Republic Restoratives Distillery is holding a cocktail dinner next week at Zaytinya. (Photo by Zaytinya)
This week’s food calendar is embracing summer with special menus of barbecue and cheap beer as well as fruity, refreshing sangria.
Get to know Japanese whisky
Japan is one of the hottest whisky regions in the world these days, and there’s a lot a to learn about its flavor and production. Come learn more about this Japanese spirit at Reliable Tavern (3655 Georgia Ave. NW) on Wednesday, July 25 at 7 p.m. The third installment of the bar’s “Whisk(e)y Explorer” series will include education and pours of Hibiki and Nikka whisky along with St. George Baller, an American whiskey made in a similar style. Tickets are $35 plus fees.
Barbecue pops up in Arlington
William Jeffrey’s Tavern (2301 Columbia Pike) in Arlington is kicking off a weekly barbecue pop-up this week—and if the name is any indication, it looks to be a more casual version of the restaurant’s tavern vibe. Billy Jeff’s BBQ will be offered from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. each Thursday with offerings like baby back ribs or beer butt chicken served with Texas toast, pickles, and onion. Wash it all down with $1 Miller Lite drafts from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. or $16 Uinta beer pitchers and $6 frozen cocktails from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Blind wine games
Flex your wine knowledge by playing with the new WineGame app at Petworth Citizen (829 Upshur St. NW) on Thursday, July 26. Guests will taste a selection of wines poured by bartender Chantal Tseng and then describe them using the free app on their phones. it’s not just typing “full-bodied” and calling it a day, either: You’re challenged to guess the grape, country, region, and label of their sips. The participant with the most points at the end of the night wins a free pour of their favorite wine. Snacks and tip are included in the $50 fee; there are seatings at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Soul food at Mess Hall
Soul Food Sessions and Coca-Cola are on a four-city U.S. road trip to showcase chefs of color through creative pop-up dinners. The event rolls up to Mess Hall (703 Edgewood St. NE) on Thursday, June 25 with dishes like crispy seared trout, grilled duck breast, Hoppin John cakes and other comforting favorites. General admission is $95, which includes food and cocktails starting at 6 p.m.
Republic Restoratives goes Mediterranean
Local distillery Republic Restoratives is partnering with Zaytinya (701 9th St. NW) to host a multi-course cocktail dinner pairing on Tuesday, July 31. Expect five unique cocktails made with RR’s Civic Vodka, Chapman’s Apple Brandy, Rodham Rye, and Borough Bourbon. Each will be paired with bites from Zaytinya’s head chef Michael Costa. Dinner reservations are $110 and the meal will kick off at 6:30 p.m.
Sangria, por favor
Area locations of Jaleo (Penn Quarter, Crystal City, and Bethesda) are curating their annual sangria festival from July 23 to August 5. Menu items include a rosé sangria as well as a summertime interpretation made with fresh peaches. And there’s always the classic cava and red wine variations. Each will be available by the carafe or glass for the duration of the event.
