Washington, DC New Menu Report: 4/6/16

The weather in D.C. is unpredictable — from temps soaring in the 80s in February, to lows in the teens in April, it's tough to decide whether you're looking for a meal to warm you up or cool you down. Luckily, we have plenty of suggestions for the hungry diner! Head over to a Penn Quarter grand lady for the best $25 dollar lunch deal, experience regional French cuisine every Thursday, eat mangia Italian style for Passover, and savor a succulent spring menu at an old firehouse. This will be a great food week in the District.

701 Restaurant
Ashok Bajaj of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group invites guests to join its celebration of 25 years of award-winning service and creative cuisine at 701 Restaurant. The restaurant will be offering specials throughout the months of May and June. Executive chef Benjamin Lambert has put together a two-course (choose either an appetizer and entrée or an entrée and dessert) "Bi-Partisan" lunch menu for $25 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Some of our favorite selections include chicken two ways, cauliflower shawarma with hummus, and classic canelés de Bordeaux for dessert.  

Et Voila!
Devoted Francophiles will find the new French regional menu specials at Et Voila! magnifique! It's a chance to sample a range of classic French regional foods without having to pack your bags. Owner and executive chef Claudio Pirollo begins this culinary travelogue on Thursday, April 7, and every Thursday going forth his menu will feature a different region's cuisine, paired with a local wine from the same terroir. The menu is $28 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and is available exclusively during dinner service from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. The highlighted regions include: Normandy on April 7th, Nord Pas De Calais on April 14th, Liege, Belgium on April 21st, and Marseille on April 28th

Fiola da Fabio Trabocchi
Go beyond the Matzoh this Passover and dine a la Italiana for your Passover Seder at Fiola da Fabio Trabocchi. From Saturday, April 23rd to Friday, April 29th, experience the distinct Jewish-Italian cuisine found in Italy's region of Marche and Lazio, which is also the area where chef Fabio Trabocchi grew up. His special menu includes classics like carciofi alla giudia, fried baby artichokes with a salad of shaved raw artichokes, fresh herbs, and squash blossoms; acquerello risotto with lightly grilled Spanish branzino, roasted San Marzano tomatoes, and Sicilian olio verde; and macedonia di fragole for dessert, macerated strawberries served with Tuscan almond ricciarelli cookies. 

Old Engine 12
Despite snow predictions, Peter Prime, the fab chef at Old Engine 12 is moving full-speed ahead with his new spring menu which launches Wednesday, April 6. As native of Trinidad, chef Prime's menu highlights local ingredients and a bit of spice from the islands to keep your palate jumping. Look for items that include chef Prime's spin on the classic chicken and waffles dish which features a jalapeño cornbread-based waffle; smoky, savory Dijon barbecued lamb ribs; and kalalloo, a kale and okra soup; and BBQ Lamb Ribs.

For more Washington DC dining and travel news, click here.