The James Beard Foundation has officially announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees—the industry’s highest honor—and while the list celebrates talent across the country, here in the DMV, the reaction is a bit more complicated.For nearly four decades, the James Beard Awards have been considered the pinnacle of recognition in the American restaurant world. Winners will be revealed on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, with additional honors—including the Impact, Lifetime Achievement, and Humanitarian awards—celebrated throughout the weekend.But first, the nominees.A Noticeable Shift for the DMVLet’s start here: this is not the strongest showing we’ve seen from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.There are bright spots—absolutely—but fewer names overall than in past years, and notably absent are some of the region’s most decorated and nationally recognized restaurants and chefs. For a market that continues to earn Michelin stars, national press, and global attention, the list feels…lighter than expected.Still, there are names worth celebrating.The DMV FinalistsIn the Best New Restaurant category, DC lands a major nod with Maison Bar à Vins—a recognition that underscores the continued evolution of the city’s dining scene and its embrace of more focused, wine-driven concepts.In Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit earns a well-deserved nomination, highlighting both her technical precision and thoughtful leadership in the kitchen.The beverage world also gets its due. Field & Main Restaurant is nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, while DC’s own Brent Kroll of Maxwell Park is recognized in Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service—a testament to the region’s strength beyond the plate.And in Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, Suresh Sundas of Tapori represents DC among a competitive group that leans heavily Philadelphia this year.National Standouts & Categories to WatchBeyond the DMV, this year’s nominees reflect a continued shift toward diverse culinary voices, regional storytelling, and independent restaurant innovation.The Outstanding Restaurant category includes heavy hitters like Kalaya and The Four Horsemen, while the Outstanding Chef lineup features industry leaders like Niki Nakayama and Michael Tusk.And in Emerging Chef, the next generation is front and center, signaling where the industry is heading next.A Lifetime of InfluenceThis year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Nancy Silverton, whose impact on American dining—from La Brea Bakery to Osteria Mozza—has shaped how we think about bread, restaurants, and hospitality itself.The Bigger PictureThe introduction of the Impact Awards—now in their second year—signals the Foundation’s continued focus on equity, sustainability, and the future of the restaurant industry. It’s a reminder that today’s awards are not just about what’s on the plate, but how the industry evolves.Looking AheadSo yes, this year may feel like a quieter one for the DMV—but the talent here hasn’t gone anywhere. If anything, it raises questions about how recognition is evolving and what defines excellence on a national stage.One thing is certain: the conversation is far from over.And come June, all eyes will be on Chicago when the industry gathers once again for the James Beard Awards.We’ll see you there.

Easter is your official invitation to embrace spring, chase down all those eggs, and keep an eye out for that bunny. Whether you’re wrangling kids for an egg hunt, gathering family for brunch with bubbles, or just using the holiday as an excuse to don a bonnet and eat well (valid), the DMV has plenty of festive ways to celebrate. Consider this your guide to finding the treats, no basket required.Acqua Bistecca: This Easter, Acqua Bistecca invites guests to indulge in an elegant, Italian-inspired brunch experience designed for celebration and connection. Priced at $65 per person, the multi-course menu showcases refined flavors and seasonal ingredients, beginning with selections like Prosciutto & Pear, Arancini, and Tuna Tartare, followed by standout entrées such as Eggs Benedictine with crispy polenta cake, Lasagna alla Piastra, and Crispy Skin Arctic Char. For a truly indulgent holiday, guests can enhance their experience with luxe offerings like the “Doppio Uovo” Deviled Egg with caviar and truffle cream or “The Only” Caviar Cannoli. The menu is complemented by Italian wines, sparkling selections, and a playful build-your-own spritz bar featuring seasonal flavors.Ada’s on the River: Celebrate Easter Sunday with a waterfront brunch at Ada’s on the River featuring seasonal dishes like the South African Lobster Benedict with butter-poached lobster, poached eggs, crème fraîche, smoked tomatoes, and potato pavé, as well as a Croque Madame layered with prosciutto cotto, brioche, and pecorino-gruyère béchamel. Finish with carrot cake topped with cream cheese mousse, candied pecans, and pineapple jam; Click here for more info.Astro Beer Hall: This Easter, Astro Beer Hall in the Village at Shirlington invites families to their third annual Easter Egg Hunt. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 5th, the galactic-inspired restaurant will commence the hunt for eggs, filled with kid-friendly goodies and candy. One golden egg featuring a $100 Astro gift card will be hidden among the eggs for one lucky winner. The Easter Bunny will join the celebration for photos and fun starting at 10:00 a.m.BARCA Pier & Wine Bar: BARCA will offer Mediterranean-inspired brunch specials for Easter Sunday along the Alexandria waterfront. Highlights include a Herbed Yogurt Dip with warm pita and pickled vegetables, Jamón Ibérico Benedict with a Portuguese muffin and mojo rojo, and Grilled Lamb & Artichoke Kebab served with herbs and garlic yogurt; Click here for more info.Bastille Brasserie & Bar: Bastille in Old Town Alexandria is offering a 3-course French Easter brunch on April 5 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for $79 per person. The menu features seasonal dishes like citrus shrimp salad, lobster risotto, trout amandine, and filet mignon with frites, followed by desserts such as pavlova and warm chocolate moelleux. Note that Sunday dinner service will not be available on Easter.Black Barn Alpacas: Black Barn Alpacas is bringing back its annual Easter “EGG-stravaganza,” offering a holiday experience just outside Baltimore. Families can enjoy untimed Easter egg hunts across the farm’s open fields, hand-feed alpacas, and take part in classic lawn games and Easter crafts. The event has become a local tradition for families looking for a more relaxed, outdoors-focused way to celebrate the holiday; Click here for more info.Blue Duck Tavern: Blue Duck Tavern will offer a 3-course prix-fixe Easter brunch on April 5 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m., priced at $165 for adults and $75 for children. The experience includes a buffet-style starter spread with charcuterie, seafood, and salads, followed by entrée choices like pastrami smoked salmon Benedict, roasted prawns, slow-roasted prime rib, and spring risotto, plus a full pastry display for dessert. An à la carte dinner service will be available from 5:30 - 10:00 p.m.Bully: Bully will host a special Flamenco Brunch Buffet for Easter, bringing together vibrant Spanish flavors, live-spirited atmosphere, and seasonal dishes for a lively holiday celebration.Capital One Center: Capital One Center is hosting a full day of Easter festivities on April 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The highlight is an Easter Egg Hunt with 3,000 eggs on the Great Lawn at The Perch. Activities include goat yoga, miniature golf, food trucks, a paint-and-sip at Perch Putt, craft brews from Starr Hill, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, and adoptable puppies from Wolf Trap Animal Rescue. Additional events at street level include the return of the Color Fun Run and a petting zoo at Metro Park, along with pop-ups and experiences throughout the day; Click here for more info.Cheesetique: Cheesetique is offering a special brunch menu (entrees starting at $15) this Easter featuring a Grown Up Grilled Cheese, Chicken & Cheddar-Gruyere Waffles, and Challah French Toast. The Easter Bunny will be on location to delight family members of all ages from 11:30am-1:30pm.The Colonnade at Fairmont DC: The Colonnade will host its annual Easter Sunday Brunch on April 5 with seatings at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The festive buffet includes a seafood display, carving stations with glazed ham and marinated leg of lamb, and brunch favorites like omelets, waffles, and house-made pastries. Families can also enjoy visits from the Easter Bunny, courtyard egg hunts for kids, and live music from an electric violinist. The brunch is priced at $169 per person including a glass of sparkling wine, $79 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 5; Click here for more info. Corso Italian: Corso Italian is offering an All-You-Can-Mangia special for $29 on Easter Sunday. Guests can enjoy an entree and unlimited small plates. Brunch cocktails start at $9. For the little ones, the Easter Bunny will be handing out treats from 11:30am-1:30pm, and the whole family can indulge in Nonna’s Carrot Cake (nut free) special.  Crimson Lane Vineyards: Celebrate Easter Sunday with an elevated wine country experience at Crimson Lane Vineyards. Guests are invited to enjoy a relaxed, two-hour seated tasting on the picturesque South Porch, featuring a curated flight of wines paired with expert guidance through each vintage. For an enhanced culinary experience, guests can opt into a special Easter Brunch Pairing by Chef Jan Van Haute of Vaucluse Springs Inn, showcasing a refined, seasonal menu. Guests can also enjoy exclusive, Easter-only pours, including the Kir Royale and Crimson Mimosa, designed to complement the spring menu.CUT DC: Executive Chef Andrew Ho presents a multi-course Easter brunch highlighting Mid-Atlantic ingredients alongside CUT signatures. Menu highlights include Maryland blue crab cake, Perigord black truffle omelet, foie gras stuffed French toast, and American Wagyu steak frites, followed by a dessert display and seasonal ice cream cart by Executive Pastry Chef Ligia Barros. Guests can also enjoy a live instrumental trio and children’s egg-coloring station. Priced at  $145 per adult and $70 per child.Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse: Celebrate Easter in style with a delightful brunch at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Reston! Savor our carefully crafted seasonal specialties alongside beloved classics, promising a memorable experience for all. Plus, our full dinner menu will also be available to satisfy every palate. Create cherished holiday memories while enjoying Davio’s renowned hospitality.dLeña: Celebrate Easter with dLeña, on Sunday, April 5th. From 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Easter brunch guests can choose between bottomless food and drinks ($69) or bottomless food ($45) with drinks a la carte.Era Wine Bar: Join Era Wine Bar on Easter Sunday for brunch from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Guests will be able to pair their favorite wines and cocktails with their meal. The Falls: The Falls will offer a prix-fixe unlimited small plates menu, featuring Easter additions. $38 per adult, the menu will feature shrimp cocktail, ham and cheese quiche, vegetable quiche, and smoked ham, with carrot cake available à la carte.Gerrard Street Kitchen: Diners can celebrate Easter in style at Gerrard Street Kitchen at The Darcy on Sunday, April 5, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Brunch is priced at $68+ per adult and $30+ for children 12 and under, with optional bottomless beverages for an additional $30+ per person, including mimosas in flavors like limoncello, raspberry, and Tiffany, or a housemade Bloody Mary with a build-your-own garnish bar.The Inn at Little Washington: Join on Easter Sunday and choose from 3 different 7-course tasting menus from Chef Patrick O’Connell. Guests can also stroll the grounds and enjoy Spring delights.Joe Theismann’s Restaurant & Bar: Families are invited to Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 4 and April 5 at 8 a.m. Guests can enjoy a family-style breakfast along with an Easter egg hunt, basket-making activities, and photos with the Easter Bunny. The experience is $64.82 for adults and $36.39 for children ages 2+, with optional bottomless mimosas, Prosecco, or Bellinis available for an additional cost; Click here for more info.Kingbird: Celebrate Easter with an elevated brunch experience at Kingbird from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., featuring fresh pastries, made-to-order roasted lamb, a raw bar with lobster and oysters, quiche Lorraine, and classic breakfast favorites. The menu is priced at $135 per adult and $65 per child.La Grande Boucherie x Olio e Piu: Celebrate the season with an Easter-inspired dining experience at sister restaurants La Grande Boucherie D.C. and Olio e Più. This special prix fixe offering highlights classic spring dishes with bold, refined flavors across both concepts.Liberty Tavern: Liberty Tavern will offer an unlimited brunch with Easter specials. Highlights include fritto misto, lasagna bianca di pasqua, grilled bronzino, and carrot cake. The prix fixe menu is priced at $45 per adult and $14 per child.Little Blackbird: Little Blackbird is celebrating Easter all April with playful candy and wine pairings, including Marshmallow Peeps with Sauternes, Cadbury Creme Eggs with Orange Muscat, Cadbury Mini Eggs with Madeira, and jellybeans with Blanc de Blanc. The whimsical pairings highlight nostalgic sweets alongside thoughtfully selected wines, available during regular dinner service.Locavore: Locavore will host a special Easter dining experience on Sunday, April 5 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ($58 per person), featuring a three-course, choose-your-own experience. The menu showcases spring flavors with starters like Chesapeake crab “Angel Eggs,” Chilled Strawberry Gazpacho followed by mains including Curried Leg of Lamb and House-Made Rabbit Ragu with Hand-Cut Tagliatelle. Desserts lean into the season with options like Strawberry Rhubarb Crostata and Heirloom Baby Carrot Cake with Goat Cheese Frosting.Lutèce: Join The Popal Group on Easter Sunday for dishes from Chefs Bruno Enciso and Ana Sofía Pino including Cinnamon Rolls (cardamom, buttermilk glaze), Sticky Toffee (medjool dates, ginger ice cream), and a Fluke Crudo (ludacrisp, daikon, marigold, rice crisp). Lutèce will be transitioning away from weekend lunch service in the coming weeks, so this is also one of your last chances to eat their iconic Dry Aged Cheeseburger.Lyon Hall: Lyon Hall will offer Easter specials in addition to their regular brunch menu. Highlights will include lamp chops, bouillabaisse, jumbo lump crab cake, and braised rabbit.Mikko: This Easter weekend, Mikko welcomes guests into its warm, Scandinavian‑inspired Dupont Circle townhouse for a three‑day celebration of spring flavors, Nordic comfort, and Chef Mikko’s signature hospitality. The special three‑course Easter Menu will be offered Friday, April 3, Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, available for both dine‑in and to‑go. Designed with the bright, seasonal ingredients of a Nordic spring, the menu blends tradition with Chef Mikko’s refined, comforting style. Guests begin with a choice of Shrimp & Crab Skagen Devilled Eggs served with Spring Salad or a crisp Frisée Salad with Seared Tuna & Cucumber Salad — two fresh, elegant starters that set the tone for the holiday weekend.Minetta Tavern: On Easter Sunday, April 5th, Minetta Tavern is serving a special brunch menu with limited-time offerings such as Grilled Asparagus topped with Hollandaise and Caviar, Sole Meunière, Rack of Lamb with Morels, and Carrot Cake with Orange SorbetMon Ami Gabi (Bethesda): Gather for a delightful Easter brunch at Mon Ami Gabi from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM with entrées like the Avocado Tartine, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, French Toast, Lobster Omelette, and more. Or, stop by for dinner from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM for an afternoon or evening of French classics. Enjoy the Frisée & Lardon Salad, Steak Frites, Roast Salmon, and the house specialty, the Roast Chicken à la Grand-Mère. Namak: Namak, the Eastern Mediterranean-influenced restaurant located in Adam’s Morgan, will celebrate Easter and Orthodox Easter with a Prime Rib Kebab special developed by Executive Chef Lindsey Flowers. The $32 kebab features harissa prime rib served with horseradish labneh and red wine jus. The special will be available on Sunday, April 5th and Sunday, April 12th during the restaurant’s recently launched Sunday All-Day service from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. Nobu: Nobu will offer an elevated version of its all-you-can-eat brunch on Easter Sunday, featuring a selection of Japanese and Western delights. Priced at $90 per person, guests can enjoy unlimited Nobu favorites, sushi, salads, pastries & desserts, and chef stations. Northside Social: From Thurs 4/2 - Sun 4/5, Northside Social is offering Easter specials and to-go options available for pre-order 48 hours in advance. Highlights include walnut carrot cupcakes, a spring cookie sampler, lemon lavender buns, seasonal quiche, and cocktail specials. Guests can order a mimosa kit, which includes a bottle of sparkling wine and juice.The Royal: The Royal is celebrating Easter Sunday with a bold brunch lineup including dishes like Pot Roast Hash with braised beef, sunny eggs, crispy home fries, caramelized onions, feta, and roasted garlic aioli, and the Vampiro Burrito packed with chicken chorizo, scrambled eggs, refried beans, crispy cheeses, salsa verde, and cilantro; Click here for more info.RPM Italian: Celebrate Easter Sunday at RPM Italian with seasonal specials alongside RPM favorites, including pastas like Lemon Burrata Cappalletti, seafood selections such as Atlantic Swordfish, Italian classics like Eggplant Parmesan alla Billi, and more.Summer House (North Bethesda): Celebrate Easter with a springtime feast at Summer House! On Sunday, April 5, delight in a holiday brunch from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMfeaturing specials like Ham and Eggs and Cinnamon-Sugar Pancakes available alongside the weekend brunch menu. Gather with friends and family for dinner from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM, to enjoy specials such as Roasted Alaskan Halibut available alongside the main menu. Don’t forget to hop over to The Cookie Bar for dessert.Tari Trattoria: Tari Trattoria is offering a Pasqua (Easter) menu alongside its regular offerings on Easter Sunday from 12:00 - 9:00 p.m. Specials include Minestra Maritata (a classic Italian Easter soup with beef ribs and sausage), a crab cake–topped Granchio focaccia, housemade carbonara with guanciale, roasted rabbit with fava beans and mint, and Pastiera, the traditional ricotta and orange Easter dessert.Truluck’s: Truluck’s will be open on Easter from 12:00 - 9:00 p.m., serving its full menu of fresh seafood and prime steaks. Highlights include Florida Stone Crab Claws, miso-glazed seabass, Mediterranean branzino, and New Zealand lamb, alongside seasonal specials like the “Yuzu Cool” cocktail and a limited-time lemon-blueberry custard bread pudding.Vola’s Dockside Grill: Vola’s Dockside Grill is offering Easter brunch by the waterfront with dishes like Pecan-Crusted French Toast topped with Bavarian cream and fresh berries, and Lobster & Crab Cannelloni featuring Maine lobster, lump crab, spinach, and Gruyère in a sherry cream sauce; Click here for more info.Wildfire (Tyson’s): Celebrate Easter at Wildfire with the special Braised Colorado Lamb Shank served with fresh spinach and cauliflower mashed potatoes for $44.95, plus tax. For dessert, enjoy Triple Layer Carrot Cake by the slice for $10.95, plus tax, or order whole cakes for carryout for $54.95, plus tax (gratuity not included). Available for dine-in and carryout all day, in addition to our regular dinner menu.Zinnia: Zinnia's Easter Brunch will feature starters for the table including a homemade bread basket and fresh fruit, choice of entree for $45 per adult. A separate beverage option that can be added for an additional $25 per adult. For families, a special kids menu will be available for guests 12 and under for $35 each and will include an Easter-themed goodie bag, plus the opportunity for a special Easter Egg Hunt throughout the day, where kids will be invited to search over three acres of Zinnia's Gardens for eggs filled with candy and other treats. All participants must be supervised by an adult.

