Autumnal Menus
The air is feeling cooler, there's a cripsness in the breeze. The leaves are turning and falling and crunching beneath your feet. And with these changes come new menus and autumnal fare at area restaurants, that you do not want to miss:
NEW: Start Your Weekend Right (Brunch Alert): Indulge in a new brunch experience at Anju with new, innovative offerings. From the savory, melt-in-your-mouth Smash Galbi Burger, featuring a succulent ground short rib patty and galbi glaze, to the delightful Injeolmi French Toast, filled with red bean cream cheese and topped with soybean powder whipped cream, the menu boasts a fusion of Korean flavors that will elevate your brunch experience. 1805 18th St. NW; anjurestaurant.com
NEW: Saturdays Can Be Such a ~Drag~ (Drag Brunch Alert) : On the first and third Saturdays of each month, All Set's resident queens from the Haus of Stone will grace diners with performances filled with glitz, glamour, and greatest hits from gay icons. Included in this month’s lineup of shows is a special Halloween-themed performance on the 21st sure to send chills down diner’s spines. Doors for both shows will open at 11 am, with the performances beginning around noon. You can take in the show while enjoying New England brunch fare from All Set, including popular dishes such as the Maine Lobster Roll, four variations on an Eggs Benedict, or the classic French Toast. All Set will be serving Mimosa Pitchers alongside specialty brunch cocktails including the Green Monster, a gin and cava-based cocktail which takes its name from the vibrant matcha powder included in the drink. Reservations can be made here.
This Sandwich Has a Repu-Tay-tion: Dubbed “the Taylor Swift of breakfast sandwiches” Tim Ma’s new all-day cafe, Any Day Now, is creating lines around the block with the early morning meal. Menu highlights include General Tso’s chicken skins, barbecued spare ribs with a plum-guava sauce and a spin on chicken and waffles, with Korean-fried chicken and okonomiyaki-style waffles. 2 I St SE; anydaynowdc.com
The Only Way to Make French Toast + Panda Palooza: Baked By Yael is now serving challah french toast. The handmade Challah French Toast includes 100% Maple Syrup from Vermont (1.7oz bottle), and for a limited time, you'll receive a free small coffee or $2 OFF a Natalie's Juice of choice. Additionally Baked By Yael is joining the National Zoo in a giant farewell to DC's adorable and lovable pandas. Stop in the bakery (across from the zoo) during Panda Palooza for some panda-perfect fun. You can BOGO a panda cake pop and a regular cake pop with the discount code PANDAPALOOZA. 3000 Connecticut Ave. NW; Order here.
All Duck, No Dinner: Back by popular demand, MICHELIN-starred Bresca’s All Duck No Dinner Returns. Chef Ryan Ratino’s modern take on the classic Duck a la Presse centers around every tasty morsel of the bird- this five-course dinner is a guest favorite ($180 per person). 1906 14TH STREET NW; brescadc.co
NEW: Fresh Fall Menu: Chang Chang has created a new fall menu to ring in the season. The menu will feature several new dishes original to Chang Chang, including Shiitake Mushroom Spring Roll (featuring shiitakes sourced from Chang's Amish farmer partner in Ovid, New York); Shredded Chicken with Sweet Bean Sauce with pancakes; Pickled Garlic Scapes & Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce, and more. 1200 19th St NW ste 110; changchangdc.com
NEW: Taste of Pride Week: From Monday (10/2) through Sunday (10/8) the Capital Pride Alliance is bringing you a celebration of LGBTQ+ owned and allied restaurants in the National Capital Region. Throughout “Taste of Pride” week, participating bars and restaurants (which includes favorites like Shaw's Tavern, Jane Jane, As You Are Bar, Code Red, and Dovetail) will feature specially crafted meals. In addition, there will also be an opening party on Monday, October 2, at Lost Generation Brewery from 6:00 - 9:30 pm headlined and hosted by Kareem "Mr. Bake" Queeman of Mr. Bake Sweets to kick off the celebratory week. Guests can expect entertainment from DJ Tezrah, tastings from vendors like Hot Lola's and Vegan Junk Food, and a panel of DC's most prolific LGBTQ+ hospitality voices including experts Mr. Bake, writer Evan Caplan, and Shaw's Tavern Rob Heim (winner of the Rammys’ Manager of the Year 2022 award). Participation in this culinary experience will raise money for Capital Pride’s Pride365 Fund and support LGBTQ+ organizations in our community. Find out more information here.
