The unofficial start of summer dawns on D.C. this Memorial Day weekend, and with it comes a pig roast barbecue, the return of classic French ice cream, and a showcase of one of D.C.’s most exciting neighborhoods. It’s also SAVOR week, so don’t miss our picks for the best beer events for the coming days.
This week’s food events
Sips of pisco to start the weekend
Wine shop Grand Cata (1550 7th St. NW) is hosting a complimentary Chilean pisco tasting tonight from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sips of the spirit will be paired with a selection of appetizers to highlight the pisco.
Taste of North Capitol
The neighborhoods around North Capitol St. continue to up their games. North Capitol Main Street inaugurates a new neighborhood tasting event this Thursday, Taste of North Capitol. The event, taking place at the NPR Atrium (1111 North Capitol St.), includes food and drinks from diverse neighborhood favorites like Boundary Stone, Pub and the People, and Jam Doung Style Cuisine. Tickets are $75 in advance or $100 at the door.
Experience Washingtonian’s best food
On just a slightly grander scale, Washingtonian’s Best of Washington party also takes place this coming Thursday night. This mega restaurant event held at the National Building Museum (401 F St. NW) features food samples and booze from more most of the occupants of the magazine’s latest 100 Very Best Restaurants list. General Admission tickets are $125 and proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Pig roast collaboration at Doi Moi
The weekend brings a pig roast party from the Fat Baby Inc. team. The pop-up sandwich shop from the chefs behind Proof and Doi Moi Bird’s Eye are cooking up a Spring House Farm hog on Saturday afternoon and serving it with all the fixings, plus draft beer, radler, and wine. $55 tickets get you all you can eat and drink at Doi Moi (1800 14th St. NW) from 2 p.m. until the pig runs out.
Pour our new friends some ale
Jack Rose (2007 18th St. NW) is dedicating its Memorial Day Weekend to Game of Thrones. The restaurant will showcase the latest Ommegang Brewery beer release dedicated to the upcoming new season of the HBO hit. Bend the Knee is a Belgian-style golden ale brewed with honey, and the bar will have it on draft. Game of Thrones-inspired food will also be served off the restaurant’s barbecue pit grill, starting at 5 p.m. daily this Friday through Monday.
Openings
Ice cream sounds sexy in French
French brasserie Le Diplomate (1601 14th St. NW) reopens their ice cream cart, Les Glacés de Diplomate, for the summer, starting today at 11 a.m. The traditional Parisian cart will set up shop on the corner of 14th and Q St. NW every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through summer serving two scoop cones for $6. Flavors will vary each week, with the opening lineup consisting of two glaces—a crème of olive oil and a pistachio—and two sorbets—a banana-passion fruit mix and strawberry with a hint of lemon.
Beer and brats come to Rossyln
Arlington’s Continental Pool Lounge (1901 N. Fort Myer Dr.) is preparing to open an outdoor beer garden this June. The menu was developed with input by Marjorie Meek-Bradley of Smoked & Stacked. Come to the urban garden environment and enjoy a local or German beer alongside bocce, picnic tables, and comfortable seating. There will also be wine and a cocktail slushy machine. While you’re at it, fill up on bites like sausage on a pretzel bun, beer cheese, salads, and skewers.
Plan ahead
Arcadia Farm dinner
Local nonprofit Arcadia will team up with Iron Gate (1734 N St. NW) for a fundraising dinner on June 13 to benefit Arcadia’s Mobile Market. The market deploys “farm-stands-on-wheels” to neighborhoods that lack easy access to fresh, affordable food options around the Washington area. Iron Gate will serve a multi-course menu featuring summer squashes, beets, brassicas, and berries that would be found in the mobile market. The dinner, including beverages, is $120 per person. Reservations can be made by phone at 202-524-5202.
Butcher on a Budget
As grilling season heats up this unofficial start of summer, Via Umbria (1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW) is taking in those looking to slightly improve their barbecue game. The Italian market’s head butcher will teach a June 14 class on how to grill on a budget, choosing and cooking value cuts of meat. Tickets are $35.
