TheListAreYouOnIt’s Weekly Roundup of Things to Eat
Winter has arrived, and the flavors are shifting with the season. You know our team at TheListAreYouOnIt.com dives deep into the DC culinary scene to uncover the most comforting, seasonal delights. The latest winter menus from many of your favorite local spots—and perhaps a few hidden gems—are here to warm you up. Hearty stews to indulgent holiday-inspired treats, we’re ready to embrace the cozy tastes of winter. Are you?
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Pitch Perfect: Do you have a story you want to get published? Learn how to craft a winning pitch that will get editors excited, and your story sold. Whether you hope to sell a personal essay or a reported story, veteran freelance writer Nevin Martell, whose work has appeared in dozens of high-profile publications, will teach you the techniques, tips, and tricks you need to know to do it successfully. Discover the best places to pitch stories and how to track down the right person to contact. Learn the art of writing an irresistible hook and a compelling query. Find out how to negotiate your fee and what to ask for in a contract to ensure you’re retaining the necessary rights, so you can use your story to create future works, such as a memoir or book-length project. You will receive two rounds of feedback on a pitch for a single story. February 18, 25, and March 4, 2025. Register here.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
Top Chef is Back: Downtown Frederick has a new hotel for the first time in 50 years. Visitation Hotel Frederick officially opens its doors on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. Along with it comes Bryan and Michael Voltaggio's Wye Oak Tavern, the "Top Chef" brothers first joint restaurant in their hometown of Frederick. The Voltaggios will run Wye Oak Tavern (modern-day tavern and steakhouse), Acorn Provisions (grab-and-go cafe) and all event catering. 211 E Church Street; visitationhotel.com
Santa’s Slayin’ Sweets: This holiday season, Big Buns is bringing the festive spirit to life with an irresistible new dessert menu, Santa's Slayin' Sweets. Available for a limited time now through December 31st at Shirlington and One Loudoun locations, this holiday-inspired pop-up is set to delight dessert lovers of all ages.Try the gingerbread shake, the peppermint shake, and many more. eatbigbuns.com
Up On The Roof: Art DC has a new rooftop destination with a menu to impress. The menu, curated by Chef Pepe Moncayo, showcases bold, seasonal ingredients across small bites, shareable plates, and satisfying entrées. Begin with Oysters, kissed with a wasabi-olive oil blend and ponzu, or the uniquely flavorful Edamame Hummus with chili oil. Craving comfort? Indulge in Hot or Cold Soba Noodles, elevated with dashi, tempura bits, and options like tender wagyu or cured egg yolk. 333 G Street NW; arlohotels.com
Stellina’s a Star: Stellina Pizzeria is now one of the 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains 2024. This prestigious award celebrates the world’s finest pizzerias for their dedication to excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation in the art of pizza making. The announcement was made during the Awards Ceremony at the European Pizza Show, held at Olympia Events in London. The award highlights Stellina Pizzeria’s commitment to delivering authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and a unique dining experience. As a modern yet tradition-inspired concept, Stellina has gained acclaim for its artisanal approach, blending Italian heritage with contemporary culinary creativity.
Holiday Luncheon at The Royal: Treat your co-workers (or friends and family) like royalty this holiday season as the Royal hosts a special Holiday Luncheon experience on Tuesdays-Thursdays in December. Dishes include citrus kale salad, tamales and more. 501 Florida Avenue, NW; theroyaldc.com
A Taste of the Village in Union Market: Minetta Tavern, the classic New York style tavern and bar known for its vintage feel and Parisian menu, is now open in union market. The menu features Grilled Island Creek Oysters, with pancetta, Fresno chili butter, panko breadcrumbs, Soupe à l’Oignon with Gruyère and baguette, Coq au Vin with housemade gnocchi, chantarelle mushrooms, guanciale, shaved black truffles, Brook Trout with smoked trout roe, fine herbs, beurre blanc, rice pilaf and more. 1287 4th St NE; minettataverndc.com
