Spend the coming week cooling off with cheap rum cocktails (and free tastings), indulging in summer fair food and getting a taste of the world without leaving downtown D.C..
An Italian summer send-off
Join RPM Italian this evening for its Ferragosto patio party and final send-off to summer. Enjoy chilled raw oysters, king crab and pizzettes alongside plentiful Aperol spritzes and more. Reservations can be booked online. (650 K St. NW, Wednesday, 6 p.m., $65 plus tax)
Fair food comes to town
If the photos of Presidential candidates downing fried everything at the Iowa State Fair has you jonesing for junk food, make some time for this weekend’s Arlington County Fair. The festival includes all the expected hits, from amusement rides to craft and cooking competitions. And there will of course be lots of food vendors with sweet and savory treats like candy apples, barbecue, pizza, and ice cream. Check the online schedule for full daily hours. (3501 Second St. South, Wednesday-Sunday, free admission)
Taste a new D.C. rum
There’s a new rum pouring at The Wharf, courtesy of Tiki TNT and distiller Todd Thrasher. His Green Spiced Rum is a botanical-based blend that blends the lines of a rum with a more traditional English dry gin. The bar will offer up free samples of the Thrasher rum lineup on Friday afternoon in a nod to National Rum Day. Bottles of the spirit are $27 each. (1130 Maine Ave. SW, Friday from 3 p.m.-6:30 p.m., free).
Five dollar frozen drinks
Friday is National Rum Day, and newcomer Casta’s Cuban rum bar is celebrating with discounts on its island-inspired drinks. The best deals are on the frozen cocktails, which include a pina colada, a traditional and strawberry daiquiri, and the Sexo Tropical—a blend of rum, coconut Red Bull, and watermelon. Other cocktails will be discounted as well, ranging from the Canchanchara (an aged rum Old Fashioned riff) to a straight up and refreshing Mojito. (1121 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Friday, 4 p.m.-close, $5-$10).
Around the world in one block
Downtown’s Freedom Plaza transforms into the annual Around The World Cultural Food Festival this Saturday. Pennsylvania Avenue will welcome more than two dozen vendors, representing countries from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Eat and drink while taking in the vibrant fashion, crafts, and music from all reaches of the globe. Admission is free with food sold a la carte. (Pennsylvania Ave. between 13th and 14th streets, Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m, free entry)
Raise a glass at Glen’s
Glen’s Garden Market is spending Saturday afternoon pouring local beers on its patio, adding to the experience with gooey bacon or cauliflower grilled cheese sandwiches. Atlas Brew Works, Hellbender Brewing Company, 3 Stars Brewing Company, and others will all participate. (2001 S St. NW, Saturday, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., a la carte)
Build-your-own taco brunch
Whether you are nursing a hangover or satisfying weekend hunger, the new buffet brunch at Clarendon’s Buena Vida Social Club has the cure. The Mexican-influenced spread expands on brunch favorites with additions of freshly baked pastries, salads, gazpacho, and a build-your-own taco bar. Bottomless coffee and agua fresca are included, with alcoholic drinks available for additional purchase. (2900 Wilson Blvd., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $25 plus tax and tip)
Pepe heads indoors
Chef José Andrés’ Spanish sandwich food truck will pop up in Penn Quarter beginning Monday. Pepe has gained a following for its pollo frito and pulled pork sandwiches along with patatas bravas and other sides. It’s taking over the ThinkFoodLab, an experimental space for Andres to explore new and existing concepts (it previously housed Butterfly Tacos y Tortas). Expect a few new menu items in addition to the classics. And if you’re not nearby, don’t fret—the mobile truck will remain in operation. (701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, opens Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Late-night cocktail specials
Momofuku CCDC is now shaking up half-priced cocktails from 9 p.m. to close. The deal is available on all single serving drinks at the bar, such as the frozen seven-spice sour slush and the summer gin and tonic with cucumber mint shrub. Regular prices can run as high as $15, making this a solid option for a CityCenter area nightcap. (1090 I St. NW, 9 p.m.-close, $5-$7.50)
Guided cider tasting
Capitol Cider House is hosting a special grand tasting with its cider master. The experience will include a sip of all 12 local ciders on the bar’s list, and the full food and drink menu will be offered for purchase as well. Seating is limited with tickets available online. (3930 Georgia Ave. NW, Tuesday, 6 p.m., $20)
