It’s Derby time, aka the most exciting two minutes in sports, surrounded by hours of sipping and serious hat-watching.The Kentucky Derby is back this Saturday, May 2, and whether you’re tuning in for the race or just an excuse to day drink bourbon in a fancy glass, DC is ready. Think big hats, seersucker suits, and just enough Southern charm to carry you from first sip to finish line. At the center of it all? The mint julep, bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, crushed ice. So simple and dangerously easy to keep sipping. But it’s not the only thing flowing. This is your moment for Southern classics like hot browns, biscuits and pimento cheese, and anything that pairs well with a julep in hand. So whether you’re posting up at a full-on watch party or just looking for the best julep in town, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up where to sip the best mint juleps, where to snack like you’re at Churchill Downs, and where to watch the Race of the Roses in style. Where We’re Sipping Mint JulepsThe mint julep is the drink of the Derby. Bourbon, mint, sugar, crushed ice, simple  and meant to be sipped slowly (even if you don’t). Across the DMV, bartenders are putting their own spin on the classic, some staying true to tradition, others leaning creative, and we are here for all of it. Here’s where to raise your glass:-At The Dabney, Bar Director Daniel Todd (a Michelin Guide Exceptional Cocktails Award winner) takes the classic seriously. His mint julep, made with Sagamore Small Batch Rye, mint, and cane sugar, is a two-day process. Mint oils are slowly extracted into the sugar and whiskey, creating a deeply layered, elegant take on a Southern staple.-Over at The Falls, bartender Freddy Rojas is offering a riff: the Golden Hour Apricot Julep. Built with Michter’s Straight Rye, chilled black tea, and house-made apricot syrup, it’s designed to stretch the experience.-Song Dog Farm Distillery is going classic with their house bourbon, fresh mint, and crushed ice, but also offering a playful twist from bartender Pat Mecke called the “Secretariat,” featuring strawberry syrup.-At Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, the julep gets a little kick with a Ginger Mint Julep. Think bourbon, orange juice, ginger-mint syrup, and fresh mint and served alongside a proper Kentucky Hot Brown. -Head to SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge and you’ll find a trio of juleps: traditional, raspberry, and blackberry, the latter layered with house-made blackberry mint syrup and topped with powdered sugar.-And at The Fountain Inn, Head Bartender Zack Atzert is offering a zero-proof option, the “Temperance Julep” proof that you can still be in the spirit without the bourbon. Where to Watch: Derby Parties, Bring Your Hats The race may only last a couple of minutes, but the parties? They go all day. Here’s where to post up for the Run for the Roses: -Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 14th Annual Derby Celebration | 3–8 PMOne of the city’s go-to Derby parties. Mint juleps, Southern bites, and a serious bourbon lineup, all leading up to a live viewing of the race.-Lulu’s Winegarden, Run for the Rosés Party | 3 PM – MidnightA pink wine-fueled fête with rosé specials, pink juleps, and all the Derby energy, plus plenty of room to show off your hat game.-SYN Dupont Circle, Derby Brunch & Party | 10 AM – 3 PMStart early with brunch, cocktails, and a stylish crowd, hosted by local fashion favorites DC Fashion Fool and leaning fully into the Derby aesthetic.-Royal Restaurant, Derby Patio Party | 5:30 – 7:30 PMOld Town goes full Churchill Downs with juleps, a festive buffet, live race viewing, and a Best Hat Contest. There’s even a “Winners Circle” if you’re feeling lucky.-Succotash Prime, Derby with Maker’s MarkA more curated experience with juleps, bites, and even a souvenir cup, perfect if you want something a little more sophisticated. Triple Crown Season Is Here and Derby Day is just the beginning.Kentucky Derby – Saturday, May 2, 2026Preakness Stakes – Saturday, May 16, 2026Belmont Stakes – Saturday, June 6, 2026Three races. Three chances to dress up, and raise a glass. See more on our events calendar here. 

Carla Hall, is at the top of her game. But getting there was no picnic. In this theatrical one-woman show, Carla Hall invites you to “strap in” for a wild, hilarious, and emotional ride as she reveals how she learned to embrace her own authenticity, “work her quirk” and finally step into her power. From her Tennessee roots as an awkward theater camp kid, to Howard University, to a stint on the runways of Paris, to her irreverent takes on the confusing expectations of Black excellence, crushing sexism, and the many attempts to erase her uniqueness, Carla has had to battle every step of the way to find her true voice – and wait till you hear it. In this insightful and inspiring World Premiere, Carla reveals the secret ingredients to her greatest creation: herself. This intimate exchange will leave audiences laughing, thinking, feeling and… maybe even discovering a little of their own power in simply being themselves.Carla Hall: Please Underestimate Me runs June 3 – July 12 in the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd, Olney, MD. Tickets are $47-$101 and available online or by calling the box office at 301.924.3400. Discounts are available for groups, seniors, teachers, active military, first responders, and students. Visit olneytheatre.org/discounts for details.Bridging the food and theatre worlds, Honorary Producers for the production include Chef Eric Adjepong of Food Network’s “Wildcard Kitchen,” author, restaurateur, and TV personality Chef Spike Mendelsohn, food and wine publisher Nycci Nellis, Emmy-nominated journalist and producer Erin Como, and Nina Oduro, Co-founder of Black Women in Food. 

Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com shares top picks for Easter weekend across the D.C. area, including family-friendly events, brunch, and unique dining experiences. She highlights activities like Easter celebrations at Capital One Center, egg hunts at Astro Beer Hall, and alpaca encounters at Black Barn Alpacas. For brunch, she recommends spots like Blue Duck Tavern, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, and Zinnia, along with standout experiences at Nobu and a candy-and-wine pairing at Little Blackbird. She also suggests afternoon tea at Fairmont Washington DC and Willard InterContinental, plus a unique tasting experience at Oasis Sushi and Listening Bar. Overall, it’s a curated mix of festive, family-friendly, and elevated ways to celebrate the holiday weekend.

Welcome to Industry Night with Nycci Nellis, and we are back at City Ridge, this time in the absolutely gorgeous, amphitheater-style setting at The Botanica.I love being here. Last time I was in the neighborhood, I was over at Equinox in Wisconsin chatting with powerhouse pastry chef Susan Bae, and today, I’m sitting down with another true force in the industry: Award-winning chef and restaurateur Amy Brandwein.Amy and I go way back, like, way back. I first met her in Roberto Donna’s kitchen at Galileo, in the Laboratorio days, when http://TheListAreYouOnIt.com was just getting off the ground, and she was one of the only women in that kitchen. Fast forward, and she is now the chef and owner of Centrolina and Piccolina, a multi–James Beard nominee, and one of the most respected voices in the DC dining scene.But this conversation? We go deeper.We talk about her unconventional path — from politics to pasta — the realities of building and running a restaurant, and what leadership in the kitchen really looks like today.We did get a little dark and a little teary.Amy shares stories from earlier in her career, moments that were incredibly difficult at the time, and how those experiences ultimately shaped her into the leader she is today: stronger and deeply committed to creating a healthier, more sustainable environment for her team.We also dig into kitchen culture, labor models, mentorship, and what it means to be a woman leading in today’s restaurant industry.It’s honest, it’s real, and it’s a conversation that feels especially important right now.You think you know, but you don’t know.Listen to the full episode here and watch it here.