Hands-on Sushi Class: Try your hands at Sushi Making at Cure Bar and Bistro. Elevate your culinary skills with a hands-on experience in the art of authentic sushi-making. Cure's master sushi chef will guide you through the process of crafting exquisite Sashimi, Nigiri, and Maki sushi while explaining the diverse range of seafood options and how to select the finest ingredients. This event happens every Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and is $95 per person to attend. Purchase tickets here.
DC Vegan Challenge: From October 1st-31st enjoy an entire month of BRAND NEW vegan options all over Washington DC for the second annual Washington DC Vegan Chef Challenge. During this time, restaurants throughout the Washington DC area will feature special vegan menu items. Diners have the opportunity to go out, enjoy meals, vote, comment, and post photos of the delicious vegan meals they have ordered. Find out more information here.
NEW: Spirit World Pairings at dLeña (Día de los Muertos Alert): dLeña has launched the return of its annual Día de los Muertos dining celebration this fall. From Tuesday, October 3, through Sunday, November 5, you are invited to experience the artistry of dLeña’s kitchen and bar programs on a journey that blends the lines between the spirit world and the physical realm. dLeña will feature a few of these paired themed menu items including the Empanadas de Muertos ($15) with guajillo, corn masa, cheese, chicken tinga, crema fresca, avocado, and cilantro purée from the ‘physical’ world, paired with an avocado mezcal shot from the ‘spirit’ world, and Filete de Mole Negro ($55) with beef tenderloin, housemade mole negro, heirloom carrot, butternut squash purée, marigold, and microgreen from the ‘physical’ world, paired with a mezcal sour from the ‘spirit’ world. 476 K Street NW; dlenadc.com
DC Michelin Announcement Heads to New York: There’s a new-look MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for New York, Chicago, and Washington – a one-night celebration of the best restaurants and professionals in the three cities on November 7. This event is an opportunity for these communities to gather together to share, celebrate, support and encourage one another. Recognized globally for excellence and quality, the MICHELIN Guide offers a selection of world-class restaurants. Find out more information here.
El Presidente by Stephen Starr, of Le Diplomate Fame…Get It?: Stephen Starr’s new endeavor, El Presidente, promises a neo-retro aesthetic and is a direct passport to the vibrant heart of Mexico City (CDMX) itself. The sprawling menu draws flavors, ingredients and techniques from across the country, featuring innovative dishes diners will find only at El Presidente. A feast of delights include Baja-style coastal oysters garnished with savory salsa negra and citrus miñoneta, barbecue bacon tacos made with salsa negra glaze, black beans, red chili salsa and queso fresco, enfrijoladas featuring queso oaxaca, black bean-chipotle sauce, fried plantains, crema, and queso fresco, pescado a la talla (whole grilled fish), as well as several riffs on guacamole that begin with rich, ripe Michoacán avocados. 1255 Union St. NE; elpresidentedc.com
Lunching Not Brunching : Just-announced FOOD & WINE Best New Chef in America, Isabel Coss, added two seasonal dishes to Lutèce’s brand new weekend lunch menu. First up, her “Puff Tarte” w/ figs and vanilla crème anglaise ($15) and her “Melon Pavlova” w/ anise hyssop, melon, and pastry cream ($16). 1522 Wisconsin Ave NW; lutecedc.com
NEW: Sip Series at the Farmhouse Bistro: The Crossvines opened its doors in Poolesville in early July along with its dining destination, The Farmhouse Bistro, led by Chef Luis Montesinos. Over the next few months, you can partake in their "Sip Series” consisting of themed monthly dinners from Chef Montesinos, along with specialty curated wine and/or cocktail pairings. Each dinner will be held in the intimate, private dining room at The Farmhouse Bistro, with only fourteen seats available per dinner. Upcoming themes include: the Spirited & Spooky Wine Dinner on Oct. 13, a Napa Valley Wine Dinner on Nov. 10 and a Sparkling Winemaker’s Dinner on Dec. 8. 16601 W Willard Rd; crossvines.com
