*EVENT POSTPONED* Wildwood Festival Brings Maple Syrup Making Traditions To D.C.

[ We regret to announce that Wildwood has been cancelled for this year. The organizers were unable to obtain the requisite open fire permit which would be necessary for our maple syrup demonstration. Absent that integral component, we made the difficult decision to try again at a later date and likely a different venue so that Wildwood can be everything that we want it to be. Thanks to those who expressed interest and, and stay tuned! ]

Vermont hogs all the credit for being America’s maple mecca, but there’s plenty of top grade syrup being produced just outside D.C. in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Wildwood, the first-of-its-kind urban maple syrup festival, highlights the region’s rich ties to time-honored sugaring traditions.

Taking place at Mess Hall on Sunday, March 10, in collaboration with media partners Edible DC, the event will showcase fourth generation syrup makers Laurel Fork Sapsuckers from Hightown, Virginia. The Jarrells family will handcraft maple syrup over a wood fire, while teaching people about the process and the culture surrounding sugaring. Guests will have a chance to savor maple syrup in myriad ways: drizzled on boozy snow cones, in maple glazed brisket tacos and plantains drizzled with maple crema from Mess Hall’s Qui Qui Catering, and sweetening hand-spun organic cotton candy from Fluffness. In addition, D.C.’s own Langon Wood: Barrel Aged Maple Syrup will be on hand to sample and sell their unique products.

Guests will have the option to enjoy a variety of other choice bites and beverages, including a poutine station, Federalist Pig’s signature smoky pulled pork sliders, cocktails featuring Harleston Green Scotch Whisky, as well as limitless Pabst Blue Ribbon.

In keeping with backcountry traditions, wood chips will fly as acclaimed chainsaw artist Jason Stoner of Chain Effect carves wood sculptures. Plus, a woodsy marketplace will feature local vendors, including District Cutlery, Southeastern Roastery, Pratt Standard, Sloppy Mama’s, Laurel Fork Sapsuckers, and Chain Effect’s carvings

Photo courtesy Laural Fork Sapsuckers

Photo courtesy Laural Fork Sapsuckers

Wildwood takes place at Mess Hall (703 Edgewood St NE, Washington, DC 20017) on Sunday, March 10 for two separate two-hour sessions; 12-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite for $75 each, which includes all food and beverages. Guests must be 21+ years old.

Photo courtesy Mess Hall

Photo courtesy Mess Hall

Guests are encouraged to come dressed as lumberjacks or lumberjanes, but axes must be left at home.

Presidents Brunch and Lunch Specials in DC

Edible DC’s roundup of where to dine

Dirty Habit is offering everlasting mimosas or brunch punch for $18. Next up choose from their globally inspired brunch menu.

Dirty Habit brunch (Photo by Raquel Sharma)

Dirty Habit brunch (Photo by Raquel Sharma)

Brookland’s Finest menu will feature blueberry ricotta waffles with bourbon maple syrup, lemon zest and fresh fruit as well as a fried green tomato Benedict with pecorino roman cheese, hollandaise, on English muffin and mixed green salad.

Fried green tomato Benedict at Brooklands Finest (Photo by Scott Suchman)

Fried green tomato Benedict at Brooklands Finest (Photo by Scott Suchman)

Franklin Hall will open at noon on Monday, 2/18 and feature Flying Dog Blood Line on special all day $5 pints and $12 liters.

The Delegate is offering a buy one adult brunch get one free the entire month of February! They will be offering their Chef’s Table Brunch Buffet on Presidents Day 9 am - 3 pm.

Brunch at the Delegate (Photo courtesy The Delegate)

Brunch at the Delegate (Photo courtesy The Delegate)

Le Diplomate will be extending brunch into Monday with stacks of buttermilk pancakes and duck sarladaise with confit, egg sunny side up and roasted potatoes.

Duck sarladaise (Photo courtesy Le Diplomate)

Duck sarladaise (Photo courtesy Le Diplomate)

Rustico Ballston & Alexandria will serve brunch 11:30 am - 3 pm with $5 bloody marys and $0.25 refills on mimosas $15 all day!

Frirefly in Dupont will serve brunch from 9 am - 2:30 pm including avocado tartine with labneh, avocado, grapefruit, watercress and sumac or enjoy the pot roast with red flannel hash and home fries. Firefly offers $3 mimosas, $4 bloody marys, and $15 mimosa carafes.

