Local Restaurants Document Everything They Can About Dining Critics, Plus More Intel

Eyes on the prize

Washingtonian reports on the extraordinary lengths restaurants such as Le Diplomate, Casa Luca, and since-shuttered Cashion’s Eat Place go to when staff gets wind that a restaurant critic is coming in or is spotted in the dining room. The behind-the-scenes craziness includes making two of everything, filling the restaurant with exuberant ringers, and tasting leftover food to glean insights into why X was eaten instead of Y.

More beer

District Cuisine reports that California-based beer maker the Bruery’s new shop near Union Market (513 Morse Street NE) is nearing completion.

Drink local

Shaw restaurant Dino’s Grotto is showing local spirits some additional love this weekend by highlighting a trio of beverages produced by One Eight Distilling. Pours of the local distillery’s Untitled Gin, Untitled Whiskey, and Rock Creek Rye are being paired ($35) with bar snacks including prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella and pork belly with roasted Asian pear from Thursday, December 7, through Sunday, December 10.

Expansions

Source of the Spring reports that Louisiana chain PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans plans to open its first Maryland outpost this spring at 8621 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. The nearly 40-year-old company currently sells hot coffee, cold brew, and tea at its various locations.