Red Hen extends its hours
1822 First St., NW; 202-525-3021
Love this Bloomingdale neighborhood Italian? Now you can dine there more. The restaurant extends its hours to include Monday dinner service from 5:30 to 10, starting Monday, March 10. Keep a lookout for new spring dishes such as ricotta cavatelli with peas.
Republic gets late-night menus and live music
6939 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park; 301-270-3000
Jeff Black gets into the entertainment game, hiring 9:30 Club vet Catherine Rytkonen to schedule bands, open-mike nights, and Monday blues sessions. The lineup starts on Sunday with a “Democracy party,” featuring themed cocktails, snacks, and even local politicians. Chef Danny Wells launches a late-night menu to pair with the festivities, with eats like a duck confit Cuban.
Ben’s Chili Bowl opens in Arlington
1725 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
The historic U Street eatery debuts its first standalone sister eatery in more than 55 years on Thursday. Catch Bill Cosby, a loyal Ben’s customer, at the 10:30 opening ceremony, and stick around for those famous chili half-smokes.
Alba Osteria launches a “chef bar”
425 Eye St., NW; 202-733-4454
Chef Amy Brandwein has been working on tasting menus inspired by Italian street food and other rustic fare, and will start cooking at the new reservation-only “chef bar” for just ten guests on Thursday, March 13. The six-course meal and beverage pairing, available every Thursday, includes dishes such as crunchy anchovies, sea-urchin tagliolini, and venison with foie gras and cherries ($80 per person). Look for a vegetarian option in the near future.
P.J. Clarke’s begins bottomless brunch
1600 K St., NW; 202-463-6610
Go bottomless on K Street at this New York import’s new brunch on Saturday and Sunday, which includes never-ending Bloodys, mimosas, and more ($20 per person) alongside eats like Grand Marnier-spiked French toast, an egg-white-avocado breakfast sandwich, and five different Benedicts.
Martini Madness takes over Bethesda Row
Multiple locations
The eateries along Bethesda Row launch a monthlong March competition to make the best martini. Try all ten—conveniently available at happy hour prices—and vote for your favorite.
La Tagliatella introduces $5 lunch
2950 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 571-257-4600
The chain celebrates its US arrival this month with 30 days of dining deals, including a $5 lunch menu this week. Look for other specials such as $5 pizzas next week and half-price bottles of wine starting March 17.