Fried chicken skin and ice cream sandwiches are new at Bantam King. (Photo by Albert Ting)
In this week’s food events, the city is officially welcoming summer with new fried chicken lunches, Father’s day whisky and cigars, a Hawaiian rooftop party, and more.
This week’s food events
Two for one drinks, all summer
Summer plans can get expensive, and the DC Passport program is here to provide a little more value at the bar this season. The $20 coupon booklet offers 2-for-1 drink specials at 57 bars around the city, from Atlas Brew Works to Wicked Bloom. Deals are valid through Labor Day Weekend. Purchase one online or at Salt & Sundry (1309 5th St. NE) or Upshur Street Books (827 Upshur St. NW) and get stamping—and sipping.
Fried chicken and ice cream, to go
Bantam King (501 G St. NW) is branching out from chicken ramen with a new walk-up lunch window set to launch Monday, June 19. The menu continues the restaurant’s focus on Japanese chicken dishes, including the Nanban fried chicken sandwich ($6.50) with a dashi-brined fried chicken breast, Japanese tartar sauce, and shredded cabbage on a sesame roll. Tack on a side of nori french fries for $3. One of the more creative items is the fried chicken skin ice cream sandwich ($5) with cinnamon and vanilla ice cream. There’s also a selection of mochi ice cream and Japanese soda floats. The window will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Taylor Gourmet launches summer sandwiches
Local hoagie chain Taylor Gourmet (multiple locations) is welcoming the warm weather with a new seasonal menu full of fresh vegetables and bright flavors. The dishes trend lighter than the standards to help beat the climate. But these sandwiches are still packed with ingredients. The CR7 (yes, that is a soccer reference) stuffs roasted turkey, smokey ricotta, cucumber, pickled red onions, tomato, arugula, and spicy honey. Vegetarians will love the Persol, a sort of BLT with fried eggplant, tomato, and creamy lemon ricotta. Don’t miss the summer risotto balls either, made with roasted corn, jalapeno mozzarella, and smokey bacon.
Hawaiian rooftop vibes
Spend the first official Friday of summer with a tiki toast at Radiator (1430 Rhode Island Ave., NW) on June 23. The bar is hosting a “Lu-Wow,” complete with Hawaiian food and tropical frozen cocktails. Expect whole-roasted pig from chef Jonathan Dearden and pina coladas from bartender Sarah Rosner, a native Hawaiian. She’ll also be making a cocktail with Okolehao, a Hawaiian ti root liquor. To entertain, there’ll be hula and fire dancing. The party runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and tickets are $50, all inclusive.
Whisky and cigars for dad
For an indulgent Father’s Day of brown liquor and cigars, head to the luxe The Next Whisky Bar inside the Watergate Hotel (2650 Virginia Ave. NW). The bar will welcome dads (and anyone else, really) on Sunday, June 18 with specials on booze, cigars, and burgers. Start with a $30 burger and fries special for two and then sip on $24 whisky flights and relax with a selection of half-priced cigars. If that’s not enough, the on-site spa is offering a $175 60-minute whisky facial.
Openings
The healthy and seasonal True Food Kitchen has opened its second area location, this one in Bethesda (7100 Wisconsin Ave. NW). Its menu was inspired by the anti-inflammatory diet of Dr. Andrew Weil, and it manages to do so well keeping the food flavorful and filling. Options range from pizza, to sandwiches, to Asian noodle bowls, full entrees and more—including cocktails and dessert.
Even if you’re not caught up on the hit HBO show, you won’t want to miss the opening of the Game Of Thrones Pub (1839 7th St. NW) next Wednesday, June 21. From the team behind Miracle on 7th St. and the Cherry Blossom put, it’s sure to be a hit—if you can find the fortitude to wait out the line. Cocktails and decor will be fully themed, including “Dothraquis” and rooms replicated on sets from the show.
