701 Restaurant is just one of many places serving up delicious Mother's Day brunch around Washington. Photograph by Chris Campbell.
Mother’s Day is just a couple of weeks away—on Sunday, May 12. That means it’s time to book the all-important brunch for the occasion. Below you’ll find the details on 29 restaurants serving a special midday meal in Washington. Book early, and volunteer to be the designated driver—the lady who changed your diapers and put up with you through your terrible teens deserves as many mimosas as she pleases.
It may not be cherry season, but it is definitely cherry blossom season in Washington. Celebrate with food and drink specials. Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off Wednesday, March 20. If you haven’t yet consulted our first list of food and drink specials, you should go ahead and do so. In the meantime, here are 11 more local offerings. Offers are available throughout the festival—which concludes April 14—unless otherwise noted.
Acadiana, DC Coast, District Commons
The Deal: These downtown hotspots honor one DC icon (cherry blossoms) by serving another: the gin rickey, Washington’s official cocktail, for $12. The mixture of gin, lime, and a splash of soda will be served at the three Passion Food Group restaurants.
Free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream? Yes, please. Photograph courtesy of Flickr user Dougtone.
Sure, free cone day is a fantastic Ben & Jerry’s tradition. But the altruistic ice cream company has been going above and beyond in the District, starting with gratis frozen yogurt delivered to area offices. Now Vermont's finest plans to dispense a thousand free scoops at Union Station’s Main Hall on Friday, February 1, starting at noon.
In addition to the joy that is free ice cream, Washingtonians will also be among the first to try a new mystery flavor that commemorates the series finale of NBC's 30 Rock the night before. Company cofounder Jerry Greenfield will make the big reveal in Manhattan at a finale party near Rockefeller Center, and we can only guess what madness will be packed into the new pints. Citrusy, candy-studded Liz Lemon(head)? Some paper-like substance based on the Japanese porn star diet? Meatcat? Leave your ideas in the comments.
The new flavor will be available in area scoop shops and grocery stores in February.
Enjoy traditional British food such as fish and chips in honor of the Olympics. Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock.
The London 2012 Olympics begin tonight, and over on the After Hours blog, we’ve rounded up bars where you can watch the opening ceremonies. But some local spots are really getting into the spirit with special dishes, cocktails, and other games-themed treats.
Why: The bar at Art Smith’s Southern restaurant is serving up a cocktail with ingredients from Tennessee, Illinois, DC, Florida, and Virginia. And go USA, because when we win a gold medal, it’s half off for the next 15 minutes.
The Deal: The All American cocktail, made from whiskey, Hum liquor, honey syrup, soda water, White Hall Viognier, and a slice of orange. ($13).
When: Through August 12.
The Starboard Punch, the margarita, and the Island Rickey from Tackle Box. Photograph by David Phillipich.
The scorching temperatures are bad enough—not to mention fierce storms causing the lights (and A/C) to fail for hundreds of thousands of people. The power companies may be dragging their feet, but fortunately the bars and restaurant have your back. Here are six deals popping up today to help you beat the heat, from cheap drinks to summery dishes.
Half-Price Iced Tea and Lattes at Bayou Bakery
Until the power is back in Arlington, chef-owner David Guas is filling 20-ounce glasses with half-price pours of hibiscus-ginger iced tea and basil-mint lattes. Factor in ample seating and free wi-fi, and you may have just found your new office.
Unlimited Refills at Dino
Forget super-size sodas—the Dino crew are pouring limitless glasses of non-alcoholic house-made drinks while the weather stays unreasonably hot, such as grapefruit fizzes, ginger ale, and local blackberry or strawberry limeade. They’re also waving the $3 fee for their purified still and sparkling water.
Frozen Rooftop Cocktails at Donovan House
As if you needed another incentive to sip poolside drinks on this swank Kimpton Hotel rooftop, the bartenders are mixing up $5 frozen Hurricanes and Dark and Stormy cocktails. Get yours during happy hour this week, 5 to 7 PM (except for the Fourth of July).
Peaches ’n’ Rosé at Fiola
Head to the bar for a light special during lunch and dinner this week: balsamic-drizzled peach salad with basil and toasted hazelnuts alongside a cold glass of Chateau La Tour Petale de Rose, which is typically only sold by the bottle. The duo is $28 per person.
Drink Special at Johnny’s Half-Shell
Global warming brings something positive for once with the special Climate Change cocktail, offered all week for $5. The icy combination of grapefruit-infused vodka and a splash of cranberry is only available on the covered courtyard terrace, where you’ll appreciate its meaning even more.
Margaritas for $2 at Tackle Box
When the mercury rises, dispel dreams of moving to Alaska with $2 margaritas at Tackle Box in Georgetown. Owner Jonathan Umbel is offering the deal any time the temperature hits above 90 degrees, which pretty much means until September.
Deliciousness need not cost a lot. Photograph courtesy of iStock
The Washingtonian food team just wrapped up all the reporting for our annual Cheap Eats feature (out next month!) and yes, our pants are tight. With all those bargains on the brain, critic and food and wine editor Todd Kliman asked his weekly dining chatters about their favorite deals. If you're as, er, thrifty as us, you probably want to bookmark this post. Oh and hey, feel free to leave your own favorite dining deals in the comments.