Photo: Jonni Scott Photography; Chef Ryan McIlwraith from Bosco Lamb BurgerApril is bringing the heat (and the lamb) to cities across the country, and while American Lamb Board’s Lamb Jam 2026 is a full-on national moment, let’s be honest, we’ve got our eyes (and appetites) firmly planted right here in Washington, D.C..Yes, Lamb Jam is taking over eight cities, from Atlanta to Seattle, but DC’s lineup? It’s stacked. Think chefs you already love,and a whole lot of creativity coming off the line.Throughout April, these chefs are showcasing American lamb in their own distinct ways as part of a citywide dine-around. Dishes are designed to be approachable (read: under $30), popping up on bar menus, happy hours, and small plates → aka your perfect excuse to make a whole month of it.And while diners can vote for their favorites and judges will weigh in behind the scenes, the real win here is getting to taste how each chef interprets American lamb right now.The DC Chefs Bringing the Lamb LoveHere’s who you’ll find leading the charge across the District:Jarrad Silver of Silver and Son’sRakesh Singh of Rasika West EndJames Robinson of Iron GateManu Carbone of Brasero & FloreriaElias Taddesse of MélangeRobbie Reyes of Lucky DangerRyan Moore of SababaWhat Happens NextAt the end of the month, one DC chef will take the top spot locally. Then it gets interesting: winners from each city go head-to-head, with East and West Coast champions crowned, and yes, bragging rights come with a year’s worth of American lamb.Winning chefs will host intimate Lamb Jam dinners later this summer, multi-course, lamb-focused evenings with wine pairings, butchery demos, and even a chance to meet the producers behind the product. It’s that full pasture-to-plate story we love.Why It Matters (and Why You Should Go Eat)Lamb Jam isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s about showcasing American lamb as a versatile, sustainable ingredient and connecting diners to the farmers and ranchers behind it. But let’s not overthink it, this is also your chance to eat really well across the city. Now the only question is, how many stops can you hit this month?

Spring Ready? The DMV is trading hot toddies for spritzes, rosé, and cocktails that taste like sunshine. Bars are opening their windows, patios are filling up, and beverage pros across the region are shaking, stirring, and pouring the flavors of the season.At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss sips and spirited experiences to welcome spring in style.-Make a night of it, see a show and grab a great pre- or post-theatre drink or dinner with our theatre + dining guide (here).-This week's list of The List's favorite food finds, here.-From cocktail pop-ups to wine tastings and brewery events, spring drinking events are blooming everywhere (here).-You don’t need an excuse to visit a woman-owned business or celebrate women history month…here’s the list.So much more refreshing, glass-raising goodness below:MARK YOUR CALENDAR Napa Valley Barrel Auction: The Napa Valley Barrel Auction takes place Friday, June 5, 2026, at the newly reimagined Robert Mondavi Winery, opening in May. Featuring more than 100 participating vintners, the Barrel Auction brings together wine enthusiasts and winemakers for a day of tasting wine directly from the barrel and bidding on lots. More info here. The Judgement of Paris: Museum of American History: The Museum will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” wine tasting competition and the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the eighth annual Smithsonian Winemakers’ Dinner April 14. This year’s signature fundraising event, “The Judgment of Paris: There’s more to the story…” will bring together visionary vintners, culinary leaders and supporters of the museum to celebrate the intertwined histories of American wine, food and democracy. The evening will commemorate the history of three Napa Valley wineries that took part in the 1976 tasting and are still producing fine wines that reflect the best of Napa—Freemark Abbey, Clos Du Val, and Mayacamas. The dinner’s culinary experience will be developed in collaboration with Nora Pouillon, chef and owner of Restaurant Nora in Washington, D.C., which was America’s first certified-organic restaurant and a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement. More info here. DC Brau Anniversary: On Thursday, April 16th, Dc Brau is celebrating it's 15 year anniversary. As DC’s first production brewery since the 1950s, DC Brau helped spark the city’s modern craft beer movement, making this a meaningful milestone for the local food & beverage scene. They will be doing “15 Beers for 15 Years” featuring rare and specialty DC Brau pours, cask beers and limited offerings and more. Get tickets here. Smithsonian Museum of American History Annual Wine Dinner: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is hosting the 2026 Winemakers’ Dinner—a signature evening that brings together visionary vintners, culinary leaders, and supporters of the Museum to celebrate American wine, food, and history. In 2026, as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Winemakers' Dinner on April 14, will be one of the Museum's most significant events in this landmark year. The dinner marks the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris—the 1976 blind tasting that stunned the wine world when American wines placed ahead of France’s most celebrated Bordeaux and Burgundy. Get your tickets here. Blue Duck Tavern Anniversary:  Blue Duck Tavern will toast 20 years in the nation’s capital as one of the city’s most iconic restaurants in June 2026. To honor this monumental occasion, nationally recognized chefs, who formerly spearheaded Blue Duck Tavern, will return to prepare their signature dishes for a special dinner gathering accompanied by merrymaking over 2006 vintages from Blue Duck Tavern's Sommelier selections. The five-course feast will take place on Wednesday, June 10, with a champagne reception and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m. blueducktavern.comNEW & NOTEWORTHY: Mediterranean Moments: NAJA Mediterranean welcomes the season with the launch of its new spring cocktail menu. Try the Sirocco: A personal favorite of owner Tariq Alaeddin, the Sirocco features reposado tequila, a shatta-infused liqueur made using his grandmother’s red shatta recipe, and pineapple, all finished with a spicy salt foam and an Aleppo salt rim.  2911 District Ave Unit 140, Fairfax, VA 22031; najamediterranean.comArak without Alcohol: At Tapori, Bar Director EJ Apaga set out to challenge the predictable world of spirit-free cocktails, and to create something that truly drinks like an extraordinary adult beverage. Frustrated with the current state of non-alcoholic cocktails, which often use lemonade, ginger or capsaicin as a base, he drew from his experience with Arak. The result, after three months of refinement, is the Pom Star Soda: a sparkling, crystal-clear, non-alcoholic arak-inspired drink with layered spice, balance, and a distinctly grown-up profile. 600 H Street NE; taporidc.comSpring Fling: Spring Wine Fling, presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), returns with two-course dinner menus paired with wine at more than 30 restaurants across the region. Each restaurant will offer a two-course dinner with two glasses of wine for $55 per person. Spring Wine Fling is available only during dinner service. More info here. Festival of Friendship: Inspired by the historic gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to the U.S., Silver Lyan raises a glass to the spirit of friends near and far with their Festival of Friendship. Silver Lyan will welcome some of its favorite industry friends behind the bar for a limited-time menu of collaborative cocktails and snacks created alongside DC standouts Your Only Friend, Minibar, Moon Rabbit, and Bar Betsie. 900 F St NW, Washington, DC; riggsdc.comFlora Garden Pop Up at Lulu’s: Lulu’s Winegarden will soon celebrate DC’s long-awaited spring season with the return of its popular “Flora Garden” – a springtime pop-up bringing floral cocktails and petaled patios to the U Street bar. Lulu’s is showcasing a bouquet of spring flavors and spirits in several creative floral cocktails, including the edible flower-topped First Bloom with botanically-driven Citadelle Jardin D'ete gin, elderflower and Aperol; a slightly-savory garden margarita infused with black pepper tequila; a shiso-pineapple crush; a spicy-citrusy sour with yuzu and jalapeno aguardiente; and a bubbly Chandon Hugo Spritz. 1940 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001; luluswinegarden.comSisters Are Doing It for Themselves: Immigrant Food: Immigrant Food offers a flight of wines from all female producers and winemakers throughout March and Centrolina’s Chef Amy Brandwein participates in MITA’s “Culture Sunday” series (3/8). Plus, female owned-and-operated restaurants to visit this March include Lapis, Joon, Maison Bar à Vins, Pascual, Lutèce, Centrolina, Immigrant Food, and more. 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue; immigrantfood.comSisters Are Doing It for Themselves: Annabelle’s Alison Paige Sachs: This March, in honor of Women’s History Month, Annabelle in Kalorama is spotlighting women leaders in wine and spirits with a month-long, all-female by-the-glass program. Wine Director Alison Paige Sachs curated a global selection of wines made and/or owned by women from France, Argentina, Australia, Spain, Italy, and the U.S., including standout producers from Château La Freynelle, Vasse Felix, Susana Balbo Wines, Jansz Tasmania, and Canard-Duchêne.  