Restaurants extending their normal brunch menu to Monday

St. Anselm brunch, one of our favorites, will also extend into Monday. An extra chance to grab those buttermilk biscuits and the fried chicken sandwich only on their brunch menu.

Brunch at St. Anselm (Photo by AJ Dronkers)

Brunch at St. Anselm (Photo by AJ Dronkers)

Agua 301 will feature bottomless margaritas, mimosas, sangria and bloody marys. Choose from chilaquiles, the Mexican omelet and other Mexican inspired dishes.

Hazel will open for all day brunch from 11 am to 4 pm - check out the menu here.

Dyllan’s Raw Bar & Grill located in Georgetown will serve their a la carte brunch menu from 11 am to 4 pm.

Dyllan’s Burger (Photo by Timothy M. Yantz)

Dyllan’s Burger (Photo by Timothy M. Yantz)

Ambar’s Capitol Hill & Clarendon locations will both offer their fixed price brunch of unlimited small plates and free-flowing cocktails from until 3:30 pm. Think all you can eat mezze, soups, salads, sandwiches, egg dishes, crepes and brunch cocktails.

Churchkey opens at noon and serve normal lunch menu.

Supra, The Greenhouse at the Jefferson, and DBGB will all be running brunch on Monday as well.

We Love Love: Valentine's Day Ideas Around Washington, DC

by Jessica Wolfrom, EdibleDC

There may be a shortage of Necco Sweethearts this year, but Valentine’s Day around the District is shaping up to be just as sweet. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend away, gearing up for a Galentine’s day, or sulking in solitude, we got you.  

Here are fourteen of our favorites to celebrate the day:

Iron Gates’s Tunnel of Love
Enter the Tunnel of Love at Iron Gate’s annual Valentine’s Day pop-up. This year’s theme channels your inner-teenybopper with TigerBeat pullout posters and cutouts of pop heartthrobs.

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At the Bar, Nick Farrell is shaking up pop-inspired cocktails like “I Love You Like a Fat Kid Loves Cake,” (50 Cent), a mixture of vanilla infused whiskey, cacao, rinomato and lemon. Chef Tony Chittum’s food gets the same synthy treatment, featuring dishes like “But You Need Someone to Spice It Up,” (Maroon 5 and Cardi B.) featuring grilled white stone oysters, goat’s milk butter, Calabrian chili and pickled shallot.

Salamander Resort and Spa Valentines Day Dinner at Harriman’s: Love can be a wild ride, but Salamander Resort and Spa is the perfect retreat for couples looking to spend Valentines Day outside the District. Executive Chef Ryan Arensdorf will be serving up a five-course dinner and Pastry Chef Jason Reaves will be concocting something extra sweet to mark the occasion.

399 Likes, 18 Comments - Salamander Resort & Spa (@salamanderresort) on Instagram: "We're dreaming of snow on this first official day of winter! ❄️"

Transformer’s Heartbreakers Ball at the Line Hotel
It’s going down on V-Day at the Line Hotel and they have the red mylar balloons to prove it. Show your love by shopping for original artwork by the emerging artists of Transformers DC, or send a “love line” across the airwaves at the hotel’s Full Service Radio. If it’s music that pulls your heartstrings, then look no further. DJ sets by Transformer's Victoria Reis & husband Brian Baker (Bad Religion, Dag Nasty, Minor Threat, Beach Rats & Fake Names), and Full Service Radio's Jack Inslee, will be spinning records while you sip, snack and shimmy in the name of love.

Brookland’s Finest’s Salty and Bitter Happy Hour
Not in the mood for love? Brookland’s Finest co-owners John Solomon (Solly) and Tony Tomelden, are hosting a salty + bitter happy hour for the heartbroken and the heartthrobs. They will be serving up salty snacks like crispy brussels sprout chips, pretzel bites and hand-cut fries. Drown your sorrows in a bowl of salted caramel ice cream and wash it all down with their selection of bitter brews (or booze).

