Eats of the Week: The List’s Weekly Food Roundup
Summertime, and the livin' is easy... Join us as we delve into the lively DC culinary scene. We savor all the seasonal delights and have the 411 on the latest menus prepared by your local faves - and maybe some there’s a name or two that’s new to you. We are ready for some summer refreshments — you?
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
Northern Italian Flavors: Ama is a new all-day dining concept from husband-and-wife hospitality veterans Micah Wilder & Johanna Hellrigl embodying the essence of Northern Italy. An indoor-outdoor caffè and Genovese-style focacceria by day, Ama transforms into an aperitivo bar over the course of the afternoon and convivial restaurant by night. Hellrigl focuses on food’s ability to improve well-being and provide nourishment through the sourcing of whole, minimally processed ingredients such as unrefined sugars, grass-fed-and-finished meats, and regeneratively-farmed produce. Hellrigl aims to add to the typical American’s experience of Italian food, which predominantly leans toward Southern Italian flavors and dishes. The menu at Ama introduces signature Northern Italian flavors through ingredients such as chestnut flour, juniper, borage, and foraged bitter greens. The menu leans towards Ligurian seafood and coastal flavors in the spring and summer, before transitioning into the hearty comforts of Alto Adige in the fall and winter. Open for aperitivo and stuzzichini service Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, and dinner from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Sunday, Monday and caffè service will follow in the coming weeks. 885 New Jersey Avenue SE; amarestaurant.bar
AP x Shilling = delicious: All Purpose's Chefs Mike Friedman and Reid Shilling have collaborated on a seasonal pie featuring Shilling Canning Company's jarred tomatoes (a mix of Roma tomatoes from Fireside Farm in Western Loudoun County and Karma Farm's Sunrise Sauce Tomatoes from Monkton, MD). Reid peels, packs, and processes all product by hand; in turn, Mikey uses it as the base for the ultimate summer pizza called Shilling Reid’s tomatoes, mozz, fresh ricotta, summer herbs, pickled sweet & Calabrian chilis, toasted sesame, chili honey. allpurposedc.com
Hen quarter Not Pen: Thompson Hospitality, just announced its official opening of Hen Quarter Prime – a more upscale, grown-up version of the Hen Quarter many know and love in Virginia’s Old Town. The menu presents some of the same celebrated Southern fare such as Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles with several new additions and a new Grande Buffet Brunch on Sundays. 2121 1st Street SW; henquarter.com
Category: Cools You Off: The dessert of the summer has been anointed: Tonari’s kakigori, the delicate, cooling shaved ice treat that is as refreshing as it is artful. Kuramoto slowly freezes the ice, layer by layer over 72 hours, to achieve a certain level of purity and clarity. Needing to be tempered—Tonari exposes the ice blocks to a warmer temperature for periods of time before shaving the cube on the machine—the result is fluffy and airy. This is one of the critical techniques in making kakigori: If the ice block is too cold, the ice becomes more brittle. Instead, imagine kakigori is the iced version of cotton candy. Tonari’s kakigori flavors include: strawberry (ichigo), green tea (matcha), coffee, watermelon and wafu Italian ice, which is flavored with lemon and Calpico syrups. The syrups feature fresh seasonal fruits and dairy bases. 707 6th St NW; tonaridc.com
Caviar hour (need we say more): Apéro, the multi-award winning modern French restaurant, champagne and caviar bar in Georgetown, is expanding hours for its “Caviar Hour” this summer. From tuesday through Friday, you can enjoy Happy Hour pricing for Caviar and Champagne pairings run from $44 - $128 for 2 people. Martinis and a selection of wine by the glass are available for $9, and snacks like potato chips and deviled eggs, pickles, and olives are $5. 2622 P Street; aperodc.com
Popsicle Pop Up: Hank’s Oyster Bar is kicking off a Pop(sicle) Pop up at Q Street, its hidden indoor/outdoor bar. The menu will feature ice cream truck/popsicle inspired décor and cocktails (think Flintstones Push Pop and Good Humor inspired frozen drinks), and of summer vibey music. 1624 Q Street; hanksoysterbar.com
