A new rosé garden has popped up in Bethesda, just in time for late summer. (Photo by Black’s Bar and Kitchen)
The following week in food offers multiple options for beating back the August doldrums. Sip rosé and whiskey with new patio specials or make plans to take advantage of summer Restaurant Week menus.
Get Schwifty
The creative minds at Drink Company (Miracle on 7th Street, Game of Thrones PUB) are back with their next over-the-top pop-up bar. Starting on Thursday, August 9, Thursday, August 16, fans of Rick and Morty can grab a cocktail at the Wubba Lubba Dub PUB (1839 7th Street NW)—and can get access to a shorter line if they come in costume as the show’s zany Rick. There will be plenty of nods to the show (including a room designed to look like an anatomical amusement park?) and cheeky cocktails, including the vodka-and-grapefruit Plumbus and the bright blue Existence is Pain. The bar will run through October 6.
Whiskey and cigar Wednesdays
Savor top shelf whiskeys and cigars with a new Wednesday evening special at Tredici Enoteca (2033 M St. NW). A rotating $30 flight of whiskeys (three one-ounce pours) will be offered each week, and a complementary cigar will be offered with purchase. Upcoming selections include pours from Sagamore in Maryland, Glenfiddich and Knob Creek.
Szechuan, family style
Revered Chinese chef Peter Chang is cooking up a tasting dinner this Thursday, August 9, inspired by his hometown of Hubei. It’ll be held at his spacious Q by Peter Chang (4500 East-West Highway) in Bethesda at 7 p.m. and priced at $60 per person (exclusive of beverages, tax, and gratuity). The family-style feast will include such dishes as Wuhan sesame noodles, hot and numbing shredded chicken, and chopped chili pepper shrimp with vermicelli noodles. Needless to say, it’s going to be a spicy affair. Reserve your spot by calling 240-800-3722.
Bethesda gets a rosé bar
We’ve done plenty of research, and can say confidently that August afternoons are a perfect time for sipping a glass of cool rosé. Black’s Bar and Kitchen (7750 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda) is rolling out a new outdoor patio featuring 10 varieties of pink wine. Black’s also offers rosé popsicles and small bites, including a smoked salmon and Boursin cheese roulade. The space is open through the end of September.
Discounted meals around town
D.C.’s annual summer Restaurant Week begins on Monday, August 13 and runs through the following Sunday. More than 250 restaurants around D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are participating with $35 dinners and $22 lunches and brunches. Options include newcomers like Brothers & Sisters, Mi Vida, City Winery, Bindaas, and Sababa. Browse the menus and make reservations online.
Mexican cacao tasting
Espita (1250 9th St. NW) is known for its modern Mexican cooking and extensive mezcal program. On Monday, August 13, it’ll welcome Daniel Reza Barrientos, founder of Mexico City’s La Rifa Chocolatería, to walk guests through all things cacao and chocolate. The event begins at 5 p.m. and the $35 reservations includes an exploration of cacao “from seed to bar.” The menu includes a cold cacao drink, a chocolate truffle, a cacao seed, and an Espita signature cocktail made from cacao.
Taylor Gourmet gets hot
Spice seekers have a new target: The Cluckin’ A sandwich at Taylor Gourmet (multiple locations). The just-released sandwich is inspired by Nashville hot chicken and made with “Dragon Fire” sauce, celery root and blue cheese slaw, sweet pickle chips, shredded lettuce, and shaved red onion. The special is available in the afternoons during the week and all day on weekends.
This post has been updated
