Delish Dig-Ins

Photo: Nycci Nellis

It’s not news that DC area restaurants have twisted and turned - they wear their masks, they are vaxxed, and now you need to be vaccinated as well. So as they continue to roll out new dishes and menus and innovative ways to serve you, a firm reminder to be kind. Whether you are dining indoors, out on a plush patio, or bringing it home, behave like an industry pro: mask on, proof of vaccination on hand, and a smize in your eyes:

Bumble Bee Juice
Executive Chef Harley Peet of Bluepoint Hospitality has brought back a trio of broths to easily come into Bumble Bee Juice, and have a quick protein boost. The three traditional varieties of broth – beef, chicken, and vegetable – are available hot, to consume à la minute, or cool, in take-home containers suitable for reheating. bbjuices.com

Call Your Mother
Call Your Mother has officially opened its doors in the West End neighborhood, taking over the café space within the Yours Truly DC Hotel. As with all locations, guests at the new West End outpost will indulge in creative takes on traditional deli staples like the fan favorite, Sun City, an elevated bacon, egg and cheese. 3301 Georgia Avenue NW; 202.450.5307; callyourmotherdeli.com

Caruso’s Grocery 
Caruso’s Grocery has recently launched a carryout program for guests to order pasta dishes. Menu offerings include alfredo, spicy Neapolitan ragu, chicken parmigiana, and more. 914 14th Street SE DC; 202.661.0148; carusosgrocery.com

Convivial 
Convivial is offering a Galette des Rois (King Cake) for Three Kings Day. Each cake serves 5-8ppl for order and pickup through January 30th. Each Galette des Rois will come with one small figurine and a paper crown. 801 O Street, NW; exploretock.com

District BBQ
Entrepreneur Ahmad Ashkar converts award-winning barbecue brand District BBQ to a complete halal quick-service restaurant. District BBQ will continue offering its signature sandwiches, including the District Z. The sandwich is filled with a quarter pound of thinly sliced brisket, stacked high on Texas Toast and topped with onion rings, slaw, American cheese and tangy barbecue sauce. 2670 Avenir Place; 703.232.1612; districtbbq.com

NEW:  Ghostburger
Ghostburger is having a popup at t Las Gemelas in Northeast D.C. Menu items include green chorizo mandwich and chorizo cheese fries, original Ghostburger and hamburguesa, and the crispy Chick. 1280 4th Street NE;.ghostburgerdc.com

Honeymoon Chicken
Honeymoon Chicken a premium chicken brand that is the brainchild of Catalogue by Salis Holdings has recently opened. The chef-curated menu is crafted by the illustrious king of BBQ, Chef Rob Sonderman, who first graced DC with his low and slow meat cookery at Federalist Pig. Menu offerings include the honeymooner combo (all-natural cage-free crispy chicken served either honey dusted or dipped in Honeymoon’s signature hot honey and choice of side alongside 1/2 bottle of Veuve and custom champagne flutes), and more. 4201 Georgia Avenue NW; honeymoonchicken.com

NEW:  Mandarin Oriental
Seasoned hotelier Nicolas Dubort has been appointed as General Manager of  Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. In his new role, Mr. Dubort will oversee all aspects of the 373-room property along with the hotel’s luxury Spa, dining outlets, and catering and events. With over 25 years of hospitality experience, Mr. Dubort has worked for top hotels around the world including Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, The Dorchester in London, and more. Since joining the Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. Mr. Dubort has implemented several initiatives to improve the hotel’s urban resort posting and expand its appeal to luxury leisure travelers.1330 Maryland Avenue, SW; mandarinoriental.com

NEW:  Philotimo
Philotimo,  Chef Nicholas Stefanelli's tribute to Greece, has recently opened. Philotimo is an exploration of the country’s valued traditions and global reach, with a menu highlighting Stefanelli’s in-depth research and extensive travels throughout his familial homeland. Menu offerings include Mantia, veal stuffed pasta with brown butter and Skoioufitha, a carob-based pasta from Crete with lamb broth and Mizithra cheese. 1100 15th Street NW; philotimodc.com

Salazar 
Salazar includes a split-level rooftop with two bars, 12 big screen televisions, and a lower level with a dance floor and private bar. The menu includes over 50 types of tequila and Tex-Mex favorites like nachos chicharrones, pulled pork carnitas and crispy pork belly tacos, black bean sopes and more. 1819 14th Street NW; 202.621.6114; salazardc.com

Sofitel 
Sofitel has brought back its in-suite dining experience, offering a very unique way to dine in the privacy or your own guest room or suite. Guests will enjoy a French-inspired private dining menu in the comfort of their own guest room our suite for two and a half hours. 806 15th Street, NW; 202.730.8899; sofitel.accor.com

Velvel Breads
Velvel Breads has started a small neighborhood bakery in Petworth specializing in bread and Ashkenazi Jewish treats. Velvel Breads functions like a CSA — customers buy a month of bread upfront, then get to pick up a loaf each week. Currently, they offer sourdough loaves on Wednesdays and challah loaves on Fridays, with the option for customers to add on different treats each week. velvelbreads.minimartapp.com