Feed the Beast

People are out and about. City streets are filling up and people are making their way back into the office. There’s a vibration and restaurants are so ready. New dishes and winter menus are coming out and with that, innovative and delicious ways to serve you. A firm reminder to still be kind. Staff shortages and supply issues still plague our beloved restaurant industry. Patience isn’t just a virtue - it’s a necessity: 

NEW: Blue Duck Tavern (Caviar Brunch Alert)
There is a new caviar experience at Blue Duck Tavern. Caviar is currently available during weekend brunch as a supplement. Blue Duck Tavern is also featuring caviar service with classic accompaniments and Johnny Cakes, at dinner every evening. A tempting new Caviar Martini is also being unveiled this month in Blue Duck Tavern and the lounge. 1201 24th Street NW;202.419.6755; blueducktavern.com

Bourbon Steak (Lunch Alert) 
Bourbon Steak has just launched a mouth-watering three-course prix fixe lunch menu. For $60 per person, you will be able to choose between a variety of delicious appetizers, entrees, and dessert options, featuring Chef Michael Mina’s signature dishes alongside seasonal creations by Executive Chef Robert Curtis. Meat lovers can dine on the classic Prime Steak Burger or 10oz Butcher's Cut, seafood fans will enjoy the delightful Ora King Salmon, and vegetarians can delve into the delicious Quinoa-Veggie Burger. 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; 202.342.0444; bourbonsteakdc.com

NEW:  Summer Hours at Bresca
Chef Ryan Ratino’s 14th St MICHELIN-starred dining destination is now more accessible than ever- with extended opening hours on Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm and a new seasonal Sunday-Thursday two-course $59 menu from opening until 6pm. Enjoy dishes like the Alaska halibut, short rib cavatelli, and more. 1906 14th Street NW; brescadc.com

Charley Prime (New Restaurant Alert)
DC restaurateurs Jackie Greenbaum & Gordon Banks have opened up Charley Prime in Gaithersburg. The team envisions the restaurant as a mature version of their popular DC restaurant Bar Charley, with an expanded menu, but keeping its lively cocktail-forward energy.  The broader menu will remain steak focused and will also feature house-made pastas (a la Little Coco's) as well as other items unique to just this location. Starters include Five Spice Pork Shoulder & Crispy Rice with Korean BBQ and peanuts and Rustic Cheesy Bread with homemade rustic bread, garlic and three kinds of cheese. 9811 Washingtonian Boulevard; charleyprimefoods.com

China Chilcano x Chiko Collab
In celebration of AAPI Month, ChiKo and China Chilcano have partnered on a special menu. From now through May 28th, guests can experience the menu, including an exclusive ChiKo dish, with a portion of sales donated to Stop AAPI Hate. To culminate the celebration, China Chilcano and ChiKo will host a cocktail party at China Chilcano on May 25th featuring spirit tastings, live dim sum stations, passed bites and more. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Ciel Club Social (Brunch Alert)
DC brunch aficionados, rejoice! Ciel Social Club has announced the return of their weekend brunch. Dine on dishes like avocado toast, chicken and waffles with hot syrup and honey butter, croissant French toast, and Cajun shrimp and grits. 601 K Street NW; cielsocialclub.com

NEW:  Picnic Perfect from District Boards
There's a new shop in miXt Food Hall from a mother-daughter duo featuring charcuterie boards. In addition to their variety of boards including vegan, paleo, pescatarian and gluten-free options, District Board serves up mocktails ready to add to or be enjoyed as is. You can also grab an “add-on” like their best-selling vegan artichoke dip or caviar. theultimatenosh.com

Dolce Vita:  Pizza, Pizza
Dolce Vita is leaning into summer fun and launching a new section on their menu: Wood-Fired Pizzas. Expect pies like the “Imported Pepperoni” (Pomodoro sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni) and The Calabrese (Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, Kalamata olives, capers, anchovy, spring onions, Pecorino Romano). dolcevitadc.com

NEW:  Duke’s Grocery (Chef Update)
Duke's Grocery has added a new Corporate Executive Chef, Greg Heitzig to be in charge of the kitchens of all Duke's Grocery locations. Greg brings over a decade of experience to Duke's, most recently as the Chef de Cuisine at Pineapple and Pearls. Hailing from California -- he previously worked as a Sous Chef at decorated chefs Thomas Keller's and Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurants in Beverly Hills. dukesgrocery.com

