This week’s food events center around the holiday spirit, including a winterized beer garden and a game night party for charity. There’s also a chance to toast to repeal day and mingle and score some free hot cocoa.
Drink like it’s 1933
December 5 is the anniversary of the 21st Amendment passing, which famously ended prohibition in the U.S. back in 1933. Raise a glass during an evening of whiskey, burlesque, and cocktails at Jack Rose in Adams Morgan. Highlights of the night include special pricing on six sought after bottles of Pappy Van Winkle whiskey from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and a $20 bottomless sparkling wine deal. Its basement bar will turn into a 1930’s-themed speakeasy with $10 classic cocktails. The evening’s best prohibition-era dress wins a $150 gift card. (2007 18th St. NW, Wednesday, 5 p.m.-close, free entry)
Free hot chocolate
Indulge that sweet tooth at the Hamilton Hotel’s hot chocolate happy hour on Thursday. The free promotion is part of the hotel’s Christmas season celebrations and includes both a traditional and a Caribbean-inspired drink—a nod to Hamilton’s island heritage. Guests and locals can stop by the lobby every weekday through December 21. (1001 14th St. NW, Thursday through December 21, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., FREE)
Spend lunch among the embassies
Take an afternoon to mingle among representatives from more than 50 countries at the 7th annual winter embassy showcase. The free event, held at the Ronald Reagan Building, will feature food, crafts, and booths from nations from Afghanistan to Vietnam. So get out of the office and get a jump on holiday shopping. Advanced registration is requested. (1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., free entry)
Iron Gate turns five
It’s been half a decade since Iron Gate began turning out Mediterranean small plates in its cozy dining room and wisteria-laced patio in Dupont Circle. To celebrate, current staff and alums (from D.C. spots like Rose’s Luxury and Maxwell) will return on Tuesday for a special evening of eating and drinking. Rather than host a swanky tasting menu, the restaurant will have food and beverage stations set up throughout the space. Tickets are will be $5 each (minimum of six required) and items will be priced between one to three tickets. Purchase tickets at the door or buy a package online for an advanced discount. (1734 N St. NW, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., $25 and up)
Get social for a good cause
Ballston newcomer Punch Bowl Social is hosting a grand opening party this Saturday evening with live music from Wanted Man and all-inclusive games and entertainment. Unwind with some bowling, bocce, and karaoke and feel good that ticket sales will benefit local charity So Others Might Eat (SOME). The restaurant’s menu of bar food and craft drinks will be available a la carte. (4238 Wilson Blvd., Saturday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., $20)
Winterfest at Wundergarten
NoMa’s Wundergarten has transformed into a glitzy holiday party for the season, complete with string lights and fires. The beer garden has introduced spiked hot cider, Irish coffee, and other warming and boozy drinks to fight off the winter chill. Caliburger and Timber Pizza food trucks will be parked on select nights to feed guests as they bundle up to enjoy drinks while browsing for Christmas trees and other crafts. (1101 First St. NE, through December 16 with varying hours, free entry)
The early birds get … the bird
Chloe executive chef Haidar Karoum is giving guests incentive to dig into his global small plates before the dinner crowds arrive. The new early bird deal even comes with a literal bird: a Vietnamese-style spice roasted chicken with salad and a chili-lime dipping sauce. Diners also get an order of crispy cauliflower, green salad, and a seasonal dessert. It’s a way to kick off a pre-show evening or date night for a relative value. (1331 4th St. SE, Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-6 p.m., $48 plus tax and gratuity)
This post has been updated with the correct dates for free hot chocolate at Hamilton Hotel.
