Make plans for a gingerbread house competition or some holiday shopping this week. (Photo by Erin)
The impending holidays mean several markets and shopping pop-ups paired with bar and tasting events curated by D.C.’s creative restaurant class. And an awesome gingerbread house making party. And while the year is winding down, it doesn’t mean restaurants have stopped opening. Residents of upper Northwest and Adams Morgan must have been very good this year, as they have just gotten a couple of A+ new restaurants stuffing their stockings. Those items and more in this week’s event roundup.
This week’s food events:
No party like a gingerbread one
Gingerbread house enthusiasts aught turn out to Adams Morgan this evening. Ventnor Sports Cafe (2411 18th Street NW) hosts their third gingerbread house making party and competition starting at 6:30 p.m. with 15 holiday beers and cocktails for sale and gingerbread, icing and frosting, and all sorts of decorations on hand to see who can make the best house. Last year, a replica Lincoln Memorial was one of the best in show creations. Table reservations can be snagged by calling 202-234-3070 or emailing scott@ventnorsportscafe.com.
Local Whiskey, flannel shirts
Republic Restoratives will join forces with Filson (1534 14th Street NW) for a Whiskey & Wool pop-up this Sunday afternoon. From noon to 6 p.m., the distillery will pour tastes of their whiskey and vodka at the store while shoppers peruse the racks for rustic, styled outdoor clothing, luggage, watches and the like.
Half a star if I could, this event sucks
If you want to get some holiday shopping done and hear restaurant industry people read Jimmy Kimmel-style mean missives about themselves, Compass Rose (1346 T Street NW) has the Wednesday night event for you. An eclectic holiday market from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. will lead into Industry Reads Bad Reviews II night at 10 p.m. This comes after a successful previous airing of other people’s petty grievances.
Cotton & Reed in Adams Morgan
Union Market-area rum distillery Cotton & Reed is popped up in Adams Morgan today and tomorrow at 2435 18th Street NW, then opening up shop again there on December 20. Expect $8 punches and $10 cocktails for everyone, available until late.
Oh my Christmas, Clementine
Come Christmastime, José Andrés makes a big deal about little clementine oranges popular in Spain (and all over) with an annual Clementina Celebration at Jaleo (480 7th St NW). Through December 23, the diminutive citrus will be seared and paired with goat cheese, saucing suckling pig, and mixed up in cocktails in juice or syrup form. It’s also being offered at the restaurant’s Bethesda and Crystal City locations.
Openings:
Fabio and Maria Trabocchi inched up Connecticut Avenue this week with the opening of their fourth restaurant. Sfoglina (4445 Connecticut Avenue) brings a jolt to the Upper Northwest dining scene. It bills itself as a neighborhood restaurant for Van Ness dedicated to the art of making fresh pasta of all sorts. Hand-rolled noodles and filled pastas native to the Emilia-Romagna of Italy play heavily on the menu alongside regional specialties.
It’s a goal for Ivy City. Dock FC (1400 Okie Street NE) opens in the Hecht’ s Warehouse development today, on the site of the old department store’s old loading dock. The soccer-centric bar aims to be a home for footy fans of all ilks as well as being a place to watch less popular sports like cricket and rugby. A simple menu of tortilla chips, tacos, and ceviches will come from the kitchen of another Mindful restaurant, La Puerta Verde, that will open in the warehouse complex, joining the now open Ari’s Diner there. The restaurant group also operates the popular Ghibellina and Acqua al 2.
It’s a barbecue coup for Adams Morgan and lovers of smoked meat everywhere. Federalist Pig (1654 Columbia Road NW) is open where Döner Bistro used to be. It’s the new shop of Rob Sonderman who some consider to be the best pitmaster in the city (he previously displayed mastery of his wares at now closed DCity Smokehouse). There’s a gamut of meats sold by the half pound or platter, six great sounding sandwiches, and an updated take on BBQ sides, all sold until 10 p.m. or until they run out.
Upcoming events:
Sweet Symphony
Gourmet Symphony has announced a 2017 Saloon Concert Series event at Columbia Firehouse Restaurant & Barroom in Old Town Alexandria (109 South St.). The Wednesday, January 18 event will pair John Harbison’s chamber music with passed small plates and drink tastings for $49, or $60 for extra perks like a champagne greeting with the curators and musicians.
Food news:
Movement at Ripple
Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley was bid a fond farewell at Ripple (3417 Connecticut Ave.) last Sunday, officially leaving it and Roofers Union behind to focus full time on her pastrami house, Smoked & Stacked. Ryan Ratino will be the new chef in residence in Cleveland Park, taking over the Ripple kitchen with a new menu to be introduced in January. With the restaurant’s emphasis on its wine program, they have brought Jose Aguierre to D.C. as new general manager and wine director. Aguierre is a veteran of several Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants across the country and will sit for his Master Sommelier exam in the summer.
Astro Doughnuts, to the Moon and Los Angeles
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken has made a name for themselves in the local pastry and poultry world in the last three years with their popular locations in downtown D.C and Falls Church. In early 2017 they’ll be taking their talents to the West Coast, opening a shop in Los Angeles. From D.C. to the world.