Estuary (Soft Shell Season)
Estuary has unveiled new seasonal updates to her spring menu highlighting the full Chesapeake bay watershed cuisine. They have partnered with local farmers to select only the freshest ingredients. Menu highlights include a limited availability soft shell crab specialty entree, rabbit guisado with snap peas, new potatoes and grilled asparagus, white peppercorn tagliatelle with roasted vegetables, crumbles goat cheese and herb beurre blanc and an elevated french onion dip paired with locally sourced crudite inspired by Chef Ria’s Filipino grandmother. 950 New York Ave NW; 202.844.5900; estuarydc.com

Frozen Treats at Fryer’s Roadside
Fryer’s Roadside is ushering in warmer weather with new additions to their frozen treats menu. Starting this month, Fryer’s will offer a special rotating ‘Milkshake of the Month’ flavors priced at $6.50, that you can enjoy for a limited time. Try flavors like White Chocolate Blueberry, Red Velvet & Oreo, and more this summer. 12830 New Hampshire Avenue; fryersroadside.com

NEW:  Hell's Kitchen (Lunch Alert) 
Hell’s Kitchen has now opened its doors for lunch service, now available daily from 11:00am - 3:30pm. In addition to mainstays like chef Ramsay’s famous Beef Wellington, Lobster Risotto, and Sticky Toffee Pudding, you can now enjoy lunch offerings such as sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and elevated bar bites. 652 Wharf Street SW; gordonramsayrestaurants.com

Joselito Casa de Comidas (Lunch Alert)
Joselito has begun lunch service opening at 11:30 am. Award-winning Executive Chef David Sierra has created two menu options (detailed below): a three-course lunch for $28 per person, as well as a sandwich menu that includes five popular Spanish boccadillos plus fries or a salad for $15 each. 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; 202.930.6955; joselitodc.com

Old Hickory Steakhouse
The Gaylord National Resort is reopening the Old Hickory Steakhouse to add it to its list of restaurants in May. The elegant steakhouse is the third dining experience scheduled to debut. Try dishes like the Hickory Smoked Shrimp Cocktail, Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail prepared tableside, a selection of eight beef options including an aged Tomahawk Steak, and more. marriott.com

Olivia Macaroon (Pride Alert 🏳️‍🌈)
Olivia Macaron will feature its Rainbow Macaron assortments in June for Pride Month. In honor of its commitment to inclusivity, Olivia Macaron will donate 5%  of June sales of Rainbow Boxes to the UN Free & Equal Initiative, the United Nations' Global Campaign against Homophobia and Transphobia. The Rainbow Box flavors include Raspberry, Blood Orange, Lemon Merengue, Pistachio, Blueberry Cheesecake and Honey Lavender. oliviamacaron.com

NEW:  Pupatella (Lunch Alert)
Pupatella’s Dupont Circle location is now open for lunch. Try out their Amalfi salad with arugula, grapefruit, green apple, and mustard-citrus dressing or grab any of their pizzas for a shareable option. Their paninis like the meatball, salami or veggie make for a great grab-and-go option for the neighborhood’s in-office crowd. 1801 18th Street NW; 202.506.1999; pupatella.com

Rasika West End: The Mighty Mango
Rasika West End has recently opened and is helmed by Executive Chef Rakesh Singh, under the direction of Group Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam. They are celebrating the month of May with the mighty mango top of mind on the menu.  Both savory and sweet dishes will be showcased along with a mango-centric cocktail. Dishes include Mango Shrimp, Mango Shrikhand, and more. 1190 New Hampshire Avenue, NW; 202.466.2500; rasikarestaurant.com

NEW:  Explore Rockville & Get Eating
Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) has launched Explore Rockville: Global Bites pilot program, the first-of-its-kind initiative celebrating the diversity of cuisine across Rockville, Maryland. This 10-day event, running from June 2 to June 11, aims to highlight and promote the varied, award-winning international fare available within our own community. The digital dining passport can be easily downloaded to your Apple or Google wallet, and the full list of participating restaurants is available here. 

NEW:  Pinkies Up: Afternoon Tea at the St. Regis
The St. Regis has introduced their First Lady Afternoon Tea experience. A nod to the strong woman who have led alongside our nation’s Presidents, this twist on the hotel’s signature afternoon tea ritual is inspired by some of our First Ladies favorite treats and features a collection of decadent desserts, pastries, tea sandwiches, and fresh baked scones. First Lady Afternoon Tea is served in The St. Regis Washington, D.C.’s opulent lobby lounge and is available Wednesday to Sunday from 1PM-5PM with pricing starting at $89 per person. 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW; 202.638.2626; marriott.com