Food

The Week in Food Events: Free Ice Cream, DC Beer Festival Kickoff, Mu Ramen Pop-Up

Plus Jaleo's Tomatina Festival returns.

Mu Ramen pops up in Washington this weekend inside a Burke pho shop. Photograph via Facebook.

Industry night: Head to DNV Rooftop on Monday evening for Closed Sessions industry night, where top bartenders from Oyamel, Fiola Mare, and more sling cocktails. Drop in between 8 and 10:30 for $5 drinks specials, and $3 beers from 3 Stars Brewing Company. Admission is free; a $10 charitable donation is encouraged.

Late-night pop-up: Chef Hamilton Johnson of Vidalia visits Granville Moore’s on Monday night from 10 pm to 1 am for a special dinner, no reservations necessary. The three-course menu includes dishes like veal tongue salad, cod cheeks, and a banana cream pie ($48 per person).

Restaurant picnic: The Fainting Goat continues its summer picnic series on Monday evening with a crab feast. A minimum of two guests per table can dig into Chesapeake Bay crabs, seasonal sides, and dessert ($25 per person). Advance reservations are required. The Monday crab feasts will continue through August.

Tons of tomatoes: The Tomatina Festival returns to Jaleo, Monday through August 16. Dine at any of the three Washington locations and try tomato-filled dishes and drinks such as octopus with caramelized tomatoes, tomato-strawberry sorbet, and tuna with heirloom tomato salad. Items are priced individually; no specific reservations required.

Free ice cream: Good Humor’s “joy squad” comes to town with free treats this week, served at various locations around Washington. The tour begins on Tuesday from 12 to 2 at Moynihan Plaza (1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW), and continues through August 25. Track the truck on Twitter to find out where the freebies are happening.

Live local: Boundary Stone throws a local social in collaboration with One Eight Distilling on Tuesday from 6 to 8. The event (21+ only) highlights the recent release of Untitled Whiskey No. 2. Other cocktails and bar bites will be available. The event is free, but reservations are requested.

Wine dinner: Urban Heights hosts a four-course wine dinner Wednesday, limited to fifty guests. Chef Cliff Wharton, formerly of the late TenPenh, pairs Spanish varietals with dishes from Southeast Asia. Tickets ($78.98) are available online.

Ramen pop-up: New York’s Mu Ramen is making a two-day appearance in Burke, Virginia on Saturday and Sunday. The popular shop will serve at H Pho (9546 Old Keene Mill Rd.) from 7 to 10. Seating is limited, and available on a first-come, first-eat basis. Guests will find four styles of ramen, snacks like short rib buns, and Japanese craft beers.

Cocktail history: The National Archives hosts a cocktail discussion and sampling (21+ only) on Saturday at 3 centered around David Embury’s book, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. The event is moderated by Victorino Matus, and includes expert panelists like Derek Brown and Camper English. Purchase tickets ($45) online.

Sherry meets tiki: Mockingbird Hill bar manager Phil Clark teaches participants how to use sherry in island inspired cocktails during a mixology class on Saturday at 3. The course will focus on sips like the Mai Tai-loroso, Fog Cutter, and Lobo, and include samples of each. Purchase tickets ($65) online.

Farmers market tour: Go behind the scenes of the Bethesda Central Farm Market on Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30 with Jewish Food Experience. The morning event features a walking tour led by Mitch Berliner, founder of the market. Sample fruits and vegetables, learn the history of the market, and talk to Israeli-American chef Josh Rosenstein. Tickets ($10) are available online.

Beer festival kickoff: DC Beer Week takes over the city next week, and starts with an official kickoff party at Suburbia (Union Market) on Sunday from 1 to 5. The Brewers on the Block party features over 19 local brewers like 3 Stars, Flying Dog, and Stillwater Ale, all pouring unlimited samples. Guests can also listen to music from DC-59, and purchase food from market vendors. Tickets ($35 for general admission or $60 for VIP) are available online.