Visions of Sugarplums: Jen's Splendid Ice Cream has a new flavor perfect for the holidays, Sugar Plum Brittle Parfait. Bringing you the Sugar Plum Fairy in delicious ice cream dessert form, this one is all about the jam. Specifically: a vibrant, puckery plum jam that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. Paired with Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Pistachio Macaron, it tastes like a nutty, buttery, sweet-tart jam cookie. And fresh whipped cream and pink white chocolate curls make this a holiday treat worth dancing about. jenis.com
Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative Announces the Winners: The HEINZ Black Kitchen Initiative, in collaboration with the iconic condiment brand, The LEE Initiative, and Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice (SRRJ), proudly announces its 2024 grantees, including three exceptional food businesses in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Each will receive $20,000 to continue their vital work celebrating and preserving the legacy of Black food in America. This year’s DMV honorees include Sweet Home Jamaica (Baltimore), Cane (Washington, DC), and Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats (Alexandria, VA)—each making a profound impact on the region’s vibrant culinary scene while shaping a more inclusive food industry. leeinitiative.org
CHIKO x To Go Green Collab (Sustainability Solutions Alert): CHĪKO, the popular modern American eatery known for its fresh and flavorful dishes, is excited to announce a new partnership with To Go Green, a local leader in sustainable takeout solutions. This collaboration aims to reduce waste and promote eco-conscious dining by offering customers the option to receive their meals in durable, reusable containers. This initiative aligns with the growing need for sustainable solutions in the foodservice industry. According to the Overbrook Foundation, over 210 billion disposable containers and clamshells are used annually in the U.S., contributing significantly to waste and environmental harm. Replacing these single-use containers with To Go Green’s reusables has the potential to save more than 181 billion gallons of water, 45 billion lbs of greenhouse gas emissions, 12 billion lbs of waste, and 260 billion MJ of energy over their lifespan. .mychiko.com
A Peek Inside the Workshop: El Taller del Xiquet has opened with 14 seats, offering a truly intimate dining experience. In this workshop space, Danny Lledó is set to experiment with creative dishes that will evolve over time. You are invited to make selections from decadent dishes without the commitment of a prix fixe tasting menu. The restaurant’s inaugural menu offers a customizable culinary tour of coastal Spain showcasing the best of the region’s agri- and aquaculture. Reservations can be made here.
Holiday Hangover, Cured: Chef Mike Friedman pays homage to his Jewish and Italian roots with a holiday hangover package featuring a selection of whipped cream cheeses and accompaniments to pair with slabs of Fossette's handmade focaccia. The menu also includes hangover-friendly "knoshes" like Fried Risotto Balls, Sesame-Parmesan Breaded Chicken Cutlets, Potato Hash 'Latkes,' Sicilian Tuna Salad, cocktail kits (Aperol Spritz, Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Bellini), sweets, and more (including the AP Pizza Kit for an at-home holiday activity). 1250 9th St NW; fossettedc.com
Dim Sum Want Some: Chef Peter Chang is bringing his popular all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch deal to the District. Priced at $38 per person, you can mix and match traditional dim sum (including Shanghai Pork Soup Dumplings, Cantonese Beef with Rice Noodles, Barbecue Pork Buns, Shrimp & Chive Pancakes, and more) alongside vegetarian dishes & sweet options that include Red Bean & Pumpkin Fritters and Charcoal Lava Custard Buns. 1200 19th St NW; changchangdc.com
Holidays at Home: Enjoy a festive feast without the fuss this holiday season with Cranes' take-out offerings. Available through January 1st, their curated holiday menu features dishes crafted by Chef Pepe Moncayo. Choose between veal shank or pork for your family as well as sides like Wild Arugula & Local Green Lettuce Salad, and Organic Mushroom Rice. Order here.
Join the Pasta Club (Gift Alert): Experience Caruso’s Grocery Pasta & Provisions Club with a membership. Each month, you'll receive two ready-to-cook pasta kits, hand-crafted to recreate Caruso’s new and unreleased dishes in your own kitchen. Enjoy house-made fresh and dried pastas, seasonal sauces, ragus, pestos, and unique provisions—everything you need to craft a delicious Italian-American meal with ease. Sign up here.
