Get gussied up and have a julep for Derby Day. (Photo by Kristen Hartke)
Drink of the week: Mint Julep
Where to get it: Due South, Jack Rose Dining Saloon, Little Miss Whiskey’s, and Southern Efficiency
Get the big hats and bow ties ready, because the Derby is ready to run. Even if you don’t know a gelding from a yearling, there’s something about the lure of bourbon cocktails and cucumber sandwiches that draws us together for what’s referred to in racing circuits as “the greatest two minutes in sports.” This Saturday, the tradition continues in bars and restaurants across the city for the 142nd Kentucky Derby, so get ready to place your bets—our money’s on Trojan Nation, but Suddenbreakingnews sounds like a D.C. favorite.
The mint julep is, of course, de rigueur on Derby Day, a classic blend of bourbon, water, fresh mint, and powdered sugar or simple syrup, served over crushed ice. Even if you’ve never had a julep before, all you really need to know is that cheap bourbon = bad julep. A good bourbon—or even rye, which is a controversial but valid option—makes all the difference.
Because we’re already a city with southern flair, there are many places to spend Derby Day. Due South (301 Water Street SE) is a new entry into this year’s festivities; from 2 to 7 p.m. enjoy bottomless frozen mint juleps then nosh on Chef Rusty’s take on Kentucky fried chicken, beer cheese crostini, and, of course, Kentucky Hot Browns, the classic Louisville open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce (if that sounds obscenely good, then, well, yeah, it is). There’ll be door prizes and Derby-themed games, not to mention a Derby hat contest with a $150 Due South gift card for the winner.
Meanwhile, Jack Rose Dining Saloon (2007 18th Street NW) is clearly a logical choice for mint juleps, since they have about a gazillion bourbons lining the walls. The race viewing party begins at 3 p.m. with $9 juleps and $8 Derby Punch, as well as hot browns and cucumber sandwiches. Flying Dog Brewery will also be releasing their new Mint Julep Ale at the event, a blonde ale brewed with mint leaves and honeysuckle.
A bourbon-injected whole roasted pig is the centerpiece of the Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar (1104 H Street NE) celebration. $48 gets all-you-can-eat pimento mac and cheese, bourbon and caramel dipped pork belly lollipops, and bacon and bourbon baked beans, along with all-you-can-drink beer, starting at 3 p.m. Bulleit Rye mint juleps will be available for purchase.
Get out the seersucker for Southern Efficiency (1841 7th Street NW), where they’ll have mint juleps on tap and a seriously Louisville-inspired menu, featuring their signature rolled oyster hot browns—a mash-up of two popular Louisville dishes—as well as Benedictine Dip, a creamy, spicy cucumber and cream cheese mix, and ham and biscuits. The race starts at 6:34 p.m., but they’ll be ready for you at 2, because they know you’re really not coming for the Derby.
Small Bites:
Spicy Mother’s Day brunch
We know you didn’t forget about mom and you probably made that brunch reservation weeks ago. But, just in case, you can spice things up by taking her to the newly-refurbished Indique (3512-14 Connecticut Avenue NW) for a 3-course prix fixe brunch for only $25 per person with an optional bottomless mimosas pairing for $10 extra. Featured dishes include Cauliflower Chili Fry with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and lemon; Kheema Dosa with spiced lamb, ginger, green chilies, and tomato chutney; and Vegetarian Thali with hyderbadi baingan, saag makai, paneer makhani, and dal.
More for Mom: movies and cocktails
Macon Bistro & Larder (5520 Connecticut Avenue NW) is opening up their new back bar, The Magnolia Room, inaugurating it with their Sunday Evening Movie Classics series. Bring your mom on May 8th at 5 p.m. for the John Waters cult classic “Serial Mom”, which you can watch together while nibbling on deviled eggs, sliders topped with pork belly and collards, and lacquered short ribs from their Cocktail Chatter menu, all while sipping on cocktails with a French and Southern accent.
For fiscally responsible moms
Shake Shack has free frozen custard for all moms who stop in at any of their stores in the area on Mother’s Day. For a real blast from the past, make a point of trying the Oatmeal Creme Pie custard, the special flavor of the week.
Melted cheesiness
If you’ve been entranced by those videos of gooey raclette cheese being scraped onto bread or potatoes, then chef Robert Wiedmaier is ready to make your dreams come true. Brasserie Beck (1101 K Street NW) is serving up complimentary raclette cheese—yes, that’s free of charge—every night from 5 to 6 p.m. and again from 9 to 10 p.m. in their bar. Using an authentic raclette melter, chef de cuisine Dean Dupuis will shave this melted perfection onto guests’ plates with sides of boiled potatoes and gherkin pickles. Glasses of Reisling and Pinot Gris will be also be available at just $4 each during happy hour.
