It’s election season, and whether you’re glued to the results or just looking for some election-themed drinks and bites, the city’s got you covered. From watch parties to red, white, and blue food and drink specials, there’s no shortage of ways to ease the stress on this Election Day. So, cast your vote and then cast your eyes on all the action—because hiding under the covers in not an option The Admiral: Catch all the Election Night action at The Admiral with multiple TVs (including on the huge patio) and full  audio Grab a burger, fries, and a beer for $17.99, with $5.75 draft refills to keep the good times rolling. Election-themed cocktails “270 to Win” and “Magic Wall”; For more information, click here.Alexandria Bier Garden: Alexandria Bier Garden is offering a free appetizer to any guest who shows an “I Voted Sticker” on November 5th; For more information, click here.All-Purpose & AP Pizza Shop: Chef Mike Friedman's pizza concepts will pit three of its all-star pies against each other in a friendly competition in honor of Election Day. Guests can "vote" for the Standard, Buona, or Sedgwick pizzas by ordering any of the three for takeout as they watch election results roll in. Guests who order the winning pie will receive a ticket to redeem a complimentary drink on their next visit; For more information, click here.All Set Restaurant & Bar: Inspired by his recent participation in the Cooking for Kamala fundraiser, Chef and Co-Owner Ed Reavis along with fellow All Set Restaurant & Bar Co-Owner, Jennifer Meltzer, and will offer an election special to guests who have cast their votes in the 2024 Presidential Election. From now through Election Day on November 5th, guests who mention they’ve voted or show their “I Voted” sticker will receive a complimentary happy hour cocktail or the restaurant’s new satirical cocktail, The Concept of an Orange Drink (Jameson Orange, orange liqueur, orange juice, orange soda) with the purchase of a food item; For more information, click here.Art & Soul: Art & Soul is offering diners who present an "I Voted" sticker $5 House Wine, Draft Beer, or a House Cocktail; For more information, click here. Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken: In recognition of the 2024 Presidential Election, Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken is honoring voters with a limited-edition Election Mini Box. Available for $35, the box features patriotically decorated Vanilla, Creme Brûlée, Candy Apple, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Chip doughnuts. Special “I Voted” Vanilla doughnuts are available for pre-order online or in-store while supplies last. Election Mini Boxes are available for pre-order only now through November 5th; To place an order, click here.Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique: On Election Day, guests who show their “I Voted” Sticker will receive an I Voted Cookie, from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. while supplies last.Boundary Stone: Boundary Stone will host an Election Night watch party with drink specials, all-night-happy hour ($6 select beers, $10 select wines by the glass, and deals on pub fare like the deviled eggs, Honey Hot Chicken sandwich, mozzarella sticks, and more), and politically-themed trivia. Drink specials include Kamala's Coconut Daiquiri (made with local Cotton & Reed rum) and the Palate Cleanser Shot (an orange shot made with vodka, cantaloupe, cucumber, lemon, and sugar). Tuesday is trivia night at the pub, so of course, the theme will be politics on November 5th; To make a reservation, click here.Centrolina: Chef Amy Brandwien is offering “Election Night Dinner Kit” for two ($150) featuring a five-course meal + wine. Dish highlights include her famous verde salad, seasonal lasagne, and butterflied red snapper. All proceeds from the kit will support paid leave for the staff on Election Day. Orders must be placed by November 2nd for pickup on November 5th; To place an order, click here.Chang Chang: Chef Peter Chang's first and only District restaurant will have an Election Day Comfort Food package with Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings, Dry-Fried Cauliflower, Wagyu Beef Lo Mein,  Matcha Cake, and more comforting fare—there is a vegetarian menu available, as well. The packages are priced at $120 and feed up to 4 people. Guests can preorder and select a pickup date of November 4th or November 5th. Orders are due by