We just posted our latest DC Restaurant Buzz, so what are we doing with another round-up, you ask? Well, there’s some stuff to highlight over the next few weeks that didn’t quite fit in elsewhere, including holiday events, special occasions, and more. Take a look.
EAT: The Story of Food Premieres – November 21st
As an accompaniment to the groundbreaking, three-night six-hour miniseries EAT: The Story of Food, which premieres Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23, at 9 PM ET/PT, National Geographic Channel, with the help of No Kid Hungry and First Lady Michelle Obama, aims to bring attention to America’s food and health crisis.
The statistics are sobering: More than 16 million kids in America (one out of five) live in households that struggle to put food on the table. At the same time, over the past three decades childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and Americans are now eating 31 percent more calories than we were 40 years ago — including 56 percent more fats and oils and 14 percent more sugars and sweeteners. With Americans eating nearly one-third more packaged than fresh food, changes must be made.
The signature element of the initiative is the launch of a free downloadable (grab the PDF download from www.natgeotv.com/cookbook) celebrity healthy eating recipe guide, featuring easy, healthy alternatives to our fast-food way of life from more than 70 actors, athletes, authors, chefs, musicians and explorers. In exchange, they ask that you make a donation to a local food bank.
From Sir Paul McCartney to Susan Sarandon, from Michael Strahan to Wolfgang Puck, each reached into his or her personal collection of favorite recipes with a common goal: to provide options for those in need of giving their diet a healthy kick start. The celebrity recipe guide also promotes donating food to those in need this holiday season.
NGC has also committed to running PSAs each night of the premiere, including a custom PSA taped for the special by First Lady Michelle Obama for her Let’s Move! campaign and a PSA from No Kid Hungry, which is ending childhood hunger in America.
Free Bobbie Sandwiches at Capriotti’s – November 21st
Capriotti’s opened up last year on November 21st, with Vice President Joe Biden the first customer in line, along with The White House Press Corps and numerous Secret Service agents in tow?
Biden might not be back, but you can take his place. The first 50 people in the door at 11 am on Friday, November 21st, will get a free Bobbie sandwich to commemorate the day. The Bobbie is the “Thanksgiving on a roll’ signature sub with house-roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayo.
Republic’s Friendsgiving – November 26th
Thanksgiving Eve is always a favorite time to head out for a few beverages, and Republic in Takoma Park is getting festive with Friendsgiving. It’s a game night meets karaoke happy hour, with all kinds of drink specials. Enjoy $10 specials like the #NYDCginandtonic, Zen, it is, or the Mull it Over.
Play some board games, and unwind before the family shows up the net morning. Event begins at 8pm; karaoke competition begins at 10 pm.
Roof Terrace Restaurant Holiday Brunches – Starting November 30th
Roof Terrace Restaurant at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Centers is kicking off its 18th Annual Holiday Brunches with Santa. It’s one of DC’s favorite holiday traditions with the family, complete with dazzling skyline views and a special visit from Santa Claus.
A memorable dining experience for families and friends of all ages, the holiday buffet features classic favorites with a fun, seasonal twist. Menu offerings prepared by Executive Chef Joe Gurner include gourmet salads, freshly shucked oysters, house-baked pastries, french toast and savory omelets made-to-order.
The private dining room space converts into a winter wonderland of holiday desserts all made in-house by Pastry Chef Kendra Stevens. Kids table includes dishes like macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers and fries and adults receive a complimentary glass of mimosa or sparkling wine.
The full schedule will include Sunday, November 30th, Saturday, December 13th, Sunday, December 14th, Saturday, December 20th, and Sunday, December 21st. Seatings begin at 10am on all days.
The holiday brunch costs $45 for adults and $20 for children ages 4-11.
Jack Rose’s 4th Annual Repeal Day Celebration – December 5th
Head on over to Jack Rose and cheers to the 21st Amendment on Friday, December 5th. You can drink like it’s 1933, with prohibition-era cocktails and drams, a special Pappy Van Winkle happy hour, a 90+ year-old whiskey flight, cigar specials, burlesque performers and all kinds of other goings on.
