Dig out from the snow and experience a full agenda of eating and drinking events this week. Highlights include a 10th anniversary boozy brunch, a faceoff between some of the city’s top bartenders and a special Mexico City-themed dinner.
Destination Mexico City
Vacation-inspired cocktail bar Destination Wedding is currently hosting a resident chef from Mexico City for a special Restaurant Week pop-up. Chef Julio Aguilera comes from VIENTO, a modern test kitchen, and he’s in D.C. with both a la carte options and a tasting menu featuring three courses and two mezcal cocktails. Expect such dishes as mole mio chicken wings and miso mole with sea scallops, cabbage, and pickled mushrooms. Wednesday’s event also features cocktails from staff of The Gibson, and Thursday wraps up with a bartender from Oyamel behind the stick. Reservations can be made by emailing robin@destinationwedding.bar for details. (1800 14th St. NW, Wednesday and Thursday, $35 for three courses and two cocktails).
D.C. gets a new Irish whiskey
Warm up with a dram of Kilbeggan’s new small batch rye Irish whiskey during its Thursday launch party at The Brixton. The product is the first of its kind made in Ireland in nearly 150 years and in D.C. is currently offered exclusively at the U Street bar. Sip on launch party specials of $5 shots and $6 cocktails, including old fashioneds and an apple sour with rye, apple cider, lemon juice, and a lemon twist. (901 U St. NW, Thursday at 6 p.m.)
Canned seafood goes gourmet
Forget what you know about cheap canned tuna or salmon and try some high-quality tinned seafood this Saturday at Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill. The Georgetown hangout is offering a $5 discount on all its tinned fish, which are packed in Portugal with high quality olive oil, herbs, and spices. Choices include flavorful packs of mackerel, sardines, squid, and more. Enjoy them with some crusty bread and look at canned fish a whole new way. (1054 31st. St NW, Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-midnight, $10 and up)
A once-in-a-decade brunch
Georgetown’s posh Bourbon Steak restaurant and lounge is turning a decade old this month. The anniversary events include a blow-out Sunday brunch (the first in its history) with bottomless Champagne, a Bloody Mary fountain, and plenty of food. There’ll also be a 10-layer birthday cake and a live DJ spinning tunes throughout the afternoon. Tickets can be purchased online. (2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $75 per person)
Alexandria dining specials
More than 60 restaurants in Alexandria are serving up $35 three-course dinners or $35 dinners for two during the city’s upcoming Restaurant Week promotion. Options range from Belgian fare at Brabo Brasserie and Italian plates at Hank’s Pasta Bar in Old Town to elevated Southern dishes at neighborhood favorite Evening Star Cafe in Del Ray. A handful of brunch and lunch options are also available for between $15 and $22 per person. (Multiple locations, January 18-27, $15 and up)
D.C. bartenders face off
Drink for a good cause this Sunday, when eight of the city’s top cocktail makers (including staff from Service Bar, Founding Farmers, and Silver) will compete at Capo Deli’s Top Dog Shake Off. Bartenders must create drinks using Blue Henry Syrups and El Silencio mezcal, and creations will be judged by a guest panel of experts including chefs Kwame Onwuachi and Amy Brandwein. A crowd favorite will be selected as well. Tickets include samples of the first round of drinks (themed drinks will be sold a la carte at the bar) and proceeds benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. (715 Florida Ave. NW, Sunday, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., $20 in advance, $30 at the door).
A Barmini-inspired cocktail club
Barmini head bartender Al Thompson is hosting a four-course cocktail and small plate tasting experience at District Space this Sunday. Barmini is the bar offshoot of José Andrés’ two-Michelin starred Minibar, so expect some inventive drinks with high levels of craftsmanship. Food will be provided by chef Peter Prime of Spark restaurant in Bloomingdale. He’ll preview some dishes from his upcoming Caribbean concept, Cane. There are two seatings, and tickets can be purchased online. (3522 12th St. NE, Sunday, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., $65.28)
Bonus: Sushi school
Most chefs spend years mastering the art of sushi, but it doesn’t take long to pick up a few basics. O-Ku DC is sharing some secrets during an afternoon class next Saturday, complete with a welcome cocktail, passed bites, and sake pairings. Guests will learn to make a few of the restaurant’s signature rolls, led by the O-Ku culinary team. If you want to grab tickets early, a credit card is required for bookings, which can be made by phone at (202) 888-8790. (1274 5th St. NE, Saturday, January 26, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., $65)
