Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect, but also a time to celebrate. However you commemorate the weekend - brunching all weekend long, gathering with friends at a BBQ or  going to the pool — DC area restaurants and markets are at the ready to make this Memorial Day the most memorable yet. Check here for all the details and pro-tip, don't forget to check the rest of the weekend for other celebratory options, too!

Look up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No … it’s the DC skyline now dotted with a fabulous array of rooftop options. Dining and drinking outside … with a view? Yes please:  Alfresco Tap & Grill: 2009 18th Street NW; alfrescotapandgrill.com  Bar Deco: 717 6th Street NW; bardecodc.com  Betsy: 514 8th Street SE (Back alley); thebetsyusa.com  Big Sky Admo: 2436 18th Street NW; bigskyadmo.com The Brixton: 901 U Street NW; brixtondc.com Buena Vida Gastrolounge: 2900 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington; buenavidagastrolounge.com  Ciel Social Club: 601 K Street NW; cielsocialclub.com  Clarendon Pop-Up Rooftop: 3184 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington; instagram.com/clarendonpopupbar Colada Shop: 1405 T Street NW; coladashop.com  Cortez: 1905 9th Street NW; cortezbardc.com CUT Above at The Rosewood: 1050 31st Street NW; rosewoodhotels.com Deck 11 at Yotel: 415 New Jersey Avenue NW; deck11rooftop.com The Delegate: 901 L Street NW; thedelegatedc.com El Techo: 606 Florida Avenue NW; eltechodc.com The Ellipse Rooftop Bar in Hyatt Place: 1522 K Street NW; theellipserooftopbar.com Hell's Kitchen: 652 Wharf Street SW; gordonramsayrestaurants.com Hi-Lawn: 1309 5th Street NE; hilawndc.com Hive Bar in The Hive Hotel: 2224 F Street NW; hotelhive.com Hush Rooftop Bar: 1430 Rhode Island Avenue NW; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com Ivy City Smokehouse: 1356 Okie Street NE; ivycitysmokehouse.com Jack Rose Dining Saloon: 2007 18th Street NW; jackrosediningsaloon.com Lady Bird Rooftop Bar at Kimpton Banneker: 1315 16th Street NW; thebanneker.com Lost Society: 2001 14th Street NW; lostsociety-dc.com   Lucha Rosa at The Moxy: 1011 K Street NW; atlasrestaurantgroup.com/properties/lucha-rosa  O-Ku DC: 1274 5th Street NE; o-kusushi.com   Officina: 1120 Maine Avenue SW; officinadc.com The Perch at The Watermark: Dog friendly; 1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons; capitalonecenter.com/the-perch  Perry’s: 1811 Columbia Road NW; perrysam.com  Pupatella: Varies; pupatella.com  Roof Terrace Restaurant: 2700 F Street NW; resy.com/rtr-at-the-kennedy-center The Rooftop DC: 476 K Street NW; therooftopdc.com The Rooftop at The Graham: 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street NW; thegrahamgeorgetown.com Rooftop at the Riggs: 900 F Street NW; riggsdc.com Salazar: 1819 14th Street NW; salazardc.com  Sauf Haus Bier Hall: 1216 18th Street NW; saufhausdc.com Smoke & Mirrors: 867 New Jersey Avenue SE; smokeandmirrorsrooftop.com SUMMIT at The Conrad: 950 New York Avenue NW; conradwashingtondc.com Takoda: 715 Florida Avenue NW; takodadc.com  Thompson Hotel: 221 Tingey Street SE; hyatt.com/thompson-hotels  Tiki TNT: 1130 Maine Avenue SW; tikitnt.com  Top of the Gate at The Watergate Hotel: 2650 Virginia Avenue NW; thewatergatehotel.com  Upstairs at The Morrow: 222 M Street NE; themorrowhotel.com  The Ven at Embassy Row: 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NW; thevenembassyrow.com  VUE at Hotel Washington: 515 15th Street NW; thehotelwashington.com Whiskey Charlie: 975 7th Street SW; whiskeycharliewharf.com Wild Days at The Eaton: 1201 K Street NW; wild-days-dc.com  Wilson Hardware:  2915 Wilson Boulevard; wilsonhardwareva.com Yara at Washington Marriott Capitol Hill: 175 L Street NE; @yara_caitol_hill 12 Stories at the Intercontinental: 75 District Square SW; 12storiesdc.com

Lamb Jam All Month Long - The American Lamb Board has brought back its popular American Lamb Jam event, but this time with a twist. Lamb Jam Restaurant Month - all of May - is an epic dining experience that brings together the most talented chefs to celebrate family operated farms and ranches raising sheep in the U.S. Lamb Jam Restaurant Month brings together 47 talented chefs in six cities across the U.S. to serve special lamb-centric dishes from May 1-31, 2023. Chefs in Austin, Boston, Denver, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. will create a “Lamb Jam Special” in the form of an appetizer, small plate, or shareable menu item, but only one chef in each market will be crowned Lamb Jam Master. In order to win this title, chefs will be judged by a panel of three secret dining judges who have been selected in each city. The judges will visit all eight participating restaurants in each city and judge each dish on a point scale in three categories: presentation, taste, and creativity. The chef whose dish scores the highest, out of all other chefs in the country, will be named Lamb Jam Master and win a trip to Napa, CA where they will cook and enjoy a lamb lunch at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone as well as visit a nearby regenerative agriculture sheep ranch. DC Area Participating Chefs Rakesh Anand Singh – Rasika (West End) Michael Costa – Zaytinya Kris Jimenez – Osteria Morini Kevin Tien – Moon Rabbit Demetri Mechelis – Martha Dear Ryan Moore – Sababa Lucy Dakwar – Thompson Italian How do you participate? Diners in each of the eight cities will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite lamb dish via AmericanLamb.com/lamb-jam. The chef with the highest number of votes will win the People’s Choice Award which includes a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice. All participating diners who vote for their favorite dish will receive an exclusive Lamb Jam t-shirt and be entered to win a $250 gift card to the participating restaurant of their choice.