Locals Who Lunch (Lunch Alert): All Mi Vida locations have launched a new lunch program that is guaranteed to make your work week a little bit sweeter. The additional weekday menu dubbed, "Locals Who Lunch" works two ways - you have the option of any entree for $14.99 or the option to make it a three-course meal for $24.99 which includes appetizer, entree, dessert or side. The menu is intended to give work-from-home guests an excuse to dine out for a fraction of the price, getting them out of their homes/offices and into the restaurant for a much-deserved break. 98 District Square SW; mividamexico.com
Ashok Bajaj’s Latest: Little Black Bird by Ashok Bajaj has recently opened. The name Little Black Bird is a nod to the French word for blackbird, merle. The wine list, which will have approximately 100 wines by the bottle and 12 by the glass, is being developed by Ranon (Ron) Balter, the group wine director of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group. Enjoy dishes such as Tart Flambe, Bacon Lardon, Onion, Gruyere, Garlic Labneh; Icelandic Cod, and more. 3309 Connecticut Avenue; littleblackbirddc.com
BBQ Taking Flight (Fantasy of Football Alert): BBQ lovers can kick off football season with a delicious take-home deal from Money Muscle BBQ. From now to Super Bowl Sunday, you can indulge in Money Muscle BBQ’s takeout Football Special ($40). The special features a chicken wing sampler which boasts a generous serving of 21 Party Wings in three classic flavors (Old Bay, Dry Rub, Honey Sriracha) and includes sides of Blue Cheese and Ranch. Orders can be placed here.
NEW: Flora Flora Sin Fin (Brunch Alert): Flora Flora, the Pendry Hotel’s signature Mexican-Peruvian restaurant has recently introduced a new brunch menu spotlighting traditional brunch favorites with Latin American twists. You can indulge in the Huevos Rancheros ($23) with a sunny-side-up egg, avocado, goat feta, and jalapenos served on top of a bed of refried beans with tortillas. For a true waterfront dining experience, you can order the Wharf Benedict ($26) which features crab cakes made from locally caught crabs, poached eggs, a drizzle of Old Bay hollandaise, and a side of home fries. 655 Water St SW; pendry.com
Meals the Whole Family Will Love (Back to School Alert): Busy families can start the back-to-school season off right at Fryer's Roadside and Money Muscle BBQ. During the entire month of September, Fryers is offering a back-to-school family meal deal for hungry kids and parents. The $45 meal for four includes the guest’s choice of either 20 Chicken Tenders or eight Whole Chicken Wings served with Hawaiian Rolls and four sauces. Also included in the meal is the guest’s choice of two classic sides, with options including Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Potato Wedges, and Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts. Money Muscle fans can enjoy their choice of a slow-smoked Full Rack of Ribs or one pound of Texas Sliced Brisket, accompanied by a pint of Collard Greens, a pint of Mac & Cheese, and a ½ skillet-sized Cornbread, all for just $50. 12830 New Hampshire Ave; Fryers; 8630 FENTON STREET,; MoneyMuscle
NEW: It’s a Dream Come True (Pizza Month Alert) : Chef Ruth Gresser and the Pizzeria Paradiso team plan to make this October’s Pizza Month celebrations the best yet. You can create your own pizza in a competition for a chance for it to be added to the menu. You can also order weekly pizza specials in October, each dreamed up by some of DC’s most popular social media influencers. PP will donate $1 from the sale of each of those pizzas to charities selected by the content creators, and the one that sells the most will also wind up as a special on PP’s November menu. 2003 P St NW; eatyourpizza.com
NEW: Doing It Sicilian-Style (Pizza Month Alert): Celebrate Pizza Month at Mia's Italian Kitchen with their delicious Sicilian-style rectangular pizzas cooked in a 800-degree brick oven. Delight in the traditional Margherita (Vegetarian); Di Carne for the meat lover with Pepperoni, spicy Italian sausage, meatball, pancetta, mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce; classic Pepperoni; the hearty Sausage & Peppers, caramelized onions, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, mixed herbs; Mediterranean (Vegetarian), Mozzarella, cherry tomato confit, Kalamata olives, shaved red onions, feta, mixed herbs. 100 King Street; miasitalian.com
