Washington, DC New Menu Report: 08/19/15
For those of us not heading to the beach, a cozy cabin in the woods, or somewhere else for a weekend getaway, there are still fun things to eat and drink in D.C., albeit not as many as just last week. Go to a place that really knows meat for an indoor barbecue, crack some crabs, or go French at two local bistros. Just be cool and drink lots of liquids.
Bourbon Steak
Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons has gone barbecue. On Sunday, August 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. they will host a party for $55 per person that includes live music, bourbon cocktails, and Southern barbecue. Get your 'cue and choose from picked pork shoulder, South Carolina mustard-style barbecue, North Carolina vinegar-style barbecue, Memphis-style dry rub pork ribs, Texas-style brisket, hush puppies, mac n' cheese, cole slaw, and cornbread. Make your reservations online and y'all come, ya hear?
L'Enfant Café
A new chef, new menu, and new happy hour specials are what's au courante at L'Enfant Café. The new chef is Travis Hearne who will also oversee all things gustatory this fall when a second restaurant opens just around the corner. Some standouts include tempura fried soft shell crab, a refreshing tuna niçoise, mussels in a zesty tomato lemon broth, and bánh mi baguette bites. Weekday happy hour is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and you will find specials on Belgian draft beers, sauvignon blanc, French bubbles, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, and highball cocktails for $5 complemented by specials on nibbles.
Macon Bistro & Larder
Are you avoiding gluten but still want to dine well? You're in luck. Macon Bistro & Larder has introduced True to their mission of serving classic dishes with a Southern twist, the lunch and dinner menus offer fun snacks like deviled eggs, duck fat popcorn, and heirloom and seafood salad. Market fish is light and hints of summer in Provence, or try the Amish chicken breast with black-eyed peas. And always try the collards, Hoppin' John, and almond custard with cherry compote and almond crunch. Don't be shy and be sure to try the gluten- free craft beers and ciders. Look for Potter's Craft "Hop" Cider from Virginia, Rogue Farms "19 Original Colonies" Mead from Oregon, Omission American Pale Ale from Oregon, and bubbly Etienne Dupont 2012 Vintage "Cidre Bouche" Organic Cider from France.
Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar
Old-timers and newbies alike consider a Chesapeake crab boil the ultimate summer stress reducer. Break out a mallet, pound away at some hard shell crab, and have a culinary catharsis. Sunday, August 30 head to Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar and attend their fifth annual crab feast for unlimited Chesapeake crabs and your choice of two sides. You can even add on an unlimited beer menu, for an extra charge, or try some of wines on special by the bottle. The price is $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity, tickets must be purchased for a designated seating time, and there are three seating options: noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
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.