It’s full-blown holiday time for eating and drinking in The District. Snack on latkes and Manischewitz, sip a hot chocolate while rooftop ice skating, or splurge on a one-of-a-kind lobster roll.
Hanukkah in Shaw
Saturday is opening night for the return of the Chai-vy and Cohen-y Hanukkah pop-up bar at Ivy and Coney. Celebrate with latkes, sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), Manischewitz wine and cocktails like the Fur BallMitzvah—aka a rum and coke. There will also be plenty of red panda decor, a not-so-subtle jab to this year’s edition of Miracle on 7th Street. (1537 7th St. NW, through December 26. Closed on Christmas)
Winter fun at the Watergate
It’s time again to take in sweeping D.C. views while enjoying a spiked hot chocolate or apple cider at The Watergate Hotel’s rooftop ice rink. Fuel up with a hot pretzel or sausage and peppers, or head down to the hotel’s Next Whiskey Bar for an afternoon or evening inside one of its cozy glass igloos. Igloo menus include everything from crab fritters and lamb ribs to cocktail kits and tea menus. (2650 Virginia Ave. NW)
Learning to love Amaro
The Italian bitter liqueur amaro comes in a world of herbal, floral, earthy, and citrusy flavors. These spirits are ideal for mixing into cocktails or sipping neat, but understanding the ins and outs of the different varieties can be overwhelming. Expand your knowledge beyond classics like Campari or Aperol at this Friday evening’s seminar at Mess Hall. Jonathan Fasano of D.C.s Don Ciccio & Figli will lead the Demystifying Amaro class, which will include a history lesson, a tasting, and the chance to blend and take home an amaro creation. (703 Edgewood St. NE, Friday at 6:30 p.m., $75)
Little Red Fox turns five
Chevy Chase market Little Red Fox marks five years in business this Friday with new merchandise and specials, including customized sweatshirts and travel mugs. The first 50 guests can snag a special pie latte on the house, served with a mini funfetti chess pie, and the first 10 customers get a a bag of Little Red Fox house blend coffee for free. (5035 Connecticut Ave. NW, Friday from 7:30 a.m. to close)
The lobster roll gets fancier
Lobster rolls are a splurge any day, and Luke’s Lobsters in Penn Quarter is upping the decadence with its limited-run caviar lobster roll. The sandwich is topped with Petrossian caviar and comes with a bag of Cape Cod potato chips—the ideal vehicle for polishing off the rest of the caviar jar. It doesn’t come cheap, but the restaurant notes that the $50 price tag is still below what the caviar itself would cost at retail. (624 E St. NW, through December 31, $50)
Tequila Christmas countdown
MXDC cantina is encouraging guests to set aside the eggnog this December in favor of exploring the universe of tequila. Mixologist Anthony Tavara and chef/owner Todd English have curated 25 different tequilas to honor the lead up to Christmas, and each will be offered at a 20 percent discount throughout the month (excluding happy hour). There will also be a selection of palomas and margaritas for those who prefer their tequila with a bit less bite. (600 14th St. NW, December 1-31, $8 to $13 per shot with discount)
Belgian breakfast to go
B Too’s Belgian-inspired waffles, breakfast sandwiches and pastries are now ready to grab-and-go for morning workday meals. There’s also Chef Bart Vandaele’s take on the “doffle”—a hybrid of a warm doughnut and a fluffy waffle. A selection of coffee and juice is available too, along with Bloody Marys and mimosas starting at 8 a.m. For those who want to skip a sad desk breakfast, the takeout menu can also be enjoyed in-house. (1324 14th St. NW, weekdays from 7:11 a.m.-11:07 a.m.)
This story has been updated to correct details of Little Red Fox’s giveaway.
