Washington, DC New Menu Report: 07/29/15
Nothing says summer like a juicy burger, a perfectly aged steak cooked over a hot flame, or a cold creamy milkshake; add some delightful sweets for a Christmas in July dessert splurge and you have enough food incentives to brave the 98-degree weather. Consider heading out to the 'burbs for a break from D.C. traffic and hustle and you may find organic vegetable grown on site at a local hotel restaurant. Just follow the growls of your stomach.
Burger, Tap & Shake
Now that Burger, Tap & Shake has a new second location in Tenleytown, their Burger of the Month and Monthly Shake special mean double the fun. The burger for August, called the Caprese, is homage to Italy, and sells for $9, which is a deal in D.C. that's worth its weight in beef. Served between two house-made buns, it's a mouthwatering grass fed patty topped with fresh arugula, melted fresh mozzarella, an heirloom tomato relish, and dressed with a basil pesto aîoli. And the creamy cold shake? Rich vanilla ice cream is blended with sweet juicy mango for a filling summer treat.
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
D.C. is a city with a plethora of steak houses that are paeans to meaty indulgence, but New York City stalwart, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, has really got the carnivore crowd covered with a special prix fixe surf-and-turf menu called the Prime Pair. Available at lunch and dinner until September 7, and priced at $55 per person, the menu includes a choice of three salads; an eight ounce filet mignon paired with a choice of a crab cake and Cajun lobster sauce, barbecue spiced shrimp and NOLA sauce, or lemon garlic scallops; and shareable sides like chateau potatoes or spinach supreme.
härth
Few places in the DMV are able to serve delicious produce picked from their own organic garden, but at härth executive chef Luc Dendievel does this every day during the summer—and his summer menu reflects the freshness and diversity. He's created some new dishes that highlight what's ripe like a chilled cucumber and white grape gazpacho; a cool salad made with heirloom tomatoes, shaved fennel, celery, leaves and a balsamic dressing; two flatbreads come topped with Mediterranean-style lamb and dill yogurt sauce or a house smoked pork glazed with bacon jam and barbecue sauce. The popular New England lobster roll is back and guests may choose from a diverse entrée menu that includes just-caught seafood and locally sourced poultry and meat.
RareSweets
If Christmas is your favorite season, celebrate by giving in to your inner child at RareSweets' Christmas in July dessert extravaganza. The fun starts today, ends on August 1, and includes a festively decorated shop with a holiday sound track played while you shop. Look for sugar plum delights like slices of ginger and lemon cake, hot cocoa and marshmallows served over ice, eggnog ice cream, chocolate snowflake cookies, and summer vacation elf cookies.
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.