Seasonal Bulk Up: TheListAreYouOnIt’s Weekly Roundup of Things to Eat
Autumn is here, and the flavors are shifting with the season. You know our team here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com scours the vibrant DC culinary scene for cozy, seasonal offerings. The latest in seasonal menus crafted by many of your favorite local spots—and perhaps a few new names to discover. We're ready to embrace the comforting tastes of fall - Pumpkin Spice and all —are you?
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Free Turkey Fry: Medium Rare restaurant is getting ready to kick off its 17th annual Free Turkey Fry on Thanksgiving Day (November 28th) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is a legendary DC Thanksgiving Day tradition, open to anyone who brings a thawed, eight-to-12-pound bird with them. This year, Medium Rare co-owner Mark Bucher estimates they’ll fry up to 600 turkeys (approximately 96 birds an hour) using a dozen fryers filled with almost 500 gallons of oil. In recent years, the Free Turkey Fry has also become a fundraiser for Feed the Fridge, the non-profit Bucher started to provide free, nutritious, restaurant-prepared meals to those who need them. Since its launch at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, Feed the Fridge has provided more than a million meals and has paid local restaurants $2 million in donated funds to prepare them. 3500 Connecticut Avenue NW
Food & Friends Volunteer Alert: This Thanksgiving, Food & Friends will carry on its long-standing Thanksgiving tradition of preparing and delivering 4,500 complete holiday feasts to neighbors across the region living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and other serious illnesses. Early on Thanksgiving morning, volunteers and staff will gather before sunrise to prepare holiday meal bags for 900 families facing serious illness and food insecurity. Beginning at 8 a.m., volunteer drivers will pick up meals from the Fort Totten metro and deliver them to adults and children in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Find out more info here.
11 Years of Irongate: In honor of their 11th anniversary, Iron Gate invites you to join them on Sunday, November 24th, for an exclusive, all-inclusive tasting event that celebrates the flavors and traditions that have shaped Iron Gate. For one special evening, delight in a curated selection of Iron Gate’s most beloved dishes, reimagined as part of a sumptuous walkaround experience. Enjoy dishes like lamb, a pasta station and decadent deserts. Purchase tickets here.
Freshfarm Thanksgiving Food Drive: Freshfarm's annual food drive for Thanksgiving is starting. These program benefits food recovery partners like DC Central Kitchen and Arlington Food Assistance Center, ensuring that families in need have wholesome, locally sourced meals for Thanksgiving. The drive not only helps vulnerable neighbors but also supports small farmers as they prepare for the winter season. freshfarm.org
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
Comfort Dishes: Matt & Tony’s newest seasonal menu includes fall flavors like Sweet Potato Gnocchi with brown butter and kale, Coriander Crusted Salmon with burnt orange miso, and Braised Short Ribs over butternut squash mash. Pair these with cocktails that bring a warm twist, like Boots with the Fur—a cozy blend of apple butter, vodka, and ginger beer—or the smooth Well-Oiled Machine, mixing bourbon, coffee, and maple. 1501 Mt Vernon Ave; mattandtonysva.com
Snow Globe Pop Up: Hi-Lawn has unveiled “The Dome” – a spherical, immersive “gastro-gallery under the stars” experience. Snowglow at The Dome is embracing European-inspired comfort foods, with an a la carte menu of shareable small plates from esteemed chef Nathan Beauchamp. Find comfort in dishes such as fondue raclette, luxe lobster bisque, and seasonal smørrebrød, plus a filet-for-two. 1309 5th Street NE; hilawndc.com
CHIKO x Parachute Pizza Collab: Chiko and Parachute Pizza have collabed to create a new pizza. The Lamb-orghini, classic dough, mozzarella cheese, white sauce, spicy lamb sausage, crispy shallots, chili crisp, chiko lamb spice, scallions, & cilantro is available now at Parachute Pizza. 1309 5th St NE; parachutepizzadc.com
Taste of Jose: The Bazaar by José Andrés presents a four-course lunch tasting menu that transports guests to Spain through a curated selection of iconic dishes. This tasting menu offers a unique, leisurely journey through the flavors of Spain in an intimate, sophisticated setting. Ideal for an elevated lunch break or special afternoon occasion, it’s a dining experience not to be missed. 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue; thebazaar.com
Co-Op Remodel: The Takoma Park CO-Op has reopened following an 18-week remodel of the store at 201 Ethan Allen Avenue in Takoma Park. During the remodel the 43-year-old community-owned grocery store operated out of a 900 square foot tent in the parking lot while work was completed on the building. The remodel included a new roof, new floors, new HVAC, and brand-new shelving, freezers, and refrigerators for the sales floor. The new energy efficient equipment will hold more product, allowing TPSS to increase from the 200 local vendors currently on the shelves. The Co-op’s famous bulk section featuring over 400 items in bulk from nuts to beans to spices will be back in full. Shopping sustainably at TPSS is a continued focus with more package-free offerings in the Produce Department in addition to the bulk section. 201 Ethan Allen Avenue; tpss.coop
I Love Cheese (Gift alert): Give the gift of cheese to that curd nerd or foodie in your life with Each Peach. Every month, our passionate cheesemongers hand-pick 2-3 great cheeses paired with fun condiments and nibbles. They also include introductions to each cheese, recipe cards, pairing suggestions and more. Their cheese club takes members on a lighthearted exploration of regions around America and the world, and dive into new, seasonal flavors and classic favorites. Perfect for the budding gourmand or entertainer in your life. Get the subscription here.
