August arrives in D.C. with the opportunity to taste traditional Swiss dishes, indulge in savory seasonal mushrooms, and grab discounts on oysters. There’s also the launch of a local fall beer, international-inspired hot dogs, and more on this week’s food and drink calendar.
Chanterelle and truffle dinner
Nail your midweek dinner with tonight’s special menu at A Rake’s Progress. Chef Opie Crooks will team up with Bourbon Steak chef Drew Adams to cook up a five-course menu featuring truffles and chanterelle mushrooms. Indulge in a crab and chanterelle okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake) and even some chanterelle ice cream. The restaurant will offer optional wine pairings and a limited a la carte menu. (1770 Euclid St. NW, Wednesday, 6 p.m.-11 p.m., $80 plus tax, tip and drinks).
A can’t miss Swiss party
Thursday is Swiss National Day, and H Street’s Stable has put together a party full of cheese, cocktails, and classic dishes. Party guests can snack on roasted chicken, vol-au-vent puff pastry, chocolate mousse, and other hearty passed food. Drinks will flow too: everything from rosé to beer and Stables frozen “schnapsicles.” Tickets are available online. (1324 H St. NE, Thursday, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., $49)
Oktoberfest in August
Summer is still going strong, but that’s not stopping Atlas Brew Works from rolling out its fall seasonal Festbier German-style lager. If you head to The Midlands beer garden on Thursday, you can be among the first to get your hands on a pint of the quaffable brew. The bready, orange blossom notes are made to pair with the upcoming cooler weather. (3333 Georgia Ave. NW, Thursday, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., a la carte)
Beer and hot pairings
Georgetown beer hall The Berliner is hosting Maine’s Allagash Brewing Company on Thursday evening, serving five of its brews with a menu of internationally-inspired hot dogs. The U.S. will be represented by a classic Coney Dog of chili sauce, yellow mustard, and onions. More interesting options include a Korean dog with kimchi and a French dog with caramelized onions, raclette, and dijon. (3401 Water St. NW, Thursday, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., a la carte)
Evening eats in Ballston
Ballston Quarter Market is teaming up with Yelp on Friday for an evening of bites and entertainment with its food hall vendors. The donation event will raise money for the Arlington Food Assistance Center, a local charity providing assistance to those in need. Anyone interested must register online and have a valid Yelp account to attend. (4238 Wilson Blvd., Friday, 9 p.m.-11 p.m., free with suggested $10 cash donation)
Dance it out at D.C. Brau
Saturday is the third edition of the Braustomp music festival, an afternoon of local and touring performances and brews in Northeast. The parking lot opens up at 1 p.m. with an all-day lineup of ska and DJs. Food trucks and DC Brau beer will be available for a la carte purchasing throughout the event, and tickets are available online. (3178 Bladensburg Rd. NE, Saturday, 1 p.m.-9 p.m., $30)
Celebrate 15 years of wonder
Raise a glass this Sunday afternoon to 15 years of drinks, shows, and good times at The Wonderland Ballroom. The bar’s quinceanera promises lots of festivities: a free pupusa bar, a mariachi band, a pinata, and other random fun. (1101 Kenyon St. NW, Sunday, 4 p.m.-1:30 a.m., a la carte)
Oysters for a buck
Head downtown to Oceanaire on Monday for $1 oysters all day long at the bar. The bivalves are sourced from all over, often ranging from Prince Edward Island to Rhode Island and Virginia. (1201 F St. NW, Monday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., $1)
Eat the South of Spain
Mola restaurant is holding a summer tapas dinner on Tuesday honoring Spain’s Andalusia region, known for its Moorish influences and proximity to the coast. The multi-course tapas menu will have lots of bites ideal for hot temperatures—think cold soups, salads, and fresh seafood. An optional beverage pairing will be available as well. Spots are up for booking online. (3155 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $49 plus tax, tip, and beverages)
Osteria Morini returns
Pasta fans, rejoice. Business is back this week at Osteria Morini, which had been shuttered since being damaged in an early June fire. The restaurant is serving up some new summer dishes, featuring grilled seafood like prawns and razor clams and a tortellini of creamed corn, chanterelle mushrooms, and chives. (301 Water St. SE)
