Make plans to head to Union Market for Emporiyum and the new shrimp bahn mi at District Fishwife. (photo: District Fishwife)
While Election Day looms large over Washington, there are still plenty of other ways to eat and drink your way through D.C. over the next week, like boozy painting classes and late-fall beer festivals.
Doughnuts and bourbon—all day, every day
November flavors have arrived at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken (multiple locations), including sweet potato casserole, bourbon pecan pie, and cranberry orange. For those who prefer to eat their election feelings than hear more from Donald and Hill, Astro has a spicy hot chocolate and vanilla cherry Coke doughnuts to match the rumored palates of Clinton and Trump, respectively. All are priced below $3.50.
After indulging at Astro, head to Bourbon (2321 18th St., NW) in Adams Morgan where they’re celebrating Old Fashioned month. Four different cocktail options, each with a unique twist on the classic, will be available for $12 to $14 all through November. For whiskey and classic cocktail aficionados, a $20 traditional Old Fashioned is available with a 10-year Whistle Pig rye whiskey.
Saturday sips
Get boozy in Nationals Park at DC Beer Fest on November 5. Dozens of craft breweries will showcase seasonal beers, while food trucks, DJ’s, and lawn games will be available around the stadium. It’s $45 for unlimited tastings from either noon to 3 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m. Food is sold separately.
For those living in Virginia, Mad Fox Brewing Company’s Cask Ale Festival (444 West Broad St. Falls Church) may be a bit closer to home. Live music, food, and brews from more than 20 regional breweries will be featured from noon to 6 p.m. General admission is $30, includes a Mad Fox tasting glass and six tickets for food or drink samples. For 11 a.m. early admission, unlimited food until 5 p.m., and ten drink sample tickets, spring for the $65 VIP ticket.
Lament what’s to come
The Royal (501 Florida Ave. NW) is bringing together D.C. bartenders and chefs to help Washingtonians decide which border to cross after election day. At its latest Royal Knights collaboration with Closed Sessions on November 7, Bartender Chad Spangler will feature Canadian and Mexican spirits in creative cocktails, while Chef Kyle Bailey joins The Royal’s kitchen to dole out candidate and border-themed dishes. Entry is $5, while cocktails and dishes are $8.
Get boozy and artsy
Get schooled by Atlas Brew Works at The Big Board (421 H St. NE) on November 9. A $30 ticket gets attendees six six-ounce Atlas pours, one full pint, snack food, and swag while learning from Atlas Brewer Dan Vilarrubi.
Those who would rather drink while they learn about watercolor painting should hit Buffalo and Bergen (1309 5th St. NE) in Union Market at 6:30 p.m. on November 9. Attendees will receive a seasonal cocktail and the materials needed to paint a cocktail recipe illustrated by artist Marcella Kriebel. This event is part of a regular collaboration between Kriebel and mixologist Gina Chersevani. Should you get hungry before class, the District Fishwife also just released a new shrimp banh mi roll for $12 at its Union Market booth.
Watch chefs duke it out
The annual Capital Food Fight, co-hosted by Chefs Jose Andrés and Spike Mendelsohn, will happen on November 10 at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave and feature bites from more than 75 restaurants while four local chefs compete in a live, on-stage cooking battle. General admission is $250, so attendees should definitely get their money’s worth by sampling from every restaurant booth.
Learn the ins and outs of ramen
If you are a fan of ramen or happen to be near the Verizon Center, head to Bantam King (501 G St. NW) for its “Chicken Ramen 101” class from 10 to 11 a.m on November 12. For $35, attendees will receive a step-by-step document for making ramen, a seat directly in front of the open kitchen for demos, and a ramen tasting. Following this, guests will enjoy a full bowl of their favorite chicken ramen, a complimentary soft drink, and a bag filled with Bantam King and Japanese swag.
Up-and-coming and interesting eats
The annual Emporiyum food festival and marketplace will be open November 12-13 at Union Market, with dozens of local and out-of-town vendors showcasing their eats. Tickets for sessions range from $15 to $40 depending early, late, or VIP admission preferences.
Openings
The Shaw Bijou (1544 9th St., NW), owned and helmed by Chef Kwame Onwuachi, finally opened its doors on November 1. For die-hard fine diners, reservations are available online for parties of up to six people. It’s important to book quickly, however, as the restaurant only has 32 seats. The tasting menu is $185 per person before drink pairings, service tax and tip, so bring your deepest pockets for this globally-inspired cuisine.
Petworth is getting a Japanese spot with tonight’s opening of Himitsu (828 Upshur St. NW) in the former Crane & Turtle space. The small restaurant is walk-ins only and plans to serve shareable plates from chef Kevin Tien like takes on sushi, Japanese fried chicken (karaage) and other rotating dishes. There will also be plenty of excellent cocktails from mixology whiz Carlie Steiner. It will be open for dinner only to start, at 5 p.m.
Channel your inner Jack Sparrow by visiting Cotton & Reed (1328 5th St. NE), D.C.’s first rum distillery, which opens on November 12.
Fans of Thai cooking will want to stop into the new weekly Nok Noi pop up, from the chef behind Alfie’s. It happens on Thursdays and the menu specializes in Thai Khao Soi noodles and curries.
