Have you been to Hi-Lawn?

This place looks so fun!  Hi-Lawn has just introduced several exciting post-pandemic offerings, making it DC’s ultimate warm-weather destination this season. The scenic astroturf-covered green space is now open seven days a week, with live music, giant lawn games, weekly themed nights, and new summer food and drink menus.

Thinking of Drinking: Poinsettia Cocktail

Inspired by the famed flower of Christmas, the Poinsettia Cocktail is made with calvados brandy, apple and cranberry puree, lemon juice, spiced simple syrup and prosecco, and is garnished with a scarlet blossom.  Make this at the next holiday party.

Dining Out: Pisco Y Nazca

Peruvian Ceviche Gastrobar Pisco Y Nazca in downtown D.C. is the perfect modern spot for after work cocktails and shareable seafood bites. 

Dining Out: New “Best Breakfast in America” Pop-Up at The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel has prepared a new breakfast pop-up menu featuring dishes from four nationwide renowned restaurants—Connie’s Chicken and Waffles in Baltimore, Paperboy in Austin, Blue Collar Restaurant in Miami and Dusek’s in Chicago.

On the Road Again: DC and the Inn at Willow Grove

This month is already flying by.

Thinking of Drinking: Limeade Cocktail

Celebrate summer with a Limeade cocktail.

Dining Out: The Best Place in DC for Brussel Sprouts

I am always on the look-out for delicious Brussels Sprouts. Brussels Sprouts are rich with nutrients that support the body's detox system, its antioxidant system, and its inflammatory/anti-inflammatory system, and they’re delectable to eat! I can’t get enough of them, but for some reason Brussels sprouts have such a bad reputation. Any time I try to order them with my family, my dad immediately pipes out, “I hate Brussels Sprouts! Anything but that!” Sadly, when he was younger, he ate over-boiled, unseasoned, smelly Sprouts. Fortunately for me, I have tasted incredible Brussels sprouts, and have become obsessed with the healthy vegetable. When they are prepared correctly, they are all at once crunchy and soft, savory and nutty, sweet and scorched!

Things to Do: FREE “Cooking Up History” Demo at the American History Museum

Once a month, The American History Museum puts on an incredible food demonstration with a guest chef and their resident food historian, Dr. Ashley Rose Young. The duo prepares recipes while discussing the history and traditions behind the ingredients.

Uncorked: Winemakers' Dinner with the Rhone Rangers

The 6th Annual Winemakers Dinner put on by the National Museum of American History was outstanding. Incredible wines, inspiring individuals, and delicious eats! Chef Cedric Maupillier of Convivial prepared an incredible meal to pair with the American Rhone wines.

Events: National Geographic Explorers Festival Wrap Up

National Geographic put on an amazing Festival to celebrate the Changemakers of the Year. The National Geographic Explorers Festival brought together some of the world’s most innovative scientists, conservationists, explorers, and storytellers so they could share their discoveries and insights to the public as well as be honored for the incredible impact they have made in creating a more sustainable future.

Thinking of Drinking: Superfruit Lemonade

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse has a fun cocktail menu.  This Superfruit Lemonade is packed with antioxidants from the berries.  Try one in the restaurant or at home with the recipe below.  We had a blast stuffing ourselves with meat and cocktails.  The staff and service are excellent!

And the Winner Is...

Embassy Chefs representing Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Plurinational State of Bolivia, Republic of Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Iraq, Jamaica, Republic of Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Principality of Liechtenstein, Mauritius, Republic of Moldova, Kingdom of Morocco, Nepal, Panama, Peru, the Philippines and Slovak Republic all came together on May 17th to battle for the title of best dish! 

Thinking of Drinking: Two & Two

District Distilling, located in the bustling U-Street corridor, will be offering a layered shot for Derby Day. It's called the Two & Two, to tie into the $2 Million payout awarded to the horse and jockey who wins the 2 minute race. Its made from a combination of District Distilling’s Embassy Row Creme De Menthe with Backroom Bourbon layered on top garnished with a mint leaf and will be available throughout the day on Saturday, May 5th. Its priced at $5.

Opening: Gong Cha Bubble Tea

Gong Cha, a Bubble Tea Chain that originated in Taiwan in 2006, has opened in Rockville, Maryland! The trendy Taiwanese shop opened at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31st, with a massive line out the door and live entertainers performing outside the new spot. Located at 1800 Rockville Pike in the Galvan at Twinbrook complex, it’s only about a 25-minute drive from downtown D.C. to get the best authentic Bubble Tea in town.

Opening: New CIRCA Chinatown

By Claire Goldman

Follow the dragon mural from the Metro exit at 7th & H Street NW into DC area chain CIRCA's newest location.  CIRCA at Chinatown is an excellent option for pre or post concert or sports event at Capital One Arena, after work happy hour or downtown brunch, lunch or dinner.