2132 Florida Avenue, NW, 20008; annabelledc.comNOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: New on the Block:  South Block is continuing its rapid expansion with a brand-new location inside Western Market, bringing its handcrafted acai bowls, smoothies and cold-pressed juices to one of the city’s most popular food hall destinations. The new location will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering guests South Block’s signature superfood bowls layered with fresh fruit and house-made granola, alongside handcrafted smoothies, cold-pressed juices and other delicious favorites designed to fuel guests throughout the day. 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; southblock.comPikilia, Ouzo, & Amari (Happy Hour Alert):  Iron Gate has a new Pikilia Happy Hour. They have a traditional “Pikilia” platter nightly, including our favorite Greek snacks, for just $22. They're offering $10 classic cocktail riffs, $7 Ouzos and Amari, and an assortment of $12 Amaro Flights. 1734 N ST NW, WASHINGTON DC 20036; irongaterestaurantdc.comThin Mints + Vino: Little Blackbird is having a monthly wine club, curated each month by General Manager & Wine Director Sara Peregoff. Available for pick-up after the first of each month, the Silver Membership is priced at $29 per month and includes one carefully curated bottle of either white or red wine selected by Peregoff.  3309 Connecticut Avenue, NW; Littleblackbird.comLunedì Aperitivo (Happy Hour Alert): Acqua Bistecca, Washington, D.C.’s Italian-inspired steakhouse at City Ridge, invites you to unwind with its signature Happy Hour experience. The curated menu offers a taste of Italy through refined small plates, vibrant cocktails, and approachable wines and beers. The drinks menu highlights house cocktails such as the Positano (mezcal, lime, raspberry-basil granita), the Atrani (tomato-washed gin, grapefruit, club soda), and the sparkling Amalfi (vodka, pear, lemon, prosecco), alongside $10 wines and $6 Peroni.  10 Ridge Square, City Ridge Development, Washington, D.C; aquabistecca.comC’mon Get Happy (Happy Hour Alert): Flight Club has a new happy hour. The revamped happy hour is now available introducing a refreshed menu daily from 4–6 p.m. Guests can enjoy $2 off all draft beer, liquor, and wine by the glass, plus specialty cocktails starting at $8. A highlight is the Jungle Bird cocktail ($8 during happy hour) and is a classic tiki drink originally created at the Aviary Bar at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton and is considered one of the last original tiki cocktails before the genre faded in the disco era. 641 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001; flightclubdartsusa.comMartini Hour (Happy Hour Alert):  Elegancia has a new Martini Hour, a stylish and elevated take on the classic happy hour, celebrating the timeless cocktail through a Latin lens. From Tuesday through Friday, you can enjoy a curated selection of handcrafted martinis for $10 each, including the Mango Martini, the Espresso de Olla Martini, and a Classic Vodka or Gin Martini. 1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002; Elegancia.comBloody Well Good: Motorkat's new Bloody Mary program asks you "Are You Going By land or by sea? The by land drink includes Pork Belly, Candied Bacon, Wagyu Wiener, Andouille. The by sea drink includes Fried Oyster, Jumbo Shrimp, Grilled Octopus. 6939 Laurel Ave, Silver Spring, MD; .motorkat.com 

We at TheListAreYouOnIt.com are unabashed tea lovers. Give us a lovely setting, a silver pot of something steeped, a tower of sweets and savories, and a generous dollop of clotted cream, and we’re in our happy place. If you know us, you know we adore a long, leisurely afternoon tea with friends.And spring might just be the perfect season for it. With gardens coming back to life and longer afternoons ahead, there’s something especially charming about pausing for tea.Luckily, the DMV takes its tea seriously and there are plenty of places to raise your pinky and sip in style.Here’s where you’ll find us sipping an afternoon tea this spring:NEW & NOTEWORTHY TEASFairmont Washington DC: Usher in the spring with Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea in the Loggia overlooking the cherry blossom trees in the Courtyard. Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea, served on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from March 20 through April 12 with seatings between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Executive Chef Jaime Montes de Oca and Executive Pastry Lyndsey Barton have collaborated on an enchanting menu of savory and sweet cherry delights, including pickled watermelon radish on sourdough, Hudson Valley duck prosciutto, sakura jelly cheesecake, Japanese panna cotta, and scones with clotted cream. Priced at $115 per adult, tea includes a glass of Domain Rosé Chandon or a cherry blossom cocktail.  Tea for children ages 5-12 is $65 each and includes sparkling cider.  Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea is exclusive of tax and gratuity. Cherry Blossom themed cocktails will also be available. For reservations for Cherry Blossom Afternoon tea, please click here. Park Hyatt Washington DC: Park Hyatt will celebrate the return of spring & cherry blossoms with the addition of tableside tea service in the Tea Cellar, which will be available on both Saturday and Sunday, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Tea menu offers pastries with accompaniments and seasonally inspired savory selections. Weekend afternoon tea service is priced at $125 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, which includes a freshly brewed pot of tea and a glass of Nicolas Feuillatte Sakura Rose Champagne.  Children between six and twelve will enjoy tea for $65 per person. Additional pots of tea can be ordered, ranging in price from $16 to $300.  Park Hyatt Washington D.C.’s Tea Cellar is home to one of the most unique and expansive tea collections in the United States, with over 30 rare, limited-production, single-estate teas, including teas from remote regions of China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Africa, South Korea, and the Himalayas, as well as herbal selections from Egypt. Willard Intercontinental: Celebrate spring with the Willard’s special Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea, returning this year in the Willard’s Peacock Alley and the Willard Tea Room. Through April 26, guests will be immersed in a seasonal celebration complete with elegant cherry blossom décor and the enchanting melodies of in-house harpist Kristen Jepperson. This year’s menu features specialty teas such as The Willard Cherry Blossom Blend, Spring Garden Green, Japanese Sencha, Sweet Lemon Chiffon, and White Peony Silver Needle, alongside savory bites like Japanese Egg Sandwiches, Lobster Tartlets, and Orange-Scented Cucumber Sandwiches. Signature scones and sweets like Matcha Lavender Roulade, Strawberry Vanilla Tarte, and Mango Ube Basket complete the offering, along with the seasonal Little Kyoto cocktail and optional caviar pairings. Children, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus are also available for a fully inclusive experience. Available Friday - Sunday at noon and 2:30 p.m. in Peacock Alley; Wednesday - Sunday at noon and 2:30 p.m. in the tea room. $105 per adult, $120 with Champagne; $65 per child. For reservations, click here. Oasis Sushi & Listening Bar x Flore Café Tysons Collaboration: The 14-course progression features delicacies paired perfectly with Bellocq Tea Atelier teas. Highlights include: Lobster Salad Marie-Rose, Smoked Salmon Crêpe Roll, Sakura Cherry Scones, Hibiscus Guava Crème Brûlée, and two seasonal Japanese selections curated by Oasis Sushi & Listening Bar. Priced at $89 per person; Prosecco pairing additional $15 per person. Beginning March 21, Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Limited seating available; advanced-purchased tickets are required and can be booked exclusively via Resy, here.  Hello Betty: Sample a curated selection of premium teas, finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, and pastries. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply elevating your afternoon, tea service is an invitation to pause, sip, and indulge in something refined. A special children’s menu is available for guests ages 5–10. Be aware that Hello Betty will not accommodate children under five for tea. For more information, click here. Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at CUT D.C.: Available through April 2026, this seasonal afternoon tea features smoked trout & cucumber, truffled egg salad croissant, and Maine lobster roll, followed by housemade scones and spring pastries like cherry blossom vacherin and coconut tart. Available with tea or coffee, or paired with Champagne or a French 75. $95 per person | $115 with Champagne; to book, click here. ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA: WHERE ELSE TO GET YOUR TEA ONThese tea spots are always steeping something wonderful:The Fairmont HotelHillwood Estate, Museum & GardensLaduréeLady CamelliaThe Park HyattThe PendryQuadrant at The Ritz-CarltonSt. Regis HotelSeasons at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DCThe Tavern at The Henley ParkThe WillardZinnia

