El Centro D. F. Kicks off National Tequila Month

By: Lauren Rittermann

Capital Cooking Contributor

National Tequila month is in full swing, and El Centro D.F. has kicked off the party with lots of fun festivities all month long.  Recently I got a sneak peak at what the restaurant is offering while enjoying the beautiful summer weather at the Georgetown location's outside bar.  I loved the atmosphere of the patio as apposed to 14th Street's rooftop, but both are a fun destination for friends, family, or coworkers.

I tried the traditional margarita made with fresh squeezed lime juice, which is always one of my favorites in DC, along with their pineapple/sage infusion and the grapefruit/lime/lemongrass infusion.  The infusions can be served straight-up as a shot or with a splash of soda, and are regularly $9, but only $5 on Mondays for lunch or dinner, and during happy hour every night of the festival from 5-7pm.  I enjoyed all the combinations, but my favorite was the pineapple/sage.  It was savory, sweet, and earthy.

Some of the dishes offered during tequila month are the Grilled Shrimp Ceviche in a citrus -chile broth with grapefruit, cucumber, jicama, red onion, and a frozen margarita float, and a Reposado Tequila cured and smoked pork tenderloin with roasted corn, epazote, poblano rojas-potato puree, and chile morita salsa.  

For dessert the restaurant is offering a Dolcezza Anejo Tequila gelato with cajeta caramel and berries in a house-made mexican chocolate waffle cone.  All three dishes were packed with flavor and spice, but the ceviche was incredible.  I wanted to slurp down every last drop.  It was sweet and very spicy, yet refreshing.  

Both locations are also offering a Meet the Maker dinner on Monday July 14th and Monday July 21st where guests will have the chance to meet representatives from the worlds leading tequila companies while enjoying passed hors d'oeuvres, tequila cocktails, and a three course dinner.  Dinners are $69 and seating is limited.  

Celebrate summer while sipping on tequila with all the festivities at El Centro D.F. through out the month of July.  Happy tequila month!