Adult juice boxes at Calico. (Photo by Austa Somvichian-Clausen)
It’s a lazy August in D.C. for most businesses, but there’s still plenty of interesting things to eat and drink. Spend the week ahead learning about (and drinking) absinthe or rum, or grab a sneak peek at an anticipated modern Mexican restaurant.
Rum Week continues
The 7th annual Rum Day DC is underway, and this year features a four day pop-up cocktail bar at 2017 14th St. NW (the former home of Quarter + Glory) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are still two days of programming left: Wednesday’s theme is American Made, featuring cocktails from American rum producers, including D.C.’s own Cotton & Reed, alongside a barbecue spread. The event concludes on Thursday with Rum D’ Lime, a celebration of Caribbean rum and Trinidadian cuisine from Spark at Engine 12. Tickets are $35 per event or $60 for a two-day pass.
Mexican pop-up in Brookland
Forthcoming D.C. restaurant Amparo Fondita is hosting a series of pop-up dinners in Brookland through September 30. The upscale, modern Mexican concept comes from Oyamel alum Christian Irabien, whose menu includes items like fish skin chicharrones, farro esquites and corn truffle ravioli in poblano sauce. Diners can sip on mezcal and tequila cocktails, too. Dinner hours are Wednesday and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder
Explore the misunderstood world of absinthe during a late-night cocktail party this Monday, August 20 at The Royal (501 Florida Ave. NW). Guest bartender Will Patton of Bresca will join The Royal’s Jake Kenny with a menu of $8 absinthe cocktails from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will also be traditional pours from an absinthe fountain for $10 an ounce as well as $3 jello shots and $6 boilermakers. The kitchen will serve up chicken and vegetarian tamales until 1 a.m. as well.
Saturday shrimp feast
Calico (50 Blagden Alley NW) has earned a reputation as one of D.C.’s favorite urban backyard hangouts. In that spirit, it’s hosting a new series of weekend cookouts in August and September. Shrimp is the main attraction this Saturday, August 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The menu includes a half pound of boiled gulf shrimp served with bagged potatoes and corn, coleslaw, and cocktail sauce for $20 a person. And of course, their famous adult juice boxes will be on hand. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 202-791-0134, but are not required.
Eat around the world
Take a trip on Saturday, August 18 down to the Around The World Cultural Food Festival at Freedom Plaza (14th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW). Admission is free, with food and beverages for purchase. Offerings represent more than 200 items from 18 countries along with live entertainment and arts and craft vendors. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kick off D.C. Beer Week
DC Beer Week is 10 years old, and the 2018 edition begins Sunday, August 19 with an all-you-can drink lager festival. The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at—wait for it—City Winery (1350 Okie St. NE) in Ivy City. Tickets are $40 and include access to more than 30 lagers, pilsners, and rare brews from local breweries. Food and additional beverages will be served a la carte.