Educated Eats : Washington DC’s ProStart welcomes Cardozo Education Campus (formerly Cardozo Senior High School) to their culinary and management program. The ProStart program will be implemented and its two-year curriculum taught under the direction of Fredrick R. Monroe, Chef Instructor and DC ProStart Educator. ProStart, administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), and implanted in DC by Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington and DC Public Schools, is a nationwide culinary and management program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice industry leaders. The program is a key part of fostering workforce development for the region’s foodservice industry and provides scholarship opportunities and career pathways for DC youth in continuing education. ProStart is facilitated under Educated Eats, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s Education Foundation. chooserestaurants.org
Wafu at Home (Gift alert) : Tonari has cooked up new pizza kits for you to make at home. Each kit contains Tonari’s custom pizza dough using Hokkaido-milled flour and brick cheese, the key ingredient in Detroit-style pies. For the classic kit, there’s a Japanese-style marinara sauce with umeboshi (pickled plums). 707 6th St; Purchase the kits here.
Omakase in McClean: Modan has opened it's doors in McClean VA, Inspired by traditional Japanese izakaya culture, this modern, 7,000 square-foot restaurant invites you to experience Executive Chef Micheole “Chico” Dator’s exquisitely-crafted menu. Modan’s Omakase is an exclusive culinary journey for those looking to have a more curated dining experience. Teaming with acclaimed restaurateur and chef Ray Lee from Akiko’s and Friends Only, each course offers a harmonious progression of flavors and textures perfect for the experienced and first-time omakase diner. Modan’s Omakase includes offerings of Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef and a rotating selection of exceptional seasonal ingredients, all of which are meticulously selected to ensure a memorable experience for each of you. modanrestaurant.com
A Daytime Fete: Medina, Rose Previte’s latest Middle Eastern restaurant and intimate neighborhood cocktail bar, has launched a new daytime fête and brunch menu available on Saturdays + Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Named for the Arabic word for a historic old town, Medina channels the mystery and romance of a walled city fortress where commerce and commotion lie at the center. Dishes include saffron couscous, kefta hummus and more. 1328 Florida Ave NW; medinadc.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Brunch at A.Kitchen + Bar (Brunch Alert): A.Kitchen and Bar is now officially hosting brunch. Offered every weekend, 9AM-3PM, a.kitchen+bar DC will serve a delicious lineup of brunch favorites including a.kitchen’s beloved cheeseburger. 1010 New Hampshire; akitchenandbardc.com
Tableside Espresso Martinis at Bunch, Yes Please : Balos has launched bottomless brunch featuring a $45 prix-fixe menu, a fresh seafood raw bar, and tableside espresso martinis made with For Five espresso beans. Sip on bottomless mimosas, bellinis, bloody marys or enjoy tableside espresso martini service with flavors including pumpkin spice, salted caramel, raspberry, orange cinnamon, and banana. Dish highlights include the Balos omelet, Spanakopita Florentine, Baklava French toast, and more. Available from 11:30AM-3PM on Saturday and Sunday. balosrestaurants.com
Manage The Bloat: RM Wellness, a premium mini-spa specializing in massage therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage, is now open in Georgetown. As the first woman-owned mini-spa of its kind in Washington, D.C., RM Wellness offers a range of personalizable services in a delightful, cozy space with a rotating display of art. 1228 ½ 31st ST NW; rmwellnessdc.com
That's Italian (Brunch Alert): You can now dine at Olio E Piu for brunch. Enjoy a signature Italian mimosa with a choice of orange, cranberry, grapefruit, and pineapple on Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM. Those who dine during brunch can also receive either a complimentary espresso martini or Bellini (valid for two drinks). 699 14th St NW, Washington, DC; olioepiu.com
Autumnal Tastes: Fall is in full swing at Vermilion, where Chef Tony Chittum brings seasonal flavors to the forefront with new fall dishes. Savor the Maple Roasted Autumn Squash paired with fresh goat cheese, Asian pear, balsamic, and a crunch of toasted nuts and seeds. Indulge in the Crispy Path Valley Eggplant, accompanied by lemony Swiss chard, burrata, and a cherry tomato sauce. For something sweet, try the Warm Apple Cider Cake, topped with whipped cream cheese, candied black walnuts, mint, and frozen custard. 1120 King Street; vermilionrestaurant.com
Chef's On A Roll: Beresovsky's Deli has shares its latest feature in the “Chef's...on a Roll” series, this tien spotlighting Chef Edward Lee’s unique take on Thanksgiving with the KIMCHI GOBBLER. Chef Lee, the Culinary Director of Succotash in Washington, DC, crafts a vibrant blend of holiday flavors with this inspired creation: roasted turkey, bacon jam, melted Havarti, kimchi-pepper relish, arugula, and bourbon gravy, all perfectly nestled in a bahn mi roll. The KIMCHI GOBBLER is available now until the end of the month. beresovskys.com
Sunday Gravy: Chef Mike Friedman started offering a weekly special at The Red Hen last fall inspired by 'Sunday gravy' and the namesake tradition of gathering for a comforting bowl of pasta. It's returned for the season and is now available as a nightly offering; the dish is known as Creste Di Gallo, made with slowly-braised Roseda Farms Short Rib, Caramelized Onions, Oregano, Lemon, Breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano. The rib-sticking bowl will be available through winter. 1822 First Street; theredhendc.com
Think Pink: Hampton by Hilton is adding a pop of pink and sparkle to its signature Belgian waffle lineup with the Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle by Paris Hilton. Breakfast lovers can purchase a Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle Kit for $29.99 at ShopHampton.com/Waffles while supplies last. The kit includes a 33-ounce canister of waffle mix, a container of edible glitter and Paris Hilton’s personal recipe for elevating breakfast with iconic fun and flavor and marks the first time that guests can create the Hampton Waffle at home. Purchase here.