November 1st at 10 p.m.; To place an order, click here.Cork Wine Bar & Market: Cork Wine Bar and Market will have an Election Night party on its second floor dining room and bar with a TV projector showing live coverage of the results with sound on, as well as the a variety of drink and food specials; For more information, click here.Cucina Morini: On November 5th from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m., Cucina Morini will be the place to be, streaming the election results live and offering their famous $7 Martini specials—extended to the main bar for one night only. The fun doesn’t stop there, Cucina Morini will host an Election Day Cocktail Battle, featuring two limited-edition, election-themed ‘Dueling Martinis’ for just $7 each. Guests can cast their vote for the winning cocktail, which will earn a permanent spot on their beloved bar menu; For more information, click here.The Duck & The Peach: The Duck & The Peach is offering a Rotisserie Chicken Dinner that serves 2-4 people. It includes Whole Rotisserie Chicken, Crispy Duck Fat Potatoes and a Butter Lettuce Salad with banyuls vinaigrette, tarragon, chervil and chive. It’s $65. You can also add in a $30 bottle of house selected wine to pair with your meal; 300 7th Street SE. For more information, click here. The Golden Age: The Golden Age his hosting an all night Election watch party, with discounted drinks until close or until there’s a winner announced. Sip on craft cocktails, wine or beer for $2 off and enjoy their popular food menu items from their crucial burger to shrimp cocktail or lamb kebabs. They’ll be showing the results on their TV in the back room.Hotel Zena: Join Hotel Zena at Figleaf Bar & Lounge on November 5th, anytime from 5:00 p.m. - Midnight for an election night watch party. Get together with friends, neighbors, and fellow voters for a night of live updates, lively discussions, and some good old-fashioned civic pride. They will have big screens set up, comfy seating, snacks, and drinks to keep the energy high throughout the night; For more information, click here.Immigrant Food (Ballston): Immigrant Food, the gastro-advocacy restaurant group, is hosting an election night watch party on Tuesday, November 5th at their Ballston location to monitor results of the presidential election. Immigrant Food will offer 50% off bottles of wine throughout the evening to make election night anxiety a little bit easier; For more information, click here. La Collina: La Collina is offering 1 lb. of fresh oriechette pasta with a jar of hot sausage and broccoli rabe ragu for $50 on election night. It feeds 2-4 people and you can add on a bottle of house selected red wine for $25; 747 C Street SE. For more information, click here. Lincoln Restaurant: Lincoln Restaurant is hosting its 4th General Election Watch Party, set to take place on Tuesday, November 5th. Join them for an evening filled with the spirit of democracy, delicious food, and unique cocktails, as they celebrate one of the most pivotal nights in American history.Lucy: Now through Election Day, Lucy will offer complimentary Aperol Spritzes to guests sporting “I Voted” stickers. The cocktail bar and restaurant will also honor Vice President Kamala Harris’s favorite pizza with a special Anchovy Pizza ($23) topped with confit cherry tomatoes, garlic, Sicilian anchovies, oregano, capers, Gaeta olives, and smoked mozzarella. This special is available at Lucy now through Election Day; For more information, click here.Madhatter: Join fellow political enthusiasts in a lively atmosphere to watch the results roll in on Election Night. Enjoy food and drink specials ($10 Smash Burger & Fries, $24 margarita pitchers, $30 bottles of wine, $6 drafts), and real-time updates on our 20 screens as the excitement unfolds; For more information, click here.Meli: Meli is offering a Chicken Gyro Dinner for 2-4 people for $65 that includes Roasted Chicken Gyro with fresh pita, harissa and tzatziki, Crispy Potatoes with dill, parsley and “Greek Island” dressing and Chopped Salad with romaine, tomato, red onion, crunchy chickpea and tahini Caesar dressing. You can add on a bottle of house selected wine for $25; 1630 Columbia Road NW. For more information, click here.Purple Patch: Purple Patch will have its bar TVs showing the election results (sound on at 8:00 p.m.) and in addition to Election Day specials, will feature pours of sherry as part of its participation in Sherry Week; For more information, click here.Royal Sands Social Club: Make a splash this Election Night at Royal Sands, the famous swimming pool bar in Navy Yard.  