Spring is on the Menu: 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:
Latin Restaurant Week: Latin Restaurant Weeks is back in the DMV for its second year to celebrate, support, and uplift the many Latin culinary businesses in the area. The inaugural year drove business and awareness to 44 participants across the metro area. With this announcement, we hope to encourage even more businesses to join and have the platform they deserve. Stay tuned for the full list of participants, to be announced just before the campaign kicks off on May 2. latinrestaurantweeks.com
Sparkling Brunch: Join acclaimed wine writer and speaker Julia Coney on May 4th 2025 @ 11AM for an extraordinary morning atop one of D.C.’s most iconic rooftops — where refined cuisine meets curated wine pairings, and the city unfolds before you. Set against the most anticipated views of Washington DC, this exclusive brunch invites guests into a space where elegance is effortless, and every sip tells a story. Tickets here.
Lamb Butchering Dinner: Go to UnWined for a unique experience where you can learn about the art of butchering lamb while enjoying a delicious dinner and wine pairings. Watch Chef Madeline Kish of Revel demonstrate the process of breaking down a whole lamb, explaining each cut and its culinary uses. After the demonstration, sit down to a mouth-watering dinner featuring various lamb dishes and wine pairings by Nikki Drake. Tuesday, May 6, 7:15 - 9:00pm. Tickets here.
One Night Only: JBF Collab Dinner: Experience innovative Vietnamese with Denver's Sắp Sửa and Washington D.C.’s Moon Rabbit! In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Denver’s acclaimed restaurant Sắp Sửa, from Vietnamese American chef, Ni Nguyen, and his partner, Chef Anna Nguyen, will cook alongside chef Long Nguyen and Best Chef Mid-Atlantic 2024 nominee, Chef Kevin Tien, of Moon Rabbit. This celebratory evening will honor the rich food traditions of Vietnamese culture while empowering these talented AAPI chefs. Purchase here.
PowerUp DC: Small businesses are the heart of D.C.’s economy and POWERUP DC is back to help them thrive. This free, all-day business summit is designed to provide local entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners with the tools, connections, and insights they need to grow and succeed in a rapidly changing landscape. May 6, 2025. 8:00am-3:00pm. More info here.
Tacos & Tequila: On May 17 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, you can have tacos & Tequila with a special event at Na's Park. Your ticket includes 12 tequila and cocktail tastings plus a free taco sample from some of the best in the game, including in-park favorite and reigning Tacos & Tequila champion Los Cincos Tacos. Sip on 90+ tequilas including Tapatio Tequila, Arette Tequila, La Medida and Macurichos, and more while savoring tacos from DC favorites like El Bebe, Taqueria Habanero, El Techo, and Taqueria Xochi. Plus, enjoy music from dueling DJs—DJ Rise and Mr. Styles.Get tickets here.
Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ NOVA: Northern Virginia’s Biggest, Baddest, Bone-In BBQ Fest is back and ready for more at the same great location as last year...the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas, VA! Easily accessible from Maryland, Virginia and DC. This 4th Annual affair offers up all those pleasures that true Southerners live by - Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! May 3, 2025 – Prince William Co. Fairgrounds, Manassas, VA 20112. nova.beerandbourbon.com
LambJam: Get ready to jam out with your lamb out, because the 2025 Lamb Jam Happy Hour Tour is making its D.C. stop on Tuesday, May 21st at Autoshop in Union Market, and you don’t want to miss a bite. Presented by the American Lamb Board, Lamb Jam is a coast-to-coast celebration of the bold flavor and versatility of American lamb, spotlighting the chefs who know how to cook it best. After months of showcasing creative lamb bites at top restaurants, the Lamb Jam Happy Hour Tour brings all the heat (and the meat) together for one flavorful night. americanlamb.com
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
Start ‘Em Young: The 2025 Sur La Table Kids & Teens Summer Series is now open for registration! This year, the series will run for 14 weeks, from May 27-August 29, perfect for those summer months where kids (and parents) are trying to fill their days with something fun and educational. The Sur La Table summer cooking series is designed to send kids and teens on a culinary adventure. Whether your child is well-versed in kitchen techniques already or they’re completely new to cooking and baking, they’ll love this immersive experience filled with delicious foods and hands-on tasks. The 2025 series will focus on two main themes: baking and global cooking. Apply here.
