You Are What You Eat: TheListAreYouOnIt’s Weekly Roundup of Things to Eat
March is here—a unique time when winter’s comforting flavors meet the fresh hints of spring. As we transition into this unpredictable season, the culinary scene in DC is serving up a delicious mix of cozy comforts and fresh, vibrant flavors. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’re diving into the seasonal shifts across local restaurants to bring you the must-try dishes. Ready to taste the transition?
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Looking for all the Saint Patrick’s Day offerings? Check here
Jacques Pépin Foundation Dinner Series: The Jacques Pepin foundation is hosting a new dinner series. The first one kicks off on March 20th. Chef/Partner Sébastien Giannini will present a seated five-course dinner highlighting French classics with a modern twist as his elegant, sultry Georgetown restaurant. Diners will enjoy a menu celebrating Jacques Pépin’s culinary legacy, including Lobster and Chicken Vol-au-Vent with Armoricaine Sauce, Duck à l’Orange, and more. Classic cocktails and an extensive wine list are also available. Reserve here.
A Taste of Ireland Awaits: Cheesetique: Explore the verdant hills of Ireland from the comfort of your own home with Cheesetique. You will learn about the cheese-making history of the region and taste five Irish cheeses along with a mouth-watering wine with Irish and Spanish heritage. Sláinte! Sign up here.
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
Vienna Restaurant Week: Experience the flavors of Vienna, Virginia, during the highly anticipated Vienna Restaurant Week, running from March 7–16, 2025. With nearly 40 participating restaurants, diners can indulge in everything from fine dining to fast-casual favorites. Whether you choose to dine in, order delivery, or pick up takeout, enjoy exclusive discounts, prix fixe menus, and à la carte specials crafted just for the occasion. To kick off the week-long celebration, join us for a Vienna Restaurant Week pop-up social event at the Vienna Town Green Town Plaza on Friday, March 7 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The Dames Bring It to the Table: Les Dames de Escoffier Symposium: Bringing It to the Table, on March 8, 2025 is coming up sooner than you think. Workshops include Facing Workforce Challenges: How to navigate immigration issues and foster inclusivity, What’s Your Gut Telling You? How to maximize the health of your innards, and more. The event schedule is as follows:
Welcome and International Women’s Day Address: Ashley Rose-Young, Food Historian and Smithsonian Research Associate
Session 1: “No & Low Alcohol: Beyond the Buzzwords” featuring sommeliers Nadine Brown of At Your Service Wine Experiencesand Vanessa Cominsky of Prestige Ledroit.
Session 2: “Addressing Demands of Modern Workplaces - from wages to immigration to health care” featuring Jody Tick executive director of Sunflower Bakery and Joanna James, founder of MAPP, Laura Calderone, chef and owner of Relish Catering, and Pamela Yee, lawyer and director of the nonprofit Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate, moderated by Tiffany MacIsaac, founder of Buttercream Bakeshop.
Session 3: “What’s your gut telling you? Ways to maximize the health of your innards,” featuring moderator Susan Barocas, writer, speaker and cook; Johanna Hellrigl, integrated nutrition health coach, chef and owner of Ama, and Sara Quinteros, rare-disease specialist, “At the Table Pod” co-host, and co-owner of Shilling Canning Co.
Session 4: “Be A Better Bread Baker: Home-based strategies to get you rolling in dough,” featuring moderator Katherine Miller, author, advocacy leader and strategist, Jill Nguyen baker and owner of Capitol Jill Baking, and Madelyn Smith executive director of the non-profit Common Grain Alliance *discussion and tasting.
Closing Panel: “Women Lead in the DMV,” featuring moderator Nycci Nellis, creator of “Industry Night” and co-host of “Foodie & the Beast, Nina Oduro co-founder of Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food, Masako Morishita, award-winning executive chef at Perry’s and Danielle Senior, founder and chief executive of Colada Shop.
Register here.
Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference in Las Vegas: The Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference presented by MAPP is having an epic 5-Year Anniversary celebration at the Wynn Las Vegas on March 30 & 31, 2025. For two unforgettable days, immerse yourself in keynote conversations, insightful panels, hands-on workshops, and mentorship speed-dating, all culminating in a spectacular GALA celebration. More info here.
