Bar Dupont is rolling out new cocktails and oysters for spring and summer. (Photo by Joy Asico)
May has just begun and it’s already shaping up to be a busy month for eating and drinking around the District. Today is Cinco de Mayo, (check out those picks here) and tomorrow marks the Kentucky Derby, a favorite day for Southern fare and a few mint juleps. Read on for the top bets for the coming week.
This week’s food events
Derby day and a boozy birthday party
Local distiller Republic Restoratives (1369 New York Ave. NW) is throwing a combination Kentucky Derby and one-year anniversary bash on Saturday, May 6 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. They’ll be pouring mint juleps ($11) made with their Borough Bourbon, and chef Matt Baker of the forthcoming Gravitas in Ivy City will be providing sandwiches from his French Exit pop-up. The small menu features a Kentucky Hot Brown ($11) made with smoked turkey and bacon, sliced tomato, cheddar cheese, and bechamel on brioche. Tickets are free, though an online RSVP is requested.
Patio parties in Dupont Circle
Bar Dupont (1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW) is rolling out a new weekly live music and cocktail party beginning on May 11. Expect a new surprise local act each Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The bar’s new patio drink menu includes refreshments like Evening Shade, made with Absolut Elyx Vodka, prosecco, lemon jam, fresh lemon juice, and edible gold glitter. There will also be local and craft beer, 12 different selections of rosé wine, and oysters from Rappahannock. Seating is free.
A spring beer showcase
Beer fans can taste their way through a slew of Virginia beers this Saturday at Mad Fox Brewing Company (444 West Broad St., Falls Church) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The focus will be on spring seasonal offerings from brewers like Richmond’s Hardywood Park, Lorton’s Fairwinds Brewing, and many more. General admission tickets are $30 and include a sampler glass and six food or beer tasting tickets. A $55 bundle deal comes with 20 sampling tickets. And for $65, you can have the VIP package, which buys entrance to a special tasting session at 11 a.m., 10 tickets for beer, and unlimited food until 5 p.m.
Rosé—so hot right now
Get out that classic rock outfit and swing over to the Royal (501 Florida Ave. NW) on Monday, May 8 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. for “Gins and Rosés”, the latest installment of its monthly Royal Knights cocktail showcase. Guest bartender Rico Wisner (Graffiato, BLT Steak, Ambar, Tico, Rosario, Bonfire, etc.) will join bar manager Andrew Larsen and staff to mix up Guns and Roses-inspired concoctions like Salt Child of Mine, made with gin, rosé, lemon, simple, salt, and pink peppercorn. If neither gin or rosé are your thing, go for the Welcome to the Junglebird, a tropical beverage with rum, Cappelletti, lime juice, pineapple juice, and cardamom tincture. Each of the eight cocktails will be $8 all night, and wines by the glass will be priced individually.
Free beer and tots!
It’s hard to believe, but Foggy Bottom’s Tonic restaurant (2036 G St NW) is turning 10 years old. Stop by this Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for free tater tots and a complimentary Miller Pony High Life toast at 7 p.m. Happy hour is also extended until 8 p.m. today as part of the celebration.
A new downtown breakfast option
Canadian import The Chickery (1300 Connecticut Ave. NW) has rolled out a new early bird breakfast aimed at anyone needing a quick and cheap morning option. Choose dishes like biscuit sandwiches (made with Mason Dixie biscuits, without the drive) with chicken ($5) or egg and cheese ($4.50). Or opt for chicken and waffles ($7) and lighter options like oatmeal or fruit and granola. Items are available a la carte or as meals and the menu runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Openings
Union Kitchen’s Short Eats is planning a special Sri Lankan-inspired breakfast pop-up at Ten Tigers Parlour (3813 Georgia Ave. NW) in Petworth. It’ll start on Monday, May 8 and run weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Expect dishes like Sri Lankan street food roti pockets in vegetarian and meat options along with poached eggs. There will be Compass Coffee, too. Short Eats also has plans to cook a full menu at the Petworth Community Farmers Market starting May 13.
One of D.C.’s newest bars is inspired by hotels—but it doesn’t have any guest rooms. Truxton Inn (251 Florida Ave. NW) opened this week from Brian Nixon and the team behind McClellan’s Retreat. Sip on selection of six classics like a Manhattan or a negroni and imagine a locale far away from the crazy energy of D.C. The menu will also rotate through six bartender recommendations that riff off the traditional recipes. Nixon plans to focus on locally-produced spirits and the drink menu will switch out every other month.