People are out and about. City streets are filling up and people are making their way back into the office. There’s a vibration and restaurants are so ready. New dishes and winter menus are coming out and with that, innovative and delicious ways to serve you. A firm reminder to still be kind. Staff shortages and supply issues still plague our beloved restaurant industry. Patience isn’t just a virtue - it’s a necessity:  NEW: Blue Duck Tavern (Caviar Brunch Alert) There is a new caviar experience at Blue Duck Tavern. Caviar is currently available during weekend brunch as a supplement. Blue Duck Tavern is also featuring caviar service with classic accompaniments and Johnny Cakes, at dinner every evening. A tempting new Caviar Martini is also being unveiled this month in Blue Duck Tavern and the lounge. 1201 24th Street NW;202.419.6755; blueducktavern.com Bourbon Steak (Lunch Alert)  Bourbon Steak has just launched a mouth-watering three-course prix fixe lunch menu. For $60 per person, you will be able to choose between a variety of delicious appetizers, entrees, and dessert options, featuring Chef Michael Mina’s signature dishes alongside seasonal creations by Executive Chef Robert Curtis. Meat lovers can dine on the classic Prime Steak Burger or 10oz Butcher's Cut, seafood fans will enjoy the delightful Ora King Salmon, and vegetarians can delve into the delicious Quinoa-Veggie Burger. 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; 202.342.0444; bourbonsteakdc.com NEW:  Summer Hours at Bresca Chef Ryan Ratino’s 14th St MICHELIN-starred dining destination is now more accessible than ever- with extended opening hours on Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm and a new seasonal Sunday-Thursday two-course $59 menu from opening until 6pm. Enjoy dishes like the Alaska halibut, short rib cavatelli, and more. 1906 14th Street NW; brescadc.com Charley Prime (New Restaurant Alert) DC restaurateurs Jackie Greenbaum & Gordon Banks have opened up Charley Prime in Gaithersburg. The team envisions the restaurant as a mature version of their popular DC restaurant Bar Charley, with an expanded menu, but keeping its lively cocktail-forward energy.  The broader menu will remain steak focused and will also feature house-made pastas (a la Little Coco's) as well as other items unique to just this location. Starters include Five Spice Pork Shoulder & Crispy Rice with Korean BBQ and peanuts and Rustic Cheesy Bread with homemade rustic bread, garlic and three kinds of cheese. 9811 Washingtonian Boulevard; charleyprimefoods.com China Chilcano x Chiko Collab In celebration of AAPI Month, ChiKo and China Chilcano have partnered on a special menu. From now through May 28th, guests can experience the menu, including an exclusive ChiKo dish, with a portion of sales donated to Stop AAPI Hate. To culminate the celebration, China Chilcano and ChiKo will host a cocktail party at China Chilcano on May 25th featuring spirit tastings, live dim sum stations, passed bites and more. Tickets can be purchased here.  Ciel Club Social (Brunch Alert) DC brunch aficionados, rejoice! Ciel Social Club has announced the return of their weekend brunch. Dine on dishes like avocado toast, chicken and waffles with hot syrup and honey butter, croissant French toast, and Cajun shrimp and grits. 601 K Street NW; cielsocialclub.com NEW:  Picnic Perfect from District Boards There's a new shop in miXt Food Hall from a mother-daughter duo featuring charcuterie boards. In addition to their variety of boards including vegan, paleo, pescatarian and gluten-free options, District Board serves up mocktails ready to add to or be enjoyed as is. You can also grab an “add-on” like their best-selling vegan artichoke dip or caviar. theultimatenosh.com Dolce Vita:  Pizza, Pizza Dolce Vita is leaning into summer fun and launching a new section on their menu: Wood-Fired Pizzas. Expect pies like the “Imported Pepperoni” (Pomodoro sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni) and The Calabrese (Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, Kalamata olives, capers, anchovy, spring onions, Pecorino Romano). dolcevitadc.com NEW:  Duke’s Grocery (Chef Update) Duke's Grocery has added a new Corporate Executive Chef, Greg Heitzig to be in charge of the kitchens of all Duke's Grocery locations. Greg brings over a decade of experience to Duke's, most recently as the Chef de Cuisine at Pineapple and Pearls. Hailing from California -- he previously worked as a Sous Chef at decorated chefs Thomas Keller's and Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurants in Beverly Hills. dukesgrocery.com Estuary (Soft Shell Season) Estuary has unveiled new seasonal updates to her spring menu highlighting the full Chesapeake bay watershed cuisine. They have partnered with local farmers to select only the freshest ingredients. Menu highlights include a limited availability soft shell crab specialty entree, rabbit guisado with snap peas, new potatoes and grilled asparagus, white peppercorn tagliatelle with roasted vegetables, crumbles goat cheese and herb beurre blanc and an elevated french onion dip paired with locally sourced crudite inspired by Chef Ria’s Filipino grandmother. 950 New York Ave NW; 202.844.5900; estuarydc.com Frozen Treats at Fryer’s Roadside Fryer’s Roadside is ushering in warmer weather with new additions to their frozen treats menu. Starting this month, Fryer’s will offer a special rotating ‘Milkshake of the Month’ flavors priced at $6.50, that you can enjoy for a limited time. Try flavors like White Chocolate Blueberry, Red Velvet & Oreo, and more this summer. 