You’re encouraged to dress in flapper dresses and swanky suits, donning your best Prohibition-era attire for a chance to win a reservation for two at Dram & Grain.
Here’s more about what’s on tap…
- Speakeasies + Scotch. Burlesque + Bubbles. It’s an evening of Prohibition-era cocktails and punches, a special speakeasy-style Dram & Grain, a Pappy Van Winkle-themed happy hour, 1930s-inspired prix-fixe menu, burlesque performances and more, from 5 p.m. to close.
- Happy Hour becomes “Pappy Hour” from 5 to 7:30 p.m., when Jack Rose will offer the full Pappy Van Winkle bourbon and rye whiskey line-up at special pricing. Jack Rose’s regular happy hour specials including half-priced bites and beer discounts will also be available.
- Owner and whiskey expert Bill Thomas has curated a selection of 90+ year-old whiskeys distilled between 1910 and 1930, which will be offered a la carte and in special tasting flights throughout the evening. Whiskey fanatics will have the chance to try rarities like the 97-year-old Sam Thompson Pure Rye Whiskey distilled in 1917, 98-year-old Old McBrayerWhiskey distilled in 1916, and 96-year-old Monticello Special Reserve distilled in 1918. Pricing for these antiquities will range from $80-125 per ounce.
- Executive Chef Russell Jones has crafted a special 1930s-inspired tasting menu of dishes such as Lobster Bisque, Seared Duck Breast with cranberries and Lemon Chess Pie. The four-course prix-fixe menu will be available for $45 all night in the dining saloon. And for those who need a little late-night fuel, guests can nibble on complimentary “Midnight Snacks” such as Pimento and Prosciutto Biscuits and Sweet Potato Bread Pudding at 12am in the dining saloon.
- Dram & Grain, housed in the basement’s hidden Whiskey Cellar, will convert into a 30s-style speakeasy complete with historic 1920s and 1930s-era bourbons and rye whiskeys, vintage spirits dispensed from the bar’s signature, handmade four-whiskey draft system, and old-time jazz tunes, transporting guests to the era.
- Burlesque dancers will perform for spectators throughout the evening while cigarette girls will offer a selection of specially-priced cigars. The cozy upstairs Balcony Room will pour bottomless bubbles for only $20 all night.
There’s no admission fee… Just show up and party like it’s 1933.
1789 Getting Festive – December 11th
1789 Restaurant is getting festive this holiday season. They’re already showcasing all types of festive of decor, and starting December 11th and lasting through Christmas Eve, carolers will actually stroll throughout the restaurant, performing traditional Christmas carolers. It doesn’t get more festive for the holidays than that, does it?
Second State Celebrating Pennsylvania Becoming the 2nd State – December 12th
Second State is named in homage for the 2nd state, Pennsylvania. On Friday, December 12th, the restaurant is honoring its namesake and its 227th anniversary of becoming the second state to ratify the Constitution (vote: 46 to 23).
Dine at the restaurant and receive a complimentary glass of champagne to toast the state, or whatever else you feel like toasting.
RAMMYs in Focus Photography Project – Sign up Before January 1st
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington has teamed up with FotoDC for its first ever food photography showcase, highlighting the region’s restaurant industry with a contest and exhibition.
FotoDC is soliciting 20 photographers to embark on a 6-eek assignment to capture high-quality portrait photography of the restaurants, food, staff and diners that define the region’s dining scene. Interested photographers can apply to be a part of RAMMYS IN FOCUS by registering online on or before January 1, 2015.
Winning applicants will be given a stipend for materials to photograph a series of five restaurants and/or events in January and February 2015, submitting a minimum of 150 photographs per assignment. Winning photographers will receive two tickets to the RAMMYS, where their work will be recognized during a special presentation. In addition, the photos will be included in a special gallery exhibition in summer 2015.
The results will debut at next year’s RAMMY Awards on June 7th.