Pizza Paradiso’s ‘Mix Tapes and Mix Taps’
In honor of Valentine’s Day, Pizzeria Paradiso Dupont Circle is hosting its second annual ‘Mix Tapes and Mix Taps’ featuring 13 drafts from 13 different independent breweries. Beverage Director Drew McCormick has worked with each brewery to select a song to go along with their draft option, and the mixtape will be available on Spotify. Breweries involved include Stone Brewing, Stillwater, Ocelot, Ardent, Diamondback and Singlecut. Pizzeria Paradiso’s Dupont location is 2003 P Street NW.

Cardi B Comes to Buttercream Bakeshop this Valentine's Day
They say the best things in life come with sugar and spice. This Valentines Day, Tiffany McIssac, is turning up the heat with her debut of Cardi B-Rownies, featuring six of Cardi B's most memorable quotes atop gluten-free brownies. And now, indulging just got even sweeter -- two dollars from every box purchased will be donated to the World Central Kitchen. Now that’s love, OKURRRRR.

Astro Doughnuts Valentines Day Mini Boxes
Nothing says love like a dozen mini doughnuts. Astro Doughnuts is rolling out new seasonal flavors this month, just in time for you to order in and have a rom-com marathon in your pj's. Oh yeah, and they have fried chicken, too.

Photo by Reema Desai

Photo by Reema Desai

Date Night at Dirty Habit
Executive Chef Kyoo Eom won't put a damper on date night at Dirty Habit with a pre-fixe menu. Here, you can order a la carte. He’s offering entrees like duck two ways (roasted duck breast and crispy duck leg ravioli), as well as other global fare, like braised short ribs with house-made kimchi. Not sure what to pair with kimchi? Not to worry. Beverage Manager Drew Hairston will be sure to pour you and your significant other something special.

Red Fox Inn and Tavern
Toast your loved one at the historic Red Fox Inn & Tavern, because Virginia is for lovers, after all. Established in 1728, this charming Inn sits in the center of Middleburg and boasts a long history of hospitality. To celebrate their heritage, this Hunt Country Inn is offering a five-course Game & Seafood Feast.

Goodstone Inn and Restaurant
Another romantic getaway in Middleburg, let Goodstone’s Wine Director, Stephen Elhafdi, shower you and your loved one in champagne this Valentines Day. The award-winning restaurant at the Goodstone Inn is serving a special four-course tasting menu paired with expansive views of their Virginia property.  

Don’t forget the Roses at American Plant
A rose is not just a rose, especially on Valentines Day. To make sure you aren’t caught empty-handed, American Plant is offering long stem roses and other Valentines-inspired bouquets to help you telegraph your love botanically. We also love all their collections of succulents, air plants and potted orchids, you can find something botanically unique at Am Plant to charm a lover with discerning tastes.

AmericanPlantRoses_AP.jpg

Dine in with help from Dawson’s Market
For those who’d rather dine-in on Valentine’s day, Rockville’s Dawson’s Market is taking the daunting out of date night. They’re offering locally sourced, pre-made meals for every diet, satisfying vegans, pescetarians, carnivores and locavores alike. Orders must be placed by February 9th.

City Winery’s Week of Love
Why spend a singular day celebrating love when you can party the whole week?

City Winery’s Week of Love has something special in store for couples, gal-pals, bromances and everything in between. From February 12-17th, City Winery is offering a three-course pre-fixe meal and wine pairing in its Barrel Room Restaurant & Wine Bar. On February 13th, Galentine’s Day gets into full swing with a class exploring how to pair wine and chocolate. And guys, don’t worry -- the class is offered again and open to everyone on Valentine’s Day.

Celebrate Love at the Watergate
If details aren’t your thing, fear not. The Watergate has your romantic getaway (or staycation) all mapped out. Stay in their luxe suites and relax over a five-course Valentine's Dinner for two at Kingbird Restaurant. If privacy is what you’re after, then they have that covered, too. Igloos! Yes. Igloos. Slip into seclusion with your loved one and sip sparkling wine in an exclusive “seduction igloo.” It will surely be a night to remember.


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Jessica is a freelance writer covering food, wine, farming and the environment in and around Washington D.C. She's also a graduate student at Georgetown University, getting her masters in journalism. When she's not in school, you can likely find her sipping on something sparkling somewhere in the District. @jessicawolfrom

An unofficial guide to our favorite DC pizza

Score a great slice at these places according to the EdibleDC team

Saturday, February 9, is National Pizza Day. We’re a little pizza obsessed at EdibleDC, and now seemed like the perfect time to share our favorite places to grab some pizza around the District.

