No restaurant reservations yet for Easter? If you don’t want to whip up a spread from scratch this Sunday, consider turning to local chefs for help. Several butcheries prepare oven-ready hams, lambs, and more, while restaurants can provide entire carryout meals. Note that several require orders to be placed by Wednesday or Thursday.
Locations in McLean and Bethesda
Many chain-market-catered meals can be ho-hum, but from this writer’s personal experience, Balducci’s stands out from the rest—particularly for its honey-glazed ham and citrusy salmon. Most locations offer menus for party catering, as well as à-la-carte dishes in the bistro section.
1600 King St., Alexandria; 703-984-5253
You’ll find a special selection of meats for Easter, including local smoked ham legs and domestic racks and legs of lamb. Not in the mood to cook? Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s adjoining restaurant, Brabo, hosts its first-ever Easter lunch with a three-course menu ($60 per person).
Locations in DC, Hyattsville, and Largo, MD
The newly opened District location of this Southern spot and its two Maryland siblings offer several to-go feasts for a crowd. The “silver” and “gold” packages serve 12 to 15 ($249 and $325, respectively), and include whole turkeys and hams, mac and cheese, collards, and more; the “diamond” goes for $625 and feeds 20 to 30. À-la-carte turkeys, hams, sauces, and sides are also available. Orders must be placed by Thursday, April 17.
2201 14th St., NW; 202-234-5000
Those looking to go Greek for Easter have two options at this Mike Isabella spot: a three-course Sunday brunch ($39 per person, with à-la-carte options for kids) or items to go. Dishes include dips and spreads; spit-roasted lamb, chicken, and pork shoulders; apricot baklava; and more. Orders must be placed by April 16.
Locations in Penn Quarter, Union Market, and Merrifield, VA
Those looking to serve an unusual dish for the holiday can try the “lambchetta,” a whole side of lamb loin and belly stuffed with ground shoulder and seasoned with fennel pollen, garlic, and rosemary. More traditional offerings include smoked and brined hams and yogurt-marinated legs of lamb. Note that orders must be placed by Wednesday, April 16.
277 S. Washington St., 703-683-3247; 2413 Columbia Pike, Arlington, 703-920-0315
Easter baskets aren’t just for sweets—here you’ll find brunch bags filled with a ham-and-Gruyère quiche, citrus salad, house-cured bacon, scones, coffee, and sparkling wine ($55). More in the mood to cook? You’ll also local lamb and pork from the butchery, fresh biscuits from the bakery, and more.
5111 Georgia Ave., NW; 202-726-0102
You’ll find oven-ready meats such as marinated legs and racks of lamb, porchetta, and prime rib roasts from this local shop, which emphasizes house-made charcuterie and salumi.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