Mi casa su casa: Mi Casa has undergone a transformation into a quick-service taqueria and cantina. The new operating hours will be from 11:30 am to 8pm daily, with a special happy hour offering Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm. The menu features signature tacos, including Korean Fried Chicken, Butter Chicken, Smashburger, Seared Ahi Tuna, and classic favorites such as Al Pastor, Pollo al Carbon, Carnitas, and Beef Birria. Border Classics will remain with items such as their Fajitas, Burritos, and Quesadillas. The beverage menu will continue to rely on an extensive tequila collection and a strong Mexican influence where you can Indulge in a variety of margaritas, tropical cocktails, and a diverse selection of mezcals. 1647 20th Street; micasa-mexico.com
Nomadic Moves: Immigrant Food is opening their first location outside of DC in Ballston. Director and Executive Chef, Japanese American Chef Ben Murray, on display. Chef Ben brings a fresh perspective to the full service restaurant with recognizable yet unique shareable favorites like Fried Chicken w/ a Filipino twist or a Miso Caesar Salad. For the location, Immigrant Food intentionally chose a location at the global headquarters of The Nature Conservancy. Immigrant Food will honor that partnership with a signature cocktail called "The Kanha," design touches, and several new eco-friendly practices. 4245 N Fairfax Drive; immigrantfood.com
100k to Sloppy Mommas BBQ: Arlington’s Sloppy Mama’s BBQ has been announced as the winner of the $100K Pork Chop Challenge at the RAMMYS. The challenge celebrates the finest pork chop dishes in the Capital Beltway area, chosen by the people. This exciting event culminates in awarding a $100,000 prize to the winning restaurant and donating $100,000 worth of pork products to the Capital Area Food Bank. 5731 Langston Boulevard; sloppymamas.com
Now an a La Carte Experience: El Cielo is participating in Summer Restaurant Week, offering a delectable three-course menu priced at $65 per person. You are invited to indulge in a curated selection of starters, entrées, and desserts, showcasing the innovative and contemporary Colombian cuisine that El Cielo is renowned for like ceviche, quail and more. 1280 4th St NE; elcielowashington.com
The Perfect Meal: Chef Mike Friedman's beloved All-Purpose restaurants are partaking in RAMW Summer Restaurant Week with special brunch and dinner menus. You can mix and match classic starters like the AP Caesar Salad, Roasted Garlic Knots, and Arancini with a selection of Friedman's deck-oven pies, then finish it off with Tiramisu, Rainbow Cake, and other desserts. allpurposedc.com
Non-partisan Dining: Chef David Guas has opened their first full-service restaurant with Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen. From fire-roasting to baking, each dish on the seasonal menu is touched by fire in some form or another, utilizing Marra Forni wood-burning oven. The Menu celebrates small farmers, heritage growers, and fisherman – regionally, from the Mid-Atlantic and Virginia to the bountiful Gulf Coast. Standout dishes include the NG Caesar with Baby Romaine, crispy Parmesan Crumble, and White Anchovy Filets; The Chop - Wood-fired Bone-in Pork Chop with Whole Grain Mustard Pan Sauce and a Fennel and Green Apple Slaw. 6641 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA; neutralgroundbarandkitchen.com
Mozzarella Fest is Back: Cheestique is hosting the perfect event for cheese lovers. Mozzarella fest will immerse you into the cheese delicacy with events like an online Italian masterclass and an Italian party on the riviera. cheesetique.com
Come for the Tennis, Stay for the Michelin Chefs: The Mubadala Citi Open is bringing in unique culinary offerings with Michelin-stared chefs and restaurants providing food at the tournament. As you dine on restaurants like Gravitas and Chef Jose Andres, you can also enjoy off-court experiences like meet & greets with the players. This year’s tournament will showcase culinary offerings from five Michelin-starred chefs, including José Andrés, Patrick O’Connell from The Inn at Little Washington, Michael Rafidi from Albi, The Dabney’s Jeremiah Langhorne and Matt Baker from Gravitas. mubadalacitidcopen.com
Japonais Izakaya, Now Open: The team behind Bar Chinois (Dean Mosones, Mark Minicucci, Margaux Donati and Jake Simpson) launched a new izakaya restaurant to provide a sophisticated atmosphere blending Japanese fare and French cocktails. Enjoy dinner and drinks Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to midnight at Bar Japonais, with the kitchen closing at 11:00 p.m. The menu features a fusion of inventive and traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of skewers, appetizers, salads, sashimi, hand rolls, mains, and desserts. 1520 14th Street NW; barjaponaisdc.com