Timber Pizza Co. (Order via Caviar)
809 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011

Timber Pizza Co (Photo by AJ Dronkers)

Timber Pizza Co (Photo by AJ Dronkers)

Launced by Andrew Dana and Chef Daniella Moreira this neighborhood pizza place in Petworth has a cozy atmosphere, unique combinations of pizza and an open wood fire oven. They’ve been written up in Bon Apetite and even our local Michelin Guide, so it can be hard to get in. A little hack we like to do is call ahead for pick up and or use the Caviar delivery app. Favorites include The Bentley and the Green Monster. You can read our first story on Timber Pizza Co. when they grew from their pizza truck to brick and mortar here.

All Purpose Pizzeria (Order via Caviar)
1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 or
79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

All Purpose Pizzeria (Photo by Joe Goodman)

All Purpose Pizzeria (Photo by Joe Goodman)

The little sister to super star Red Hen, now boasts two locations in Shaw and the Capitol Riverfront. Some of the pizzas are change seasonally, but our guilty pleasure is the Meadowlands which includes mozzarella, parmesan fonduta, roasted chicken, buffalo sauce, pickles and gorgonzola ranch. We recommend a reservation here or going for lunch when it’s less crowded or ordering via Caviar. For National Pizza Day this Saturday, $1 of each pizza will go to No Kid Hungry and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and will feature special pizzas from guest Chefs Kyle Bailey and Victor Albisu.

Ghibellina
1610 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Located along the 14th Street corridor in Logan Circle, Ghibellina, is nestled between some of our favorite DC restaurants. Ghibellina is the perfect place to go if you need wider menu options for your family or group. Their $10 pizza happy hour is hard to beat Monday - Thursday 4 - 6:30 pm and Friday - Sunday 3 - 6:30 pm. Oh and our favorite part, cutting up your pizza with your very own pizza shears.

Matchbox (Order via Caviar)
Multiple locations Chinatown, 14th Street, Capitol Hill, Rockville, and Pentagon City with Silver Spring and Bethesda coming soon

Matchbox Banana Peppers & Pepperoni Pizza (Photo by Deb Lindsey)

Matchbox Banana Peppers & Pepperoni Pizza (Photo by Deb Lindsey)

We’ve been frequenting this popular local chain since 2008. Their steady growth across the region is a testament to a great product and consistent service. Pro tip: This is a great for place families and large groups plus we really enjoy the ability to customize your pizza with half one flavor and half another. Favorites here include the Prosciutto & Fig as well as the Fire & Smoke. Matchbox is also available via Caviar.

Pizzeria Paradiso (Order via Caviar)
Multiple locations including Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Spring Valley and Hyattsville, MD

Pizzeria Paradiso oven (Photo by Juliana Molina)

Pizzeria Paradiso oven (Photo by Juliana Molina)

We love Pizzeria Paradiso so much we wrote a story about founder Ruth Gresser. The team there is always doing something interesting, including a spent grains pizza that uses the waste of a local brewery to make pizza with proceeds going to local charity. This month they launch the “United States of Pizza: Women’s Slice of the Pie” a new weekly, rotating menu of state-themed pizzas which honor and highlight bipartisan female elected officials. Women make up 50.8% of the U.S. population and 25% of our nation's leadership, a recent surge thanks to the 2018 elections which saw a record number of women running for and elected to office. As a woman-owned business, Pizzeria Paradiso wants to highlight these women and their states with pizzas themed after popular food traditions from their respective home state. Delivery available via Caviar.

Wiseguy Pizza
Multiple locations Chinatown, Foggy Bottom, Navy Yard, and Rosslyn, VA

Our favorite question to ask Chefs is where they like to eat when they aren’t working. More often then not Wiseguy Pizza came up as the late night hot spot for DC chefs when they got off work. It probably doesn’t hurt their closing time ranges from 2 AM - 5 AM and in a city like DC that is known for being the “city that sleeps,” that’s pretty unusual!

