Shouk’s new breakfast pita mimics an omelet without any animal products. (Photo by Len DePas)
There’s much more look forward to in the District in the coming days beyond a pint of good Irish stout and a St. Patrick’s Day hangover. Among the highlights of the coming week are a new modern French restaurant, the return of an Atlas District classic, and an evening of cocktails with some of the city’s best female bartenders.
This week’s food events
Finding D.C.’s cocktail queen
Drink for a cause while cheering on some talented female bartenders this Sunday, March 19 during the 3rd annual “Cocktail Queen” competition at Bourbon (2321 18th St. NW). This year’s entrants include Amy Hosseinnain (Buffalo & Bergen), Erin Ivey (District Distilling), Kapri Robinson (Dirty Habit), and among others. The event begins at 8 p.m., and proceeds of the $10 cash-only door charge will benefit House of Ruth. Entry comes with two drink tickets which can be used on a selection of sponsored punches. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.
St Patrick’s Day at Union Market
Anyone needing last-minute St. Patrick’s Day plans can check out tonight’s festivities at Union Market (1309 5th St. NE), co-hosted by Buffalo & Bergen’s Suburbia and Brightest Young Things from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be food from market vendors including District Fishwife’s Guinness-battered fish and chips, a corned beef sandwich from Bidwell, and more. Tickets are $10, and that buys a beer and access to $5 Irish drink specials from a menu of frozen Irish coffees, Guinness pints, and Jameson shots.
Breakfast of champions vegetarians
Vegetarian fast-casual restaurant Shouk (655 K St. NW), already among the city’s best destinations for a tasty meatless meal, is getting into the breakfast game. Its new breakfast pita ($9.75) manages all the goodness of an omelet without the egg. The sandwich’s mock-egg base is a griddled mixture of chickpea flour, mushroom, asparagus, potato, and onion. It’s topped with smashed avocado and salad with roasted red pepper, tomato, cucumber, onion, and arugula. It can also be made gluten-free. The one drawback: Shouk only opens at 11 a.m.
Get an early bite of upcoming restaurants
Head to Mess Hall (703 Edgewood St. NE) this Sunday for the second edition of New Kitchens on the Block, a preview event for local restaurants and bars. There will be eleven exhibitors and drinks from local distillers. Tickets are $65 and time slots are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Here are five of the best bites and sips to look out for at the event.
A trio of new happy hours
If you’ve been stuck in a happy hour rut, there are a few new options around the city to consider. Bayou (2519 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) now offers specials from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday including $4 for any Abita beer, $8 Hurricanes, $5 house wines, and $6 snacks like fried pickles and Buffalo wings. Over at Cafe St. Ex (1847 14th St. NW), sip on select $5 draft beers, wine, and cocktails as well as $3 Miller Lite and PBR cans. The limited food menu features choices like $1 popcorn and an $8 burger that can be upgraded with toppings for $1 each. It runs 4 p.m. to 6 p.m at tables and through 7 p.m. at the bar. Up in Petworth, Ten Tigers Parlor (3813 Georgia Ave. NW) now pours $3 Sapporo drafts, house wines, and a rotating selection of cocktails between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Openings
Contemporary French restaurant Mirabelle (900 16th St. NW) from chefs Frank Ruta (previously of Palena, Grill Room, etc) and Aggie Chin (formerly at Capella Hotel, Palena) and restaurateur Hakan Illhan (Ottoman Taverna, Alba Osteria) will begin lunch service starting on Monday, March 20 (breakfast, dinner, and Sunday brunch will follow shortly). The upscale dining room will serve dishes like bouillabaisse, braised beef tri-tip, an onion soup cheeseburger, grilled king salmon, pastry’s from chef Chin, and much more.
Taylor Gourmet is preparing to relaunch its 1118 H St. NE location this Wednesday, March 22. It will have a renovated interior, new feel, and menu guidance going forward from Jacob Hunter of Dirty South Deli.
After significant delays, the team behind Ambar will finally open its Baba concept at 2901 Wilson Blvd. in Clarendon this Monday. The name translates to “grandmother,” and the team aims for a warm and welcoming vibe with coffee in the morning and European tapas, cocktails, and dancing later in the day. There will be a welcome week happy hour from 4 p.m. through 9 p.m. from March 20-24.
On the heels of the Logan Circle location debut this week, Shake Shake is rolling out its Navy Yard outpost (54 M St. SE) at 11 a.m. on March 23.
Plan ahead
For a fancy night out for charity, mark down the upcoming Chance for Life gala at the MGM casino in National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill) on Saturday, April 1. Ticket options include a wine and chefs tasting ($212) from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with tastes from property restaurants like José Andrés and the Voltaggio brothers, along with wines, beers, and spirits. There’s also a poker tournament ($438) and an after party ($145, or included with wine and chef’s tasting tickets) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with an 80s cover band, DJ, and open bar.
