The heat is coming, so take refuge this week with specials on margaritas and Mexican beers, new local ciders, and an Asian-themed night market. There’s also a chance to sample Sri Lankan favorites, crack some crabs and lots more on this week’s food and drink events calendar.
Hot (dog) giveaway
The Bethesda location of Dog Haus is sending out free hot dogs to anyone who scans their restaurant’s app today. The giveaway is a promotion for National Hot Dog Day, an excuse to get a summer favorite on the cheap. It’s valid on one per customer for dine-in only. (7904 Woodmont Ave. NW, 11 a.m. to close, FREE)
A summer night market
Head to Tiger Fork in Blagden Alley on Thursday night for a warm weather edition of its night market pop-up party. Expect spirits tastings from Filibuster Distilling and food from Kevin Tien of Hot Lola’s and Benjamin Sawyer of the upcoming Bar Shouji in Baltimore. Tiger Fork will have some late-night bites as well. (922 Blagden Alley NW, Thursday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., a la carte)
Free cake and birthday tequila shots
Toss one back during Mission Navy Yard’s first birthday bash on Friday. The lively Mexican bar and restaurant will celebrate with free cake, sparkling wine, tequila rounds, and other surprises for guests. Beers, tequila, and margaritas will special pricing as well, ranging from $5 to $8. (1221 Van St. SE, Friday at 7 p.m., a la carte)
Two women-owned food businesses join forces
Changes are coming to Dio Wine Bar, where the food will now be provided by Odd Provisions market. Guests can pair their natural wines with a selection of cheese and charcuterie or opt for a spicy salami sandwich with herb pesto and fennel confit. The “Odd@Dio” collaboration between these two woman-owned local businesses begins this Friday. (904 H St. NE, Friday at 5 p.m., a la carte)
Sri Lankan spice hits 14th St.
Doi Moi chef Johanna Hellrigl is pairing up with chef Aarthi Sampath of New York City’s posh Rainbow Room for a two-day Sri Lankan menu pop-up this Sunday and Monday. The menu will include a family-style Nandu Kari, a classic dish of stir-fried crab curry. Expect lots of other bites as well, such as goat biryani, and curries, and coconut milk pancakes, ideal for dipping in sauces and relishes. Reservations are encouraged. (1800 14th St. NW, Sunday and Monday from 5 p.m.-close, a la carte)
One year of cider in Petworth
This weekend is the one-year anniversary of Capitol Cider House, which has quickly become a go-to gathering spot in Petworth. Saturday’s program includes a new bottomless brunch concept with partner Short Eats (think breakfast and roti sandwiches) and a brandy barrel-aged cider release. Sunday will have some fun family and kid-friendly activities along with the chance to sip on both new and old favorite ciders. RSVPs are requested. (3930 Georgia Ave. NW, Saturday and Sunday, free entry)
All-you-can-handle crab cracking
Get your mallet and bib ready for Sunday’s bottomless crab picnic at District Winery. The quintessential summer event will feature unlimited steamed crabs, hushpuppies, corn on the cob, slaw, and soft drinks. Guests will also get two select beers or District Winery wines with their ticket. (385 Water St. SE, Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., $75)
Crooked Run tap takeover
Beer fans unfamiliar with Loudoun County’s Crooked Run Brewing can taste through eight offerings at Churchkey on Tuesday. The craft brewery is marking six years in business with kegs of Paper Jet Pilsner, Rageahol triple IPA, Chicha Morada sour red ale brewed with purple corn, and more. Beers will be available in 4 ounce and full-size pours. (1337 14th St. NW, Tuesday at 4 p.m., a la carte)
Talk about food waste
Grab breakfast at the Eaton DC next Tuesday for a discussion focused on “Saving Food, Fighting Food Waste.” Panelists include Tim Ma, chef at Eaton DC’s American Son restaurant, Glen’s Garden Market founder Danielle Vogel, and Monica McBride of the World Wildlife Fund, who will discuss strategies for sustainability in the food industry. (1201 K St. NW, Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., FREE with RSVP)
Cocktail classes with the pros
Learn a thing or two about prohibition drinks during a special session Tuesday at the Columbia Room. The educational evening will include three cocktails and light snacks. It’s part of a mini-series the acclaimed bar is hosting beginning next week, touching on topics from agave and mezcal to the ins and outs of “session” cocktails. (124 Blagden Alley NW, Tuesday at 6 p.m., $85)