What's Happening In Washington, DC: June 29, 2015

Summer Whitford|

Summertime can be busy with holiday parties, new restaurant openings, and vacations. This week, food- and wine-lovers get a diverse mix of hotel packages that support our wounded vets, new eateries that focus on wood-oven prepared foods, and wine dinners with incredible wines from around the world. Remember to wear sunscreen, don't over indulge, and make reservations early. Celebrate Independence Day in style and drink red, white, and blue wines. 

BlackSalt
Wine lovers have yet another chance to partake in a smack down on Wednesday, July 8 at local seafood haven BlackSalt. This seven-course dinner and pairing competition will be led by Jackson Family Estates educators, master sommeliers Thomas Price and Emily Papach. The seasonal menu includes luxurious Italian Ossetra caviar, Hiramasa sashimi, crisp soft shell crabs, Spanish turbot with gnocchi and white truffle, a beef duo of roasted barrel of Ribeye and braised deckle, pecorino cheese, and handmade cookies. This dinner also features Jackson Family Estate wines from regions such as Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Willamette Valley. The bout begins at 7 p.m. and is $145 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations require a credit card and can be made by email.

Garrison Restaurant to Open on Barracks Row
Later this summer, chef Rob Weland will open Garrison, his first independently owned restaurant. The restaurant will be located at 524 8th Street SE and feature rustic, seasonal dishes that speak of place and season. Look for roasted meats, fish, and other foods cooked in a wood-burning oven as well as house made vinegars, pastas, and crudos. Weland will source custom-grown, sustainable produce from Mike Protas of Boyd, Maryland's One Acre Farm. Wine, cocktails, and seasonal punches will be served in a setting that reflects Weland's love of intimate, welcoming neighborhood eateries that offer sophisticated yet unpretentious food. The restaurant will serve dinner only and plans to offer brunch on Saturday and Sunday later on. 

The Jefferson Hotel Offers Baking a Difference Package for July Fourth
For service, amenities, and gracious lodging, The Jefferson  is the tops, and their new Baking a Difference package, in partnership with Georgetown's Dog Tag Bakery, helps make a difference in veterans' lives. When you make a reservation, The Jefferson donates 10 percent to Dog Tag Bakery to support their six-month entrepreneurial training program for wounded veterans at Georgetown University. Baking a Difference packages are exclusively available on all U.S. holidays including July Fourth and it includes:

  • Deluxe overnight accommodations
  • Welcome basket filled with Dog Tag Bakery's signature baked goods
  • Rates starting at $350

Book reservations online 72 hours in advance. 

RareSweets Celebrates Independence Day with First Lady-Inspired Treats
Salute our first ladies and July Fourth this week and sample the goodies on offer from pastry chef and RareSweets owner, Meredith Tomason between June 29 and July 3. Selections include:

  • Lady Bird Johnson's Lemon Bars $2.50.
  • Mamie Eisenhower's Chocolate Fudge $6 per pack.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt's Angel Food Cake $5 per slice or $40 for a whole cake with mixed berry compote.
  • Hillary Clinton's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies $2 
  •  4th of July BBQ Dessert Essentials Kit: Includes 6 Lemon Bars, 6 Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, 1 8-inch Blueberry Nutmeg Cake: $65. 

 

Ruth's Chris Steak House
There's another smackdown happening on Tuesday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Fairfax, Virginia. They are hosting a delicious four-course menu with hors d'oeuvres and the courses include asparagus and hearts of palm salad, crab stuffed prawns with Hollandaise sauce, filet mignon with thyme butter, and rich chocolate pralines. Guests will choose their favorite food and wine pairing from each course and the stunning wines are from Matanzas Creek, La Crema, Carmel Road, Stonestreet, Freemark Abbey, and Château Bellevue. The price is $89.95 per person, not including tax and gratuity, and reservations can be made online or through Open Table.

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.

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