
What We’re Eating: TheListAreYouOnIt’s Weekly Roundup of Things to Eat
Winter has arrived, and the flavors are shifting with the season. You know our team at TheListAreYouOnIt.com dives deep into the DC culinary scene to uncover the most comforting, seasonal delights. The latest winter menus from many of your favorite local spots—and perhaps a few hidden gems—are here to warm you up. Hearty stews to indulgent holiday-inspired treats, we’re ready to embrace the cozy tastes of winter. Are you?
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
To Immigrants, With Love: Emporio Fundita Fundraiser: During a time of turmoil and uncertainty for Washington DC’s vast immigrant population, Chef Christian Irabién of Amparo Fondita, and the nonprofit organization Ayuda, are hosting a fundraising dinner at Amparo Fondita on February 12th. The seated dinners will raise money to support Ayuda’s urgent work to provide legal, social, and language services for immigrants in the DMV. Get tickets here.
Taste of Pride Kicks Off in Adams Morgan: The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) and WorldPride, in collaboration with DC’s Business Improvement Districts, are excited to announce the Taste of Pride 2025 event series, a multi-tiered program that celebrates the rich connection between the LGBTQ+ and culinary communities across the capital region. The Adams Morgan Partnership BID will kick off the series starting February 21 - 23, 2025. More info here.
The Dames Bring It to the Table: Les Dames de Escoffier Symposium: Bringing It to the Table, on March 8, 2025 is coming up sooner than you think. Workshops include Facing Workforce Challenges: How to navigate immigration issues and foster inclusivity, What’s Your Gut Telling You? How to maximize the health of your innards, and more. Register here.
Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference in Las Vegas: The Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference presented by MAPP is having an epic 5-Year Anniversary celebration at the Wynn Las Vegas on March 30 & 31, 2025. For two unforgettable days, immerse yourself in keynote conversations, insightful panels, hands-on workshops, and mentorship speed-dating, all culminating in a spectacular GALA celebration. More info here.
DC’s Trailblazing Women: While women have traditionally faced challenges breaking into the culinary world, you’ll find them leading the kitchens of some the most exciting restaurants in Washington, D.C., today. Following the path paved by culinary innovators, including Julia Child, Alice Waters, and Washington’s own Nora Pouillon, today’s female trailblazers are making their distinctive mark on the capital’s dining scene. In an evening of lively conversation, join several of these star chefs as they discuss what it’s like to work in the male-dominated restaurant industry; how restaurant dining in Washington has evolved over the years; and what’s next on the region’s culinary horizon. Top things off with a bite from each of the chefs’ restaurants, along with cocktails provided by Thi Nguyen of Moon Rabbit and Sara Chaudhuri of Bresca. Registration for this program will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Chefs for California: Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate co-founders, Tim Ma and Kevin Tien, organize #ChefsForCalifornia dinner, a fundraising event to support L.A.’s Koreatown YMCA, World Central Kitchen’s L.A. Wildfire efforts, and provide direct financial support to ten families in the historic black neighborhood of Altadena. This multi-course meal with optional beverage pairing, brings together an unprecedented collection of bold-faced names in the city’s food scene for the first time ever. The event takes place Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Ready for Some Serious Shell-Ebration: Oyster lovers, how about an entire year of free oysters? Yes, an entire year. King Street Oyster Bar has announced this incredible giveaway where the winner will receive 52 vouchers, each good for one dozen Happy Hour Oysters, redeemable over 52 consecutive weeks starting March 3, 2025. Each voucher will be valid for one week during this period. Seriously, your oyster dreams come true. Simply Sign up here by February 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM for your chance to win. The lucky winner will be announced on February 24, 2025. Sign up today and get ready to indulge in a year of briny bliss. Good luck, and may the best oyster enthusiast win. For more info, visit Oyster Giveaway.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
The Lamb Jam Happy Hour Tour: Lamb Jam Happy Hour Tour, a coast-to-coast celebration of American lamb featuring top chefs including Michael Costa from Zaytinya, Simon Lam from Tiger Fork and Amy Brandwein from Centrolina will be arriving in Washington D.C. during Lamb Lovers’ month this February. For tickets get them here.
Pizza for Breakfast: You can now get breakfast at Red Hound Pizza. Find a rotating menu each weekend which will include baked goods and bread, egg sandwiches, breakfast focaccia, and more. Red Hound will serve Others Coffee. Breakfast hours are Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm. 7050 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park;
I Heart Cheese Club: ive the gift of cheese to that curd nerd or foodie in your life! Every month, Each Peach's passionate cheesemongers hand-pick 2-3 great cheeses paired with fun condiments and nibbles. Each month, their cheeses are chosen & cut to order. We ship our cheeses overnight around the United States via FedEx, wrapped in cheese paper (to keep your orders healthy & breathing), placed in a thermal lined box. Order here.
