What's Happening In Washington, DC: January 11, 2016
Now that 2015 is behind us, it's time to look for greener pastures that offer fun, fantastic food, and fabulous drinks. We have a few ideas that will whet your appetite and inspire you to explore D.C. this week. You can rub elbows with great chefs, support charities that fight to end hunger, set your calendar for a new Mexican eatery, and attend a restaurant redo in Penn Quarter.
BOE to Open in Penn Quarter January 15, 2016
Just in time for DC Restaurant Week, it's "Out with the Oya and in with the Newya" in Penn Quarter. OYA is closing its doors after ten years will hold their grand opening on January 15. No word yet on the time of the opening, but we suggest you call or email to reserve a spot. BOE will feature chef Avinesh Rana's twist on American classics in a setting that's all about rustic elegance. Cocktails are front and center and include fab renditions like Bourbon Lavender Sour or Apricot Rum Shandy, and food offerings are spot on like the cornmeal dusted fried oysters or pulled pork shoulders with barley fried rice. Dinner will be served on opening with lunch to follow January 25 and Sunday Brunch on February 7. Don't miss Happy Hour M-F 5-7:00 p.m. and Happy Hour After Dark 10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Contact BOE at (202)393-4100, or via email
Espita Mezcaleria Set to Open Mid-February
D.C. 's Mezcal and taco index is about to go up exponentially thanks to the February opening of Master Mezcalier Josh Phillips' new place, Espita Mezcaleria. This 122-seat Southern Mexican-inspired restaurant in Shaw will focus on Oaxaca's seven styles of mole and a selection of tacos, sopes, enchiladas, and more. All of the tortillas will be hand-pressed, and all dishes featuring masa will be made with fresh ground masa. Espita Mezcaleria will open with dinner service, with lunch and brunch to follow later.
Sips & Suppers 2016 Celebrity Chef Fundraiser to Support DC Central Kitchen and Martha's Table
Few food and charity events in D.C. garner as much star power as Sips & Suppers and this year's lineup of chefs is off the charts. This annual two-day weekend event is celebrating its eight year in D.C. and will again be hosted by acclaimed food stars and chefs Joan Nathan, José Andrés, and Alice Waters. The annual weekend event, which raises funds and awareness for DC Central Kitchen and Martha's Table, the two leading charities in the fight against hunger and poverty in the DC region, will take place on Saturday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 24th. Event attendees will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with 75 of the country's leading chefs, cookbook authors, artisans, and mixologists not only from the DC area, but also San Francisco, New Orleans, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, even from Italy and France. Here are the details:
SIPS
When: Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Ave, NW; Washington, DC)
Ticket price: $125 per person, general admission; $200 per person, VIP admission* (see details below).
All proceeds benefit DC Central Kitchen and Martha's Table: $70 of the general admission ticket price is tax deductible; $115 of the VIP ticket price is tax deductible. Find tickets here.
SUPPERS
When: Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: In over 30 homes throughout the DC metro area
Ticket price: $600 per person
All proceeds benefit DC Central Kitchen and Martha's Table: $500 of the ticket price is tax deductible. Find tickets here.
Summer Whitford is the D.C. Editor and a food, drink and travel writer at The Daily Meal. In addition to lifestyle topics, Summer also writes about culture and the arts at Woman Around Town. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva and on Instagram at thefoodandwinediva.