Tons of tomatoes: Central celebrates peak summer tomatoes this week with a five course tasting menu ($65), offered Monday through Saturday. An optional three course wine pairing ($25) can be added. The menu is only available at dinner, and reservations can be made online.
Pizza and beer: Veloce, the fast-casual pizza joint by Pizzeria Paradiso’s Ruth Gresser, received a temporary license to pour beers from Tuesday to Friday. Drop in for a celebratory happy hour between 5 and 7, when drafts from 3 Stars, Great Lakes, and Allagash are half-price, and specialty pizzas go for $7. Brews will also be offered during regular business hours for this limited time.
Local spotlight: Firefly launches the 100 Mile Supper series on Tuesday at 7, featuring local purveyors and farmers. The first in the monthly series highlights 3 Stars Brewing Company and a summery menu from chef Matt Hagan with New York strip steaks and peach hand pies. Tickets ($55) are available online.
Wine dinner: Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley of Roofers Union mixes summer tunes and cooks up a six course menu on Wednesday at the restaurant’s ground-floor bar, Jug & Table. The evening includes wine pairings from resident sommelier Theo Rutherford. Tickets ($60) are available online.
Moonshine madness: Head to Jackson 20 on Friday evening from 5 to 1 for their Once in a Blue Moon party. The lunar-themed event includes small plates like bao buns, pork belly, and moon pies alongside moonshine all night long. Live music starts at 6. Admission is free; food and drink prices vary.
Mead day: The Black Squirrel throws a renaissance festival on Saturday at noon in celebration of Mead Day. Take part in an Elizabethan drinking game, play corn hole, and feast on old time-y treats like turkey legs or steak-on-a-stick. Participating meaderies include Charm City and Moonlight. Arrive in costume for a ten percent discount. Food and drink prices vary.
Sri Lankan pop-up: Prequel creates a Sri Lankan pop-up on Friday and Saturday with chef Ruth Moonesinghe. Guests are treated to a multi-dish tasting, with options for vegetarians. Purchase tickets ($45 or $50) online.
Burger battle: Daikaya hosts a late-night Burger Smackdown on Saturday night from 11 to 1, where the in-house chefs will compete against one another to create the best burger. Each patty ($5) can be paired with drinks and boozy milkshakes from mixologist Jamie MacBain, while DJ Smudge livens up the scene with music. Admission is free.
Beers, barbecue, and booze: The three B’s are represented at Mess Hall on Sunday, which hosts Barbecue World from 2 to 5. Sample meats from Sloppy Mama’s and DCity Smokehouse, sip DC Brau beers, and try boozy milkshakes spiked with locally-made vodka. Tickets ($60 to $80) are available online; the event is 21+ only.
