What's Happening In Washington, DC: May 4, 2015
Just a few years ago, finding a local brew in the District was like the proverbial quest for the Holy Grail. Now though, brew pubs are popping up all over the place and out-of-town brewers have discovered there's fertile ground here for a thriving beer scene. The wine culture is booming, too – restaurant wine lists now vie for diners' attention by offering esoteric, affordable, and undiscovered beauties, and on almost any night you can attend dinner of dishes paired with cult wines. From steaming bowls of ramen to after-hour museum cocktail parties, D.C. is definitely getting its groove on.
Cakebread Cellars Wine Dinner
For Napa Valley wine lovers, few wines are as sought after or coveted as Cakebread Cellars. If you fall into this category, be sure to nab a spot at the upcoming wine dinner hosted by Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House on Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m. This exclusive six-course dinner features gourmet selections like gnocchi with morels and black truffles, grilled halibut, and Del Frisco's premium filet served with port foie gras butter. It's a rare chance to taste nine wines from one of the country's most acclaimed wineries. The price is $295 plus tax and gratuity and you may R.S.V.P. by calling (202) 289-0201.
Granite City Food & Brewery Grand Opening
On Wednesday, May 6, you may want to head over to National Harbor for the grand opening of Granite City Food & Brewery, which runs from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. With a 10,000 plus square foot dining room, we're pretty sure they'll have plenty of room, but you still need to R.S.V.P. The National Harbor property will be the 34th restaurant and brew pub, as well as the first East Coast location from this St. Cloud, Minnesota-based group and according to CEO Ron Doran, "It's an honor to bring our award winning, hand-crafted beers and made-from-scratch meals to a whole new audience of hungry diners." Look for tasty bites of fresh caught seafood, braised bison, burgers, steaks, pulled pork waffle sandwiches, and more and a full line up of on-site brews from ales to lagers.
Pennsylvania 6 Has Got It
Coming later this month, Pennsylvania 6, a restaurant from Public House restaurant group and the folks behind City Tap House, will open in McPherson Square at 1350 I St. NW. The restaurant will seat 265 guests and will feature American fare at lunch and dinner with brunch on Saturday and Sunday. You can sample delicacies like foie gras mousse and wild Burgundy snails, go for seafood and try the Hawaiian spear fish or monkfish osso buco, or tap into your inner carnivore and dine on roasted lamb and butcher selected steaks and chops. Don't miss the six-seat raw bar where you can slurp fresh local oysters, clams, crudo, and other tasty bits from the sea. Be sure to quench your thirst with one of the 14 draft beers or a wine from their extensive wine list.
Sapporo Ramen 101 Class and Tasting
Ramen: People love it, it's hip to eat it, but what's the difference between Sapporo-style and other variations of ramen? Learn why traditional Sapporo ramen is the benchmark for quality at Daikaya on Saturday, May 16 and Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m. Executive chef Katsuya Fukushima and Daisuke Utagawa will lead a hands-on session on the traditional preparation of Japan's distinct Sapporo ramen noodles and broth. You'll learn about the nuances of noodle texture, broth flavors, and how to judge quality ramen followed by a chance to order a ramen of your choice from the menu. The price is $35 per person but make your reservations now because each class is limited to just 10 people. Tickets must be purchased prior to the class by calling (202) 589-1600 and asking for Nick Seo or Jameson Huckaba.
SMITHSONIAN at 8 presents "A Toast to DC"
Celebrate all the fab food and drink D.C. has to offer at this great after-hour party on Friday, May 8, from 8 to 11 p.m. The cost for general admission is $40, and VIP access costs $65 with early access, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. The event is being held at the historic Carnegie Library and will include taste samples from D.C.'s local brewers and distillers including Atlas Brew Works, Port City Brewing Company, DC Brau Brewing, New Columbia Distillers/Green Hat Gin, and Catoctin Creek Distilling Company. While you're there, locate your neighborhood on the library's District map displayed on the floor, go on a scavenger hunt in the library, and dance to mixes by DJ As-One. VIPs can nibble on oysters from Rappahannock Oyster Company and War Shore Oyster Company. Call (202) 633-3030 for tickets and information or go online.
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.