Festive Flash (Gift Alert): Neighborhood Restaurant Group's biggest gift card sale of the season is here. Purchase a virtual Neighborhood Restaurant Group gift card and receive an additional gift card worth HALF the value for free. These magical digital gift cards are perfect for foodies and can be redeemed at any NRG restaurant or retail store. neighborhoodrestaurantgroup.com
Arrels at Arlo: Renowned Chef Pepe Moncayo is thrilled to announce the opening of his latest venture, Arrels, at Arlo Washington DC. With a deep commitment to Spanish heritage and culinary artistry, Chef Moncayo will bring his modern interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine to the heart of Washington, D.C. The menu at Arrels is a tribute to Spanish traditions and family recipes, including a dish close to Chef Moncayo’s heart – Conejo y Alcachofa, a recipe passed down from his mother. This flavorful plate of rabbit shoulders with artichokes, carrots, and Rostit jus encapsulates the rustic warmth of Spanish home cooking. 333 G Street; arrels-dc.com
Paola Returns to the Kitchen: Providencia has added Chef Paola Velez as co-owner and co-chef of the newly opened Asian-Latin neighborhood cocktail bar. Providencia’s menu is a creative homage to Asian-Latin flavors, showcasing small plates, or "Botanas," and desserts, "Dulce," crafted with seasonal ingredients and cultural influences from Paola's Dominican heritage as well as Taiwan, Dominican and El Salvador. Try the Pan de Playa – Maryland crab, lettuce, milk bread, Tomate Con Tomate – Hiiro tomato with sundried tomato purée and more. 1321 Linden Court NE; .instagram.com
Tru Caviar Service: Just in time for the holiday season, Truluck’s is introducing TRU Caviar, a new private label caviar, created in partnership with legacy caviar purveyor Great Atlantic Trading, Inc. Enjoy two exclusive offerings, Trident Royale and Private Reserve, this season as an extraordinary opening act to your celebratory dinner, or take a tin home and enjoy it with someone special. trulucks.com
Shia, a Sustainable Vision: Shia has recently opened in the union market district. The restaurant merges Korean culinary traditions with modern innovation. In collaboration with The LEE Initiative, SHIA will explore practical solutions to critical industry challenges such as: Zero-plastics usage, Waste reduction, and. Zero-gas kitchens. Dishes include VA Rib-eye Beef with Kalbi Butter, Kalguksu in Pumpkin Broth, “Nurungji” Rice Crisps, Laver, Persimmon, Boricha Ice Cream, Plum Extract, and more. 1252 4th Street NE; shiarestaurant.org
Snow Globe Pop Up: Hi-Lawn has unveiled “The Dome” – a spherical, immersive “gastro-gallery under the stars” experience. Snowglow at The Dome is embracing European-inspired comfort foods, with an a la carte menu of shareable small plates from esteemed chef Nathan Beauchamp. Find comfort in dishes such as fondue raclette, luxe lobster bisque, and seasonal smørrebrød, plus a filet-for-two. 1309 5th Street NE; hilawndc.com
I Love Cheese (Gift alert): Give the gift of cheese to that curd nerd or foodie in your life with Each Peach. Every month, our passionate cheesemongers hand-pick 2-3 great cheeses paired with fun condiments and nibbles. They also include introductions to each cheese, recipe cards, pairing suggestions and more. Their cheese club takes members on a lighthearted exploration of regions around America and the world, and dive into new, seasonal flavors and classic favorites. Perfect for the budding gourmand or entertainer in your life. Get the subscription here.
Wafu at Home (Gift alert) : Tonari has cooked up new pizza kits for you to make at home. Each kit contains Tonari’s custom pizza dough using Hokkaido-milled flour and brick cheese, the key ingredient in Detroit-style pies. For the classic kit, there’s a Japanese-style marinara sauce with umeboshi (pickled plums). 707 6th St; Purchase the kits here.
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Chef Update: Daniel Bennett at Washington Hilton: Washington Hilton announced the appointment of Chef Daniel Bennett as the property’s new Executive Chef. Bennett brings an illustrious career spanning 20 years and a history of success in leading kitchens across the country, from Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton to Hilton Austin. At the historic Washington Hilton, Chef Bennett is at the helm of the expansive 23,000-plus square foot kitchen and property’s food and beverage operations featuring more than 60 culinary Team Members. He joins the property from Hilton Austin where he previously served as Executive Chef. In his new role, Bennett will also oversee the servicing of notable events that have taken place over the years at the hotel including the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, Congressional Club’s First Lady’s Luncheon, and National Prayer Breakfast. 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009; Hilton.com
Trim the Tree: Surreal’s talented pastry chef, Barbara Whetell, is now offering hanging ornament-shaped croissants at the whimsical National Landing favorite. The intricately woven croissants are complete with a bow to hang the treat on your Christmas tree, and filled with eggnog cream. 2117 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202; sevenreasonsgroup.com
