Spring on a Plate: TheListAreYouOnIt’s Weekly Roundup of Things to Eat

April is here—and with it, the full bloom of spring. The chill of winter has finally thawed, making way for bright, fresh flavors and seasonal creativity across DC’s dining scene. Vibrant produce means local chefs are embracing the bounty of the season in unexpected and delicious ways. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’re spotlighting the dishes that capture this moment of renewal. Ready to savor spring?

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 

Tour del Taco in the DMV: This March, DMV residents are invited to participate in Tour Del Taco, a month-long campaign encouraging food lovers to explore local taco and pupusa restaurants, support the community, and compete for the ultimate title of DC’s “Taconnoisseur.” From March 1 to March 31, Tour del Taco participants will earn points by visiting taco and pupusa restaurants across the District. Taconnoisseurs will be crowned at an exclusive Tour del Taco Awards Party following this month-long promotional event. districtbridges.org

NEW & NOTEWORTHY: 

Rowdy, Bollywood Style: Tapori, which will celebrate Indian Street Food with the power to bridge communities through culinary prowess with regional dishes and cocktails from their native homeland has recently opened from Dante Datta and Chef Suresh Sundas. You can expect dishes like innovative street food such as Pani Puri, Vada Pav and Dosas, as well as recipes inspired from Chef Suresh’s single mom where he grew up in the impoverished rural village of the Pathari village of the Morang district in Nepal. Cocktails include an “Indianish” take on the classic Junglebird; and ingredients that include indigenous spices and fruits like chaat masala, jackfruit puree, kashmiri chili and hibiscus. 600 H street; taporidc.com

Viva Abejas: Viva Abejas is back this spring at dLena. From Tuesday, March 25, through Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, guests are invited to indulge in bee-centric dishes and drinks at the modern Mexican concept. 476 K Street; dlena.com

Picnic Weather: Hanami is a Japanese word that describes a favorite springtime activity—the viewing of cherry blossoms, often while having a picnic. Maktoto’s Hanami Picnic is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the concept of Hanami right here in D.C. (And if you’re planning to propose under the blossoms, we’ll provide the sushi and heart-shaped donuts; you pack the picnic blanket and the ring. What could be more romantic?) The Hanami Picnic can be ordered for pick-up or here. 

A Lunch of Convenience (Lunch Alert): The Mala Tang Biàndāng Lunch Box features three pre-fixe dishes and rice, served bento box style for $15. The term bento is derived from the Chinese term biandang (便當, pinyin: biàndāng), which means "convenient."The pre-fix menu will change daily but may include: Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, Sichuan String Beans. MalaTang.com

Lebanon+Mexico=Delicioso: Vera Cocina is a restaurant that showcases Lebanese Mexican food. This unique concept pays homage to the historical migration of Lebanese people to Veracruz, Mexico in the late 19th century, which is reflected in carefully curated design, as well as in every dish and drink. VeraDC.com

Chef Update: Shannan Troncoso at Denizen’s Brewing Co.: Denizens has a new food program with award-winning Chef Shannan Troncoso at the helm as Executive Chef. Chef Troncoso joins Denizens with more than 20 years in the restaurant industry and after a decade of operating her own critically acclaimed Washington, DC neighborhood restaurant, Brookland’s Finest. 4550 Van Buren St; denizensbrewingco.com

Nothing Accidental about The Occidental: The Occidental is back open. The Occidental’s menu is uniquely focused on reviving classic American fare for a new generation of diners. Think: Shrimp Louis, a bright, citrusy turn-of-the-century salad hailing from San Francisco, updated here with iceberg lettuce and housemade remoulade; Lobster Newberg, a cognac-and-cream laced lobster, popularized more than a century ago by New York’s legendary Delmonico’s; and Pheasant Under Glass, which returns to its place as the height of haute cuisine at the Occidental, paired with seared foie gras and jus. 1475 Pennsylvania Ave; theoccidentaldc.com

Oui! Mon Ami Gabi:  Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda has reopened at 7239 Woodmont Avenue, offering refreshed, expanded dining spaces and menu offerings at the “bistro classique.” Led by Executive Chefs Jason Mayle and Andrew Fleischauer, Mon Ami Gabi - Bethesda’s menu of French classics returns, including favorites like Steak Frites, Onion Soup Au Gratin and Escargots. A curated selection of new salads and sandwiches will join the lunch menu, along with several new brunch dishes, such as Truffled Scrambled Eggs and a Classic French Omelet. 