Spring Ready? The DMV is officially shaking off winter and stepping into longer days and menus that feel just a little lighter and brighter. Thank Goodness! We are ready for fresh greens, farmers’ market finds, and chefs leaning into the flavors of the season.Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss bites and experiences to help you eat your way into spring.-Make a night of it, see a show and grab a great pre- or post-theatre meal with our theatre + dining guide (here).-This week's list of The List's favorite beverages,  here.-Celebrate the season with festivals, pop-ups, and springtime dining events popping up all over the region (here).-You don’t need an excuse to visit a woman-owned business or celebrate women history month…here’s the list.So much more fresh, flavor-packed goodness below:MARK YOUR CALENDAR: TPSS Earth Day Festival: TPSS Co-op is hosting its annual Earth Day Celebration on April 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., bringing the community together for a free, family-friendly day focused on sustainability and local impact. The event will feature live music, educational sessions on reducing waste, speakers, local vendors, and hands-on activities like crafts and games for kids, all centered around this year’s theme, “Change Grows Here.” tpss.coopThe Judgement of Paris: The Smithsonian will host its annual Winemakers’ Dinner on April 14 at 6:30 p.m., marking the 50th anniversary of the historic “Judgment of Paris” tasting. The evening brings together celebrated Napa Valley wineries and a collaborative menu from pioneering chef Nora Pouillon, with proceeds supporting the Smithsonian Food History Project; americanhistory.si.eduDC Brau Anniversary: DC Brau Brewing Company is celebrating its 15th anniversary this April with 2 major public events and limited-release beers, marking a milestone for D.C.’s craft beer scene. Festivities include a kickoff at ChurchKey on April 16 featuring “15 beers for 15 years,” followed by a large-scale anniversary party at the brewery on April 18 with live music, food vendors, and exclusive releases; dcbrau.comThe Irishman Who Invented Brunch: Brennan’s iconic “Breakfast at Brennan’s” heads to D.C. for a 3-day pop-up at The Occidental from April 17–19 (9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), celebrating 80 years of the New Orleans institution credited with shaping modern brunch culture. The experience brings its signature cocktail-forward, leisurely brunch tradition to the capital, with owner Ralph Brennan and Executive Chef Kris Padalino on-site for the occasion; theoccidentaldc.comNew Kitchens on the Block: Mess Hall’s New Kitchens on the Block returns April 25 with a one-day food festival showcasing nine of D.C.’s most anticipated upcoming restaurants before they open. Guests can sample dishes and meet chefs behind concepts from names like Fabio Trabocchi, the Cava team, and Clyde’s Restaurant Group, with participants including Alfie’s, Maurizio’s, Ebbitt House, and more. The event runs in two sessions with tickets starting at $99.00; messhalldc.comTwenty Years of Mandu: Mandu is marking its 20th anniversary in 2026 with a monthly collaborative dining series celebrating 2 decades in D.C.’s dining scene. The yearlong series brings guest chefs into the kitchen for special tasting menus inspired by Mandu’s Korean roots and the shared language of global cuisines. Scheduled dinners include Thursday, May 7, an AAPI Month celebration with Chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto and Chef Steve Chu of Ekiben; Click here for more info.Moon Valley Strawberry Festival: Moon Valley Farm will host its 2026 Strawberry Festival series on May 9, 16, and 23, featuring the region’s only Certified Organic pick-your-own strawberries. Guests can harvest berries straight from the field while enjoying food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities, with a special early-access day for CSA members on May 9; moonvalleyfarm.netGolden Corral Fundraiser: Golden Corral has launched its 15th annual Camp Corral fundraising campaign, aiming to raise $1 million by May 10 to send children of wounded, ill, and fallen service members to free summer camp. The brand is a founding partner of Camp Corral, which has served more than 38,000 military children since 2011. Guests can support the initiative at participating restaurants by purchasing donation stars, rounding up their checks, or contributing online. To date, Golden Corral and its guests have raised more than $19 million for the program; campcorral.orgBlue Duck Tavern Anniversary:  Blue Duck Tavern will toast 20 years in the nation’s capital as one of the city’s most iconic restaurants in June 2026. To honor this monumental occasion, nationally recognized chefs, who formerly spearheaded Blue Duck Tavern, will return to prepare their signature dishes for a special dinner gathering accompanied by merrymaking over 2006 vintages from Blue Duck Tavern's Sommelier selections. The five-course feast will take place on Wednesday, June 10, with a champagne reception and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m. blueducktavern.comCarla Hall One-Woman Show: Carla Hall is debuting her world premiere solo show, “Please Underestimate Me!”, at the Olney Theatre Center this summer. In the one-woman production, the award-winning chef, author, and TV personality shares a candid, humorous, and deeply personal look at her journey—from her Tennessee roots and Howard University to Paris runways. The DC chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier has reserved a block of seats for 2 performances: Friday, June 26 and Thursday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $72.00, with a portion supporting scholarships and mentorship for women in food and hospitality. A special $92.00 ticket for the June 26 performance includes a post-show meet-and-greet with Carla Hall and light refreshments; buy tickets here.NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Test Kitchen Mondays: Acqua Bistecca is launching a new monthly Test Kitchen Menu beginning April 6, offering a rotating, multi-course dining experience that gives guests a first taste of dishes in development. Priced at $65.00 per person, the experience includes a full progression of starters, entrées, sides, and desserts, with April highlights like Fava Bean Agnolotti, Wagyu Denver, and Bomba Donuts; acquabistecca.comDemi Lovato Fans, We Got You: Bayou Bakery is teaming up with Live Nation for a playful promotion tied to Demi Lovato’s April 16 show at Capital One Arena. From March 30 through April 16, guests can purchase the limited-time Cracklin’ Demi Crunch treat ($6.50), with 4 lucky bags hiding tickets to the concert; bayoubakeryva.comMinetta Mornings (Brunch Alert): Minetta Tavern has launched a new spring brunch menu from Chef Laurent Kalkatour, featuring exclusive dishes like Ricotta Pancakes with blueberry compote, Fish and Chips, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, and a Salmon Gravlax plate; minettataverndc.comFinland Makes Us Happy: Mikko Café is celebrating Finland topping the 2026 World Happiness Report with a menu rooted in comforting Nordic classics from Chef Mikko Kosonen. From salmon soup and Karelian pies to Finnish meatballs and cinnamon buns, the Dupont Circle café offers a cozy, transportive taste of what makes Finland the happiest country in the world; chefmikko.comSantiago Lopez in at Majestic (Chef Update): The Majestic is entering a new chapter under Chef Santiago Lopez, who has taken ownership and will reopen the Old Town institution on April 10 with a refreshed, chef-driven concept. The reimagined menu blends French technique with Mediterranean influences across New American dishes, alongside lunch, brunch, and happy hour offerings—all within a thoughtfully redesigned space that honors the restaurant’s legacy while looking ahead; themajesticva.comNew & Improved: ala has reopened its Dupont Circle location following the first phase of renovations, unveiling an expanded 220-seat dining room with bright, Mediterranean-inspired design. The Levantine restaurant continues to offer dinner daily, along with a $28.00 mezze lunch and a $36.00 weekend bottomless brunch, with the patio and upstairs spaces set to debut in the coming months; ala-dc.comChesapeake Oyster Week: Chesapeake Oyster Week returns March 20-31, inviting diners across Maryland, DC, and Virginia to enjoy local oysters while supporting the Oyster Recovery Partnership. More than 60 restaurants will offer oyster specials and promotions, with proceeds helping fund oyster reef restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay. The celebration kicks off with an Oyster & Music Festival at Guinness Open Gate Brewery; oysterrecovery.orgChef Updates - Lindsey Flowers in at Namak: Namak has appointed Chef Lindsey Flowers as Executive Chef, bringing experience from standout D.C. kitchens like St. Anselm and YELLOW. Since stepping into the role, Flowers has introduced a new Sunday all-day menu (12:00 to 8:00 p.m.) blending Eastern Mediterranean flavors with comfort-driven dishes like Grilled Cheese Arayes and a Lamb Smashburger, alongside Namak staples like spreads and kebabs.; namak-dc.comHanami Picnic: Love Makoto is celebrating spring with its Hanami Hand Roll Picnic, a limited-time offering inspired by the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing. Available for pickup or delivery, the $42.00 set is designed for 2 and features a selection of hand rolls perfect for an easy, picnic-style dining experience; lovemakoto.comRagu for You: Vermilion is hosting a Sunday Night Ragu Family Dinner each week starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a hearty family-style Italian feast for $35.00 per person in the tavern, bar, and lounge. The meal features Chef Anthony Chittum’s slow-cooked ragu with pork spare ribs, braised Angus beef, meatballs, fennel sausage, plum tomatoes, and hand-cut egg noodles. The spread also includes a lacinato kale Caesar, sourdough garlic bread, and apple cider donuts with salted caramel and frozen custard for dessert. Guests can also pair the meal with featured red wines by the bottle selected to complement the Sunday feast; vermilionrestaurant.comSisters Are Doing It for Themselves: Hank’s Oyster Bar x Purple Patch: In