Blooming Good: TheList’s List of Good Eats
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.coop
The 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.edu
DC 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.com
The 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.com
New 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.com
Twenty 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.net
Golden 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.org
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.com
Carla 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.com
Demi 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.com
Minetta 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.com
Finland 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.com
Santiago 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.com
New & 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.com
Chesapeake 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.org
Chef 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.com
Hanami 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.com
Ragu 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.com
Sisters 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.com
We 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.com
Sisters 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.com
Spring 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.com
If 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.com
More 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.com
May 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.com
Carla 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.com
Hello, 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.com
Deep 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.com
Portion 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.com
Sunday 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.com
Lions 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.llc
Lasagna 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.com
Sit 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.com
The 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.
