A wall of cassettes sets the vibe at Capitol Hill’s newest hangout, EatBar.
Dish of the Week: Snacky Things
Where: EatBar
The 80s called — and they love what EatBar did with their cassettes. And with good reason, because it’s the wall of 7200 cassette tapes, cleverly spelling out “EAT”, that immediately sets the tone at the brand-spankin’-new EatBar (415 Eighth Street SE) on Capitol Hill’s Barracks Row. A reimagining of the original EatBar in Arlington that closed in 2014, this new version, with the wall of cassettes on one wall and dark tones everywhere else, feels like your friend’s cool basement where you hung out in high school, that kid whose parents didn’t mind if you popped a beer open and cranked up The Cure.
However, instead of the usual basement cuisine — read: microwave popcorn and PBR — you’ll find chef Nathan Anda’s playful take on bar snacks, divided into six distinct sections: Snacky Things, Bready Things, Beastly Things, Green Things, Meaty + Cheesy Things, and Sweet Things. A dish called the Bar Snack is the obvious choice on the list of Snacky Things, a roasted compote of olives, dates, nuts, and pearl onions (but pay attention when taking a bite, as an olive containing a pit can look remarkably similar to an almond and nobody wants to go out for a cocktail and end up with unexpected dental work). Other Snacky Things to try: fried smelts with white aioli and deviled eggs soaked in beet juice.
The cocktail and beer lists are, as is found at other Neighborhood Restaurant Group establishments, thoughtfully curated, but the wine list, developed by NRG’s wine director Brent Kroll, has a direct correlation to the food menu, with offerings similarly divided into groupings like Snacky Wines, Bready Wines, Fishy Wines, and so forth. “It is different than any other wine list that I’ve developed for the group,” says Kroll, “Just as the dishes in those categories will change seasonally, I’m hoping that guests will feel more explorative than they may normally be, because they know the wine has been chosen to align with their specific dish.”
Pairing good wines with bar snacks really works at EatBar, such as a deep pink rosé with rich fruit aromas from Calabria that provides a refreshing balance to the creamy artichoke dip with grilled flatbread. “A lot of these, although they look simple, are regional pairings,” Kroll says. “Something like Vermintino is a Mediterranean island wine and is specifically meant to go with fresh seafood and that is why it’s in our fish pairing section.”
While the 100-disc jukebox selections are free for patrons to pick and play, we suggest that Joy Division pairs best with caramel corn and a glass of bubbly.
Small Bites
Philly Wing Fry Pop-Up
After a successful run on this season’s “Top Chef”, chef Kwame Onwuachi is bringing his fast-casual vision to Union Market (1309 Fifth Street NE) this weekend with his Philly Wing Fry pop-up event. Opening at 11 a.m. Friday, April 1st, through Sunday, April 3rd, Onwuachi will serve up a boxed meal of 100-day dry-aged Wagyu beef Philly cheesesteaks, tamarind glazed chicken wings, waffle fries, and one drink (sea buckthorn lemonade, black tea with yuzu, cucumber-apple soda, strawberry-rhubarb soda, or water) for $15. Philly Wing Fry will close for the day when they sell out and all proceeds from the event will benefit No Kid Hungry. If you start getting peckish while waiting in line, Onwuachi will also be handing out chicken and waffle samples.
Drinks for Fools
If you’re looking to hoodwink your pals in honor of April Fool’s Day, head over to McClellan’s Retreat (2031 Florida Avenue NW), where the cocktails are ready to deceive, starting tonight. Order up a martini and you’ll find tequila, Cocchi Americano, and orange bitters served up with a twist of lemon instead of a classic James Bond concoction, shaken not stirred, while the Pimm’s Cup features scotch, Drambuie, lemon juice, and ginger beer garnished with lemon and mint. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Nats Viewing Party
Coming off a 6-game winning streak at the close of spring training, D.C.’s home team is ready to swing into action on Monday, April 4th in the first game of the season, with the Nationals playing out of town in Atlanta, so head over to Pinstripes (1064 Wisconsin Avenue NW) for a viewing party from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Munch on sliders, flatbread, and other happy hour snacks and sips with two of the Nats’ presidential mascots — we’re crossing our fingers that Teddy shows up, because we’re pretty sure he’d be fun at a party.
Bourbon Tasting
Expand your knowledge of bourbon at — where else? — Bourbon (2321 18th Street NW) on Wednesday, April 6th, when The Whisk(e)y Library is there to co-host a tasting with Bourbon and Jim Beam Distillery. Featured will be six limited small batch releases from the Booker’s Bourbon line, with expert commentary from brand specialist Ryan Lyles. Learn the nuances of each barrel-strength batch, crafted in 2015 and celebrated as a connoisseur’s sipping bourbon. Tickets available at BookersTasting.eventbrite.com.
