After a week of holiday revelry, Washington’s bar and restaurants are shaking off the partying and taking it slow for the first week of 2019. Those looking for some food and drink fun can make a date for live Spanish music or kick back to sample a huge selection of cask ales.
Warm up with wine and flamenco
Feed off the energy of live flamenco music and dancing Thursday at Vinoteca. The wine bar will offer specials on Spanish wine and sangria to pair with its Mediterranean fare. Consider snacking on the “nosh trio” of tapenade, preserved tomatoes, and roasted garlic with baguette or the chicken wings with house buffalo sauce and gorgonzola milk. No tickets are required and the entertainment is free in the dining room. (1940 11th St. NW, Thursday, 8 p.m.-10 p.m., a la carte)
Explore northern Italy in Georgetown
Via Umbria may be named for a region of central Italy, but the restaurant and market is venturing north for its latest chef’s table dinner. After a glass of Prosecco, guests will travel to such areas of northern Italy as Liguria, with a dish of raw diver scallops, Lombardia for beef tenderloin and mushroom sformato (a savory custard) with truffle sauce, and Veneto with a dessert of tiramisu. (1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Friday, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., $75)
Taste the best in cask beer
Dupont Circle’s Bier Baron is ringing in its eighth birthday with a cask beer competition featuring breweries from across the U.S. Attendees get a souvenir glass, a 5-ounce pour from each participating cask, and a chance to vote for their favorite. Be prepared for a marathon, though—as many as 35 breweries are expected to be on hand. Designated drivers and others who plan not to drink can get free admission. (1523 22nd St. NW, Saturday,12 p.m.-8 p.m., $20).
Three Kings Day in Bethesda
Families can have some Sunday fun during Three Kings Day brunch at Jaleo Bethesda. The Spanish restaurant will serve brunch along with live entertainment for children from Adventure Theatre. Guests will receive a free slice of king cake—known in Spain as roscon de reyes. Anyone who finds a bean in their piece will win a prize. (7271 Woodmont Ave, Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., a la carte).
$1 mimosas in Georgetown
Ease into 2019 with the debut brunch from The Alex Speakeasy, located inside Georgetown’s Graham hotel. The subterranean cocktail hangout is rolling out sweet and savory dishes for the meal, including Chesapeake Benedict, a vegetable frittata and short rib hash. Swing by opening weekend and score $1 orange, grapefruit, or cranberry mimosas. (1075 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., a la carte)
Learn a thing or two about sustaining the Bay
In his new cookbook The New Chesapeake Kitchen, Baltimore chef John Shields makes the case that protecting the Chesapeake Bay comes down to shopping for, eating, and supporting local seafood. Shields will discuss the book at a Smithsonian Associates event, followed by a book signing and a chance to try small bites from its recipes. (Location TBD, ticketholders will be updated via email or phone. Tuesday, 6:45 p.m., $30-$45)
A casual lunch from Espita Mezcaleria
Starting Monday, Espita Mezcaleria is supplementing its repertoire of mezcal and Mexican favorites with a weekday lunch counter service. Espita Lonchería will feature small plates, including tostadas, tacos, huarache, and guacamole. Dishes will be priced between $3-$12. (1250 9th St. NW, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Vegetarian tacos in Mt. Vernon Square
Plant-based taco shop Chaia expects to open its second brick-and-mortar location early next week. The new space will feature seating for 35 38 [Update: It’s now 38 seats, Chaia says] in addition to new menu options and seasonal cocktails on draft. Additionally, the restaurant has a January promotion: Anyone who visits the restaurant 10 times during the month will get a free taco trio for themselves and a friend. (615 I St. NW)
