This week, cherry blossoms are blooming, baseball is back, and warm weather is on the horizon. Eat and drink through the first days of spring with whiskey cocktails and Moscow Mule twists, a celebratory Persian dinner, discounted ramen, and more.
Whiskey Wednesday at Crimson
Spend tonight with a special selection of top-shelf whiskey cocktails at Crimson, including several made with bourbon and rye from D.C.’s own Republic Restoratives. Sip classics like a Rob Roy or and Old Fashioned or try creations like the Japanese sour with Iwai Mars whisky, melon liqueur, lemon juice, and Sprite. The deals are part of the bar’s International Whiskey Day program. (Crimson, Wednesday, 5 p.m.-close, $11-$13)
Beer, burgers, and baseball
The Nationals kick off their 2019 season on Thursday, and Navy Yard’s Bluejacket brewery is firing up the patio grill for the afternoon with ballpark fare from a beer-glazed cheeseburger to sticky mumbo-sauce ribs. There will be five quaffable lagers on tap in addition to a handful of juicy, hoppy brews. Swing by for a list of cocktails and wines, too. For a full list of Opening Day deals, see here. (300 Tingey St. SE, Thursday at 11 a.m., a la carte)
Sunday Maydan dinner
Last week marked Nowruz, the holiday of the Persian New Year. Join Maydan this Sunday for a belated feast from the restaurant’s two executive chefs along with a few special guests: Najmieh Batmanglij, author of “Cooking in Iran: Regional Recipes and Kitchen Secrets,” and Louisa Shafia, author of “The New Persian Kitchen.” The menu will be a collaborative effort and include traditional dishes wine pairings. Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian will be among the attendees. Tables must be reserved online in advance. (1346 Florida Ave. NW, Sunday at 3 p.m., $175 per person).
Bowls of birthday ramen
Slurp up discounted noodles at Toki Underground this Monday in honor of the restaurant’s 8th anniversary. The H St. NE spot will feature its classic ramen for $8 (regularly priced at $14), made with braised pork, greens, a soft egg and pickled ginger. The special will be available during both lunch and dinner hours. (1234 H St. NE, Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., $8)
April mules Day
Radiator is kicking off April with a one-day menu of five cocktails inspired by the Moscow Mule, a refreshing blend of ginger beer, citrus, and booze. A couple of bartender Patrick Barrett’s recipes stick with classic vodka, including his Masala Mule with chai syrup and the lavender-infused Spring Has Sprung with elderflower liqueur. Mezcal drinkers will enjoy the Chupacabra, which gets a kick from jalapeno-ginger syrup. The cocktail riffs can be sipped in the bar or on the patio, weather-permitting. (1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Monday from 4 p.m. to close, $12 a drink)
An indoor rosé oasis
Rosé “gardens” had their moment in D.C. last summer, attracting crowds with their relaxing atmospheres and crushable pink wines. Starting Monday, neighborhood tavern Commissary will launch an indoor rosé garden for the month of April. The bar will feature Wolffer Estate’s Summer in a Bottle Rosé and it’ll be open daily from open to close. That means rosé and eggs for breakfast, rosé, and mac and cheese for lunch or rosé and Kung Pao Brussels sprouts and fried chicken for dinner. (1443 P St. NW, April 1 through April 30)
Embassy chefs face off
Chefs representing 19 countries return to the Ronald Reagan Building on Tuesday for the annual Embassy Chef Challenge. Expect an evening of international food, drink, cultural presentations, and more. Guests can vote for their favorite dish and drink, with the winning chef awarded the “golden pineapple” award at the end of the night. Countries this year range from The Bahamas and Barbados to Morocco and Romania. Tickets are available online. (1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., $95 and up)
New themed brunch parties
LaBoum is giving its famed party brunches a new spin with a slate of themed afternoons. This Sunday will celebrate all things Rocky Horror Picture Show, including a costumed cast. The afternoon starts with a one-hour, family-style brunch at reserved tables, with several hours of drinks and dancing to follow. Tables can be reserved online in advance. (1730 M St. NW, Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., $37.50 per person plus gratuity).