honor of Women’s History Month, Hank’s Oyster Bar is teaming up with Purple Patch for a month-long collaboration led by chefs Jamie Leeds, Shannan Troncoso, and Patrice Cleary. The limited-time menu features Fried Goose Point Oysters with Hank’s tartar sauce and Purple Patch’s suka, Patrice’s Lobster Pancit with Maine lobster and shiitake mushrooms, and a Spicy Calamansi Margarita made with roasted jalapeño tequila and house calamansi sour. A portion of proceeds from the collaboration will benefit N Street Village, which supports local women experiencing homelessness; hanksoysterbar.comWe All Want a Love Bazaar: Chef José Andrés is bringing his acclaimed steakhouse concept to the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, replacing The Bazaar in the historic Old Post Office building. Bazaar Meat centers on premium cuts and fire-driven cooking, with dishes like ribeye “chuleton,” bone-in New York strip, Japanese wagyu, and a traditional whole suckling pig for communal dining. The menu will also feature signature Bazaar favorites—including the Cotton Candy Foie Gras and Caviar Cone—alongside seafood, jamón, and vegetable dishes, plus a multi-course tasting menu for a more immersive experience; thebazaar.comSisters Are Doing It for Themselves - Dolcezza x Chef Tseng: For Women’s History Month, Dolcezza is teaming up with Chef Seng Luangrath (Baan Mae, Thip Khao, Padaek) on a limited-time White Rabbit Soft Serve Sundae launching March 9 through March 31. Inspired by the iconic Shanghai milk candy, the sundae features White Rabbit soft serve topped with Dragon’s Beard sesame-peanut crunch, crispy scallion wonton noodles, peanut brittle, fresh lime zest, and a haw candy disc. The collaboration will be available at select Dolcezza locations (including H Street, CityCenterDC & the Hirshhorn) as well as Luangrath’s restaurants; dolcezzagelato.com NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:New & Improved: After 24 years, Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville, Virginia has reopened under new ownership from Noel and Alannah Sweeney following minor renovations. The historic 18th-century gastropub now welcomes Chef/Operator Jarad Slipp, who will continue the tavern’s British pub-focused menu with an elevated approach. A longtime destination in Virginia horse country, the restaurant remains a beloved community staple while entering its next chapter; huntersheadtavern.comSpring Flavors: Jeni’s is launching a new Spring Collection on March 26, available at shops across the DMV, inspired by classic restaurant desserts. Limited-time flavors include Basque Cheesecake with Brambleberry Jam, Black Tie Tiramisu, and Key Lime Pie—each reimagining nostalgic, “fancy” desserts in scoopable form with rich, indulgent ingredients; jenis.comIf It Walks Like a Duck: L’Avant-Garde is celebrating the season with limited-time spring offerings from Chef Sébastien Giannini, including a Duck Magret with Griottine cherries served with braised red cabbage and caramelized apples, and the Kintsugi Manhattan—a sakura-inspired cocktail made with Japanese whisky, vermouth, and bitters, finished with a gold-leaf cherry; lavantgardedc.comMore Slice & Pie: Slice & Pie has opened its third D.C.-area location at 1750 H St. NW, expanding the award-winning pizzeria’s footprint in the city. The 1,200-square-foot space is the brand’s largest yet and includes a glass-enclosed dough production facility that will supply its other locations on 14th Street and at Union Market, with a fourth location planned for The Parks at Walter Reed. Founded by master pizzaiolo Giulio Adriani, Slice & Pie has built a strong following for its New York- and Detroit-style pies; sliceandpie.comMay the Force Be With You: Apéro is offering a limited-time tasting menu inspired by the cinematic worlds of George Lucas. The playful 4 or 6-course experience draws on the spirit of Lucas’s storytelling through bold, imaginative dishes paired with cocktails and wines designed to match each course’s theme. The menu creates a cinematic dining journey that transports guests through flavor, presentation, and storytelling; aperodc.comCarla Hall’s Southern Fried Chicken: Celebrity chef Carla Hall has returned to the D.C. dining scene with bumblebirds, a Southern fried chicken and cocktail “pop-in” on Capitol Hill created with Sunnyside Restaurant Group. The fast-casual concept features fried chicken sandwiches with regional toppings, tenders and nuggets, homestyle sides like biscuits and pimento cheese, plus an iced tea and lemonade bar and Southern-inspired cocktails. The colorful space also showcases Hall’s personal design touches, including her handcrafted paper yo-yo quilts and a custom mural; bumblebirdsdc.comHello, Friend: Kevin Tien x Alan Bo: Chef Kevin Tien debuts Chao Ban at Tysons Galleria alongside longtime partner Alan Vo. The fast-casual Vietnamese-American counter concept draws inspiration from the pair’s upbringing as first-generation Vietnamese raised in Louisiana, blending Southeast Asian flavors with familiar American formats. The opening menu will feature dishes like pho noodles, a catfish bánh mì, rice platters, and shareable snacks such as Impossible xiu mai and honey pecan shrimp; tysonsgalleria.comDeep Dish in Old Town: The Commodore Old Town has opened in Alexandria, bringing the neighborhood bar’s signature “Five-Star Dive Bar” energy across the Potomac. Owners Rob Van de Graaff and Steve Kim have expanded the concept from its original D.C. location with a lively space featuring multiple rooms, a game room with pool and darts, free-play arcade games, and a street-side patio. The menu includes Chicago tavern-style pizza alongside pub favorites like jumbo wings, burgers, and a massive Bavarian pretzel, plus new dishes such as spicy bucatini and Cajun seafood pasta; commodoredc.comPortion Control: South Block has introduced new protein-packed smoothies and expanded its mini bowls lineup across all locations. The new drinks include the Daily Protein Smoothie with 37 grams of whey protein and the Incredible Bulk Smoothie with 27 grams of whey protein. The brand is also rolling out Mini Bowls for every açaí and smoothie bowl on the menu, giving guests a smaller, more flexible portion option while keeping the same flavors made from real fruits and ingredients; southblock.comSunday Gravy: Caruso’s Grocery - Pike & Rose is now hosting Sunday Family Dinner, a weekly 3-course dining experience designed for sharing and classic Italian-American comfort. Available every Sunday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., the $35.00 per person prix-fixe menu allows guests to select 1 dish from each course, offering a generous lineup of Caruso’s favorites in one satisfying meal. The special brings back the tradition of gathering around the table for hearty pastas, comforting mains, and nostalgic desserts; carusosgrocery.comLions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My: Chef Jon Krinn is debuting a boundary-pushing seasonal tasting menu featuring rare proteins like wood pigeon, kangaroo, and sturgeon in a carefully curated multi-course progression. Available for the next 4 weeks, the menu highlights Krinn’s signature approach, pairing globally inspired flavors with refined technique and artful presentation. Tucked away on Fairfax Boulevard, Elyse has earned a reputation as a Northern Virginia hidden gem, offering adventurous diners an intimate tasting experience that pushes the boundaries of fine dining; elyse.lila.llcLasagna for Brunch, Lasagna for Dinner (Brunch Alert): L’Ardente has expanded its weekend hours and introduced its first-ever happy hour. On Saturdays and Sundays, the kitchen now runs all day with no break between brunch and dinner, and the full dinner menu is available starting at 11:00 a.m. Weekend brunch dishes are served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring options like Avocado Toast with lemon ricotta, French Riviera Toast, Egg & Cheese Pizza, Eggs Benedict, Steak and Eggs, and The Works. Brunch cocktails include a Caprese Bloody Mary, Sorbetto Spritz, and a Mimosa Cart for the table; lardente.comSit n Stay (Lunch Alert): Josephine in Old Town Alexandria has introduced a new weekday Lunch Special, offering a Soup & Sandwich or Soup & Salad combination for $23.50, available Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Guests can choose between the restaurant’s classic Onion Soup Gratinée or Soup du Jour, paired with menu favorites like the Burger Josephine with gruyère, a Brie Grilled Cheese with apple and fig jam, Croque Madame, French Dip, or Fried Chicken Cordon Bleu. Salad options include Endive and Beets with roquefort and walnuts, Lyonnaise with lardons and poached egg, and Salade Josephine with goat cheese and sherry vinaigrette. The new special delivers polished French comfort at an approachable midday price; josephineoldtown.comThe Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail Returns: The Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail is back with a nostalgic Friends-inspired theme, running from January 28 through May 11. Using a free digital passport, participants can explore nearly 30 cafés, chocolatiers, and sweet spots throughout the Cumberland Valley, checking in to earn points, prizes, exclusive discounts, and special offers along the way. This year’s trail includes locations such as King & Saint, Denim Coffee, Helena’s Chocolate Café & Creperie, Mummert Chocolates, The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop, and many more. The trail officially kicks off on January 28, with a launch event at King & Saint Café in Shippensburg at 9:00 a.m., where early passport holders can enjoy complimentary coffee and a pastry while supplies last; Click here for more info.