Now That’s Fresh: FRESHFARM is inviting home cooks, farmers market enthusiasts, and local food lovers to showcase their best seasonal recipes in our 2025 Local Food Recipe Contest. The challenge? Create an original dish highlighting fresh, Mid-Atlantic market ingredients, snap a photo, and share the inspiration behind it. Think hearty winter stews, vibrant spring salads, or peak-summer fruit pies—dishes that celebrate the incredible farmers and producers in the FRESHFARM network. More info here.
A Meal with a View : Willowsong has recently opened. Willowsong’s menu is anchored by Chef Williams’ community-driven ethos and relationships with local DMV purveyors like Family Cow, Ovoka Farm and Miller Farms. Starters and small plates like the Hamachi Tartare and Crispy Prawn & Calamari evoke flavors of the Chesapeake Bay, while entrees like the Red Wine Dry-Aged Striploin and Braised Pork Shank celebrate farms of Virginia and Maryland. Freshly made pastas like the Cresto di Gallo with crispy oxtail and Squid Ink Orecchiette take center stage on the inaugural dinner lineup. 801 Wharf Street SW; Willowsong.com
Unlimited Every Saturday & Sunday at The Wharf (Brunch Alert): Makers Union has a new unlimited brunch for you to enjoy. Every Saturday and Sunday you are welcomed to order (and reorder) yout favorite shared plates during their two-hour brunch extravaganza for $42 each. Dishes include breakfast nachos, french toast and more. 664 Maine Ave SW; makersunionpub.com
100 Years of Business: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is kicking off its 100th year in business with the return of the Patata Rustica. A fan favorite since its debut last year, the Patata Rustica will be available at all 17 Pepe’s locations through March 30. The Patata Rustica features a rich cream sauce, perfectly seasoned potatoes, crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese, an Italian three-cheese blend (shaved Asiago, shaved Parmesan and shaved Pecorino), and finished with grated Pecorino Romano and a touch of imported olive oil, all atop the pizza’s signature crispy yet chewy, slightly charred crust. pepespizzeria.com
Feeling Alive : Life Alive Organic Cafe is opening its first-ever location outside of greater Boston here in D.C. Life Alive’s D.C. menu features energizing and protein-dense dishes—including warm grain bowls, fresh salads, hearty handhelds, ramen style broth and noodle bowls and seasonal soups, along with nutritious smoothies, cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, superfood lattes and hand-shaken teas. Life Alive will also debut an exclusive ramen bowl in collaboration with chef Rob Rubba, the Soil & Sea Ramen ($14.95) featuring a rich, umami-packed mushroom broth that serves as the foundation for ramen noodles, complemented by chili garlic oyster mushrooms, hon shimeji mushrooms, seaweed, turnips, and collard greens, and then topped with enoki mushrooms and fresh scallions. 2301 M St NW; lifealive.com
Bennie’s Pizza x Ashish Alfred: Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza: Howard County is in for a real pizza treat this winter with a collaboration from Bennie’s Pizza and award-winning chef, Ashish Alfred. The beloved Columbia pizza shop will be rolling out a “limited time only” Chicken Tikka Masala pizza this month, showcasing the classic flavors of Chef Alfred’s native India. 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 3035, benniespizzas.com
47 Years of the Inn at Little Washington: The Inn at Little Washington, announces a fundraising partnership with American Humane Society with a goal of $47,000 in a symbolic gesture to The Inn’s 47 years of excellence. With donations starting at $4.95—a nostalgic nod to the cost of dinner at The Inn when it opened in 1978—three lucky donors will be selected to enjoy one of three spectacular experiences at The Inn while supporting American Humane Society’s efforts to rescue, care for, and protect animals everywhere: Fly Away to the Cardinal’s Nest: Dinner in the Kitchen at Table One, and Rustic Retreat–A Taste of Country Charm:. theinnatlittlewashington.com
CHīKO Opens in Cascades : CHĪKO, the celebrated modern Chinese-Korean eatery, has their newest location in Cascades, debuting an evolved brand with a fresh look and a full-service bar and dining experience. This latest chapter marks a natural progression from its fast-casual roots, offering guests an elevated yet approachable space to enjoy CHĪKO’s signature dishes. 46308 Cranston St, Potomac Falls, VA; mychiko.com