12830 New Hampshire Avenue; fryersroadside.com NEW:  Hell's Kitchen (Lunch Alert)  Hell’s Kitchen has now opened its doors for lunch service, now available daily from 11:00am - 3:30pm. In addition to mainstays like chef Ramsay’s famous Beef Wellington, Lobster Risotto, and Sticky Toffee Pudding, you can now enjoy lunch offerings such as sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and elevated bar bites. 652 Wharf Street SW; gordonramsayrestaurants.com Joselito Casa de Comidas (Lunch Alert) Joselito has begun lunch service opening at 11:30 am. Award-winning Executive Chef David Sierra has created two menu options (detailed below): a three-course lunch for $28 per person, as well as a sandwich menu that includes five popular Spanish boccadillos plus fries or a salad for $15 each. 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; 202.930.6955; joselitodc.com Old Hickory Steakhouse The Gaylord National Resort is reopening the Old Hickory Steakhouse to add it to its list of restaurants in May. The elegant steakhouse is the third dining experience scheduled to debut. Try dishes like the Hickory Smoked Shrimp Cocktail, Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail prepared tableside, a selection of eight beef options including an aged Tomahawk Steak, and more. marriott.com Olivia Macaroon (Pride Alert 🏳️‍🌈) Olivia Macaron will feature its Rainbow Macaron assortments in June for Pride Month. In honor of its commitment to inclusivity, Olivia Macaron will donate 5%  of June sales of Rainbow Boxes to the UN Free & Equal Initiative, the United Nations' Global Campaign against Homophobia and Transphobia. The Rainbow Box flavors include Raspberry, Blood Orange, Lemon Merengue, Pistachio, Blueberry Cheesecake and Honey Lavender. oliviamacaron.com NEW:  Pupatella (Lunch Alert) Pupatella’s Dupont Circle location is now open for lunch. Try out their Amalfi salad with arugula, grapefruit, green apple, and mustard-citrus dressing or grab any of their pizzas for a shareable option. Their paninis like the meatball, salami or veggie make for a great grab-and-go option for the neighborhood’s in-office crowd. 1801 18th Street NW; 202.506.1999; pupatella.com Rasika West End: The Mighty Mango Rasika West End has recently opened and is helmed by Executive Chef Rakesh Singh, under the direction of Group Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam. They are celebrating the month of May with the mighty mango top of mind on the menu.  Both savory and sweet dishes will be showcased along with a mango-centric cocktail. Dishes include Mango Shrimp, Mango Shrikhand, and more. 1190 New Hampshire Avenue, NW; 202.466.2500; rasikarestaurant.com NEW:  Explore Rockville & Get Eating Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) has launched Explore Rockville: Global Bites pilot program, the first-of-its-kind initiative celebrating the diversity of cuisine across Rockville, Maryland. This 10-day event, running from June 2 to June 11, aims to highlight and promote the varied, award-winning international fare available within our own community. The digital dining passport can be easily downloaded to your Apple or Google wallet, and the full list of participating restaurants is available here.  NEW:  Pinkies Up: Afternoon Tea at the St. Regis The St. Regis has introduced their First Lady Afternoon Tea experience. A nod to the strong woman who have led alongside our nation’s Presidents, this twist on the hotel’s signature afternoon tea ritual is inspired by some of our First Ladies favorite treats and features a collection of decadent desserts, pastries, tea sandwiches, and fresh baked scones. First Lady Afternoon Tea is served in The St. Regis Washington, D.C.’s opulent lobby lounge and is available Wednesday to Sunday from 1PM-5PM with pricing starting at $89 per person. 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW; 202.638.2626; marriott.com

No surprise at the unique libations coming out of DC Area distilleries, bars, and restaurants. Brew’d Seasonal Coffee Creations Brew’d captures Spring with their new line of colorful seasonal coffee creations. The new drinks include the Thai Butterfly Pea Flower, Matcha, and Taro Root, and more. Seasonal libations include the Princess Party (mix of Cherry Blossom Taro Root and White Chocolate), Tiffany Dreams Latte (Thai Butterfly Pea Flower, Steamed Milk, and Foam), and more. 901 4th Street NW; drinkbrewd.com NEW:  Bronze (Happy Hour Alert) Bronze has just launched its happy hour menu. Happy hour will be offered every day from 5-6pm with small plates and several cocktail options. Small plates are $10 each and include torched oysters and charred yuzu squid. Wine, beer, prosecco, mocktails, and the daily bartender special will also be on the menu ranging from $6-$12. 245 H Street NW; bronzedc.com NEW:  Cranes (Happy Hour Alert) Cranes offers happy hour every day from 4-6pm exclusively at its Bar Tsuru. The menu includes ½ dozen oysters, pork ribs, and patatas bravas. The happy hour beverage list consists of six different cocktails, two of which can be made into pitchers for $35, three white wines, three red wines, sake, and beer options. 724 9th Street NW; 202.525.4900; cranes-dc.com DC Brau (Pride Alert 🏳️‍🌈)  DC Brau will showcase the Pride Pils design, kicking off DC Pride with a celebration at Red Bear Brewing Company (209 M St NE) in NoMA on Thursday, June 1st, from 6pm – 8pm. You will enjoy DC Brau beer, featuring the newly minted 2023 Pride Pils can. Since launching Pride Pils in 2017, DC Brau has donated more than $48,731 to The Blade Foundation and SMYAL, selling more than 90,336 Pride Pils cans. Find out more info here.  