While we should all be showing love to Mother Earth year-round, April is the perfect time to let those eco-friendly intentions shine a little brighter. Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’re embracing Earth Month in true foodie fashion — by celebrating our planet’s beauty through the many delicious and sustainable experiences happening across the DMV.From eco-conscious events to sustainable dining options, there are countless ways to show some extra TLC to our planet. So, whether you're sipping a biodynamic wine, planting some herbs in your backyard, or dining at a spot that’s making green practices a priority, let’s make this April all about giving back to the planet that gives us so much.Because really, shouldn’t every day be Earth Day? Hint, yes! 

TheListAreYouOnIt’s latest Theatre Guide rounds up what’s on stage across the region. Broadway favorites, touring productions, and bold originals — and you know we have smart pre-theatre dining picks near each venue. From black box gems to big-house blockbusters, the talent here is the real deal.Pro tip: Chasing post-show bites? Old Ebbitt Grill’s kitchen serves until 1 AM. Curtain down, forks up, people! Arena StageChez Joey: January 30–March 22Inherit the Wind: February 27-April 5 Where to EatDel Mar by Fabio TrabocchiLimaniMoonraker at the PendryPhilippe Chow Capital One HallTina - The Tina Turner Musical: March 20-22Meredith Wilson's The Music Man: May 29-31 Where to EatFlore Cafe ModanOmeteo Starr Hill BiergartenStellina PizzeriaWren   Dupont UndergroundNew show info coming soon Where to EatCasamaraChikoIrongatePizzeria Paradiso The Pembroke Folger TheatreAs You Like It: March 10–April 12 Where to EatChikoThe Duck and the PeachParaisoQuill and Crumb Ford’s Theatre1776: March 13-May 16 Where to EatJaleoMoon RabbitSuccotash PrimeThe Riggs Hotel National TheatreNew show info coming soonWhere to EatCafé du ParcOld Ebbitt GrillThe OccidentalVue Rooftop at Hotel Washington Olney TheatreAppropriate: March 12 - April 19I&You The Musical: April 22 - May 24Please Underestimate Me: Carla Hall Solo Show: June 26 & July 9  Where to EatBrew BellyOlney StationSalt and VineScratch Kitchen Round House Theatre~updated shows coming soon~ Where to EatAventinoBlack’s Bar and KitchenCubano’sThe Salt Line Signature Theatre~updated shows coming soon~ Where to EatCarlyleCorso ItalianOur Mom EugeniaStellina Pizzeria Shirlington Studio TheatreJonah – March 11 - April 19 Where to EatCork Wine Bar & MarketJane JaneLe DiplomateMallard Pearl Dive Oyster Palace Shakespeare Theatre Co.Hamnet - March 17-April 12 (Harman Hall)Eddie Izzards's Hamlet - March 22-April 5 (Klein Theater)Othello - May 19-June 28  Where to EatOyamelTonariRasikaZaytinya Synetic Theater~updated shows coming soon~ Where to EatBar CollineBeauty Champagne and Sugar BoutiqueNi HaoWater Bar Theatre JDC Theater Talk with Holly Twyford — through May 4, 2026 (Mondays) Where to EatEttoIron GateHank’s Oyster BarMallard Warner Theatre ~updated shows coming soon~ Where to EatCentral Michel RichardOlio e PiùThe HamiltonThe Henri Woolly MammothTravesty by Sasha Velour - March 24-April 12 Where to EatCentrolinaLucky DangerRasika

Spring is officially in bloom, and so is the DMV dining scene. Restaurants and venues across the region are celebrating the season with activations perfect for longer days and warmer nights!What a Show:A Month of Women-Led Vision at Dupont Underground:  This March, DU are transforming our platform into a stage for the women who define our city’s cultural pulse. As they celebrate Women’s History Month, Dupont Underground is proud to operate as a living laboratory for Horizontal Leadership—a place where female artists and curators have the agency to reclaim space and redefine narratives. From the high-stakes drama of InSeries opera to the emotional  energy of their poets, the March calendar is a tribute to the power of female-led innovation. Witness how these bold creators are using historic tunnels as a bridge for connection and community. For more information, click here. Springtime at Strathmore: Music Center at Strathmore presents internationally acclaimed performers in May and June, including Jason Mraz; Renée Fleming; Andrew Bird with the National Philharmonic (June 3 & June 4): Grammy-nominated violinist performs his acclaimed album The Mysterious Production of Eggs for its 20th anniversary with new orchestral arrangements; Cécile McLorin Salvant (June 11): Three-time Grammy-winning jazz vocalist blends jazz, folk, and Baroque influences in Book of Ayres; Patton Oswalt (June 20): Emmy- and Grammy-winning comedian debuts a night of sharp pop-cultural commentary; Straight No Chaser (June 23): Nine-voice a cappella group returns for a high-energy performance combining tight harmonies and humor; Jesse & Joy (June 24): Six-time Latin Grammy-winning duo blends Latin pop with folk and acoustic influences; Chris Botti (June 26): Grammy-winning trumpeter brings his lush jazz-pop sound with an all-star band. Strathmore’s late-spring lineup also highlights the diversity of creative expression in music, visual art, and performance, including the Intersections Exhibition at the Mansion (May 9–June 10); Bloom at Good Hope concerts featuring Silkbeat (May 9) and Christylez Bacon (June 13); Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras performances (May 13 & May 17); and a Sensory-Friendly Concert Hall Tour (May 16). Emerging and local talent also take center stage through theArtists in Residence program, including Juan Manú (May 13, 20 & 27) and Kanysha (June 10, 17 & 24), offering a mix of heritage, experimentation, and new musical voices.See all the shows coming to town in our Theater Roundup, here.Museum Visits:Making Their Mark: The National Museum of Women in the Arts is presenting Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection, on view February 27 through July 26. The major exhibition features 80 works by nearly 70 influential women artists spanning from 1946 to today, highlighting the powerful role women have played in shaping abstract art. Drawn from the Shah Garg Collection, the show includes painting, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, and mixed media works exploring themes of identity, form, and artistic innovation across generations; nmwa.orgJack Boul Exhibit at Park Hyatt: Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. is showing a special year-long exhibit featuring monotypes by artist Jack Boul. Jack Boul (1927-2024) was a painter, printmaker, and sculptor whose work can be found in the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian, the Phillips Collection, the Library of Congress, and many other public and private venues. Born in New York, Jack Boul spent most of his life in Washington, D.C., as an art professor at American University. He was among the founders of the Washington Studio School. This special collection is curated by his son, David Boul. parkhyattwashington.com Camouflage: Designed to Deceive: Explore the world of camouflage and deception in a new multi-sensory, immersive experience at The International Spy Museum. The special exhibition, Camouflage: Designed to Deceive, examines the fascinating history of camouflage and its many secret connections to espionage. From its origins in the natural world to its contemporary applications in the battlefield and beyond, the exhibit explores the impact of camouflage on covert operations and intelligence gathering throughout history. The exhibit spans the intersecting worlds of science, design, military and political history, art, fashion, and pop culture. Utilizing real stories, artifacts, and immersive media, visitors will get an up-close look at how concealment has influenced espionage throughout time and why it remains essential in today’s digital world of surveillance. Tickets are available now for $15. Visitors can also add the exhibition to general admission for just $13. spymuseum.org Blacklisted: An American Story: This exhibit explores the Hollywood blacklist and the federal government’s loyalty investigations that upended thousands of lives during the Red Scare. Through powerful personal stories, rare artifacts, and film clips, the exhibition reveals how fear, politics, and identity collided—and what was lost when dissent was silenced. From the late 1940s through the 1950s, all three branches of government sacrificed First Amendment rights in the name of security. Freedoms of speech, association, and assembly came under fire. Hundreds of people lost their jobs, thousands resigned under duress, and many more stood by quietly, afraid of repercussions for their real or imagined political participation. On loan from Jewish Museum Milwaukee, the exhibition incorporates film, archival material, oral histories, costume, and photography to examine the shifting definition of what it meant then—and what it means now—to be a patriotic American, and who gets to decide. simpletix.com Two Exhibits, One Conversation: The National Building Museum announces two major exhibitions that, for the first time, will be presented in conversation with one another, illuminating how architecture, education, and collaboration shaped Black American life and the nation’s shared history.  A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker. T Washington and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America, photographs and stories by Andrew Feiler, and The Tuskegee Chapel: Paul Rudolph x Fry & Welch, curated by architect Helen Brown Bechtel, together reveal the built environment as a powerful force for dignity, aspiration, and community transformation.  