty of afternoons and evenings spent cheering, drinking and eating plenty of greasy, comforting bar food.
Buffalo wings are the classic game time snack, but there’s a quicker and far less messy way option to target this season: buffalo chicken dip. Imagine everything you love about Buffalo wings but sans bones and in a scoop-able form. The warm, cheesy dip is typically made with shredded chicken, blue cheese, cream cheese, and Buffalo sauce.
Many a dive or sportsbar are likely to feature this great appetizer on a seasonal basis as summer draws to an end. Look for the dish year-round at Capitol Lounge (229 Pennsylvania Avenue NW), where it’s served with tortilla chips. Or, head over to Ventnor Sports Cafe in Adams Morgan (2411 18th Street NW), where you can cheer on Philadelphia teams with an order of Buffalo chicken dip and a side of toasted baguette.
If you can’t find it near you, consider whipping up a batch at home for your personal football watch party.
Small bites:
Unleash the Snallygaster
It’s been a long time coming: the Snallygaster Beer Festival is official here. Gargoyle passes are still available for Saturday’s 1 p.m. event at Yards Park (1st and N Street SE). The $35 ticket buys 30 food and drink tickets and a specialized beer mug. The beer list is immense and impressive, so be sure to check it out online and plan your strategy.
The D.C. state fair gets an upgrade
Lack of statehood can’t derail the 6th annual D.C. state fair. The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon until 8 p.m. as a standalone event at Old City Farm and Guild (925 Rhode Island Avenue NW). There will be pie baking and ice cream contests, along with a beer garden and other food vendors. Admission is free.
Tuesday wine classes return
Pop over to Vinoteca (1940 11st Street NW) on Tuesday, Sept 15 for a evening of wine education. The first of the seasonal sommelier-led classes will touch on options for fall rosé. Tickets are $45 and there’s a limit of 20 guests per class. Learn more online, including information on future themes.
Redwood says farewell to summer
If you didn’t meet your crab quota this season, Redwood (7172 Bethesda Lane in Bethesda, Md.) is throwing a final end-of-summer patio party. General admission to the first annual crab feast is $39 and includes a half-dozen crabs, three drink tickets and a round of sides. A VIP package is available, as is a $15 kids ticket. There will be live music and a la carte drinks, hot dogs and burgers will also be an option.
