Washington, DC New Menu Report: 06/17/15

Summer Whitford|

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
With relations between Cuba and the U.S. warming, it's time to try some island fare — and Cuba Libre's new summer menus are just in time. The lunch menu turns an Old Havana classic, ropa vieja, on its head by combining shredded brisket with onions, peppers, Cortez chorizo, freshly shelled clams, and diced maduro butter sauce and stuffing it into ravioli. Coconut crab fritters shine at dinner and are packed with lump crab and fresh, shredded coconut, while dessert includes a new key lime tart with pistachio crust. And to drink? Your choice of two new rum and Coke cocktails.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab has begun a monthly sommelier series that highlights wines from a particular region or producer and sells them by the glass for a very attractive price. From June 21 to June 27, they are highlighting the incomparable wines of Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel from Napa and Sonoma Valley. Look for:

  • Nickel & Nickel "Truchard Vineyard" Chardonnay Napa Valley 2013 ($15/6oz) and try it with the Alaskan halibut with black garlic butter
  • Nickel & Nickel En Route "Les Pommiers" Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sonoma Valley 2013 ($9/3oz or $18/6oz), which is a super match for the salmon au poivre
  • Nickel & Nickel Quarry Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012 ($14/3oz or $28/6oz) is excellent with the gargantuan 30 oz. Porterhouse
  • Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 ($19/3oz or $38/6oz) was produced in a fab vintage and its weight is perfectly matched with Joe's signature bone-in filet mignon

Tweet or tag #SommSeries or #WIYG to tell everyone what's in your glass.

One Eight Distilling
Happy hour has gone to the dogs with One Eight's Whiskers & Whiskey happy hour. On Wednesday, June 24, from 7 to 10 p.m., they are hosting a charitable happy hour menu featuring cocktails made with their fantastic spirits and food provided by local food trucks. Bring your pooch (must be on a leash), take a tour of the distillery, and get a photo op in the picture booth. $15 gets you one drink ticket, and proceeds from ticket sales and all food and beverage sales will be donated to support the Washington Humane Society's work to help animals. Other guests to look for? Furry friends who need adopting and could be your next new best bud.

Station 4
In honor of their namesake, Station 4 is launching seven great new summer cocktails named for famous metro lines or train stations, from the DMV and other cities. Each one pairs nicely with the restaurant's Mediterranean cuisine and includes gems like the Silver Line. This drink is made with Plymouth gin, lemon juice, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, simple syrup, and cava; the Grand Central includes Dewar's White scotch, Amaretto, and orange peel; and the El Paso Depot combines Corazón Agave Tequila Reposado, Kahlua, blue agave nectar, and grapefruit juice, garnished with a salt rim. In addition, baseball fans get 10 percent off their total bill when dining at Station 4 after attending a game at Nationals Park.

Summer Whitford is the D.C. City Guide Editor at The Daily Meal and the DC Wine Examiner. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva.

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