Get a break from the Thanksgiving table and out-of-town family with sparkling wine flights, a panda-themed Christmas bar, and more in this week’s food events.
Tiki and slow jams
Thanksgiving can be frenzied, so relax before the big day with some late-night tiki drinks and throwback R&B from the 90’s and 2000’s. Bartenders will be in the back room of Shaw’s Capo Deli ready to bring on the nostalgia for this special “drinksgiving” event. Sipping on some rum is one way to take the edge off spending an entire day (or weekend) with the relatives. (715 Florida Ave. NW, Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., free entry with registration).
Drink late
On holidays, D.C.’s Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration dispenses special permission for restaurants and bars to serve alcohol as late as 4 a.m. So round up all your high school friends and head out for late-night revelry. ABRA has a full list and map of locations. But be sure to double check with your watering hole of choice before heading out; just because they can doesn’t necessarily mean they will extend their hours. (Wednesday through Sunday, until 4 a.m.)
Christmas bar and…pandas?
Lines will surely stretch down the block for entry to this year’s iteration of Miracle on 7th Street, D.C.’s favorite holiday pop-up bar. The festive hangout returns Friday as a shrine to the panda, one of Washington’s most beloved animal residents. Expect panda murals and even a bamboo shoot-themed shot (whiskey and crème de menthe). It’s not all furry creatures, of course. There will be a mistletoe photo booth and other seasonal decor. As always, the bartenders have fun with the drinks to. Try a Snow Cone-gnac (Cognac, sweet vermouth, Campari, branca menta) or go sweeter with the now classic Snow Angels, Ice Skating, Cookie Dough and Snuggles (butter-washed vodka, Frangelico, coffee liqueur, cream.) (1839 7th Street NW, Friday through December 31, free entry except on December 23 and New Year’s Eve).
Mezcal, friends and feasting
Those who still have an appetite for turkey after Thanksgiving can dig in to a family-style meal next Monday at The Royal. The three-course “friendsgiving” meal on Monday will be paired with cocktails using mezcal El Silencio (so leave that post-holiday cleanse until Tuesday). It’s also a great excuse to get away from the leftovers and out of the kitchen for an extra day. Tickets should be purchased in advance. (501 Florida Ave. NW, Monday at 7 p.m., $60 all-inclusive)
Pop open the bubbles
Get into the spirit of the season with limited-time sparkling wine flights at chef José Andrés’ roster of D.C. restaurants. The two-week Sparkling Festival kicks off on Monday at spots like America Eats Tavern, China Chilcano, Zaytinya and Jaleo DC. Flights are $20 each for three wines paired with small bites like hush puppies or ceviche. Each participating restaurant will also offer one bubbly cocktail for purchase. (Multiple locations, November 26 through December 9, $12 and up)
London takes over The Gibson
One of the world’s best cocktails bars is mixing drinks at The Gibson during a special pop-up next Monday and Tuesday. The team from London’s Dandelyan will bring an imaginative menu themed around the “modern life of plants” and divided into mint, grape and hop categories. The two-night event promises some weird ingredients like moss vermouth and cream of snails. Reservations will be accepted on Monday from 9 p.m. onward, and Tuesday is standing-room only. (2009 14th St. NW, Monday and Tuesday from 8 p.m. to 12: 30 a.m., free to attend with drinks for purchase)
Warm up with beef stew
Tuesday marks the start of a tasty (and limited) collaboration between BBQ Bus DC and DC Brau brewing. The two local companies have whipped up a special beef stew featuring Penn Quarter Porter-braised beef brisket along with celery, carrots and spices. It’s all served over a bed of rice and sure to chase away winter chills. The dish will be available at the BBQ Bus Smokehouse in Brightwood or from the Caviar app. The bus will also park up at DC Brau’s brewery on December 1 to serve it up alongside fresh beers. (5830 Georgia Ave. NW, Tuesday through December 20, $9)