First Taste: Karma Modern Indian

Karma, a new spot in Chinatown, is showing off in D.C. with their non-traditional Indian flavors, beautiful open-kitchen atmosphere, and extremely detail-oriented presentations. 

Dining Out: BLT Prime By David Burke

By Claire Goldman

Carrara marble abound, BLT Prime by David Burke inside the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC is an upscale steakhouse with fun touches that keep it from being just your average lobbyist locale.  The first word that comes to mind to describe the hotel in the former Old Post Office Pavilion... "huge".  The glass ceiling above massive structural buttresses opens up to the sky and brightly lit view of the tall clock tower that stands tall in the DC skyline.  No matter if your spirit animal is an elephant or a donkey, this lobby is impressive.

After being greeted by the warm hosts, we had a seat in the bar.  The gold backdrop is actually made of the original P.O. boxes saved during the building renovation.

The dining room, upstairs from the bar, has an atrium feel and overlooks the grandiose lobby from chandelier height.

Oyster amuse bouche with salmon roe, dill, lemon and sugar was briny and delicious.  

Popovers the size of your head, worthy of a gift tag.

The Botanist and the Sommelier - Hendricks gin, hibiscus syrup, lime juice and lavender bitters.

The house cocktail list has something for everyone, I just happen to be a sucker for hibiscus.  Other options include Manhattan Tea Party with Woodland Reserve bourbon, tea spiced vermouth and bitters.  Visit friendly and talented bartender, Matt downstairs for a pour and a laugh.

Salt Baked Oysters Rockefeller

"Clothesline" Candied Bacon

 From the appetizers, the Salt Baked Oysters Rockefeller are a must.  The chef's spin on this classic app includes spinach, gruyere, bacon and pernod and sits on a bed of egg white foam (which is aesthetically pleasing but not meant to be eaten as our waiter lightly warned). The "Clothesline" Candied Bacon is not only fun but so delicious.  It's juicy and with a little slice of pickle, it's a porky party in your mouth.

Kansas City Steak

Chilean Sea Bass with Mushrooms

Couch Potatoes

Crazy Corn

Now for the mains... The Kansas City prime cut is salt aged 45 days according to celebrity Chef David Burke's patented steak aging process.  The Chilean Sea Bass was perfectly cooked and so satisfying with roasted porcini mushrooms and truffle broth.  Executive Chef Shawn Matijevich shaved black truffles over ours tableside and it took the dish to a new level. For sides, the Couch Potato is a whole baked potato with rosemary topped with a fried onion ring and served with an aioli sauce.  The Crazy Corn is spicy and citrusy with poblano peppers, lime and cotija cheese.

Trump Sparkling Wine from Monticello, VA

David Burke's Cheesecake Lollipop Tree

Finish your meal with a tasty tree-t.  David Burke's Cheesecake Lollipop Tree is a fun dessert that easy to share and covers all the dessert flavors bases... even bubblegum (whipped cream on the side).  As you would expect, many varietals from the Trump Winery in Charlottesville, VA appear on the list.  Capital Cooking had the pleasure of a tour and taste, read more about that here.

If you're looking for a Valentine's Day dinner to remember, BLT Prime is offering an a la carte menu with entrees built for two including a Surf & Turf complete with chateaubriand, grilled lobster, love nest potatoes, bone marrow gratin and porcini mushroom demi glace.  For the sweetest course of their cupid celebration, share the tableside Raspberry and Chocolate Baked Alaska For Two with chambord syrup.  With rooms and suites right outside the restaurant doors, beat the cold with a Valentine Staycation. 

Lastly, I cannot say enough about the service.  Everyone was warm, accommodating and up for some fun.  We loved receiving a claim ticket for our leftovers waiting for us by our coats.

Whatever your political persuasion may be, BLT Prime by David Burke with Executive Chef Matijevich and the great service staff is sure to impress and delight. 

For reservations, menus and more go to BLTRestaurants.com/blt-prime/.

BLT Prime by David Burke 

located in Trump International Hotel

1100 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.

Washington, D.C.

Eating Around Town: The Chickery

The Chickery, located in Dupont Circle, is now serving their signature flash-fried Rotisserie Chicken Sandwiches (#RFC)!!

Dining Out: Santa Rosa Taqueria in DC

Capitol Hill has a new fast-casual spot every taco lover must check out. "Top Chef" alum Spike Mendelsohn, who brought the District Good Stuff Eatery, famous for the "Prez Obama Burger," We, The Pizza, and The Chickery, has now given us the next best thing--strong margs & authentic Mexican fare for cheap!

Uncorked: WeinCraft

So refreshing!

Wines of Germany is introducing a brand new summer promotion at select Washington D.C. restaurants and retail shops as part of a nationwide, summer-long celebration of the distinct quality, unique versatility, and artistry of German wine. Check out WeinCraft!