NEW:  Denizens Brewing Co. Denizen's has everything you need for the long weekend, whether you’re heading out of town or relaxing at home. Stop by the taprooms or place an order for your favorite Denizens beer (including cans, bottles, and growlers), hard seltzer, wine, and cocktails. They're also offering 10% off to-go sales of six packs and growlers Friday, 5/26 through Monday, 5/29. Order here.  NEW:  Ellington Park Bistro (Happy Hour Alert) Ellington Park Bistro has launched its happy hour menu served Sunday through Thursday from 4-6pm. Menu offerings include truffle frites, shrimp cocktail, and smaller snacks like olives and mixed nuts. $9 wine, $6 beer, and $12 cocktails are included on this menu. The menu also includes zero-proof beverages such as French 75, Paloma, and more. 2033 M Street NW; ellingtonparkbistro.com NEW:  Get Frozen at Fight Club Just in time for summer, Fight Club has unleashed frozen drinks. The frozen drink selection will be rotating with the opening lineup ncluding Berry Bird (blackberry, rum, vodka, Campari, lemon, lime, pineapple, Demerara syrup) and Passion Crush (vodka, lemon, orange juice, passionfruit, triple sec, honey-vanilla syrup. ​​​​​​​633 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; 202.885.9714; fightclubdc.com NEW:  The Fairmont (Pride Alert 🏳️‍🌈) Fairmont Washington is celebrating  Pride Month this June with the Love Wins Cocktail.  Made with Empress Gin, Civic Vodka, St. Germain and rooftop honey syrup, this refreshing cocktail is purple and garnished with a lemon twist. For each cocktail purchased $3 will go directly to the National LGBTQ Task Force.*  Civic Vodka of Republic Restorative Distillery in DC is women owed and led. 2401 M Street NW; 202.429.2400; fairmont.com James B Beam Distilling Co.’s First Single Malt Whiskey The James B. Beam Distilling Co. has launched their first American Single Malt Whiskey – Clermont Steep™ American Single Malt Whiskey. Clermont Steep is a five-year-old liquid distilled and aged in Clermont, Kentucky, and matured in bespoke barrels to deliver warm toffee sweetness on the palate without overshadowing the unique, bready taste of American barley. The whiskey well be available beginning in June. clermontsteep.com Frozen & Boozy at Nicoletta Pizzeria Nicoletta Pizza at The Yards rings in warmer weather with their refreshing batch of new boozy frozen lemonades. They also have non-alcoholic lemonades including refreshing non-alcoholic strawberry, blue raspberry and mango frozen lemonades, perfect for kids at $4.50 each, and can be made boozy for adults, with vodka, gin, rum, bourbon and tequila for $10. 301 Water St SE; nicolettapizza.com NEW:  Le Clou (Late Night Alert) Le Clou, located in The Morrow Hotel in Union Market, has recently launched its reservation-only, late-night happy hour menu starting at 10pm. You can find a $10 burger and fries as well as a $10 glass of bubbles to cap the night. 222 M Street NE; 202.742.9777; lecloudc.com NEW:  Most Desireable Provence Rose? Miraval Wine Chateau MIRAVAL and it's rosé has just been voted the 'Most Desirable Provence Rosé Wine in the World' in a new ranking of the 33 most desirable vineyards in Provence by France’s Le Figaro Magazine. Inspired by colour, matter and light, Miraval is reinventing the codes and ways of appreciating rosé. miraval.com Opaline (Happy Hour Alert) Opaline Bar & Brasserie is offering daily specials. Every weekday from 4 – 7pm, Opaline’s mixologists will pair cocktails with special fare created by Executive Chef Kevin Lalli and Chef Jaime Gonzalez. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays a DJ will entertain you in French style. Enjoy deals on frozen drinks like CBD-infused Pina Colada, riesling, and more. 806 15th Street, NW; 202.730.8701; .opalinedc.com Osteria Morini (Aperitivo Hour Alert) Osteria Morini’s new Aperitivo Hour menu features a variety of spritzes including an Aperol Crush or a Hugo for only $7, classic or elevated negronis for $11, or a negroni flight featuring all three varieties for $18. The Aperitivo Hour menu is available weekdays from 3pm to 6pm throughout the restaurant, bar and patio. 301 Water Street Southeast, Suite 109; osteriamorini.com Seamore's Sustainable Seafood Mixes with the Masters Seamore's summer series kicks off this may with “Mixology with the Masters”. Learn to craft your perfect cocktail from their master mixologist. The 6-month series highlights drinks differing in flavor and spirits. Each class offers a new theme and three entirely different cocktails, allowing you to quite literally pick your poison – and come back more than once. The first event is on May 31st. Buy your tickets here.  NEW:  Seven Reasons (Happy Hour Alert) Seven Reasons is ready for Sunday (and Monday) fun-days with all day happy hour deals. Specials include the $13  “MARGARITA EN CUYAGUA” made with Casamigos Reposado, Ilegal Joven, Giffard Blue Curacao, Salt, Agave, Lime or the $23 “CACIQUE-MASH” with Santa Teresa 1796, Sagamore Rye, Angostura, Ginger, Orange, Lemon. Happy hour lasts from 5:00p - 9:00p on Sunday and 5:30p - 9:00p on Monday. 2208 14th Street NW; sevenreasonsdc.com NEW:  The Red Hen (Aperitivo Hour Alert) The Red Hen's bar-only happy hour-style menu returns for the summer next week. Aperitivo Hour offers a rotating list of cocktails and beers alongside snacks from the kitchen, available Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. 