Mardi Gras is nearly upon us, and local spots are celebrating with plenty of food and drink. But there’s also another chance to sip some winter beers, try new restaurants and explore the city’s best alcohol-free cocktails.
Richmond comes to The Line
A Rake’s Progress has been doing semi-regular collaborations with area chefs and restaurants, showcasing mid-Atlantic ingredients and open-fire cooking techniques. Next up in the series is chef Bobo Catoe from Richmond’s Alewife restaurant. The Wednesday dinner is a family-style showcase of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia slow-cooking. Expect some whole roasted fish, crispy pig’s head bao, and a seafood tower. Reservations can be made online. (1770 Euclid St. NW, Wednesday, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., $120 including tax and gratuity)
Albi opens in Navy Yard
After much anticipation, chef Michael Rafidi (formerly of Arroz) opens his first solo restaurant this Thursday at Navy Yard. Albi explores recipes from the Levant region—Israel, Lebanon, Syria—matched with Mid-Atlantic ingredients. There will be a wood oven for preparing smoked whole chicken, a leg of lamb, and cauliflower shawarma. The wine program is under the direction of Maxwell Park owner Brent Kroll (he’ll soon open a location of his wine bar next door). (1346 4th St. SE, opens for dinner Thursday)
Get cozy with beer at Pizzeria Paradiso
Cozy eats and seasonal beers are on tap this Saturday at the Pizzeria Paradiso game room in Georgetown. Brews include Ommegang Adoration, Vasen Brewing’s Winter Harvest IPA, and a s’mores-themed pour from Chicago’s Off Color Brewing. Each $15 ticket includes one flight of four, 6-ounce pours, with options for additional sampling. Guests will also leave with a souvenir Pizzeria Paradiso glass. The event doubles as the launch of the bar’s mug club, a new membership program offering discounts and larger glasses and free beers throughout the year. (3282 M St. NW, Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., $15 and up, including $30 for the annual mug club)
Barolos are the best
RPM Italian loves to welcome winemakers from across Italy into its humming dining room. This Sunday’s dinner features single-vineyard Barolos from the winery Azienda Agricola Azelia in the Langhe region of Italy. These powerful red wines will be paired with veal agnolotti pasta, saffron risotto, Barolo-braised beef, and other hearty dishes. Reservations are available online. (650 K St. NW, Sunday, 7 p.m., $145 plus tax and gratuity.)
Funky Mardi Gras brunch
Bottomless mimosas and Abita beer are on the menu at Sunday’s Mardi Gras funk brunch at Black Jack. The kitchen will provide all-you-can-eat Creole brunch bites along with a raw bar, drag performances, and a live DJ. Tickets for the inclusive experience can be booked online. (1612 14th St. NW, Sunday, 12 p.m.-3 p.m., $85).
Coconut club, minus the booze
Even with dry January over, booze-free drinks are still a big part of D.C.’s cocktail culture. Some of the city’s best bartenders will put their skills to the test at Coconut Club this Monday. Hosted by Un-Plated, the “Zero Proof” cocktail competition features talent from Columbia Room, Tiger Fork, Espita, and Zeppelin. Coconut Club chef Adam Greenberg will provide bites including Spam fried rice cups, jerk chicken skewers, mac salad cups, and Kalua pork sliders. Ticket proceeds will go to Ben’s Friends, a charity supporting sobriety in the food and beverage industry. (540 Penn St. NE, Monday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., $50)
Get jalapeño popping
Try to withstand the heat at Monday’s inaugural jalapeño pepper-eating contest at Taco Rock in Rosslyn. Contestants will race to eat as many jalapeño poppers as they can in ten minutes. The top prize is $100, while second and third place get Taco Rock gift cards. Participants must be 18 years or old and a registration fee is required. Spectators can watch it go down for free. (1501 Wilson Blvd, Monday, 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m., $10)
Celebrate other meats
Pork is always the highlight of the plate at The Pig, and the Logan Circle restaurant is planning a special dinner this Tuesday showcasing the less-eaten parts of some animals. Executive chef Shabier Bahramy is planning a veal brain piccata, a spaghetti puttanesca made with fennel-cured pig skin, and beef heart tartare. Each of the five dishes will get paired with a natural wine designed to accent the funky flavors. Call for reservations at this communal dinner. (1320 14th St. NW, Tuesday, 7 p.m., $75 plus tax and gratuity)
Mardi Gras extravaganza
Dock 5 at Union Market is the place to be for Mardi Gras revelry in D.C. The fourth-annual Mardi Gras Extravaganza is hosted by native New Orleans chef David Guas along with friends Gina Chersevani and Spike Mendelsohn. It’ll be packed with hurricane cocktails, sweet and savory Louisiana eats, live music, and a costume contest. It’s all bottomless (pacing is key), with admission benefiting DC Central kitchen. (1309 5th St. NE, Tuesday, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., $50)
Chemistry and cocktails
Valentine’s Day extends through the end of February at Barmini. The inventive cocktail bar is continuing its Chemistry of Love tasting menu, a flight of five cocktails designed around the stages of love. It starts with Butterflies: a mix of sparkling wine, coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla designed to replicate the adrenaline rush of a new fling. The You Me and Park Side Bench leans on serotonin and happy vibes, while the Love is Kaos is inspired by the stress that can creep into even the strongest relationships. Reservations can be made online. (501 9th St. NW, through February 29, $95 per person).