Mmm…akase: Chef Update: Bar Japonais, a French-Japanese fusion restaurant on 14th Street, announces the appointment of Michelin-starred chef Masaaki "Uchi" Uchino as the restaurant's new executive chef along with the addition of Omakase to their menu. The new 15 course offering will feature a rotating selection of exceptional seasonal ingredients. The inaugural Omakase menu is a tribute to spring and the beloved Cherry Blossom season in DC. Guests will enjoy a meticulously curated selection of seasonal delicacies, including spring sea bream, cherry blossom-steamed sushi firefly squid and cherry salmon. 1520 14th street; barjaponaisdc.com

Farmers Found in Alexandria: Founding Farmers is opening a new location in Alexandria, VA. Founding Farmers Alexandria will offer an inviting and vibrant dining experience to the Potomac Yard neighborhood.The new location features an expansive, American-inspired menu with rotisserie chicken, fried chicken & waffles, farmhouse sushi, fresh salads and sandwiches, homemade pastas, premium seafood, steaks, seasonal sides, and more. And let's not forget the indulgent desserts, including scratch-made cakes, pies, house-churned ice cream. 461 Swann Avenue; wearefoundingfarmers.com

Lovely Lunching (Lunch Alert): Nobu is now open for lunch. The new menu features a selection of Shoku (snacks) and Nobu Tacos (including tuna, salmon, lobster, wagyu, and more) alongside an array of Nobu classics (Yellowtail Jalapeno, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Black Cod Miso), and a la carte Nigiri, Sashimi and Maki options. For $40, guests can opt for a Hot Bento (Rock Shrimp Tempura; Black Cod Miso Vegetable Spicy Garlic Donburi) or Cold Bento box (Tuna Sashimi Salad; Salmon, Tuna, Whitefish, Shrimp Nigiri; Yellowtail Jalapeno Roll) lunch, both of which come with Miso Soup. Finally, for those looking to luxuriate in a midday meal, Nobu's Japanese A5 Wagyu Miyazaki Prefecture menu will also be available during lunch service. Lunch is available Monday through Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., and a limited menu is available for takeout. noburestaurants.com

Hi/Fi BBQ: From the mind of Chef Nathan Anda (Red Apron, Hi/Fi Tacoshop), Hi/Fi is a brick & mortar love letter to classic Tex-Mex and soulful Southern BBQ. We’re talking smoked meats done right – Texas brisket, Carolina-style pork, and more – all slow-cooked to perfection over a mix of offset and reverse flow smokers. Then, we take it up a notch, folding those flavors into tacos, nachos, and Tex-Mex-inspired creations. 8298 Glass Alley; Hi/Fi.com

Taste of Spain: Arrels has a new six-course tasting menu. Priced at $85 per person, with a vegetarian option for $75, this menu offers an exquisite culinary experience showcasing innovative flavors inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Highlights include a savory "Esqueixada" with torched tuna and a rich squid ink fideuà. Dessert lovers will also savor the goat milk chocolate crèmeux with strawberry sorbet. 333 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001; Arrels.com

NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: 

Six at Centrolina: Experience 6x James Beard nominee Chef Amy Brandwein's new 6-course dinner tasting menu with optional wine pairing in Centrolina's private Chef's Salon. Chef Amy's menu celebrates her mantra “simple is exquisite," showcasing the seasonal bounty of the Mid-Atlantic region and the versatility, grace, and overall delicacy of Italian cuisine. Each dish weaves Italian and global cuisine, creating an interesting dialogue of food and wine inspired by specific ingredients, concepts, and experiences. The tasting menu changes weekly and is available on Thursday and Friday. Limited seating available. Dinner is $175/person with an optional wine pairing for $125/person. 974 Palmer Alley, centrolinadc.com

Join Us at the Bar (Brunch Alert): Taste the flavors of Lebanon, Italy and Spain with River Club’s new prix-fixe 3-course brunch menu available at The Bar at River Club. Menu highlights include whipped labneh fruit brulee with raspberries, figs, pistachio crumble; Lebanese Breakfast with two eggs cooked sunny side up,  ground lamb, labne, tomato salad, pickles, and churros for the table! Pair your meal with an options cocktail bundle trio for $20! Select from a garibaldi, seasonal bellini, espresso martini and more. 3000 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20007; riverclubdc.com