1822 First Street NW; 202.525.3021; theredhendc.com Thrasher's Rum on the Run Thrasher's has now gone mobile with their Mobile rum bar. This will allow peers to gather by the Potomac River at the District Wharf and enjoy a front-and-center water view with cocktails stating a purpose. Enjoy drinks like the Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, or Miami Vice. All drinks are made with fresh, natural ingredients and Thrasher’s award-winning White Rum. thrashersrum.com NEW:  Tonari (Happy Hour Alert) Tonari hosts its happy hour every Tuesday-Saturday from 5-7pm, and all day on Sundays. Happy hour food includes spicy tomato oil dip, and chips and dip. All cocktails are $2 off the original price, draft beer is $5, wine by the glass is $7, and draft Sapporo and a shot combo are $9. 707 6th Street NW; 202.289.8900; tonaridc.com

Your spring has been activated. You really don’t want to miss a bite!  NEW: Adam's Morgan Movie Nights  The Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District has welcomed the return of Adams Morgan Movie Nights. Enjoy free movies every Tuesday evening from now through June 27 at the Marie Reed Elementary School Soccer Field at 18th Street NW and California Street NW. Movies will kick-off just after sunset at approximately 9pm. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get a prime spot on the field which boasts tiered, amphitheater-style seating. Don’t forget to bring your own blanket and pick-up dinner from a neighborhood restaurant to enjoy during the film. More info here.  C&O Canal Boat Tours Georgetown Heritage’s Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal boat is returning for a second season, with public rides. The new canal boat, the Georgetown Heritage, is the only one of its kind in Washington, D.C. It will be available for public programs and private rentals when the tour season begins. Purchase tickets here.  NEW:  City Ridge: Rockin’ at the Ridge  City Ridge is launching their upcoming summer music series, Rockin’ at the Ridge beginning June 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Families and friends can enjoy live music, beer, wine and summer fun on City Ridge’s iconic Great Lawn located at 14 Ridge Square NW Washington, DC 20016. Click here for the full lineup.  Danish GoBoat Danish company GoBoat, and Float DC a minority-owned boat rental company, have come together to create GoBoat US, a joint venture intended to launch electric boat rental locations all over the US. GoBoat US’s mission is to open up the water to anyone and everyone, with a consumer and environmentally-friendly approach to casual boating. It believes that everybody should have the opportunity to enjoy boating and see their cities from the water, without the need to buy an expensive boat or even have considerable boating experience. Each 18’ GoBoat fits up to 8 people and features a large central table with cup holders, making it easy to enjoy your own food and drinks onboard as a group or a couple. The boats are powered by an electric engine so you can easily indulge in a conversation with your family and friends while on the water. Find out more information here.  The Dr. Seuss Exerience  The Dr. Seuss Experiece is coming to DC! Venture through the brand new, 1,300 square foot “Stars Upon Thars Sneetches Mirror Maze,” swing among Truffula Trees from The Lorax, gaze upon a balloon-filled installation from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, and take a spin on a carousel inspired by If I Ran the Circus and join the Circus McGurkus. Buy tickets here.  Fairmont Abstract Photography  Fairmont in partnership with Artists Proof is showcasing limited editions of abstract photography works by DC-based artist Dagmara Weinberg, now through June 30, 2023. This exclusive exhibition for guests of the Fairmont consists of limited edition works in her latest Snowy Branch series, Water Series, Tree Bark series and the iconic Cherry Blossom series, which the artist is known for in Washington, D.C. All of the artwork on display through June 30 is available for purchase. Learn more about the artist here.  Kraken Kourts  Kraken Kourts & Skates,  a 70,000 square-foot complex, housing 14 pickleball courts, a tavern and the District’s only indoor roller-skating rink, has opened in MRP Realty’s Bryant Street NE development in Edgewood. The indoor roller-skating rink offers skate rentals, lessons and skating party packages for all ages. Kraken Kourts & Skates will also create corporate team building and special event packages with food and beverage options. 514 Rhode Island Avenue NE; experiencekraken.com NEW:  National Harbor’s Concert Series Get ready to jam all summer long. National Harbor is doubling up on its usual free military concerts by adding another day of music on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Stars & Stripes Military Concerts will feature musicians on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at National Harbor’s newest venue Spirit Park (115 National Plaza) an amphitheater and park located near the entrance of National Harbor. Spirit Park was designed to honor the history of the American flag and all of those who represent it with one of the largest flying flags in the U.S. The Concerts by military bands includes U.S. Navy Band Commodores on May 31. June 14 will also be a celebration of the United States Army’s 247th birthday with performances by the U.S. Army Band Country Roads. Find specific dates here.  