Washington, DC New Menu Report: 11/25/15
If all the holiday shopping, cooking, family bonding, and end-of-year planning has you needing liquid courage or craving sweet relief, we have just what you need. This week's menu report includes plenty of spirits, cocktails, chocolate desserts, and warm drinks to keep you in the right frame of mind. So explore all that the District offers, just don't drink and drive.
Ardeo + Bardeo
Ardeo + Bardeo is one of Cleveland Park's most beloved eateries and their chic bar is just the place to go to sip something warm and reviving when it's cold and grey outside. We suggest you try their new Chai Town made with chai-infused rum, vanilla syrup, steamed milk, and nutmeg — it's good for what ails you.
Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca
Any restaurant that has the chutzpah and skill to offer 25 days of warm cocktails deserves our praise and during December Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca is doing so in style. It's part of their 25 Cocktails of Christmas promotion and thirsty guests can look forward to fun drinks like Vin Brule mulled wine with aromatic spices; a Hot & Cold Gin Fizz made with chilled gin and lemon, and warm spuma; classic Hot Buttered Rum; Sidro di Mele made with : brandy, cinnamon maple syrup, lime, and apple cider; and Spicy Hot Chocolate, which is a blend of brandy, and house made cardamom marshmallow.
Bourbon Steak
When there's a chill in the air nothing is as warming or comforting as a good old fashioned S'mores and this season, Bourbon Steak's executive chef, Joe Palma, has gone gung-ho with his version. The dessert arrives hidden behind a cloud of smoke presented on a custom wooden serving board and is made with hazelnut Graham streusel, marshmallows, toasted marshmallow ice cream and Valrhona caramel and milk chocolate.
Macon Bistro & Larder
Get ready bubbly fans because Macon Bistro & Larder will be celebrating the season with two flights of French Crémants and Champagnes the entire month of December. Guests may choose between a flight of three Crémants for $20, (excluding tax and gratuity) or a flight of three Champagnes, most of which are lovely grower Champagnes, for $30. In addition, the restaurant is offering discounts on wine-by-the glass and bottle and on weekly features, which will be indicated on the menu. Santé!
Plume and Quill at Jefferson Hotel
The Jefferson Hotel is home to two luxurious sanctuaries that every adventurous imbiber or chocoholic should put on their radar: Plume Restaurant and Quill, the hotel's upscale bar and lounge. Their talented team of mixologists and chefs has created fall-inspired cocktails and desserts that will make you feel happy and pampered. The frothy, sexy drink called The Cocktail Formerly Known as Quince is made with Brugal Rum, Calvados, quince syrup, egg white, and old fashioned bitters, and who knows, it might just put you in a frisky mood. If not, try one of the other fun drinks on the menu or go for dessert. The new fall dessert menu has a variety of desserts for every palate but we're certain Everything Chocolate, which is made with Ocoa Chocolate Rocher, milk chocolate lactée, and cocoa nib ice cream will do just fine.
Summer Whitford is the D.C. Editor at The Daily Meal and also writes about food, drink, and travel. Follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva, on Instagram at thefoodandwinediva, and read more of her stories here.