Comet Ping Pong (Order via Caviar)
5037 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

87 Likes, 4 Comments - Comet Ping Pong (@cometpingpong) on Instagram: "#facts #pizza #piechart Image via https://www.letterfolk.com/"

Comet Ping Pong is a staple for residents living in Forest Hills, Wakefield, Chevy Chase border of DC. We love to stop at this little strip mall for Politics & Prose bookstore, coffee at the Little Red Fox and of course pizza at Comet Ping Pong.

Angelico’s
Multiple locations Mt. Pleasant, Tenleytown, Georgia Ave., Glover Park, Arlington, VA, Odenton, MD, and Fairfax, VA

We like to support local as much as possible and became addicted to this delivery/take-out pizza place in Mt. Pleasant. Highly recommend Angelico’s Special with tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, caramelized onions and roasted red peppers.

&pizza (Order via Caviar)

Photo courtesy & pizza.

Photo courtesy & pizza.

Hometown fast-casual that now boasts locations from Miami, Boston, New York and beyond is perfect for quick grab and go, build your own or late night hunger. We especially love their recent collaboration with Broccoli City in Shaw where they have a full service bar and proceeds benefit Broccoli City.

2 Amys
3715 Macomb Street NW

No list of pizza in DC would be complete without mentioning 2Amys. Chef Peter Pastan has been making Neapolitan inspired pizzas in near the Washington National Cathedral for almost two decades. It’s a go-to for any DC pizza loving fan, and the rest of the menu there is exceptional. Grab a seat in the bar if there are no tables. We wrote an in-depth story about a wheat farm Peter helped opened in California spurred by his passion for bread and wine.



AJ Dronkers.jpg

@aj_dc

AJ Dronkers is the Associate Publisher and Digital Editor of EdibleDC. You can find him eating and drinking his way through the District, and at SoulCycle burning away the calories later.







A James Beard House Dinner Comes to Alexandria

A gathering of french chefs from dc and baltimore and their assistants, in front of the james beard house in greenwich village.

A gathering of french chefs from dc and baltimore and their assistants, in front of the james beard house in greenwich village.

A sold out NYC dinner with DC’s top French chefs will be recreated in Alexandria on Feb. 11

By Susan Able

It was Chef Paul Bocuse who leaned over my shoulder, (well in my mind’s eye), as I hosted my first adult dinner parties in a group house on Capitol Hill. Julia Child had ignited my interest in French cuisine, but it was Bocuse’s book, Paul Bocuse in Your Kitchen, that I leaned into for the classics. Bocuse taught me that pulling together a great dinner was as simple as stewing a chicken and vegetables, au gratin potatoes (so easy!) and finishing with a really great cherry clafoutis.

So, I was thrilled to attend “Merci, Chef: A Tribute to Chef Paul Bocuse,” a dinner event on January 22 at the James Beard House in NYC, featuring five of DC’s top French chefs:  Sebastien Rondier, Brabo Brasserie; Fabrice BendanoLe Diplomate; Mark CourseilleLe Café Descartes, Embassy of France; Cedric MaupillierConvivial Restaurant and Steve Monnier, from Baltimore’s Chez Hugo.

The James Beard House is a townhome in Greenwich Village that currently houses the James Beard Foundation offices and the event space. The house was actually Mr. Beard’s home during his life. As the event unfolded, it was easy to be enthralled not only by the food, but by the lore about Mr. Beard’s life and to dine in what was once his own living room. For chefs who are invited to cook there, they know that the kitchen is a home size kitchen and notoriously small for a group of professional chefs who are attempting to prepare multiple courses for 80 people, but they always make it happen. (I should also mention, that to reach the atrium where the reception is held, you have to go through this kitchen.)

Bocuse, who died one year ago, was considered the father of French nouvelle cuisine. The dinner that evening featured dishes that highlighted Monsieur Bocuse’s signature technique and dishes, most with a Lyonnaise flair, as that was Bocuse’s home.

Chef Sebastien Rondier of Brabo stands in front of a portrait of James Beard at the James Beard House in NYC.

Chef Sebastien Rondier of Brabo stands in front of a portrait of James Beard at the James Beard House in NYC.

 “Monsieur Bocuse was 20th century’s maestro of French cuisine,” said Chef Sebastien Rondier, a native of Southwest France and the executive chef of Brabo Brasserie in Alexandria, Virginia. “He pushed the boundaries of French cuisine, and foraged a spirit of exploration and greatly impacted my career as a professional chef. I wanted to honor him and gathered four chefs who are my friends. I’m very proud of what we came up with for this evening’s tribute.”