NEW:  Brick City at National Building Museum  The National Building Museum has added new exhibitions that include a tour of global architecture made entirely of LEGO® bricks, an inspiring new Summer Block Party installation, a large-scale outdoor mural display created by D.C. high school students and an exploration of architecture inspired by children’s books designed for an intergenerational audience. Brick City will celebrate iconic architecture from cities around the world through carefully recreated constructions made from LEGO® bricks by U.K-based artist Warren Elsmore. Visitors will take a world tour discovering new destinations across all seven continents that include: lively streetscapes from Cartagena, Columbia; Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans; intricate temples from India to Mexico; and imaginative castles from medieval Japan to modern Las Vegas. nbm.org Tysons Corner Workhouse  Tysons Corner Center announces a new art collaboration with the Workhouse Arts Center, a nonprofit  organization that offers visual and performing arts education and events, and a variety of community engagement opportunities. Tysons Corner Center will host artists’ works from the Workhouse Arts Center at a public art installation to be displayed through early June. Resident artists from the Workhouse: Marni Maree, Britt Conley, Joan Hutten and Dean McIntyre were all chosen to display selected pieces on Tysons’ Art wall. This exhibit features a wide range of visual art by artists of a diverse background. These artists were specially selected to showcase diversity in watercolor, infrared photography, ink, and fiber art. Learn more here.  Washington Hilton (Splash Zone)  Washington Hilton has extended its pool hours which is now open and added new cabana food and beverage packages for all hotel guests. With an unobstructed view of the Washington Monument, the pool is open 7-days a week from 6:00AM to 10:00PM through October 31. The pool, open to hotel guests and seasonal membership holders, features brand new lounge chairs, food and beverage offerings as well as cabana packages. Additionally, poolside dining and beverage options will be offered starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.  The food menu features a variety of sandwiches and salads while the bar menu offers a mix of refreshing cocktails, beer, wine, blended drinks and mocktails. hilton.com Wine Village  Wine Village in Baltimore will take over West Shore Park at Inner Harbor. This brand new waterfront food, wine, vibe and shopping destination will open starting this weekend through May 29th, seven days a week. Come ready for sips, sweets and savory bites with events including Wine Village Historic Carousel, Kids Stamp Game, Cornhole and more fun group games, Movie nights, Mother's Day festivities, and more. Find out more info here. 

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced ts 2023 Honorary Milestone RAMMY Award recipients, each acknowledged for decades of delighting local diners and visitors alike:  -Filomena Ristorante (40 years) -The Grill From Ipanema (30 years) -Old Europe (75 years) -Cafe Milano (30 years) -National Democratic Club (70 years) -Artie's (45 years) -Four Sisters (30 years) -Annie's Paramount Steakhouse (75 years)  Commemorating long-standing local restaurants and RAMW members who have been in business for over 25 years, the Honorary Milestone Award is bestowed upon restaurants from casual to formal, including some of the region's most celebrated dining institutions Also announced, The John G. Laytham Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award will be given to Michael Curtin, chief executive officer of DC Central Kitchen, for his significant contribution to the region's food service industry and giving back to the community.   All will be formally dedicated at the 2023 RAMMY Awards on Sunday, July 9, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

So Many Jobs In The Restaurant Industry Employers need employees AND employees need employers! And the people behind RAMW have an answer: The just launched FoodJobsDC.com! The new site features a curated selection of jobs from local hospitality employers and RAMW members. Staffing has been one of the most difficult challenges facing the hospitality industry and FoodJobsDC.com now provides a localized solution for job seekers and employers. The website allows job seekers to upload a resume, browse available positions, and apply online. FoodJobsDC is built with matchmaking algorithms to match employers with industry candidates who best match the position. Offered free of charge for RAMW members for the first year, employers can upload available positions, connect with potential candidates, and make offers of employment. Looking to hire? Step One: Click the link above and click the blue button on the top right of the screen that says "Looking to hire" Step Two: Click the blue button on the middle left side of the screen that says "Post a Job" Step Three: Create an account Step Four: Choose "Job Post" and fill out the form with the position details. Step Five: Click "Post Job" the post will appear immediately. Looking for a job? Step One: Search for jobs that match your interests, passion, and expertise! Step Two: Upload your resume and create your profile. Step Three: Manage your job search and connect with potential employers. Step Four: Receive opportunities via email and choose the right fit for you! Browse a curated selection of jobs with local bars, restaurants, distributors, and more. Visit FoodJobsDC.com.

