A lineup of new rickey cocktails at Momofuku CCDC. (Photo by Momofuku CCDC)
There are many reasons to get hungry (and thirsty) this week, including bottomless mussels and a feast to support Puerto Rico. Or enjoy a local Italian feast with craft cocktail pairings in Brookland.
A pop of Italy
It’s time to get familiar with A Presto! Italian Foods, a new local food pop up and dinner party service. They’ll be appearing next this weekend at District Space (3522 12th St. NE) in Brookland. Stop by on July 20 and 21 for a five-course Italian supper for $65 per person. The menu is packed with breads, meats, cheeses, and Italian favorites in an à la carte menu. Drink pairings will be provided by the cocktail talents at 1 Ounce or 2. Dinner begins at 7 p.m.
Eat for Puerto Rico
Dine at Republic in Takoma Park (6939 Laurel Ave) this Sunday, July 22 and support continued hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Executive chef Samuel Diaz is cooking a special menu from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. to benefit two charities: Chefs de Borinquen (a group he founded) and Friends of Puerto Rico. Dishes will include whole roasted pig, tostones, pigeon peas, and more favorites from the island. There will also be live music, a domino competition, and a raffle. General admission is $25 and includes entrance and two raffle tickets. A VIP package (that includes a free pour of Diaz’s favorite cocktail, a coquito) is $45.
Momofuku goes in on gin
The summer cocktail menu at David Chang’s Momofuku CCDC (1090 I St. NW) is honoring D.C.’s favorite (arguably its official) drink: the rickey, traditionally made with gin or bourbon, soda water, and plenty of lime juice. The bar just launched three variations on the refreshing, summery beverage. There’s The Garden, with fennel cordial and a snap pea and mint gin; the Tokyo, that adds salted plum and cherry blossom cordial; and the Robin, made with rye whiskey, strawberry, and green chartreuse. ($13).
Urban camp snacks in Logan Circle
Summer Fridays are getting a dose of childhood nostalgia at Radiator (1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW), with a new menu inspired by campfires and cookouts. Take advantage of lazy Friday afternoons on the restaurant’s patio with a $22 burger, beer, and shot combo, campfire nachos, “beanies-and-weenies,” or a carne asada foil pack filled with rice, sofrito, and cilantro. You’ll need the fuel to dominate at giant Jenga or Connect Four, or to start a chorus of “Kumbaya” around the fire pit. The camp menu runs from 4 p.m. through closing.
All-you-can-eat mussels
Saturday is Belgian National Day, and Brasserie Beck (1101 K St. NW) is celebrating all week long with bottomless mussels for $28. The special is available all day long and includes any type of mussels on the menu. The deal is also happening at locations of Mussel Bar and Grille in Arlington (800 N. Glebe Rd) and Bethesda (7262 Woodmont Ave.) It ends on Saturday with an OysterFest, featuring all-you-can-eat oysters for $38, along with beer specials and giveaways.
Blue Bottle gives away coffee at The Wharf
The long-awaited Wharf outpost of Blue Bottle finally opens this weekend at 1 Market Square SW. Take a peek inside on Saturday, July 21, when the shop will be offering free coffee all day long. Food and merchandise will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to charity:water. The cafe opens with regular service on Sunday, July 22.
A taste of tennis, and stars
Later this month, tennis pros will descend on D.C. to participate in the Citi Open tournament, and plenty of restaurants are getting in one the action. A slew of acclaimed D.C. eateries are booked to participate in the Citi Taste of Tennis, happening July 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hamilton Live (600 14th St. NW). The food roster includes Succotash, Lucky Buns, Centrolina, Bidwell, and others. Tickets are $200 and include bites, wine, cocktails, entertainment, and a chance to rub elbows with tennis players—pros Caroline Wozniacki and Kevin Anderson are set to appear. Grab tickets quick—this one is sure to sell out.