Locals Get the All Star: Whole Foods Market has just announced its 2024 Supplier All-Star Award recipients, and Laoban, based in DC, has been recognized as one of this year’s standout partners. Local chef Tim Ma and Patrick Coyne are the creators of the concept after falling in love with dumpling shops while teaching English in China after college. laobandumplings.com
The Wharf’s La Vie Reopens: La Vie at The Wharf, has reopened with a renewed Mediterranean spirit, the addition of exciting culinary talent, and a fresh experiential approach that blends vibrant cuisine with celebration and culture.It features an immersive dining experience with live entertainment, and dishes crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Delgado alongside new Chef de Cuisine Aseem Charan. lavie-dc.com
Fish Shop Opening: The Fish shop has opened founded by Iwan and Manuela Wirth of Hauser & Wirth – will open Fish Shop Washington on the Wharf. Fish Shop in Ballater, Scotland honors the traditions and heritage of the local community of which fishing is at the heart, and this ethos is being taken across the Atlantic to Washington, D.C. The menu will be led by the seasons to create a seafood focused offering, making use of what is abundant and available from the surrounding areas. Hero dishes from Fish Shop Ballater that fit in with these principles such as crab crumpets will feature alongside bar snacks and freshly prepared seasonal vegetable and meat dishes. Fish Shop will have its own fish preparation room and deal only with whole fish to minimize waste and to allow chefs to cure, dry and age fish. 610 Water Street SW; fishshopdc.com
Let Them Eat Cake: Carnegie Diner & Café in Vienna is excited to host its first-ever 1st Annual OMG 24-Layer Cake Competition at the Taste of Vienna on Saturday, April 26th from 11am to 8pm, with the competition running from 2pm - 3pm. This event will be hosted by The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Although there’s no pet policy, the totally free event is open to all and just requires an RSVP to attend and spectate. Bring your friends out to watch local contestants compete to finish a massive 1-kilogram slice of their delicious 24-layer Chocolate Cake — no forks, no cutlery, just pure cake-loving determination. @carnegiediner
Marcus Is In the House: Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson makes his debut in the nation’s capital with the opening of Sly, an elevated rooftop bar at The Morrow Hotel. Helmed by Executive Chef Anthony Jones, The menu, crafted by Samuelsson and Jones, will showcase local seafood, seasonal produce, and globally inspired flavors. The culinary experience highlights raw bites, shareable snacks, entrées, and treats. 222 M Street; marcusdc.com
Fabulous Flavors: In celebration of spring, Pitango Gelato will offer new and returning seasonal flavors at each of its seven locations. While supplies last, the gelateria will offer its new Chocolate Mint Chip, made with peppermint infused dark chocolate chips and milk chocolate gelato. On May 9th and in recognition of National Strawberry Month, guests can enjoy Strawberries and Cream gelato made with gently roasted fresh strawberries swirled with Fior di Latte gelato. Fior di Latte, which means “flower of milk” in Italian, is made with organic milk and cream provided by Pitango’s cows in Glen Arm, Maryland. pitangogelato.
