Savor, a craft beer and food festival, is coming back to DC June 3rd and 4th. (PHOTO © BREWERS ASSOCIATION)
Drink of the week: Beer. So much beer.
Where to find it: SAVOR week events
The epic Savor craft beer and food festival is slated for June 3rd and 4th at the National Building Museum (401 F Street NW). The main Grand Tasting event is a gathering of 76 breweries from 28 states and D.C., each featuring a pair of beers to taste; this year will also feature a charcuterie station hosted by Red Apron Butcher with pairings from FATE Brewing Company. Small bites will be served with the various brews to ward off empty stomachs, and while ticket prices are steep at $135 a pop, it’s a justifiable annual splurge for beer enthusiasts. Be sure to jump on them soon if you’re interested, as they’re likely to sell out.
If you just don’t fancy spending that much on one night out, or miss out on tickets, there’s no need to worry. Friday and Saturday evenings are the biggest attractions, but Savor has evolved into a week-long beer celebration. Many local beer-centric bars and restaurants get in on the action through special events like tap takeovers, brewer meet-and-greets, and dinners with breweries from around the U.S.
Some event highlights include Smuttynose “Smutt Putt” at Bier Baron (1523 22nd Street NW) on May 30th; a gose-style night at Roofer’s Union (2446 18th Street NW) on May 31st; a sour beer feature at The Partisan (709 D Street NW) on June 1st; and Maine beer night at Churchkey (1337 14th Street NW) on June 3rd. A full list of happenings can be found on the Savor website, and events are still being added.
Small bites:
Military dining discount
14K Restaurant at the Hamilton Hotel (1001 K Street NW) is wrapping up its military appreciation month this Monday, May 30th; active duty, out of uniform, and retired military with valid ID can take advantage of 15 percent off food purchases during dinner. The special runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the menu includes upscale American dishes like rack of lamb ($33), crab cakes ($32), and shrimp and grits ($29).
Pool season is here
The rooftop pool deck at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel (415 New Jersey Avenue NW), home to Art & Soul restaurant, is open for the season. Day passes for the newly-renovated space run $35, and it’s free to enter after 5 p.m. Food service is available from 11 a.m to 11 p.m.; the menu includes an array of snacks and sandwiches, from an indulgent pressed peanut butter, banana, and marshmallow sandwich to a bikini-ready quinoa and black bean salad. A selection of refreshing cocktails, as well as bottle service, is also available. Check online for a daily schedule of events.
Anniversary dinner for a cause
The Turkish restaurant Ankara (1320 19th Street NW) is celebrating their first year in Dupont Circle by donating 10 percent of restaurant sales from now until June 12th to Refugees International, an advocacy organization focused on improving the lives of displaced people around the world. “We are very aware and grateful to our neighbors, business partners, friends and community for their patronage over this past year,” says Ankara’s Erin Gorman. “We support the global efforts of Refugees International and feel that this is a fitting way to include our guests in our celebration by giving to others.”
Crawfish boil, part deux
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and sister bar Black Jack (1612 14th Street, NW) will host their second crawfish boil of 2016 on June 18th. Expect plenty of Louisiana-style crawfish with sides like corn on the cob, red potatoes, sausage, and other options. Wash it all down with a selection of Abita Amber beer, hurricanes, and house cocktails. A s’mores dessert bar rounds out the menu. The all-inclusive tickets are $50 for food and $70 for food and drink and can be purchased in advance. There will be two seatings: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