Chef Update: Cicile Mendy at Cork Wine Bar: Cork Wine Bar and Market owners, Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts, have introduced the Logan Circle wine bar’s new executive chef, Cicile Mendy. Chef Cicile is a classically trained chef, having received her culinary education in France with experience at French bistros and hotels in Europe. Most recently, she was the sous chef at Belgian restaurant Et Voilà! in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, DC. Chef Cicile will focus on dishes that pair expertly with Cork’s selection of sustainable wines from small producers, such as black bass carpaccio with pickled beets, crunchy potatoes and lemon gelée; Duck confit with smashed fingerlings, arugula and orange; and beef tartare with cornichons, capers, shallots and chives. 1805 14th Street NW; corkdc.com
Spit & Polish: Georgetown’s Farmers, Fishers, Bakers has recently reopened after renovations throughout the restaurant. Updated seating and design give the restaurant an elegant and elevated feeling throughout. In addition to the main dining room & bar, they’ve built a brand-new dessert & pastry studio. Open year-round, the patio is fully equipped with state-of-the-art heaters, ceiling fans, and retractable sides. Plus, the patio is also available for large parties and private events. With seating for 28 guests and complete with A/V equipment, the private dining room, The Captain’s Proper, can be transformed for any kind of special gathering. Located to the side of the main dining room, this room is cozy, charming, and perfect for birthday parties, graduation dinners, corporate happy hours, and more. wearefoundingfarmers.com
Royale with Cheese: La Bohème in Georgetown, the newer concept above Apéro with rotating seasonal tasting menus inspired by groundbreaking artists, launched its latest theme and menu, inspired by the films of Quentin Tarantino. Menu items include nods to “From Dusk Til Dawn” featuring Holy Water & Crosses, watermelon gazpacho, compressed yellow watermelon, jalapeno oil, cilantro oil, garlic crostini crosses, paired with “Father Mortimer's Shotgun” (cucumber melon jus, gin, lemon, sparkling wine, cilantro-chili oil), and “Reservoir Dogs”, featuring Stuck in the Middle with You (heirloom cherry tomatoes, goat cheese cremieux, cucumber & melon granita, hibiscus balsamic reduction), paired with Why Am I Mr. Pink? (fresh tomato-melon lassi, hibiscus vodka, lemon, basil oil drops). 2622 P Street NW; labohemedc.com
Labne Stuffed Croissants Now in Union Market: The Levantine café known for pastries, mezze, wood-fired pita sandwiches, and specialty coffee, Yellow, has opened its Union Market location. In addition to its familiar sweet and savory menu options, Yellow Union Market will open in the evenings to serve “All the Kebabs” from the hearth grill. Just as the (not) Pizza menu is only available in Georgetown, when it launches later this summer, “All the Kebabs” will be a unique offering for Union Market available for walk-ins and reservation seating. With the charcoal grill at its heart, highlights will include steel-skewered offerings like leg of lamb with dill yogurt marinade, bavette steak with chermoula yogurt, grape leaf swordfish, and amba chicken with fermented mango. Accenting the grilled items will be sides like red shatta cucumbers, beet pickled turnips, and spreads and condiments. Led by coffee director Ayat Elhag, the hot beverage list blends creative, Levantine-inspired specialty drinks with intentionally sourced Counter Culture coffee. 417 Morse St NE; yellowthecafe.com
#100KPorkChopChallenge Finalists: The Virginia Pork Council, along with the Iowa Pork Producers Association, North Carolina Pork Council, National Restaurant Association, and Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, has announced the top five finalists for the #100kPorkChop Challenge. After weeks of voting from the public, the People's Pork Chop Awards finalists are: Dauphine’s, Death Punch Bar, Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen, Rasika West End, and Sloppy Mama’s BBQ. The finalists then advanced to the final judging round, where culinary professionals and pork producers will evaluate their dishes. The competition winner will be announced at the 42nd RAMMY Awards Gala on July 21. The winning restaurant will receive a grand prize of $100,000, and an additional $100,000 worth of pork products will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank, highlighting the competition’s commitment to fighting hunger and supporting the local community. More details can be found here.
Packing a picnic? Check out our list of all the best spots to find provisions to fill your basket, here.
Cool summertime ice cream recs: Check out our list of favorites, here.