Supping at the Supper Club: Inspired by iconic dining and nightlife experiences in Mykonos, Dubai, and Saint-Tropez, Gaia Supperclub reimagines the supper club for a D.C. audience with world-class culinary offerings, live entertainment, and a transportive atmosphere that blurs the line between dinner and nightlife.The menu boasts dishes like Deep Fried Hummus, a Latin twist on refried beans with an airy mousse-like texture; Chicken Nuggets topped crème fraiche, caviar; and flakes of 24 karat edible gold; and a 1 ½ pound Tomahawk Ribeye served with truffle butter, chimichurri, and tiger sauce. 1025 Vermont Avenue NW; Gaia.com
Caffè del Parco, an Italian Pop Up: Caffè del Parco, a seasonal Italian pop-up, is now open Fridays through Sundays from noon to 8:00 p.m., tucked just off the Willard InterContinental’s grand lobby in the elegant Lincoln Library. The pop-up’s name hints at its Italian roots—bringing la dolce vita to the heart of D.C. for a limited time only. They’ve crafted a multi-course menu featuring the soup of the day, risotto, handmade pappardelle, and a decadent dessert paired with thoughtfully selected Italian wines. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20004, USA; washington.intercontinental.com
West African Suya Sundays: All Set Restaurant & Bar has recently launched a Suya Sundays pop-up series in collaboration with Suya Factory, a DMV-based street food concept lead by Samuel “DJ Chick” Mobit. From 4pm through 9pm each Sunday, Executive Chef Ed Reavis (All Set, Money Muscle BBQ, and Fryer’s Roadside) and DJ Chick will serve suya, a West African dish of marinated skewered meats cooked on a grill, alongside a variety of sides for takeout, delivery, and dine-in service. You will be able to enjoy Afrobeats from local DJ Etn as well as All Set’s full food and beverage menus during the pop-up. The current Suya Sundays menu offers a choice of three proteins, accompanied with sides of Pickled Onion, Red Pepper Sauce, and Plantains. 8630 Fenton Street, Plaza 5; allsetrestaurant.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Bar Angie = Bistro Vibes: The team behind Dupont’s Balos, brings Bar Angie, a new day-to-night bistro now open in the West End. Inspired by classic New York neighborhood spots and infused with European charm, Bar Angie serves crave-worthy fare—think a luxe Wagyu French Dip, Fried Cream Cheese Caesar, and the over-the-top “Angie Chop Martini,” a crispy pork chop topped with peppers and Parm. At its heart, Bar Angie is a martini bar, featuring an extensive cocktail list and a curated lineup of espresso martinis in partnership with NYC’s For Five Coffee Roasters. Designed with moody lighting, and a Parisian-style zinc bar, Bar Angie offers indoor and outdoor patio seating. Adding to the ambiance: live jazz several nights a week. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch on weekends. Located at 2300 N Street NW, for more information visit, theangierestaurants.com
Isn’t this Swell?: Vagabond has introduced its latest Swell Menu, this time celebrating the vibrant flavors of El Salvador. Expect bold staples like shrimp ceviche, yuca con chicharrón, and crispy-sweet nuegados. And of course, no trip is complete without a drink—Punta Mango, made with mango-infused blanco tequila, chamoy, aquafaba, and a tajín rim, brings the perfect tropical kick. Beyond the Swell Menu, Vagabond’s general offerings have also leveled up with new favorites like slow-roasted pernil, pork belly confit, a stacked surf & turf board, and mole cauliflower—all designed to satisfy every craving. 1836 18th ST NW, Washington, DC; vagabond.com
Delicousness at ANJU: Spring has arrived at Anju, and Chef Angel Barreto is kicking off the seasonal refresh with new dishes like Dak Mandu, a chicken and japchae dumpling, Broccolini Twigim with doenjang dressing and toasted peanuts, and a vibrant Garden Salad with berries, Asian pear, and crispy ramyun. 1805 18th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20009; anjurestaurant.com
Chef Peter Chang's Vegan Specials for Earth Month: While Chef Peter Chang has plenty of options at his restaurants for vegetarians and vegans alike, he's celebrating Earth Day with a month-long menu of special dishes that include vegan iterations of popular menu items like Wuhan Sesame Noodles, Dry-Fried Egglplant with chili & Sichuan peppercorns, Mapo Tofu, and much more. Find the full menu linked here; the vegan specials are available through the end of April. Nihao.com
Chef Update + Stone Crab Knowledge: Truluck's is a unique seafood destination with Florida Stone Crab, which is served to diners while it is in season from mid-October through May 1st. Executive Chef, Darryl Abraham brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Truluck’s kitchen with more than 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. His culinary journey began in his mother’s kitchen and his passion for cooking developed. Trulucks.com
Albi 2.0: Chef Michael Rafidi’s Michelin-starred Albi is back, did you know it was gone? After a two-week refresh, the Navy Yard restaurant reopens with a reimagined space and an evolved menu that dives even deeper into Rafidi’s Palestinian-American roots. The highlight? A completely spontaneous five-course Sofra experience ($165) that’s created in real time through guest-kitchen dialogue—no set menu, just seasonal creativity and hospitality. The à la carte menu also gets a seasonal refresh, with standout dishes like smoked duck mujadarra, rabbit shish barak, and a crab-studded maqluba. Behind the bar, expect Levantine-inspired cocktails and an irreverent wine list spotlighting bold producers from the Middle East and Mediterranean. The interiors, redesigned in collaboration with The Klein Agency, now feature a cocktail lounge, expanded bar, and an immersive open kitchen—all anchored by powerful Palestinian artistry from Jordan Nassar. Dinner service runs Tuesday–Sunday. Reservations via Resy. More at www.albidc.com and @albiwashdc.