Visit Montgomery, the official destination marketing and management organization for Montgomery County, Maryland, has launched Discover MoCo Month, a celebration of the county’s small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit. Discover MoCo Month runs through May 31, 2023, and will serve as the year’s largest driver of tourism to the county of more than one million residents, next door to Washington, D.C. What will you find in Discover MoCo Month? A spotlight of four distinct weeks of special deals, packages, events, and experiences: Shop MoCo Week, April 30 – May 6: Coinciding with National Small Business Week, Shop MoCo Week will encourage residents and visitors to shop local at boutique retail stores and small businesses that are unique to Montgomery County. (Just because the week is over doesn't mean you can't still shop well in Montgomery County...) MoCo Hotel Week, May 7 - 13: Coinciding with National Travel & Tourism Week, visitation to Montgomery County will be encouraged by offering special hotel packages and rates for those who book a stay during MoCo Hotel Week, and travel through August 2023. (Just because the week is over doesn't mean you can't still stay well in Montgomery County...) MoCo Eats Week, May 14 - 20: Visit Montgomery’s Third Annual MoCo Eats Week will be the ultimate foodie celebration of the culinary diversity found in Montgomery County—one of the most diverse counties in the nation. In 2022, more than 80 Montgomery County eateries representing an endless array of local, American, and international flavors participated in MoCo Eats Week. (You can eat well in Montgomery County all year long...) MoCo’s Kick Off to Summer Week, May 21-31: Overlapping with Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start to summer, MoCo’s Kick Off to Summer Week will feature Montgomery County’s unique attractions and experiences, world-class performance venues, renowned museums, and more to encourage tourism visitation to Montgomery County’s collection of communities all summer long. CONTEST ALERT: Check-in to businesses participating in Discover MoCo Month through Visit Montgomery’s official Adventure Planner smartphone app and be entered to win up to $2,000 in giveaways. The app will feature four passports highlighting the individual tourism industries by week. Complete check-ins at businesses in each passport, plan out self-guided Discover MoCo Month itineraries, map out the best routes to get to each of the businesses on their itineraries, and find special deals.  Learn more about Discover MoCo Month, visit DiscoverMoCoMD.com.

You already know that the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) has revealed the finalists for their 2023 RAMMY AWARDS. And, for the next few weeks, TheListAreYouOnIt.com will feature several nominees from an array of categories in our annual section: RAMMY Nominees They're Just Like Us. This week we combined three categories — Cocktail Program of the Year, Beer Program of the Year and Wine Program of the Year —  and asked the nominees this:  There’s been an incredible shift in how people imbibe. The Dry January trend has extended throughout the year. How do you go about including low-ABV and non-alcoholic offerings on your menu.  Cocktail Program of the Year: Jean Paul Sabatier (Jane Jane) General Manager + Owner As a cocktail bar that prides itself on honoring classic recipes and utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients, we are committed to offering a thoughtfully curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages that are as delicious and complex as our traditional cocktails. Freshly squeezed juices and house-made syrups serve as the foundation of our non-alcoholic program and we have found success in crafting our non-alcoholic menu offerings by adhering to classic cocktail formulas. For example, our "Declassified Documents" mocktail is a clever twist on a classic Collins, featuring a clarified celery juice base that is fortified with simple syrup and finished with fresh lemon juice and sparkling water. The resulting beverage is both refreshing and herbal, with a complex flavor profile that evokes the traditional Collins cocktail while offering its own unique character. As we continue to refine our non-alcoholic cocktail program, we remain committed to exploring new techniques and ingredients that push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of zero proof beverages. One approach that has piqued our interest is the infusion of zero proof spirits with fresh fruits and vegetables, which offers an exciting avenue for creating complex and nuanced drinks that rival their alcoholic counterparts. Paul Williams (Salt) Beverage Director Sometimes mocktails are greater than cocktails; Salt has a number of low ABV & NA libation options like the Quit Spritz’n Around (Aperol, Cote Mas Brut, lemongrass, mint, Angostura Orange bitters, Fernet Branca spray) or our non-alcoholic, Smokeshow (Lapsang black tea, ginger, fresh lime, passionfruit basil soda) Chad Spangler (Service Bar) Partner We've always encouraged guests to feel welcome to order any of our cocktails as a non-alcoholic beverage, however we've increased our offerings to include more highly curated versions of N/A beverages, and include some with non-alcoholic beverages. We released a new piece of our menu that are drinks inspired by museums and exhibits around DC, and have featured a N/A drink there as well -- we've agreed as a team that as we move forward we should be including at least one N/A bev for every 5 cocktails we add. Vlad Novikov (Silver Lyan) General Manager of Silver Lyan We want all of our guests to be able to experience our cocktails, so we actually build in our boozeless options as part of our normal menu. You’ll find some of our cocktails are listed as also “available boozeless” in the same spot the original cocktail is listed. It’s important to us that we don’t have a separate section of boozeless or low-ABV drinks in our menu, and instead try to incorporate them throughout the menu, and