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Pranzo alla Romana: Mikey Friedman's Roman restaurant, Aventino, has launched a new lunch special. Pair any lunch pasta with your choice of two Lazio, IT wines by-the-glass for just $30. Pastas include tonnarelli cacio e pepe, mafalde alla Liguria, rigatoni carbonara, lumache all’amatriciana, and spaghetti limone. The new 'Pranzo alla Romana' special is available alongside the full a la carte lunch menu. 4747 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda; aventinocucina.com
Shop Outdoors: The TPSS Co-Op (Tacoma Park Silver Spring Co - Op) grocery store has moved it's operation outside to enjoy the weather. The tent will be open from 8-9pm with a large selection of produce, bulk items and more. tpss.coop
Dining with Dignity: Little Miner taco has opened in Rockville Town Center with a new initiative to help pay off student meal debt for students in Montgomery County. Little Miner taco will donate 100% of the proceed of kids meals to MCPS meal debt program. 39 Maryland Avenue; littleminertaco.com
Fire Fridays: Experience live fire cooking from Michelin-starred Chef Chris Morgan on the patio at MayBar at Joon. The menu will consist of seasonal specials alongside steaks and kebabs made to order on the custom grill. The menu will be available outside and inside from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA; themaybar.com
Midday Menu: Elevate your afternoons at Josephine with their new midday menu available weekday afternoons. Pair happy hour drinks with snacks like the salted nut mix and Castelvetrano olives. Indulge in hors d’oeuvres such as Wagyu steak tartare with capers and quail egg, onion soup granitée, and escargot in puff pastry. Follow up with steak frites, or the burger Josephine with bacon & onion jam. 109 South Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria; josephineoldtown.com
Brunch with Your Pup: During weekend brunch on their covered patio, JOY by Seven Reasons offers a popular "Yappy Hour" so the whole family can enjoy. This pup friendly menu from Michelin-starred Chef Enrique Limardo and Chef William Morles includes fun options like mini Burgers, a tropical pupsicle (Coconut milk, pineapple, orange and mango), a watermelon strawberry mint frosty, and salmon with rice and veggies. For humans, their Venezuelan + broader Latin American brunch menu has favorites like corn pancakes, guava cheesecake waffles, and their famous colossal short rib sandwich. sevenreasonsgroup.com
Lunch Bunch (Lunch Alert): Bourbon Steak has launched a special lunch menu, curated by executive chef Quentin Welch. For $32, you can enjoy a burger or sandwich with a side, zero proof cocktail, and a sweet treat to finish. Choose from several burgers and sandwiches, like the renowned Wagyu Double Burger, or have your fill with the Slider Trio, featuring prime steak, heritage turkey, and quinoa sliders. Opt for the leafy mixed green salad or go for the crispy malt vinegar fries on the side. Sip on a zero proof cocktail by lead bartender Engidawork Alebachew, like the West Indian Limeade, and finish with their beloved ice cream sandwich. 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; bourbonsteakdc.com
Focaccia, Please: James Beard semifinalist Mike Friedman has opened a new Italian café and market, Fossette Focacceria. The new all-day concept showcases a tight menu of Italian-inspired breakfast items, pastries, and sandwiches on housemade focaccia alongside espresso drinks featuring Coava Coffee Roasters (the only location in the District to carry the roaster) and a market stocked with pantry goods, cookbooks, canned beers, wines, and more. Fossette Focacceria is adjacent to the group’s original All-Purpose Pizzeria location and will eventually sell Friedman’s signature AP Caesar dressing, tomato sauce, “dippies,” and more from the beloved pizzeria’s menu. The menu is inspired by traditional focaccerie in Italy; the café and market will feature sweet and savory colazione (breakfast) menu items from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.; Focaccia sandwiches will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 1250 9th Street NW; fossettedc.com
The Latest Dinner Club: From the co-founders of Residents Cafe and Bar, River Club invites you to embark on an adventure through the flavors of Lebanon, Italy, and Spain. From mezze style plates to craft cocktails, River Club is designed for comfortable elegance with completely custom furniture and bespoke design elements. riverclubdc.com
Get Crackin’: For $99 per person, enjoy all you can eat Maryland blue crab, corn on the cob, chicken wings, and French fries for parties of ten or more at Ivy City Smokehouse. Email [email protected] to book your party and get to crackin’. 1356 Okie Street NE; tavern.ivycitysmokehouse.com
