Washington, D.C. New Menu Report: Week Of 12/29/14

Adams Morgan

NEW RESTAURANT OPENING. Foodies in search of freshly prepared, authentic Middle Eastern fare in the Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights areas don't have to trek far for delicious food now that One to One Lebanese Bistro has moved into the former Shawarma Spot space. In addition to usual suspects like lamb and beef shawarma, kofte, lamb and chicken kabobs, hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh, you can also order two kinds of fowl made with broad beans served with lemon juice and olive oil with the addition of tomatoes or tahini sauce, or traditional Mediterranean lamb sujuk sausage made with paprika, cumin, and fenugreek. It's a menu full of dishes worth getting delivered.

Atlas District/H Street

This announcement falls into the category of "Things that make you go, 'Aw!'" Chef Erik Bruner-Yang, culinary master and proud new poppa, is offering a special menu for Daddy-Daughter Day at Toki Underground this Sunday, January 4 (sorry, no moms allowed). This is a great chance for some father-daughter time so dads can take their special girl out on the town. The special menu includes a kid's cocktail, Taiwanese chicken nuggets, pork, chicken, and seasonal vegetable and seafood dumplings pan-fried, fried, or steamed, plus soup for two, and cookies and milk. Reserve now, because seating and dining times are limited.

Capitol Hill

This New Year's Eve, Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar is hosting a delightful dinner and menu prepared by chef Josh Hutter, and he sets the tone for the evening from the start with a delectable amuse bouche of cauliflower vichyssoise garnished with caviar paired with a glass of non-vintage Champagne, the Lallier Grand Cru Brut Reserve from Aÿ. Other outstanding course selections include gourmet delicacies like white ruffle risotto with wild mushrooms; pan seared monkfish with rock shrimp, baby fennel, Cippolini onions, shiitake mushrooms, and Cioppino broth; and filet mignon with pommes purée, wild mushrooms, bourbon shallot butter, and watercress salad.

Hockey lovers heading out to the NHL Winter Classic will be happy to know Tortilla Coast Capitol Hill, located just walking distance from Nationals Park, has what they need to take off the chill after an outdoor hockey game. This Tex-Mex watering hole has been a Mecca for lobbyists, members of Congress, tourists, and locals since 1988, and this week they are offering a new margarita menu to complement their regular brunch menu and build-your-own Bloody Mary or Maria bar. The classic margarita lets the flavors of 1800 silver tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and soda shine through without interference from artificial mixes or flavors, while the Fire and Ice margarita spices things up with a housemade, infused jalapeño tequila, triple sec, and requisite sour ingredients.

U Street Corridor 

New Year's Eve doesn't have to include tuxedos, fancy dresses, and a big commotion. For a "no-fuss, no-cover, laid back" party, chef Nathan Beauchamp has put together a terrific tasting menu at The Fainting Goat that doesn't require a tie and jacket or a cover charge. Their special New Year's Eve tasting menu includes standouts like steak tartare with garlic confit with rye crisp and quail egg, côte de boeuf with bone marrow bread pudding and béarnaise sauce, and chocolate torte with cherries, walnuts, and sour cream ice cream. And of course, there will be a Champagne toast at midnight.

If you still haven't made plans for New Year's Eve, be sure to read our New Year's Eve Roundup.

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.