What's Happening In Washington, DC: August 29, 2016

Summer Whitford|

It's the last week of August, Labor Day is upon us, and temperatures are still hovering in the upper 90s, so it's only natural we cover the last gasp of summer fun and include a recommendation on where to eat. If you haven't been keeping up with new chef installations, resto openings, and pop-ups, you will want to head to Chinatown to try a new chef de cuisine's menu, go ape and drink some wine, and play a few games at a tailgate party. That's what's happening in the District this week.  

Grapes with the Apes at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Thursday, September 1, hang out with our primate cousins at the Smithsonian's National Zoo for the Grapes with the Apes wine tasting. This tasty event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and helps raise awareness of species threats and helps support primate conservation. Enjoy exclusive, private access to the Great Ape House and its residents: six western lowland gorillas and six orangutans then take a stroll and enjoy live music while sampling samples from local food trucks. General admission is $50 per person and you can get details on the fun here.

End of Summer Tailgate at Union Pub
Saturday, September 3, spend the day tailgating at Union Pub for its End of Summer Tailgate. The fun runs from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., there's no cover charge, and you have your pick of outdoor games like corn hole and ladder golf, beer games, table games, and video games, plus prizes and giveaways. Take advantage of drinks specials all day that include:

  • $5 Crush Bar Selections
  • $12.50 Bud and Bud Light Buckets
  • $4 Bud and Bud Light aluminums
  • $5 Bud Light, Goose IPA, & Shock Top Pints
  • $15 Bud Light, Goose IPA, & Shock Top Pitchers

Head to Zengo for Labor Day and Taste the New Chef's Great Food
Decide to spend some time at Zengo this holiday weekend and try all the new dishes created by Neiman Lee, the newly appointed chef de cuisine. Born and raised in South Korea, he can cook anything and his food is bringing new life to the menu. Every dish is tasty, but some standouts not to miss include the scallop and melon tiratido with Thai chili sauce, the soft shell crab roll, potstickers, Thai chicken empanadas, vegetarian brown fried rice, Mofongo, the Bossom Platter with pork belly and chorizo shrimp, and the melt in your mouth churros. Okay, so this was more than a few items, but really, you have to try them.

For more Washington DC dining and travel news, click here. Summer Whitford is the D.C. Editor and a food, drink and travel writer at The Daily Meal. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva and on Instagram at thefoodandwinediva.

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