Capital Cooking with Lauren DeSantis: August 2014

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Dîner en Blanc

Have you signed up for Dîner en Blanc next week? I can't wait.

Summer Block Party Late Night: All good things must come to an end and that's all the more reason to celebrate the end of summer in style -- at the last Summer Block Party Late Night at the National Building Museum. On Thursday from 5-9pm, enjoy extended hours to visit exhibitions, navigate the BIG Maze, and nosh at Hill Country's Backyard Barbecue. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at the door.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, August 21 – DC Beer Week Solidarity Session IPA Tasting at Gordon Biersch – Again this year, top DC-area breweries combined forces to create a collaborative brew called Solidarity. This Session IPA will be featured all over the city. Gordon Biersch’s Chinatown location will welcome folks from all over to taste this well thought-out IPA and will be joined by 10 other breweries. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and guests will enjoy unlimited tastes as well as passed appetizers. Advance tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solidarity-session-ipa-tasting-tickets-12449174817

Beaches of Southampton, New York

Monday, August 18, 2014

STK is now serving lunch!

STK DC is now serving lunch Monday through Friday, from 11:30am to 3:00pm.

Thinking of Drinking: Gold and Grain

The Rye Bar at Capella Washington DC, Georgetown since opening in March 2013 has become one of the capital city’s highly-rated establishments for innovative craft cocktails and fine American rye whiskeys. Check out their recipe for Gold and Grain!

Upcoming Events: Rum and Beer

Rooftop Rum & Smoke Soiree | Thursday, August 14th | 6pm to 9pm #RumNSmoke: Atop Georgetown’s trendy Graham Hotel, distinguished guests will be treated to premium flights of aged rum from Rum Day DC sponsors. Aged rums are traditionally aged in barrels and top the list in quality for each rum brand’s portfolio. Tasty hors d’oeuvres include premium beef sliders, curry chicken, veggie samosas, and mini crab cakes. Additionally, guests will receive a complimentary cigar courtesy of the co-hosts, Georgetown Tobacco to perfectly pair with the bold tastes of these sipping rums. The Graham’s impressive selection of top notch cigars will also be on hand for purchase directly from The Graham’s supplemental collection. Tickets: $35

Opening: DC's Newest Beer Hall

By: Lauren Rittermann

Capital Cooking Contributor

DC is becoming home to many new beer gardens, but DC's newest beer house just opened up right in the heart of DuPont. Located at 1216 18th Street, next to Public Bar, Sauf Haus Bier Hall is a fantastic place to go with friends or coworkers for happy hour or even a fun dinner before heading out for a night on the town.

Opening: La Tomate Caffe’

Dupont Circle's La Tomate recently introduced a new casual concept adjacent to its current space. It is surprising to admit that this was the first time I visited the establishment that originally opened in 1987.

Thinking of Drinking: Fig Sangria

At our Lamb and Fig Feast, I made this delicious Sangria. Special thank you to the California Fig Association for contributing the delicious fruit. The green figs go really well with white wine, but if you have the purple figs, try red wine.

At our 3rd Annual Capital Cooking team party, Nikolai Konick from Rhum Clement joined us to shake up some cocktails. Rhum Clement is an AOC Martinique aged rhum agricole, made from pure crushed sugarcane juice, estate produced and bottled. The Ti Punch is simple and refreshing. Cheers!

Upcoming Events

8/7: Join us for Samuel Adams Brew & View, an epic summer party with cold Sam Adams beer, lawn games, food trucks, and live music! When the sun goes down, Wedding Crashers will start up on an HD screen for a hilarious movie night under the stars. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and friends, and plan to stay awhile! The party starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until the credits roll. Space is limited, so reserve your TICKETS now! Rule #76: No excuses, play like a champion!

Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, is serving a lunch and dinner menu with three courses for Restaurant Week from August 11th – August 17th, 2014, and an extension from August 18th – August 24th.