Rabbit pansotti is among the new dishes from incoming Ripple chef Ryan Ratino. (Photo by Joy Asico)
The new year is getting off to a fast start in the food world, and this week boasts plenty to get excited about. There are several interesting bar and restaurant openings, an Obama goodbye party, and more in this week’s picks.
This week’s food events:
A tiki farewell to Obama
Bid a festive adieu to President Obama at The Royal’s (501 Florida Ave. NW) Hawaiian luau this coming Monday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The industry night party will feature $8 cocktails and guest bartenders include Lukas B. Smith from Cotton & Reed and Carlie Steiner of Himitsu. Expect plenty of rum, singani, and mezcal in the drinks and Island movies on the projector.
Discover Italian craft beer
Head to Via Umbria (1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW) on Wednesday, Jan 11 for a tasting of beers from Italy’s Umbria region. The four beers include selections from Birra Flea,
Birrificio Del Ducato, Birra Perugia, and Via Umbria’s draft “birra alla spina.” Each is available for purchase in the store. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $35.
Happy Birthday, Elvis!
Celebrate The King’s 82nd birthday at Chuy’s Tex-Mex (11219 Lee Hwy) this Sunday, Jan 8. Anyone who dresses up as Elvis or his wife Priscilla can get a free entree. Or score $1 off the restaurant’s Elvis Green Chile fried chicken and the Elvis Presley memorial combo (a beef enchilada, cheese ranchero enchilada, chicken tomatillo enchilada, ground beef ground sirloin crispy taco, and tostada chips dipped in chile con queso). Wash it down with a tasty frozen Blue Hawaiian.
Dine out in Petworth for a cause
Several Petworth restaurants are joining forces on Thursday, Jan. 10 to donate 10 percent of the night’s sales to support Powell Elementary School and the Celebrate Petworth Festival. It runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Participating restaurants include Slim’s Diner, Himitsu, Little Coco’s, Ruta del Vino, and more.
Ripple’s new chef launches new menu
New Ripple (3417 Connecticut Ave. NW) chef Ryan Ratino has launched his first menu since joining the restaurant after the departure of chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley of Top Chef and local food fame. Dishes are geared toward winter and include selections like rabbit pansotti pasta, smoked veal with foie gras, and roast porcelet (piglet) with sweet potato, almond, and apples. The menu also offers an option to pick four courses for $59.
Openings:
The new year has kicked off a string of notable openings across the city. Barbecue lovers should head to the newly-expanded DCity Smokehouse (203 Florida Ave. NW). It’s the same great barbecue with a lot more room to breathe, including outdoor room for warmer months. The new space is also serving freshly baked bread and pouring Anxo cider.
Maryland-lovers can now get their fix at Chinatown’s Free State Atlantic Bar (501 G St. NW). The bar promises a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of Mid-Atlantic touches, from local beer to boardwalk popcorn.
The team behind SER Spanish restaurant in Ballston is readying to open Joselito (660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) in D.C.’s Eastern Market neighborhood. It’s a nod to the vibes and cuisine of southern Spain and dishes are served in three sizes, from tapas to family-style. Expect jamon iberico, manchego cheese, and lots of meat and seafood. The beverage program focuses on high-quality wine, vermouth and sherries at reasonable prices. Joselito is offering a 20 percent discount on all food during its soft opening from Monday, Jan. 9 through Sunday, Jan. 15.
