Housemade latkes at DGS, served with sour cream and apple preserves. (Photo by DGS Delicatessen)
This year, Hanukkah coincides with Christmas Eve. We might, in fact, even call it Chrismukkah. However you choose to celebrate, from outdoor spectaculars to boozy drinks, 2016 is shaping up to be nothing less than eight crazy nights for Hanukkah in D.C. Here are nine options—or eight and a shamash, if you prefer to think of it that way.
National Menorah Lighting: Take advantage of one of your final opportunities to hang out in proximity to the current POTUS at the lighting of the National Chanukah Menorah on the Ellipse on December 25. The National Menorah Orchestra and the 8th Day Band will play lively tunes while volunteers hand out dreidels, menorahs, latkes, and jelly doughnuts. The best part: photos with Dreidelman. Gates open at 3 .pm. Tickets are free and required.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken: Share the bounty of fluffy, doughy, celebratory pastries with the Hanukkah box at Astro, available December 24 through January 1 ($22) for pre-order. There’s a mix of powdered sugar jelly doughnuts and Hanukkah-themed decorated doughnuts. You can also order them individually at the shop ($3.10). Latkes are even available at the Falls Church outpost.
Buffalo and Bergen: From the genius mind of mixtress Gina Chersevani come two cocktails to throw back when the latkes get too heavy. At her retro Buffalo & Bergen in Union Market (1309 5th St. NE), get ready for the “On the 5th night of Chanukah my bubbe gave to me…,” with Botanist Gin, Manischewitz, sage, lemon, and sparkling wine; as well as the “Mo’ Gelt Mo’ Problems,” made with Makers Mark 46, Manischewitz, date and pecan syrup, bitters, and orange peel.
National Museum of American Jewish Military History: This underrated museum’s annual shindig throws down the traditional gauntlet of latkes, jelly doughnuts, chocolate gelt, and lots of song and dance. Since it’s a museum, you’ll get your education ration, too, with a “ look at the ways Jews in the American military have continued the tradition of the Maccabees.” Plus, there’s a collection for veterans in need. The event takes place December 28; tickets are free.
GCDC: Proving to be a gooey success, GCDC (1730 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) is serving The Maccabee ($10 lunch, $14 dinner): a seared, marinated brisket grilled cheese sandwich on challah bread with kosher pickles. The brisket’s crafted by hand by owner Bruce Klores’ 87-year-old mother Esther, using a recipe she learned from a neighbor growing up in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. The sandwich will be served December 19 until it runs out, or, according to Klores“when she gets tired.”
DGS Delicatessen: Dupont’s go-to Jewish-style deli DGS Delicatessen (1317 Connecticut Ave. NW) will be serving a prix-fixe, family-style dinner menu ($35) from December 24 to the 31. It includes matzo ball soup, brisket, freshly grated horseradish, latkes with apple preserves, everything-spiced cauliflower, and jam-packed housemade doughnuts. If you’re just in the mood for latkes, pick up a ten-pack ($22).
Dino’s Grotto: Dino’s Grotto (1914 9th St. NW) is serving platefuls of Italian-inspired Hanukkah latkes ($10), made with potatoes and leeks, starting December 25. They’ll be served with local heirloom applesauce, apple mostarda, and creamy mascarpone.
Equinox: Join Equinox (818 Connecticut Ave. NW) for a refined four-course Hanukkah tasting menu, from December 26 through 30, for $65. The feast begins with house-cured salmon gravlax (like lox, but cured with lots of herbs and spices) and moves to crispy black sea bass over tri-color lentils, slow-cooked short rib with Jerusalem artichoke puree, and ends with salted-caramel apple cake finished with sage ice cream.
Miracle on 7th Street: Derek Brown’s second annual Miracle on 7th Street (1843 7th St. NW) is known around town as the “Christmas bar,” but it comes complete with a Haunkkah section in back of Mockingbird Hill as well. Enjoy the Hanukkah cocktail called Put on a Yarmulke, made with Armagnac, Don Ciccio & Figli Nocino, crème de cacao, lemon, and Boker’s Bitters. There’s also the cheeky “Chicken Noodle Soup,” made with chicken sage sausage, escarole, orzo, and veggies.