NEW: An Apple Dumpling a Day…: Nama Ko is offering takeout options including sushi and sashimi alongside Japanese inspired dishes such as Wagyu Dumplings with a truffle soy dipping sauce. Try the “Almost Paradise” roll featuring Spicy Tuna, Avocado, Cucumber and Spicy Mango Sauce ($20). You can also head to Nama Ko as the weather gets cooler and indulge in new fall menu items from Executive Chef Derek Watson like his pork gyoza with Fuji apple and Japanese curry and Tobanyaki Fried Rice with Wagyu Short Rib, 5 year aged Kimchi, and Onsen Eggs. 1926 14th St NW; nama-ko.com
NEW: Oishii x Mah-Ze-Dahr Collab: Oishii has partnered with Mah-Ze-Dahr bakery to craft a Koyo berries and cream danish, a sumptuous flaky pastry with perfectly sweet Koyo berries nestled in a bed of vanilla pastry cream mixed with a hint of rose water for the perfect aromatic finish. It's a bite of an endless summer, crafted with delicious, always in season berries from Oishii’s indoor vertical farms in Jersey City. Stop by any of Mah-Ze-Dahr’s 6 locations across NYC, DC and VA from September 20th-October 20th to try the pastry. 1201 half street see; mahzedahrbakery.com
NEW: On Mondays, We Eat Pizza (Pizza Month Alert): Celebrate National Pizza Month all October long with Pupatella pizza (recently named #4 on The Washington Post’s latest DC area pizza ranking!). The Arlington born-and-bred pizzeria will be offering their signature prosciutto arugula pizza for just $10 every Monday (dine-in only) for the entire month of October. 5104 Wilson Blvd; pupatella.com
NEW: Mark Your Calendar: Shuck It!: Calling all local oyster & local beer enthusiasts to Tony & Joe's Seafood Place. There are $75 Tickets are now available for purchase for the annual Shuck It! festival. The beer and oyster festival takes place on Saturday, October 21st - 1pm to 5pm with live music from local DC bands The Yachtsmen and rockabilly legends Jumpin Jupiter. 3000 K Street NW; tonyandjoes.com
NEW: Events of Historic Proportions: The Tabard Inn has announced it's exclusive catering partnership with fellow Dupont Circle property, The Patterson Mansion. Now, Tabard Inn will be providing catering services, food, and beverage for all events there. The properties share a rich history, esteemed character, and a passion for the surrounding community and city. 15 Dupont Cir NW; pattersonmansion.com
Chef Matsuzaki’s New Menu at Wren: Wren has announced a new menu full of flavor. At Wren, the team drives inspiration through Japanese culture while adding modern American elements. Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, new entrées include the Kakuni Kushi featuring grilled miso braised short ribs garnished with shish chimichurri with kimchi slaw, inside soft bao buns; Hamachi Carpaccio with fresh yellowtail sashimi and avocado topped with warm jalapeño citrus soy. 1825 Capital One Drive South; wrentysons.com
Wise Up, Wise Guy: Wiseguy Pizza is bringing its authentic New York-style slices to shoppers and residents in Silver Spring and the DMV. Wiseguy Pizza’s ingredients originate from the finest sources: freshly-packed tomato sauce from California, all-natural cheese from Wisconsin, virgin olive oil and Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy. Alongside the classics, Wiseguy Pizza has a rotating menu of specials which includes vegan, and vegetarian as well as fun flavors such as Korean Chicken and Paneer Tikka. 11160 Veirs Mill Rd, Wheaton, MD; wiseguypizza.com
Fall-ing for Fall Flavors: The Waldorf Astoria has new fall flavors. Fall menus at Peacock Alley will feature season specials and farm-to table goodness showcasing fresh and sustainable produce from local growers. Highlights include Apple Cider Braised Pork Belly, a Fall Salad made with shave granny smith apples, pomegranates, and pumpkin seeds, and Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque. Be sure not to skip dessert - from Pumpkin Cheesecake to Tiramisu, each dessert is a tribute to the flavors of the season. 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; hilton.com
