What's Happening In Washington, DC: Dec. 5, 2016
Although you can't tell by the weather forecasts, the winter holiday season is here and in full swing in Washington, D.C. There are opportunities for sampling latkes and decorated cookies, and, yes, mulling Manischewitz, too, but you can also start playing the restaurant reservations lottery, better known as Winter Restaurant Week, or take in an exciting new food hall opening in Baltimore. Sounds like three good reasons to forgo the shopping frenzy for a few hours, so how about it?
Dec. 8: R. House Community-Focused Food Court Opens in Baltimore
Take a historic car showroom and garage in the equally historic Baltimore neighborhood of Remington, turn it into a food hall and culinary incubator, and there you have R. House, one of the most anticipated food venue openings in years. Located at Remington Avenue and 29th Street, R. House is a $13 million food hall concept designed by the social entrepreneurs at Seawall Development Company. This will be a place for chefs to launch new restaurant concepts and let them focus on making incredible food. There will be nine permanent restaurants serving fried chicken, poke, and vegan food, a house bar called R. Bar, and a fully outfitted spot for pop-ups for aspiring restaurateurs. Organizers stress, "Although each concept is unique and independent, the chefs share a desire to bring their communities together through modern interpretations of classic flavors. By providing a house team and logistical support, R. House allows chefs to exercise their creativity.
Dec. 15: Fainting Goat Hosts Festivus
Celebrate Chrismukkah at The Fainting Goat's Festivus party next Thursday at 9 p.m. Wear a tacky Christmas sweater for a chance to win a prize, watch classic Christmas movies, and drink a selection of holiday drinks that include Baileys-spiked hot coffee, mulled Manischewitz, Cinnamon Toast Crunch milk punch, and $5 house beer and wine. A few free tasty bites will keep you fortified while you toast Santa, so try goat cheese fondue, Nordic meatballs served with lingonberry jam, latkes, and devils on horseback made with blue cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon.
Jan. 30–Feb. 5: D.C.'s Winter Restaurant Week
It's time for die-hard Winter Restaurant Week fans to start jockeying for spots at the greatest DC restaurants because the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington has set the dates: Monday, Jan. 30, to Sunday, Feb. 5. This year, in addition to $22 lunch menus and $35 dinner menus, some restaurants will offer $22 brunch menus. Also new this year is the Diner Rewards Program, which automatically enters you to win exclusive deals on meals if you book your reservations through RAMW.