Together, the exhibitions demonstrate how place becomes meaningful when animated by human intentions and collaboration. From the rural schoolhouses that transformed educational access across the segregated South to the rebuilt Tuskegee Chapel that embodied ambition and self-determination during the Civil Rights Movement, these projects show how communities shaped their futures through design, labor, and collective vision. In both the Rosenwald Schools and the Tuskegee Chapel, architecture is not a neutral container, but an active participant in history, shaped by the people who built it and shaping generations in turn. nbm.org 34th Annual Juried Exhibition: Strathmore is presenting Steeped, the 34th Annual Juried Exhibition, on view March 7 through April 22 in the Mansion Galleries. The exhibition marks the 40th anniversary of Strathmore’s Afternoon Tea tradition and features 110 works by 78 artists exploring the ritual, history, and symbolism of tea through painting, ceramics, photography, and mixed media. Most artists hail from the D.C. region, offering contemporary interpretations of tea’s cultural and personal significance; strathmore.orgInterested in more tea? Don't miss our springtime afternoon tea roundup, hereWomen United Exhibition at The Watergate Hotel: This spring, The Watergate Hotel highlights Women United, a global exhibition that brings together the work of contemporary women artists from around the world. The collective exhibition features artists Flávia Junqueira, Athena Anastasiou, Emilie Picard, Lesley Bodzy, and Ellen de Meijer, each presenting distinct creative perspectives and artistic styles. As part of the exhibition, Brazilian photographer and visual artist Flávia Junqueira will debut a special interactive installation inside The Next Whisky Bar. Known for her large-scale balloon installations staged in historically significant spaces, Junqueira’s work blends celebration with reflection, transforming environments into immersive visual experiences. For this installation, The Next Whisky Bar will be transformed into a vibrant setting filled with colorful balloons, inviting guests to step directly into the artwork, explore the space, and capture photos while reflecting on themes of memory, history, and transformation. Junqueira frequently draws inspiration from the visual world of childhood—balloons, soap bubbles, pinwheels, and merry-go-rounds—motifs that appear throughout her photography and installations. March 28–June 30, 2026; For more information, click here.   Where Else You'll Find Us:Pink in the Park: National Landing is celebrating spring with the return of Pink in the Park, a free event series running March 21 through April 10 across Arlington. Presented by the National Landing Business Improvement District in collaboration with Amazon and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the lineup includes family-friendly activities, live music, art installations, and food and drink events throughout National Landing. Highlights include Pink in the Pool at Long Bridge Aquatics Center, the Pink Beats outdoor music series at Water Park, and Art of Pink, an indoor-outdoor art showcase at Metropolitan Park featuring more than 50 local artists; nationallanding.org Peak Bloom: The Dome at Hi-Lawn in the Union Market District is hosting Peak Bloom: Dome Experience, a limited spring installation running March 19 through April 26 in collaboration with ARTECHOUSE Studio. The 45-minute immersive experience transforms the venue’s 50-foot spherical dome with digital cherry blossom visuals projected overhead, creating a contemporary interpretation of the season’s iconic blooms. Guests can enjoy the show alongside a spring drink menu featuring spritzes and saketinis garnished with edible flowers. Tickets start at $12 with sessions running every 45 minutes Tuesday through Sunday; hilawndc.comHorizon of Khufu: A Journey in Ancient Egypt: Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—an archaeological treasure trove and a monumental testament to Egyptian architectural genius. Embark on an immersive journey through space and time to explore Egypt's Giza Pyramid, the resting place of Pharaoh Khufu, constructed over 4,500 years ago in the 4th Dynasty and until now a forbidden realm to the public. This 45 minute VR experience allows visitors to physically move and interact within a shared virtual reality space, providing a deeply emotional and engaging dive into the heart of Egyptian culture. Ages 10 and up; 926 F Street NW; For more information, click here. COMING SOON: Hershey Super Sweet Adventure: Embark on an interactive journey complete withgames, active play and family-friendly moments designed to spark imagination and connection for candy lovers of all ages. Visitors will celebrate the perfect combination in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, uncover the delight that wraps Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates, master the art of the Twizzlers Twists, experience the bold flavors of Jolly Rancher candies and more. For its East Coast debut, the experience will feature never-before-seen activations including a playful celebration of Bubble Yum Bubble Gum and an all-new grand finale experience where guests can personalize their own Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar wrapper with a selfie and other fun options. Tickets for Hershey Super Sweet Adventure will be available starting at $19.99 per person. HersheySuperSweetAdventure.com Cherry Blossom Daruma: Returning for its second year, the pink sphere—adorned with delicate blossom petals and suspended 10 feet above—transforms Anthem Row into a moment of spring beauty and renewal. Designed by multidisciplinary artist My Ly of My Ly Design, the sculpture takes the form of a Daruma—a traditional Japanese doll symbolizing perseverance, good luck, and goal-setting. As the new season begins, pause beneath the Cherry Blossom Daruma to snap photos, jot down your goals and wishes, and let the energy of spring inspire the year ahead. Make a wish as you click the camera, and welcome the season while exploring one of Downtown DC’s charming pedestrian corridors. On display through May 2026; 800 K Street NW; downtowndc.org  Blossom: This four-day seasonal activation, April 9 through April 12, takes place in the heart of Ballston. The free event invites the community to explore the neighborhood in bloom with colorful installations, photo-ready moments, and a spring pop-up market featuring local makers. Launching for the first time this year, Blossom will transform the M1 level of Ballston Quarter with six flower-themed installations designed to bring playful, immersive spring moments to the neighborhood. As part of the celebration, the Ballston BID and Ballston Quarter will host the Blossom Pop-Up Market on Friday, April 10 from 4:30–7:30 PM. The curated market will feature more than a dozen local vendors offering handmade crafted jewelry, ceramics, original artwork, home goods, specialty treats, and other unique items. For more information, visit ballstonva.org 

Why is this night different from all other nights? Because Passover comes with stories, tradition, and really good food when done right. Whether you’re hosting a Seder, heading out to one, or just looking for Passover-friendly ways to eat well all week long, the DMV has options that make observing the holiday feel manageable. And while no on makes Matzoh Brie as good as your mom, you can honor the tradition and still enjoy every bite.Capital Jewish Museum: Join the Capital Jewish Museum on Thursday, March 26th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at their 3rd Annual untraditional Passover Seder. Read from their community Haggadah, clink glasses over stories old and new, and connect over charoset and horseradish, and find inspiration around the table.Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak, & Stone Crab: Celebrate Passover with a prix-fixe holiday menu of traditional favorites like Gefilte Fish with red beet horseradish, Chopped Liver or Suzy Friedman’s Vegetarian Chopped Liver with bibb lettuce salad, and Matzo Ball Soup. For the main course, choose from Herb Roasted Chicken, Braised Short Rib, and Wild Alaskan Halibut en Papillote, all served with Ginger Glazed Carrots and Potato Pancakes. End with a slice of Flourless Chocolate Cake or Key Lime Pie. The Passover dinner is $79.95 for adults and $34.95 for children aged 12 and under, plus tax (gratuity not included). Available Wednesday, April 1st and Thursday, April 2nd from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.Mon Ami Gabi (Bethesda): Mon Ami Gabi is offering a Passover menu for dine-in or carryout on Wednesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 2. The holiday menu features traditional dishes like Matzo Ball Soup, Housemade Gefilte Fish, Slow-Braised Beef Brisket, and more, available for $64.95 per adult and $26.95 per child aged 12 and younger, plus tax (gratuity not included). For those celebrating at home, carryout orders can be placed four days before intended pickup at 5:00 PM, with pickup times from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 2. Each carryout order will be cold-packed with reheating instructions.Prescription Chicken: Prescription Chicken is offering a variety of Passover Packages to help make this holiday even more delicious! During Passover, all are welcome at the holiday table, and we are donating 5% of Passover-related sales to World Central Kitchen. Orders will be delivered or available for pickup on March 27th.SABABA: SABABA is celebrating Passover with a lineup of seasonal specials prepared by Executive Chef Ryan Moore, created exclusively for the occasion. They will offer a curated selection of a la carte Passover dishes from Wednesday, April 1 - Thursday, April 9, available for both dine-in and to-go (with the exception of dessert). Highlights include Charoset, Braised Salmon in Chraimeh, Braised Beef Brisket, and more.Summer House (North Bethesda): From Wednesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 2, Chef Ink Barrack presents a multi-course meal complete with traditional dishes like Matzo Ball Soup, Braised Short Rib, Flourless Chocolate Cake, and more. The prix fixe menu is available for $64.95 per person and $26.95 per child aged 12 years and younger, plus tax (gratuity not included). Passover specials are also available a la carte. Celebrating at home? Preorder your Passover dinner for pickup on Tock by Monday, March 30 at 12:00 PM for pick up on Wednesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 2 between 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.