Washington, DC New Menu Report: 03/25/15
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Name a trending food, rare delicacy, or tasty treat and there is a devoted fan who knows where to score the best of his, or her, forbidden food. Luckily, doughnut love is openly allowed and accepted, and Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken has a full menu from which to choose. Just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, they have announced they're serving a limited release cherry blossom doughnut, which will be available Tuesday, March 24 to Saturday, March 28 for $2.95 each. It's a vanilla doughnut filled with house-made cherry jam and topped with a cream cheese glaze. But no lingering or drooling over the pastry case please, just say domo arigato and keep the line moving.
EatsPlace DC
EatsPlace DC, the District's hip Petworth food incubator and pop-uppery, is launching It's Monday Mothershuckers. Beginning this past Monday, March 23 and continuing every Monday through April 26, this special menu will be served on the patios starting at 6 p.m and will feature happy hour-priced, locally sourced raw oysters from Dragon Creek along with artisanal cheeses, cold cuts, and seitan platters. For your sipping pleasure, pair your bivalves with sparkling wine or a local brew. As owner, Katy Chang, puts it, "We're going for a relaxed picnic vibe because it's supposed to be spring, dammit!" We can't argue with that and suggest you check it out Mondays through April 26 at 6 p.m.
The Red Hen
If you are one of those wine-lovers that snubs rosé because you think it's merely sweet pink plonk, think again. In Europe, savvy hosts and wine lovers know that the release of the new vintage of rosé marks the arrival of spring and warm weather parties. They wisely embrace the wine for its crisp versatility and food-friendly personality—and you should, too. For great food and a taste of something new, make a beeline for The Red Hen and try their new vanity label called Dahlia. It launched on Monday, March 23 and is custom created for co-owner and beverage director Sebastian Zutant by acclaimed winemaker Michael Shaps of Virginia Wineworks in Charlottesville, Virginia. The wine will be available all summer for $10 a glass and $40 a bottle. Santé!
Republic
Anticipation of cold, refreshing pitchers and pints of foamy beer are what keep some people going on hump day and Republic has just made it financially appealing, too. Beginning Wednesday, March 25, this American eatery and oyster bar in Takoma Park, Maryland is launching Wednesday Pint and Pitcher Night. Each Wednesday, from 9 p.m. until close, the restaurant is offering $5 draft pints from their list of local brews (think Denizens Brewing Company's Short Session Double IPA and more), and debuting $16 pitchers of self-distributed local beer from Denizens Brewing Company and Brewer's Art. Things are kept lively by entertaining games and a changing lineup of live music performances. This Wednesday, March 25 includes a trivia game and live music from Joe Moorehead, and if you want to keep up with all the fun, visit the restaurant's Facebook page.
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.