Mezze in the Morning (Brunch Alert): Namak has a new brunch menu. Notable new dishes include the Pistachio Cinnamon Roll, a crossover of the classic American breakfast pastry with baklava, complete with a cinnamon-pistachio filling and labneh frosting. On the savory side, guests can enjoy vegetarian dishes like the Green Shakshuka (spinach, swiss chard, cilantro, mint, dill, fenugreek, served with a farm egg and pita) or the Smoked Troutwith sumac, tomatoes, and pickled shallots served on toasted brioche. 1813 Columbia Rd NW; resy.com
Apple Cider Donuts in Alexandria (Brunch Alert): Vermillion has new season brunch offerings. Dishes include seasonal dishes, from sweet treats like Apple Cider Doughnuts to savory favorites like Chicken & Waffles and Country Ham Benedict. Pair your meal with brunch cocktails or sparkling wine for the perfect weekend indulgence. 1120 King ST, Alexandria VA; Vermilion.com
Oui, Mon Cheri (Brunch Alert): Indulge in a delightful French-inspired brunch at Josephine, where classic flavors meet modern elegance. Try dishes, from brioche French toast with cheesecake mousse to steak tartare with quail egg and duck confit skillet with home fries and salsa brava. Elevate your meal with a mimosa or a perfectly crafted café au lait. 109 South Saint Asaph St., Alexandria VA; Josephine.com
Spring Salads: Spring has arrived at El Mercat, bringing a fresh lineup of vibrant dishes and cocktails that celebrate the season’s best flavors. On the menu, you’ll find bright new seasonal salads like the refreshing Ensalada de Tomate y Pepino and the sweet-savory Ensalada de Sandía y Queso. The Asparagus con Romesco delivers nutty, creamy depth, while seared Vieiras a la Plancha and our Paella Primavera showcase rich, layered flavors with fresh seafood, lamb, and spring vegetables. 101 Gibbs St. Unit C. Rockville, MD 20850; elmercatbardetapas.com
Mediterranean Mornings (Brunch Alert): Escape to the Mediterranean with a cozy, flavorful brunch at Iron Gate. Indulge in dishes like the IG Breakfast Sandwich with a buttery sourdough biscuit and pancetta, the decadent Bread Pudding French Toast topped with maple apples and almond crumble, or the savory Hearth Baked Hen Eggs with sauce puttanesca and grilled focaccia. 1734 N Street NW, Washington, D.C.; irongaterestaurantdc.com
Southern Living (Brunch Alert): Mallard's brunch is a celebration of Southern flavors with a refined twist. Indulge in dishes like the Deviled Crab “Benny” with Old Bay hollandaise, Buttermilk Fried Oysters with deviled egg aioli, and Shrimp & Grits with smoked pork and piquillo pepper. Sweet tooth? Try the Cornmeal Pancakes with bourbon maple syrup and whipped buttermilk ricotta. Complement your meal with a Mallard Mimosa, Mallard Mary, or a Hard Start—our bold take on a brunch cocktail. 1337 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C.; mallarddc.com
Korean Culture in Dupont: At Onggi, the ancient art of fermentation—for which the restaurant is named after traditional Korean earthenware vessels—meets contemporary sensibilities in a space where every element speaks of connection, preservation, and the nurturing spirit of Jeong. The dining experience unfolds like a choreographed dance of flavors, beginning with a ceremonial tea cleanse and squash porridge dusted with flower powder. This prepares diners for the vibrant exploration ahead, where bright house-made kimchi balances complex pepper-accented specialties. Each creation represents a region, custom, or season—presented with reverence yet reimagined through Onggi's distinctive lens. 2100 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037; onggidc.com