Lucky for you, this entire evening in New York City will be recreated at Brasserie Brabo in Alexandria on February 11. The “Merci, Chef: A Tribute to Chef Paul Bocuse” event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception to be followed by a six course dinner. Tickets are $150, inclusive of gratuity and wine pairings. Tickets are available online at https://mercibocuse.eventbrite.com. The menu is below, and I can tell you it is spectacular.

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 And here is the menu for the the reception.

RECEPTION

Cocktails

Buttered Rum et Truffe

Smith and Cross Rum, White Truffles, Fresh Butter Covered with Puff Pastry

L’Espirit de L’Orange

Duck-Fat-Washed Grand Marnier, Old Forester 1870, Byrrh Quina Quina, Noilly Pratt Dry

Cuisine 

Charbon Châtaigne-Truffes

“charcoal” of truffles and chestnuts

Pomme Soufflée Farcie a La Crème De Comte, Reglisse

puffed potato, comte cheese, liquorice powder

Saucisson Brioché

lyonnaise sausage, brioche, reduction of morgon wine

Vichyssoise et Caviar d’Aquitaine

potato vichyssoise, aquitaine caviar  

Still dreaming of this tarte tatin by Fabrice Bendano from Le Diplomate.

Still dreaming of this tarte tatin by Fabrice Bendano from Le Diplomate.


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@susieqable

As publisher and editor at EdibleDC, Ms. Able manages the magazine, but also gets to explore and write about what makes the food scene in the DMV. #perfectjob

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Eat for the Chinese New Year in DC Based on Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

DC restaurants are making The Year of the Pig a great time to pig out!

By AJ Dronkers, Edible DC

The Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of the Chinese calendar year on Tuesday, February 5th. It is a very popular day to dine out for Chinese natives and fans. So how to possibly narrow down where to go? We asked area chefs, bartenders and owners what their Chinese zodiac sign was so you can find your perfect match. So first double check what your Chinese Zodiac is with this nifty search tool.

Next find your match below!

🐶Year of the DOG🐶 with Chef Russell Smith @ The Source by Wolfgang Puck USE CODE “EDIBLEDC” for $10 off the ticket price for DC’s most epic celebration! (Tuesday 2/9/19)

The upstairs dining room will feature live chef action stations with different presentations of duck, and a whole pig roast from Sloppy Mama’s BBQ pit master and owner, Joe Neuman. Downstairs, guests will enjoy Japanese whisky, an ice luge and stations featuring a variety of dumplings. Executive chef Russell Smith has tapped leading chefs from around the city, including Himitsu’s Chef Kevin Tien who will open the forthcoming Emilie’s, Poca Madre’s Chef Faiz Ally, Doi Moi’s Chef Johanna Hellrigl, Momofuku’s Chef Tae Strain, Chef Rob Rubba is opening the soon-to-come Oyster Oyster, Chef Michael Rafidi, Sweet Home Café’s Chef Jerome Grant and Dirty Habit’s Chef Kyoo Eom. These chefs will provide their own creative interpretations of Chinese-inspired dishes. Tickets, which include all food and drink, are available here for $85.

106 Likes, 6 Comments - The Source by Wolfgang Puck (@thesourcebywolfgangpuck) on Instagram: "Join the party! Celebrate our 10-year anniversary at our "Day in Japan" event. Eat your way through..."


🐷Year of the PIG🐷 with Chef Matthew Crowley @ Spoken English (Saturday 2/9/19)

Photo by Vina Sananikone

Photo by Vina Sananikone

Spoken English will be celebrating the Chinese New Year throughout the week, and dragon blessings will abound next Saturday night in the lobby of the LINE DC. The Year of the Pig is looking very fortuitous indeed: grab a cocktail, snag a front row seat on one of the couches, and help ring it in. This is happening in the 7 o’clock hour – calendar info here.





