Celebrate Peru: Local Peruvian restaurant Las Canteras celebrates Peruvian National Day on Monday with a special menu featuring traditional dishes such as ceviche and prime beef lomo saltado ($39.50 for four courses). An incentive to arrive early: The first 50 guests receive a Pisco sour for $5. This is the only menu for the evening, and seatings are available at 5, 7, and 9:30.
Southern takeover: DGS Delicatessen features two collaborations this week for its Southern-Jewish mashup, “schmutz and schmaltz.” Louisiana chef Wes Morton, formerly of Art and Soul, offers a three-course menu with dishes like smoked whitefish salad and jambalaya on Tuesday from 5 to 9:30 ($35 per person). On Thursday you’ll find a tap takeover from Three Stars Brewery and “meat and three” on the menu for $19.95, with choices such as smoked brisket and grilled corn with pastrami butter.
Chef-ologists: Six local chefs try their hand at mixology on Wednesday for the second iteration of Chefs Behind Bars, a fundraiser at Buffalo & Bergen for Share Our Strength. Sample drinks and bites from Union Market vendors between 6 and 8:30, and vote for your favorite cocktail. Tickets ($40) are available online.
Korean for night owls: Mandu continues its series of late-evening “anju” pop-ups on Friday, this month led by chef Katsuya Fukushima of Daikaya. Expect more Korean-inspired bar snacks and plates from 10 to 1 at the K Street location.
Biscuit heaven: New biscuit purveyor Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. teams up with Dolcezza for a pop-up at its Union Market-adjacent factory on Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 3. Stop by for biscuit sandwiches stuffed with Benton’s bacon or fried chicken, platters smothered with gravy, and several spreads and jams for slathering. You’ll also find a biscuit sundae with sweet-corn gelato and blackberry jam.
Cool down: The historic Mount Vernon estate hosts ice cream-making demonstrations every Saturday in August from 10:30 to 12:30. Unusual flavors include those popular at the time of George Washington, such as oyster, Parmesan cheese, or tea ice cream. This event is free with a paid admission to the property ($18 for adults, $9 for children ages 6 to 11, free for children under 5).
Bon appetite: Strathmore presents the Appetite Festival, featuring food celebs including Giada De Laurentiis and Andrew Zimmern. A variety of chefs lead talks, tastings, and cooking demos, and you’ll also find food trucks, live music, and more. Tickets range from $50 up to $225 for an all-access weekend pass.
Planning Ahead:
Celebrity chef tour: The James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour returns to Washington with an all-star dinner at the Source on Monday, August 4. Toques including CityZen’s Eric Ziebold, Peter Chang of China Cafe, and Top Chef winner Kristen Kish cook for guests; the menu includes special drinks and pairings. Tickets are $200 per person.