DC’s Trailblazing Women: While women have traditionally faced challenges breaking into the culinary world, you’ll find them leading the kitchens of some the most exciting restaurants in Washington, D.C., today. Following the path paved by culinary innovators, including Julia Child, Alice Waters, and Washington’s own Nora Pouillon, today’s female trailblazers are making their distinctive mark on the capital’s dining scene. In an evening of lively conversation, join several of these star chefs as they discuss what it’s like to work in the male-dominated restaurant industry; how restaurant dining in Washington has evolved over the years; and what’s next on the region’s culinary horizon. Top things off with a bite from each of the chefs’ restaurants, along with cocktails provided by Thi Nguyen of Moon Rabbit and Sara Chaudhuri of Bresca. Registration for this program will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
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
A Taste of Truth: This March, Beresovsky’s Deli is teaming up with Centrolina and James Beard nominated Chef Amy
Brandwein of Centrolina. Chef Amy created “The Truth” sandwich, named after Sojourner Truth, the abolitionist and women’s rights advocate who fought for the rights of all people. The special sandwich features Roasted Portobello Mushroom, Crispy Eggplant, Lentil-Black Garlic Aioli, Potato Marinade, Honey-Wheat Brown Bread. This collaboration supports Martha’s Table, a community-led organization in D.C. that relies on the guidance of neighbors to fulfill its mission of building strong children, strong families, and strong communities. beresovskys.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
Apres Ski at a.kitchen + bar: Beat the winter blahs with the award-winning a.kitchen+bar tea (James Beard Foundation Award-winning Restaurateur Ellen Yin’s Philadelphia-based High Street Hospitality Group at their newest DC restaurant location at their "Apres Ski," a pop-up experience that's serving up cozy vibes, sweet tunes and good times. Every Friday and Saturday, their outdoor patio transforms into a winter retreat- think delicious winter warmers, comfy seating, faux fur throws and a fire pit to keep you nice and toasty with dishes like Comfort Food: Our culinary team has created a menu of winter-inspired dishes: Roasted Bonfire Oysters, Raclette + Fried Potatoes: Melted cheese and crispy potatoes, Kabocha Squash Minestron, Cassoulet with Smoked Lamb + Sabodet Sausage plus hot cocoa and Liege Waffles.1010 new Hampshire; akitchenandbardc.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:
Chef Update: Chef Domenica Cornacchia at Jackie: Jackie, a dynamic restaurant in the Navy Yard area, is excited to announce the appointment of Chef Domenico Cornacchia as its new Executive Chef. With over four decades of culinary expertise, Chef Domenico will continue to elevate the restaurant’s commitment to innovative menus blending Italian, Mediterranean, and American Coastal flavors.79 Potomac avenue; jackiedc.com
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
River Club at the Bar?: 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, labneh, tomato salad, pickles, and churros for the table. 3000 K St. NW; riverclubdc.com
Paradiso Pop-Up: Pizzeria Paradiso is returning to Alexandria. The ongoing pizza pop up is a collaboration between Chefs Ruth Gresser of Pizzeria Paradiso, and Jamie Leeds of Hank’s Oyster Bar, longtime friends and two of DC’s OG and most successful female restaurateurs. It’s also the first step in PP’s return to the area after its pandemic closure. Pizzeria Paradiso will be celebrating the launch by giving away 100 free pizzas from the Old Town location on International Women’s Day, March 8th. 818 N St Asaph St, Alexandria, VA; eatyourpizza.com
Jacques Pepin x Kitchen of Purpose: The Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) announces Kitchen of Purpose as their 2025 Partnership Circle Grant Awardee. Kitchen of Purpose uses the power of food to change lives. The only bilingual culinary job training program in the Washington, DC metro area, Kitchen of Purpose is a catalyst for economic development in marginalized communities. For over a decade, the organization has supported the professional and personal development of over 350 students from under-resourced communities, including immigrants and refugees from across the globe, veterans, returning citizens, and victims of domestic violence and other traumas. The JPF's Partnership Circle Grant, which was first distributed last year, provides $50,000 to one recipient over the course of two years. Its impactful generosity helps organizations enhance their core mission in culinary training and build a deeper relationship with the JPF. jp.foundation
Fraiche is Fresh: Fraiche (French for “Fresh”) a brand new restaurant on 14th St. NW in Columbia Heights is now open, offering a fresh take on culinary fusion with inspiration from multiple cultures including French, Cajun, South American, and Caribbean. The concept is led by Executive Chef and cookbook author Matt Price who has risen to social media fame with 1 million Instagram followers as Mr. Make It Happen. Dishes include garlic noodles, oxtail meatballs and more. 3345 14th St. NW; fraichedc.com
Bar Brunch (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
Slice & Pie + Federalist Pig = BBQ Pizza: Barbeque and pizza fans can rejoice and enjoy a new collaboration from 50 Top Pizza's #2 ranked slice shop in the U.S., Slice & Pie and two-time Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Federalist Pig. The two local, award-winning District-based businesses are combining their respective passions for pizza and classic American barbecue to launch a brand-new New York style pie, a collaborative effort from pizza master Giulio Adriani and pit master, Rob Sonderman. The Federalist Pig Pie, available exclusively at Slice & Pie, features a base of white garlic cream sauce with smoked mozzarella, chopped brisket (a Federalist Pig specialty), roasted potato, caramelized onions, pickled jalapenos, red onions and a garlic BBQ sauce drizzle. 241 14th Street, NW; federalistpig.com
Abbondanza (Brunch Alert): Stellina has started a weekend brunch menu, available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The menu features a selection of classic brunch dishes with an Italian twist, such as Cacio e Pepe topped with a fried egg, Pasta alla Carbonara with homemade tonnarelli, eggs, guanciale, pecorino romano, and toasted black pepper, and Pizza Bismark with tomato sauce, mushrooms, mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, sunny-side-up egg, and pecorino. stellinapizzeria.com