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🐰Year of the RABBIT🐰 with Chef Nate Beauchamp @ Tiger Fork (Thursday 2/7/19 and Saturday 2/9/19)

Tiger Fork’s Night Market has returned, this time to celebrate Chinese New Year! On Thursday, February 7th, from 8pm – midnight, Tiger Fork will team up with guest chefs Leopold Liao of Reren and Shanghai Lounge’s Chef Mao to showcase special dishes like Chengdu Spicy Wontons, Grandma Pancakes and Salt & Pepper Fish. Tiger Fork’s own Chef de Cuisine, Jong Son, will offer selections from the restaurant’s late night menu at his food stand. DC Brau will also be on hand pouring a selection of their beers. Tiger Fork’s beverage director, Ian Fletcher, will feature his Traditional Chinese Medicinal cocktails, like the 8’oclock Light Show cocktail, mixed with rum, mandarin, yuzu, cacao, ginseng and additional Chinese herbs. Traditional Chinese market items will be sold, like specialty candies, fruits, trinkets, jewelry, herbs and gifts and a DJ will curate a fun playlist throughout the night. No ticket or reservation for the event is required, as all offerings will be first-come, first-served. 

Can’t make it to the night market? Tiger Fork will celebrate the Year of the Pig on Saturday, February 9th from 2pm - 7pm, with special performances featuring Chinese lion and dragon dancers as well as Kung Fu demos from martial arts professionals and complimentary hot tea. The chefs will also feature a limited-time Chinese New Year menu from February 4th – 17th featuring specialty dishes like Lotus Root Salad, Milk Tea Custard and Pork Dumplings. The special menu can be viewed here.


🐓 Year of the ROOSTER 🐍 SNAKE 🐰 RABBIT 🐀 RAT at The Royal with Chef Cable, Mixologist Jake, Chef Tim Ma, Chef Kevin Tien, and Mixologist Ian Fletcher at The Royal (Monday 2/4/19)

The Royal in LeDroit Park is ringing in the Chinese New Year with a festive “Royal Knights” cocktail pop-up, featuring the culinary talents of three of DC’s hottest guest bartenders and chefs, innovative $8 cocktails, Baijiu boilermakers, creative Chinese snacks and more. On Monday, February 4 from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., special guest bartender Ian Fletcher of Tiger Fork will take over the bar, joining serving creative cocktails incorporating medicinal Chinese herbs and traditional flavors such as Szechuan pepper, sesame and 5-spice; while guest chefs Kevin Tien of Himitsu and Tim Ma of American Son at the Eaton will join Royal chef Cable Smith in the kitchen for the evening, serving a special one-night-only menu of Chinese-inspired snacks such as sweet ‘n sour pork belly steamed buns and crispy beef chow mein.


🐰 Year of the RABBIT 🐰 with Chef Peter Chang @ Q (Sunday 2/17/19)

Photo by Rey Lopez.

Photo by Rey Lopez.

On Sunday, February 17th, from 11:00AM to 2:00PM, Q by Peter Chang has announced that they will be celebrating the arrival of the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Pig - with a colorful and interactive ‘Temple Fair’ experience of which will be open to the public. Fun for all ages and priced at $20 per child (12 and under), and $50 per adult, ‘Temple Fair’ festivities will be taking place in Q by Peter Chang’s main dining room featuring holiday-inspired décor including dozens of red paper lanterns, a giant 40+ foot custom made dragon inspired with a Beijing opera face hovering above the dining room, and over a dozen stations showcasing a variety of signature food and beverages, and activities. Stations are set to include: a Peking Duck station, Chinese Calligraphy Table, a Piggy Bao station, a Paper Cutting station, a Dumpling station with live demos and tastings, a Sugar Painting station, a Candied Fruit station, and a Wok station, amongst others. This event will be all-inclusive, plenty of food options will be available for vegetarians, vegans, and carnivores, and live music featuring classic Chinese instruments will also be enjoyed by attendees throughout the celebration.


🐑Year of the LAMB🐏RAM🐐GOAT with Ice Cream Jubilee Proprietor Victoria (Saturday 2/2/19 and Sunday 2/3/19)

IceCreamJubilee.jpg

 Ice Cream Jubilee is celebrating Lunar New Year with new flavors and Asian-flavor inspired ice cream tasting flights. Tasting flight tickets ($16) include on serving of 6 limited edition flavors and an ice cream pint to take home. The tastings will occur at all Ice Cream Jubilee stores (Yards Park, 14th & T Street, Tysons Galleria) in the two weekends prior to the Lunar New Year (February 5), plus tastings on Chinese New Year and Chinese New Year Eve. Reserve seats here.