also ensure that our cocktails have diverse levels of alcohol when they aren’t boozeless. Chris Hassaan Francke (The Green Zone) Owner of The Green Zone Non-Alcoholic drinks are a cornerstone of Middle Eastern culinary culture. They have directly inspired many of our signature cocktails, as well as our own takes on the original non-alcoholic drinks, and presenting certain of them just as served in Baghdad. As for low-ABV cocktails, we make use of the greater Mediterranean region’s fortified wines and liqueurs as major components of lighter drinks. Beer Program of the Year: Trent Allen (The Midlands Beer Garden) Trent Allen, owner and beer co-director at The Midlands Beer Garden Ben Brown, general manager, also shares responsibility for the beverage selection at The Midlands We have certainly noticed the trend towards low-ABV and non-alcoholic beverages, especially in this last year. I think it's great that going alcohol-free is becoming acceptable, and people don't feel as much pressure to drink alcohol at every social gathering. Fortunately for beverage programs everywhere the caliber of NA and alcohol-removed beer available in the market gets exponentially better every year. We have leaned heavily on the Athletic brand this last year, but are always rotating our N/A options. If a beer list rotates, N/A offerings should follow suit, and provide that customer base with seasonal options, and ideally introduce them into something fun that they've not tried before.Our main rotating beer list also offers a wide selection of lagers, shandys and low-abv ales for those who want to have a couple drinks without that heavy alcohol punch. We also have a fair amount of patrons who alternate alcoholic and N/A drinks throughout their stay as a way to pace their alcohol intake while socializing. We also carry several canned and bottled mocktail options, including local options from Mocktail Club, and my favorite, the Phony Negroni, which comes in a rocks glass with a big fancy ice cube for an authentic cocktail experience. As a neighborhood bar it's important to keep up with what our neighbors want. We keep our menu flexible, so whether it's the year of the Hazy IPA, hard kombucha, N/A beer, or espresso martini, we do our best to keep our neighbors happy. DJ Suan (Solace) General Manage We offer several different low abv, or N/A options throughout our beer program at Solace Outpost. For instance, we specifically brew a lower ABV Pilsner for our Navy Yard guests – our 4.5% Artificial Light. We also developed and brewed a rotating line of flavored seltzers; we incorporate seasonal fruits and keep the ABV at 4.7%.  As far as non-alcoholic beer goes, we believe the Germans do that best and have incorporated two N/A offerings from Clausthaler into our program.  During ‘Dry January’ we incorporated a number of non-alcoholic cocktails with one in particular standing out, it was so popular we kept it around! Come by any day and you will find a ‘Phony Negroni’ cocktail cocktail on our menu served traditionally over a large ice cube accompanied by an orange peel. Hilarey Leonard (Lost & Found) Co-Owner of Lost & Found We are super supportive of customers looking for low to non-alcoholic options on the menu. Sometimes people just want to socialize or slow things down and that's great.  We always have non-alcoholic beer options on the menu and we are also able to make most of our cocktails on the specialty list into mocktails or easily modify them if requested. Our bartenders tend to have a go to mocktail they like to make as well for guests. Wine Program of the Year: Dr. Michelle Grant (Era Wine Bar) Founder Being low-ABV and non-alcohol friendly is important for us as a neighborhood wine bar and kitchen. Our community includes everyone from expecting mothers to grandparents treating kids to burgers and fries. We offer non-alcoholic versions of all our classic cocktails! We also love creating, so we often craft mocktails on the spot using our guests' flavor profile preferences. We make an effort to connect with each of our guests so that they can enjoy, no matter the beverage. Paul Carlson (Lulu's Wine Garden) Owner of Lulu’s Winegarden We’ve always made zero-proof beverages a core part of our program, creating thoughtful ways to imbibe sans booze with n/a versions of our cocktails.  But with both an increase in demand for the same in regards to no/low abv wines, and the improvement in quality that’s being produced, we’ve recently been sourcing non- and reduced-alcohol (also known as dealcoholized) wines to offer later this month. Years ago, many nonalcoholic wines tasted closer in flavor to a grape juice box, but now many of these n/a wines actually taste like wine, and we’re excited to provide more tasty options for guests to enjoy whether they’re partaking or not. Erin Im (Primrose) General Manager We at Primrose strive to be inclusive of our guests' palettes and preferences by having something on our cocktail list for everyone, including non-alcoholic options. The Sans-Spirits section on our menu features beverages that incorporate the flavor profiles and seasonal ingredients found in our current cocktail offerings.And as a Finalist for Wine Program of the Year, we are extremely proud of our owner Sebastian Zutant's dynamic roster of natural wines; farmed organically, made without adding or removing anything in the cellar, with no additives or processing aids used, and intervention in the fermentation process kept to a minimum. While none of our current wines are non-alcoholic, natural wines are "naturally" lower in ABV compared to conventional wines.  Jack Zarecky (St. Anselm) Sommelier and Beverage Manager One of the things I like about non-alcoholic spirits is that I can use them to simply lower the alcohol content of some of my favorite cocktails. Using a non-alcoholic gin with Campari and Vermouth for a low-ABV Negroni is an easy way to make the party last. I also love incorporating wine-based drinks and spritzes on the menu, like a White Port and Tonic, or a Limoncello Spritz.