Dive into the results while enjoying $6 Kona drafts, $10 frozen drinks, $6.50 themed shots (“Swing State Slammer”  and  “Poll Party”), $2 off sushi rolls, and a $10.50 slider trio. Catch every call with multiple TVs and full audio; For more information, click here.Shaw’s Tavern: Watch the results roll in with fellow political enthusiasts in a lively atmosphere at Shaw’s Tavern. Enjoy great food and drinks while keeping up with the latest updates on their screens. Whether you're rooting for your favorite candidate or just interested in the political process, this is the place to be on Election Night! $99 Includes 4 Hour Open Bar (7:00 - 11:00 p.m.) of select drafts, house wines and house spirits. a dinner buffet, passed apps as well as plenty of tv's with sound; To purchase a ticket, click here.Slice & Pie: Slice & Pie will offer guests wearing “I Voted” stickers a complimentary cheese slice or pie with the purchase of another slice or pie. This special is available in-store only beginning today, October 28 through Election Day, but will not be offered on Friday, November 1. Voters can choose from unique slices such as the Burrata Pie or the Hawaiian Pie to receive an extra free slice; For more information, click here.Teddy & The Bully Bar: Teddy & The Bully Bar invites you to celebrate one of the most exciting nights in the nation’s capital at their highly anticipated Election Night Watch Party on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. From 3:00 p.m. onward, experience a night filled with thrilling election coverage, delectable food, festive drinks, and an appearance from their very own guest president, Teddy Roosevelt; For more information, click here.Thompson Restaurants: This election season, Thompson Restaurants is offering a special reward for civic participation. Customers who show their “I Voted” sticker at any of Thompson's restaurant brands (Makers Union, matchbox, Hen Quarter, Milk & Honey, and Wiseguy Pizza to name a few) will receive 10% off their meal. It’s a small way to celebrate those who take the time to vote and make a difference in their community. Offer only valid on November 5th; For more information, click here.Union Pub: Union Pub is hosting an Election Night Party with coverage of the results on all TVs with sound on. All 2024 Presidential Election Specials from previous debate watch parties return for the final time. While the country is divided in its choice for president, Union Pub invites guests to unite on Election Day and work towards a common unified goal, "The 270 Challenge". If 270 Blue, Red, and Purple Drinks are sold by the end of the night, the entire bar receives a round of shots. The tally begins at 5:00 p.m.; For more information, click here.The Wells: In case anyone just needs a total break on election night, The Wells is hosting a cocktail class with Citadelle Gin from 5:45 - 7:30 p.m. The class includes making three cocktails alongside Bar Director Alex Pisi and Citadelle Brand Ambassador Roman Cartoux, plus some pre-dinner snacks. Tickets cost $68 per person; 727 C Street SE. To purchase a ticket, click here. 

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Hello it’s so good to be back on air. Took a little break — well not really a break I’ve been working but I took a few weeks off from this show to get inspired and bring renewed energy.  Now to today’s guest. I love when I bring on people that I have known since the beginning of my time in this industry. Monica Bhide — nowMonica Saigal — we both started covering the food scene at the same time. Monica had a day job but she was writing mesmerizing articles for The New York Times, Bon Appétit, The Washington Post, and NPR. She has always blended stories of food with culture and her personal connections. She is a prolific writer — cookbooks like Modern Spice and The Spice is right, novels like Karma & The Art of Butter Chicken and Inspirational books like In Conversation with Exceptional Women (which Monica was generous enough to include me in) she now has a new book, a children’s book Papa’s Butter Chicken.Monica and I have truly not caught up in a bit. We are going to get personal and talk about her journey, her writing career and why everyone loves butter chicken! Listen to the episode here or watch it here.