Up on the Roof: Rooftop Kitchen has added new bites to their summer menu for you to enjoy. Try the Smash burger with two griddled patties, secret sauce and a side of fries. And for dessert, you have to try the Campfire S'mores sundae with ice cream, marshmallows and more. 14 Ridge Square; rooftopkitchendc.com
Très Petite: Acclaimed chef Jeremiah Langhorne and his team have announced that Petite Cerise will offer a four-course prix fixe dinner menu in the dining room for $58 per person. This new menu will highlight and celebrate the wonderful ingredients from within the Mid-Atlantic region, and beyond, skillfully prepared through an entirely new French culinary lens. 1027 7th Street NW; petitecerisedc.com
Quiet, Please…~yay~: In response to some diners’ desire for quieter restaurant experiences, Ceibo is testing lower volume hours at the restaurant. On Sundays during the lunch hours (noon - 3:00 p.m.) and for Sunday 5:00 p.m. dinner reservations, Ceibo will change the music to a quieter, lo-fi playlist, and encourage a quieter atmosphere for a more serene experience. The hours and days may expand, depending on the dining community’s response. Ceibo is a contemporary restaurant and cocktail and wine bar in Adams Morgan, from brothers Manuel and Chef Juan Olivera. Named for the flowers of the ceibo tree, Ceibo draws inspiration from the bustling bar culture of South America’s cosmopolitan cities, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. 2106 18th Street NW; ceibodc.com
New & Improved: Duke’s Grocery’s original location in Dupont Circle has officially reopened its doors. Beyond the new foundation and base building systems, upgrades to the historic building Duke’s Grocery has called home since 2013 include the expansion of the kitchen’s capacity and restaurant hood. This allowed the addition of a deep fryer, so the location will now be able to serve French fries along with the award-winning Proper Burger®, while providing more possibilities and flexibility for Executive Chef Greg Heitzig’s culinary team. Draught beer lines were installed in the East London-inspired gastropub, so more “bevvy” options will also be available. 1513 17th Street NW; https://www.dukesgrocery.com
Hi-Fi at Evening Star (Brunch Alert): Join Evening Star every weekend for an exciting new brunch experience. Savor the Tex-Mex barbecue flavors that Hi/Fi is famous for, now at Evening Star Cafe. Enjoy your brunch indoors or in the Hi/Fi beer garden. Menu items include yeasted waffle with nutella whipped cream, fried green tomato eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros, and taco salad. eveningstarcafe.net
Presto! (Lunch Alert): Visit Corso Italian for a quick and delicious lunch break. Choose any two items from their frequently changing Presto! menu for $22. The menu includes a rotating mix of sandwiches, appetizers, pastas, drinks, and desserts. Get a sandwich and a spritz, a salad and a dessert, a dessert and another dessert…whatever your Italian-loving heart desires. Presto! Menu available at the bar only, from open until 3:00 p.m. daily, including weekends. corsoitalian.square.site
Noodles for Days (Brunch Alert): Experience an unlimited-plates-brunch every Saturday and Sunday at Cranes for $62 per person. The menu features a variety of tapas, such as patatas bravas and shrimp tempura, egg dishes such as Oyakodon with chicken & egg and huevos al plato, and ramen selections like vegetarian red miso and seafood. Finish your meal with brown butter churros and Basque cheesecake. 724 9th Street NW; cranes-dc.com
Second Top Slice: Slice & Pie, the New York and Detroit-style pizza shop from Italian-born master Giulio Adriani, was named the second-best slice shop in the United States. The honor comes from the respected organization 50 Top Pizza, an Italian pizza evaluation site in Paestum, Italy, which ranks pizzas across the globe annually. Their U.S. lists are often dominated by New York businesses, making Slice & Pie’s inclusion as a D.C.-based business even more meaningful. Adriani, the mastermind behind several of New York City’s top-rated pizzerias, created a streamlined menu of NY and Detroit-style pies and slices. Current bestsellers include their Detroit-style Pepperoni & Hot Honey, and NY-style Burrata, Meat Lovers, as well as classics, Cheese and Pepperoni. The shop shares a space with Lucy, a bar and restaurant which leans into Adriani’s Neapolitan roots with a menu of authentic pizzas, pastas, spritzes, and more. Adriani’s uncompromising standards of excellence can be found in the pies at both concepts, which feature always fresh, handmade dough and house-made mozzarella. 2221 14th Street NW; 50toppizza.it