Winter Warmers: As the winter chill sets in, so does the new Chef’s Specials at JINYA Ramen Bar. From now through 2/28, enjoy the crispy Curry Rice Croquettes ($9.50) made from seasoned curry rice balls stuffed with white cheddar cheese and the limited edition Red Garnet Ramen ($20.50), crafted with a rich vegetable broth, white and green onion, pork chashu, spinach, kikurage, thick noodles, and chili garlic sauce. jinyaramenbar.com
Dog Daze of Winter: Dog Daze has a new seasonal menu features an array of fresh and flavorful food and drink options. On the food menu, you can enjoy the Wild Arugula Salad, made with sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh, zesty flavor. The O.G. pizza is a standout, topped with Italian sausage and giardiniera on a rich white sauce. For something a little different, try the Lousy Hunter pie, featuring charred broccolini, lemon on a vibrant green sauce. Lastly, the Duke sandwich offers a hearty combination of roast beef, arugula and shaved pecorino, perfect for a satisfying meal. dogdazedc.com
Chefs on a Roll: South Asian Style: This December, Beresovsky’s Deli debuts the Tandoori Murgh, the latest in its “Chefs on a Roll” series. Created with Chef Suresh Sundas of Daru, this bold sandwich features tandoori-marinated chicken, mint chutney mayo, pickled red onions, and romaine lettuce on a brioche bun. Chef Sundas, known for blending South Asian traditions with modern techniques, delivers a flavor-packed creation perfect for the season. beresovskys.com
You Can Go Home Again: Chef Matt Adler is joining Osteria Morini as their Culinary Advisor and bringing his signature flair and fresh ideas to the iconic restaurant. A true homecoming, Chef Matt was part of Osteria Morini’s opening team nearly 11 years ago. Reuniting with Executive Chef Kris Jimenez and the talented team that helped define Morini’s legacy, Chef Matt is rolling out exciting menu updates that honor the concept’s Northern Italian roots. 301 Water Street; osteriamorini.com
Champagne with Dinner: Ilili DC is now offering a Chicken and Champagne dinner, perfect for enjoying on a date night. Enjoy Black Truffled Sumac Whole Chicken paired with Ruinart Blanc de Blanc champagne. Pricing for the pairing is $305. 100 District Square; ililirestaurants.com
A Little Sweet, A Little Savory: Burger 7 is spicing up the classic burger and shake order this holiday season with a Baklava milkshake and a Bistro Burger. The Baklava shake includes chunks of homemade Baklava and the Bistro burger is both savory and sweet with caramelized onions, brie cheese, and apricot jam. 4533 Duke St, Alexandria, VA; burger7.com
It’s Dessert Season: Providencia announces chef Paola Velez as co-owner and co-chef of the newly opened Asian-Latin neighborhood cocktail bar. A visionary in the culinary world, Velez brings her creative expertise and cultural storytelling to Providencia, where she and fellow James Beard-nominated chef Erik Bruner-Yang collaborate to craft an inclusive, joyful dining experience. Providencia’s menu is a creative homage to Asian-Latin flavors, showcasing small plates, or "botanas," and desserts, "dulce," crafted with seasonal ingredients and cultural influences from Velez's Dominican heritage as well from Taiwan and El Salvador. 1321 Linden Court NE; instagram.com
Family Fun: Mulberry Lane Play Café has opened its doors. This designed play café blends engaging, supervised play for kids with a cozy, relaxing space for parents. Ideal for children ages 1-6, Mulberry Lane features themed play areas, enriching activities, and a café where parents can unwind or get work done. Its unique “Dine & Care” program, in partnership with Neighborhood Restaurant Group, allows families to enjoy local dining while kids play nearby, making it a perfect spot for both kids and adults. 2016 Mt. Vernon Ave; mulberrylaneva.com
Introducing Cynthia Bar & Bistro: Phil Coppage, owner of Irregardless since September 2023, is proud to announce that the H Street restaurant is changing its name and branding to Cynthia Bar & Bistro, named after his mother. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Chris Randriarimanana, who has been the head chef of Irregardless since the spring of 2023 and will serve an à la carte menu featuring house-made pastas, burgers, and seasonal soups and salads. Book here.
Manage The Bloat: RM Wellness, a premium mini-spa specializing in massage therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage, is now open in Georgetown. As the first woman-owned mini-spa of its kind in Washington, D.C., RM Wellness offers a range of personalizable services in a delightful, cozy space with a rotating display of art. 1228 ½ 31st ST NW; rmwellnessdc.com
30 New Tastes: At Seven Reasons, Chef Enrique Limardo has spent the last 5+ weeks recipe tasting and changing the menu to embrace smaller, shareable plates that incorporate broader flavors from his travels in and beyond Latin America. The menu now has 44 dishes from the previous 21 with ~30 completely new dishes. Highlights include Twilight Zone Escargots (Shiso-parsley aioli, goat cheese, spicy pork chicharrón - $19) & Sea & Earth Dumplings (Shrimp, blood sausage, sofrito, passion fruit ponzu, cured egg yolk - $19). 931 H St NW; sevenreasonsgroup.com