Slice & Pie + Federalist Pig = BBQ Pizza: Barbeque and pizza fans can rejoice and enjoy a new collaboration from 50 Top Pizza's #2 ranked slice shop in the U.S., Slice & Pie and two-time Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Federalist Pig. The two local, award-winning District-based businesses are combining their respective passions for pizza and classic American barbecue to launch a brand-new New York style pie, a collaborative effort from pizza master Giulio Adriani and pit master, Rob Sonderman. The Federalist Pig Pie, available exclusively at Slice & Pie, features a base of white garlic cream sauce with smoked mozzarella, chopped brisket (a Federalist Pig specialty), roasted potato, caramelized onions, pickled jalapenos, red onions and a garlic BBQ sauce drizzle. 241 14th Street, NW; federalistpig.com
Six at Centrolina: Experience 6x James Beard nominee Chef Amy Brandwein's new 6-course dinner tasting menu with optional wine pairing in Centrolina's private Chef's Salon. Chef Amy's menu celebrates her mantra “simple is exquisite," showcasing the seasonal bounty of the Mid-Atlantic region and the versatility, grace, and overall delicacy of Italian cuisine. Each dish weaves Italian and global cuisine, creating an interesting dialogue of food and wine inspired by specific ingredients, concepts, and experiences. The tasting menu changes weekly and is available on Thursday and Friday. Limited seating available. Dinner is $175/person with an optional wine pairing for $125/person. 974 Palmer Alley, centrolinadc.com
Year of the Snake Alert: Tiger Fork: Hong Kong-inspired Tiger Fork in Blagden Alley is celebrating Lunar New Year (2025 is the year of the Snake) from January 31 through February 12. Tiger Fork will serve a special a la carte menu of symbolic Cantonese dishes for both dine-in and takeout, each representing a specific virtue to bring good luck for the coming year. Also on the celebratory agenda: a Late Night Tiger vs Snake DJ Party on 2/7, Baijiu-paired dinner on 2/12 and traditional Lion Dance performances on 2/1 to bring prosperity and good fortune in 2025. 922 N Street NW; .tigerforkdc.com
Year of the Snake Alert: Chang Chang: Chef Peter Chang is featuring a slew of a la cart specials available at both Chang Chang and NiHao (Arlington) to usher in the year of the snake, including Peter's childhood recipe of Homemade Sliced Sausages, Steamed Crystal Shrimp Dumplings, Lion's Head Meatballs, Whole Branzino (served spicy & pan-seared or sweet & sour style), Deluxe Seafood Mushroom Fried Rice with Peter's Mushroom XO Sauce, Shanghai-Style Rice Cake with Fish Slices, and Black Sesame Rice Dumplings for dessert.
Year of the Snake Alert: Ni Hao: Chef Peter Chang will also host a banquet-style Lunar New Year feast at his newest concept, NiHao, on Tuesday, February 11, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $88 per person and include 12 festive dishes, including a medley of small mild & spicy bites (mala homemade sausage, five-spice chicken, pickled shiitake mushrooms, sesame oil yuba, and more), Homestyle Chicken Tofu Flower Soup, Spicy Salt and Pepper Crispy Spareribs, and much more—including Peter's award-winning Peking Duck and Mama Chang's Black Sesame Rice Dumplings. nihaoarlington.com
Say ‘I Do’ to Steak Frites: More than 200,000 people will pop the “will you marry me” question this Valentine’s Day. Those that do it at one of the nine Medium Rare restaurants -- including their three DMV area locations: Cleveland Park (3500 Connecticut Ave NW); Arlington (3601 Fairfax Dr); and Bethesda (4904 Fairmont Ave) -- will win a free Steak Frites dinner on their wedding anniversary date every year for the rest of their married lives. The iconic Medium Rare Steak Frites dinner includes a culotte steak served with Medium Rare’s famous secret sauce, French fries, a side salad, and rustic bread all for the price of $34.95, and there are complimentary second servings of the steak and fries. 4904 Fairmont Ave; mediumrarerestaurant.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
A Coffee & Chocolate Trail: The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau's Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail returns on Thursday, January 30th with a new digital passport featuring 25 locally made coffee spots and chocolate retailers in Cumberland County.This year will be the third year for the Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail, where participants can sign-up for a free digital passport and begin checking-into locations to earn points, which can be cashed-in for prizes like socks, coffee-scoopers, magnets, quarter-zip jackets and more. Get your passport here.
