March begins with tastes of tequila and mezcal, Italian-inspired happy hour, and a new option for an affordable, upscale lunch. This week’s food and drink picks also include a new spot for dumplings and an all-day cafe inside a popular Shaw restaurant.
Laoban expands
Laoban Dumplings unveils its Union Market location this Wednesday, marking the latest expansion for the local shop. Chef Tim Ma has developed an expanded menu featuring pork soup dumplings, chilled sesame noodles, and chilled potato salad. Chicken, pork, and vegetables fill the dumplings, and everything can be paired with sides, iced teas, and soft drinks. (1309 5th St. NE, opening Wednesday at 11 a.m.)
At this dinner, agave spirits soar
It’s time for Oyamel’s yearly tequila and mezcal festival, a celebration of Mexico’s signature spirits. The José Andrés spot invites curious (and thirsty) diners to taste their way through several varieties at a special five-course pairing dinner. Expected dishes to include beet aguachile, cactus salad, and a whole leg of lamb. Tickets to the all-inclusive evening are available online. (401 7th St. NW, Thursday at 6:30 p.m., $79)
Nina May, all day
Shaw’s Nina May restaurant is launching a weekday counter service café serving breakfast and lunch. The New American restaurant is known for its locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, and they work themselves into dishes like a cheese egg sandwich with jalapeno salsa verde and a crispy blue catfish sandwich on a house made potato roll. Pastries, coffees, teas, and juices are available as well. (1337 11th St. NW, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., à la carte)
Aperitivo hour in NoMa
A spread of Italian snacks anchor the new aperitivo hour spread at Stellina Pizzeria. The fixed-price deal comes with bottomless bites of bruschetta, charcuterie, and cheese. Selected beer, wine, and cocktails are included as well, with additional drinks available for purchase. (399 Morse St. NE, Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., $20)
Bento boxes meet Spain
Try something different for lunch at Cranes, which now serves up midday bento boxes with Spanish and Japanese touches. Chef Pepe Moncayo is cooking up meals with seven total dishes like miso soup, egg confit, stewed lentils with grilled chorizo, and pork belly yakitori. (724 9th St. NW, Weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., $24).
Will walk for whiskey
Saturday is D.C.’s 8th annual Whiskey Walk, spanning bars across Dupont and Logan Circles. Tickets grant access to a one-ounce pour of Irish whiskey at each of the eight participating bars. Venues include Stoney’s, Black Jack, Sauf Haus, and Kingfisher. Plan to sip on drams of Bushmills, Paddy, Jameson Cold Brew, and more. (1737 Connecticut Ave. NW, Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. with check-in until 3 p.m., $65 plus fees)
Axes and beer
Come to Denizens Brewing Co. this Saturday for the release of the Animal, a hazy IPA. The party is happening at the brewery’s Riverdale Park location in Maryland. It will feature axe throwing, dog adoption, music, and first dibs on buying cans. (4550 Van Buren St., Riverdale Park, Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., free)
Celebrate women with tiki
Tropical vibes and International Women’s Day meet this Sunday at Tiki on 18th in Adams Morgan. The bar will have pop-up food from Lei Musubi, who will bring dishes with vegetarian, jerk chicken, and Spam sticky rice. Cocktails come filled with rum from Maryland’s women-owned Lyon Distilling. Reservations are accepted but not required. (2411 18th St. NW, Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., a la carte)
