Bobby Flay’s New Veggie Burger, Chickery Giveaway

February 20, 2017

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—The Chickery’s "Beat the Flock" promo — buy a side for $3.45 and get four free chicken fingers — is teed up for Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1300 Connecticut Ave. NW. The lunchtime power hour will run once a month through spring.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Publishing giant Phaidon is releasing its new “Where Bartenders Drink” book on Feb. 27 — a follow-up to “Where Chefs Eat” —and seven D.C. watering holes made the list, which includes cities across 60 countries. Among the local spots bartenders are boozing: Showtime, Mockingbird Hill, Barmini, and All Souls.

DOWNTOWN—Bobby Flay is now offering his “Beat Bobby Flay” winning veggie burger at all Bobby’s Burger Palace locations, including the one on K Street. The burger, a blend of BBQ wild mushrooms, chickpeas and quinoa, was the star of Flay’s most recent victory on his eponymous Food Network show.

February 14, 2017

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Drew McCormick has been named executive beverage director at Pizzeria Paradiso, becoming the first female to hold the title. Promoted from assistant beverage director, she replaces Josh Fernands (who’s moving back to his home state of Maine). Along with more tap takeovers and collaborations, expect a heightened interest in showcasing women in the beer industry. [EaterWire]

PENN QUARTER—ThinkFoodGroup’s inaugural Truffle Festival is now in full swing (through Feb. 26), with dips, toasts, and even cocktails getting the truffle treatment. It pays to have friends in high places: José Andrés' buddy Nacho Ramírez Monfort has labrador retrievers sniffing out the morsels in Northeastern Spain, then they’re shipped direct to D.C. Zaytinya, Jaleo, Bar Mini, China Chilcano, and Oyamel — located along Chinatown’s “Joselo Drive” strip — are all in on the action. [EaterWire]

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Restaurants are bracing for a big problem this week. Washingtonian reports that Latino immigrants are going on strike Thursday as part of a “Day Without Immigrants” campaign, aimed at protesting President Donald Trump‘s immigration policies. Compass Rose and Bar Pilar are among those likely affected. [Washingtonian]

PENN QUARTER—The Smith’s brunch menu debuts this weekend, with lots of egg options such as a breakfast pot pie, as well as pancakes, sandwiches and “big” salads. [EaterWire]