Apply for Les Dames d'Escoffier 2025 Legacy Award: In partnership with the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, the2025 LDEI Legacy Award applications are now open. Each recipient will be awarded a five-day, immersive experience alongside esteemed LDEI members, designed to elevate the careers of women in food, beverage, and hospitality. This year's experiences will take place in either Ann Arbor, Dallas, Kaua'i, New England, St. Louis, or Washington D.C. Apply Here.
Tiki Tiki (Brunch Alert): Cordelia Fishbar by Clyde’s Restaurant Group, located in DC’s vibrant Union Market District, is now open for brunch! Enjoy brunch plates like the Dutch Baby with sage apples and West Virginia maple syrup, Grilled French Toast with roasted banana, Fried Giant Prawns, Waffles, and Mushroom Cassoulet. Classic brunch cocktails are available alongside bottomless Tiki Drinks. cordeliadc.com
Bubble Brunch x DJ (Brunch Alert) : Transform your Sundays into a celebration of flavor and fun at Jackies. Try savory classics —all paired with bubbles bar, bottomless mimosas, or handcrafted cocktails. Try dishes like the burrata, shakshuka and more while you enjoy the live DJ. jackiedc.com
New on Embassy Row : Alta Strada Embassy Row is now open at the Canopy by Hilton by James Beard award-winning Chef Michael Schlow. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu features contemporary Italian dishes inspired by Chef Michael’s travels. The beverage program, led by Billy Yendall, who formerly worked at the Inn at Little Washington, features inventive cocktails and an extensive wine list. Dinner menu highlights include Crispy Crab Arancini, Hamachi Crudo, and Tagliatelle with duck confit. 1600 Rhode Island Avenue, altastradarestaurant.com
New Zealand-style Soft Serve in Chantilly?: SoftSpot has recently opened where they serve soft serve ice cream, “dirty sodas,” and more. The New Zealand style ice cream blends in fruit to their soft serve. Choose from Vanilla, Vegan Vanilla, or Vegan Coconut. 13905A Metrotech Dr, Chantilly, VA; nstagram.com
Chef Shao Opens in Pentagon City: Yunnan By Potomac is opening in Pentagon City. To mark the grand opening, Yunnan will honor the Lunar New Year with a series of special events and menu items. Guests can look forward to indulging in dishes that celebrate prosperity and joy, such as:Live Caught Whole Norwegian King Crab, Longevity Mixian Noodles, and more. 721 15th St S Unit 150, Arlington, VA 22202; yunnanbypotomac.com
Abbondanza (Brunch Alert): Stellina has started a weekend brunch menu, available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The menu features a selection of classic brunch dishes with an Italian twist, such as Cacio e Pepe topped with a fried egg, Pasta alla Carbonara with homemade tonnarelli, eggs, guanciale, pecorino romano, and toasted black pepper, and Pizza Bismark with tomato sauce, mushrooms, mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, sunny-side-up egg, and pecorino. stellinapizzeria.comc
Pitch Perfect: Do you have a story you want to get published? Learn how to craft a winning pitch that will get editors excited, and your story sold. Whether you hope to sell a personal essay or a reported story, veteran freelance writer Nevin Martell, whose work has appeared in dozens of high-profile publications, will teach you the techniques, tips, and tricks you need to know to do it successfully. Discover the best places to pitch stories and how to track down the right person to contact. Learn the art of writing an irresistible hook and a compelling query. Find out how to negotiate your fee and what to ask for in a contract to ensure you’re retaining the necessary rights, so you can use your story to create future works, such as a memoir or book-length project. You will receive two rounds of feedback on a pitch for a single story. February 18, 25, and March 4, 2025. Register here.
Swingin’ Sunday (Brunch Alert): Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen has a new jazz brunch. Derek Brock brings his New Orleans-inspired guitar magic, while multi-instrumentalist James Key switches effortlessly between Django-style guitar and upright bass. Pair their sophisticated sounds with some new cocktails that are a nod to the 60s era and signature Southern brunch dishes.6641 old Dominion Road
Top Chef is Back: Downtown Frederick has a new hotel for the first time in 50 years. Visitation Hotel Frederick officially opens its doors on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. Along with it comes Bryan and Michael Voltaggio's Wye Oak Tavern, the "Top Chef" brothers first joint restaurant in their hometown of Frederick. The Voltaggios will run Wye Oak Tavern (modern-day tavern and steakhouse), Acorn Provisions (grab-and-go cafe) and all event catering. 211 E Church Street; visitationhotel.com