It’s full on crab season in Washington. (Photo by Morgan West)

Say hello to summer in Washington with loads of crab, two new internationally-inspired quick service restaurants, and more in this week’s picks.

This week’s food events

Mexican drag brunch

Petworth newcomer Taqueria del Barrio (821 Upshur St. NW) is hosting a special drag brunch tomorrow, June 24, with seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The no-cover event will be hosted by Desiree Dik with appearances by Bombalicious Eklaver and Jasmine Tea. Dig into the restaurants signature tacos or breakfast dishes like French toast or chilaquiles. Bloody Marys, mimosas, and vodka cocktails will be $6. Reservations are encouraged.

A ceviche celebration

This coming Monday, June 26, marks the start of the annual ceviche festival at China Chilcano (418 7th St. NW). José Andrés’ Asian-Latin American fusion spot will offer six special ceviches through July 9. Choices include ceviche de carretilla (razor clams, octopus, fish, leche de tigre), ceviche de beterraga Nikkei (roasted beets, granny smith apple, ponzu, cured egg yolk, almonds), a smoked fish dish, and more.

All of the crab cakes

Local chefs are preparing to square off in the 12th annual crab cake competition this Sunday, June 25 at Ivy City Smokehouse (1356 Okie St. NE) from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants include chefs from Doi Moi, Del Campo, Tico, and other D.C. favorites.Tickets are $85 and include samples of eight crab cakes in addition to unlimited beer, wine, and oysters. You can also partake in a Bloody Mary bar using Republic Restoratives vodka to benefit charity.

Weekly crab boils

Neighborhood restaurant Brookland’s Finest (3126 12th St. NE) is rolling out a crab boil menu each Tuesday through the end of summer. The classic crab boil is loaded with Maryland blue crab, corn, red potatoes, sausage, and Old Bay for $30.

Openings:

South American rotisserie chicken arrives on 14th Street with fast-casual Chicken and Whiskey (1738 14th St. NW). The kitchen is headed by Baltimore-based Venezuelan chef Enrique Limardo, who packs plenty of passion and creativity into affordable, natural chicken platters, fried sandwiches, salads, sides, and more. The pollo frito sandwich or deep fried chicken “nacho’s wrap” are among the more indulgent options. The restaurant will serve food until midnight on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends, ideal for all those late-night appetites. And don’t miss the bar in the back, pouring $10 cocktails, cheaper rail drinks, beer, and a serious whiskey selection.

For something sweet, check out Dolce and Bean, at 2003A Mt. Vernon Ave. in Alexandria’s Del Rey neighborhood. The shop will sell chocolates and European confections. Treat yourself to options like the Venus, a vanilla Genoise soaked in syrup and layered with milk chocolate and wild berry moussses. There’s also carrot cake, assorted macarons, and plenty more.

Ethiopian cuisine meets fast-casual at Gorsha (1309 5th St. NE), now serving inside Union Market. The stall will sell injera pockets and Ethiopian bowls with traditional ingredients like lentils, yellow split peas, berbere chicken, awaze-seasoned proteins, and more. Gorsha will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., so stop by for a modern take on one of D.C.’s favorite foods.

Finally, make plans for the just-opened Game of Thrones pop-up bar. Earlier this week we gave you five reasons to battle the surely epic lines.