The August doldrums are finally over and the D.C. food world is finally starting to pick back up again as the calendar turns to fall. Here are some of the events to watch out for in the coming weeks, from beer festivals to partisan cocktail menus. (For our Dish of the Week, head over here.) We’ve also included some of the high-profile openings around D.C.
A chicken platter from Halal Guys (Photo by Chris Goldberg via the Creative Commons on Flickr)
This Week’s Food Events
Bubbly and bivalves on the patio
Head to Macon Bistro & Larder (5520 Connecticut Ave, NW) this Saturday for a special bubbles, oysters, and brews party. The $35 all inclusive event runs from 12 p.m to 4 p.m. There will be wine paired with Rappahannock Oysters and brews from D.C.’s Handsome Beer Company. Anyone interested can email ajohnson@maconbistro.com to RSVP.
Brunch
We’ve compiled some of the best Labor Day brunch specials around town this weekend.
Vote with your drink
Election season is in full swing, and bars are getting in on the madness anyway they can. That includes politically-themed cocktails at bars like 701, Espita Mezcaleria and the Oval Room. At Espita, The Wall, is a blend of mezcal, Campari, orange juice and soda. Those leaning Democratic can try the Madam Presidenta, which is made from a mix of mezcal, Blue Curaçao, rum, lime and Orgeat syrup. Both cocktails are $11 each and they’ll be available starting Tuesday, September 6 until Election night. At the 701, you can try the I’m With Her, which mixes rye whiskey, rum, peach liqueur and apple cider vinegar. Or you can Make America Great Again with a mix of Moon Drop grape purée, spiced sorghum syrup and sherry vinegar. It’s topped with soda and garnished with grapes. At The Oval Room, The Build That Wall is made with Muscat Grape purée, spiced honey syrup, Champagne vinegar, topped with soda and garnished with grapes. The Madam President has Cynar, lemon juice, Giffard Abricot, Angostura Rum and sparkling wine, topped with an orange twist.
Another “Floodraiser” for Louisiana
The local food community has stepped up to help flooding victims in Louisiana. Last month Bayou Bakery served up a special shrimp creole dish to benefit victims. This week Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar will be holding a “Floodraiser Fête” on September 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. A $20 donation to the fundraiser earns you three drink tickets from sponsors, including Abita, as well as a chance to win raffle prizes. Aqualita Brown, a Shreveport native who runs Smokin’ on the Bayou, will cater the event. Proceeds will go to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation’s Flood Relief Fund. (If you can’t make it, you can make a donation here.) For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page.
This Week In Openings
Victor Albisu, the chef behind Del Campo (777 Eye St., NW), is ready to open the latest outpost of his taco concept. The second Taco Bamba will open on September 8 in Vienna at 164 Maple Ave. And the first 100 customers to enter will get one free taco a week for a year. In addition to tacos, the new location is raising the stakes with a full bar and a menu that includes, quesadillas, tostadas with ceviche and five types of nachos. Taco fillings will range from classics like pork al pastor to carnitas to new, inventive options like grilled octopus.
Need a new place to eat out this weekend? This week, DCist tried out the sushi and rum cocktails at Sakerum. We also tried out the ramen, cocktails, and Asian-inspired small plates at Haikan. And we spoke to the owners of a new legit Italian market in Brookland called Salumeria 2703.
The NYC-based Halal Guys have brought their famous white sauce and gyro platters to the D.C. area. While we’re still waiting on the H Street opening, you can head to the burbs for a taste now. The location at 6304 Springfield Plaza in Springfield opened this week.
Plan Ahead
Pour that funky beer
Silver Spring’s Denizens Brewery (1115 East-West Highway) is hosting its second-annual Make it Funky wild beer festival on October 1. Expect more than 75 “funky” beers from 24 breweries and counting including Bluejacket, Ocelot, Hellbender and others from across the country. VIP tickets are already sold out, so don’t delay on general admissions tickets if this event is calling your name. The event runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and tickets are $55, which include unlimited pours and entertainment.
