Every week, Washingtonian Food Editor Jessica Sidman rehashes the latest news from Washington’s food and drink scene in a newsletter, which you can subscribe to here.
Hello again,
First things first, have you picked up a copy of Washingtonian’s “Eat Great Cheap” issue? It’s on newsstands now, and I may be biased, but I think it’s one of the most fun, interesting issues we do all year. We’ve got recommendations on where to find the best noodles, tacos, and kebabs, but also pro tips, interviews, and even a guide to Korean drinking games. To whet your appetite, here are our picks for the best cheap barbecue around DC—just in time for July 4th festivities.
Speaking of which, if you don’t want to cook for the holiday, we’ve got some ideas on where to find picnic baskets, fried chicken, and more. Looking for pool parties, rooftop fireworks, or crab feasts? We’ve got you covered there too. And if all you need is some good rosé wine, one local sommelier gave us some tips on how to pick out the best bottles at Whole Foods.
There’s also a new wine bar in town from one of the city’s top somms. Brent Kroll opened Maxwell Park in Shaw earlier this week. Every month, the bar will rotate through various offbeat themes with around half of its 50 wines by the glass. For June and July, Kroll is featuring “ABPG” (Anything But Pinot Grigio)—indigenous white grapes from Italy.
In other opening news, it’s all about sushi this week. Sushi Gakyu downtown is trying to introduce diners to different types of regional Japanese sushi beyond your standard nigiri and rolls. Look out for sushi wrapped in leaves, pressed sushi, and even fermented sushi.
A forthcoming sushi spot called Mirai (from the owners of Sushi Capitol and Sushi Ogawa) is also trying something a little different. When it opens on July 9, it will serve a 30-minute omakase meal. The “fast-fancy” sushi is relatively new to the US, but custom at many sushi bars in Japan.
For all the attention we give to new restaurants, not everyone is thriving. Two Cleveland standbys—Ripple and Nam-Viet—closed this past weekend. They’re just the latest in a series of restaurant casualties in the neighborhood. We take a look at why so many restaurants have closed in Cleveland Park.
Comments? Questions? Email me at jsidman@washingtonian.com.
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
