The Grand Duchess returns tonight in Adams Morgan. (Photo by The Grand Duchess)
Fall arrives in D.C. this week, and many of the city’s bars and restaurants are in step with the season. Make plans this week for the return of a D.C.-made apple brandy, a bourbon-inspired dinner, and a special menu inspired by South African flame cooking.
Grand Duchess makes a grand return
Cozy Adams Morgan cocktail hangout Grand Duchess plans to reopen today at 4 p.m. after a short summer renovation. The menu includes $12 house cocktails, $7 old fashioneds and Moscow mules and $5 gourmet grilled cheeses. It’ll be open late Tuesday through Sunday nights and have a 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. happy hour six days a week. (Grand Duchess, 2337 18th St. NW, closed Mondays)
Happy hour at The Spot
Rockville food hall The Spot is offering a 20% off happy hour this week through Friday, September 21. Menu items at each of the hall’s five Asian vendors be on sale from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Choices include everything from dumplings to Taiwanese fried chicken and bubble tea. (The Spot, 255 N Washington St., Rockville)
Say farewell to summer with a gin and tonic …
It seems like no one told Jaleo that summer is winding down. Chef José Andrés’ Spanish tapas spot is keeping the warm-weather vibes alive with its annual Gin and Tonic festival, running through the end of September. The menu includes the new Triple Orange G&T, made with gin, orange marmalade, orange bitters, and citrus tonic. There are also gin and tonic-inspired oysters and dessert. (Jaleo, multiple locations, through September 30, a la carte menu)
… and welcome fall with apple brandy
Stop by women-owned Republic Restoratives distillery on Sunday for the release of the 2017 edition of Chapman’s apple brandy. There will be harvest-themed cocktails for purchase, food from Republic Cantina and made-to-order apple cider doughnuts for purchase. (Republic Restoratives, 1369 NY Ave. NW, Sunday, September 23, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., free entry)
American fare and American bourbon
Change up date night dinner plans with a four-course supper at Occidental Grill this Friday in partnership with Old Forester bourbon. The $75 all-inclusive meal includes craft cocktails and dishes made to pair with whiskey. Items include a glazed pork belly “sandwich” and a peppercorn-crusted filet of beef. Drinks will be made with various expressions of Old Forester, including its 1870, 1897, and 1920 labels. (Occidental Grill, 1475 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Friday, September 21, email fjones@occidentaldc.com for reservations)
A South African holiday wine dinner
Sunday is National Braai Day in South Africa, a celebration of the country’s barbecue cooking heritage. Get a taste of tradition with a special three-course wine dinner at Tyber Creek in Bloomingdale. The $35 feast includes three half-pours of South African wines paired with braaibroodjies (a stuffed grilled bread), grilled peri peri spice chicken wings and apricot and lamb sosaties (meat skewers). (Tyber Creek, 84 T St. NW, Sunday, September 23, 3:30 p.m.-close)
An afternoon cocktail (or two… or three)
Monday marks the inaugural Chocolate City’s Best Cocktail Competition at Big Chief in Ivy City. Those with flexible work schedules can cheer on six of the top black bartenders from around D.C. as they compete to mix the best drink. They’ll also share their experiences working as people of color in the D.C. beverage industry. A panel of judges will decide the winner while guests enjoy bottomless drinks from a selection of four additional cocktails. There will be a live DJ as well. (Big Chief, 2002 Fenwick St. NE, Monday, September 24, noon-4 p.m., $10)
