Top Chefs Unite at U.S. Chamber, Oval Room’s New Friday Night Special

March 24, 2017

DOWNTOWN—This week, the nonprofit Blue Star Families hosted its 7th Annual Neighbor Celebration at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with cuisine from top local and active military chefs. Chris Clime (PassionFish), Todd Gray (Equinox) and others cooked, while CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin emceed and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS--Caviar is shaking things up, offering Shake Shack delivery this weekend only — and with a waived delivery fee. Get the fast-food brand door-to-door through Sunday. Now there’s even more burgers, fries, and chicken to go around; the fast-food chain just opened two new area locations in the past week.

VIENNA—Maple Ave Restaurant is kicking off soft-shell crab season Saturday, March 25 with crispy soft-shell crab, galangal caramel, Korean carrot slaw, cilantro creme fraiche and jasmine rice, available as a special throughout the weekend. Look for a soft-shell crab sandwich during lunch and brunch.

DOWNTOWN—Ashok Bajaj’s Oval Room just launched a three-course tasting menu every Friday night (starting tonight) and throughout the summer months. Priced at $55 per person, or $75 (excluding tax and gratuity) with three wine pairings, executive chef John Melfi will switch up his seasonal menu every week.

SOUTHEAST—Garrison just started a new sandwich program inspired by Danish smørrebrød. Amy Garrison, who grew up in Copenhagen, says the team recently began baking its own Danish-sprouted rye bread and offering a couple of smørrebrød specials at brunch and dinner — served old school style with a shot of chilled Danish aquavit and a cold pilsner. Toppings include smoked trout with roe, and radish and dill crème fraîche.

March 22, 2017

WEST END—In One Percenter news, die-hard Scotch lovers can now head to a vault at The Ritz-Carlton to break into a $60,000 bottle of Bowmore 50-Year-Old 1961 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2-oz. pours run $5,000 a glass). Last night’s ridiculous invite-only welcoming party for the rare Scottish booze was fit for a royal, complete with a Rolls Royce delivery, white gloves, and trumpet band. The hand-blown glass bottle is just one of 200 issued over the last four years, and is the last of its kind.

CLEVELAND PARK—Back by popular demand, Ripple is resurrecting the grilled cheese. New executive chef Ryan Ratino is putting his own spin on the classic, with a truffled cheese “presse” served with sottocenere and garlic aioli, and a morbier grilled cheese stuffed with short rib and horseradish cream. Available in the Bar Room, along with more bar snacks and small plates.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Attention novice sandwich chefs: A consumer-crafted creation could land on Jetties’ menu for a month. First follow the sandwich shop on Instagram (@jettiesdc), then pitch an original sandwich idea here. The winning construct, announced March 29, will be sold throughout April.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—On March 29, all sales from all 36 Jersey Mike’s locations in the area will go to five charities. The “Day of Giving” is the culmination of its March “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign for Capitol Area Food Bank, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Luke’s Place, Powerful Beyond Measure, and Relay for Life. Last year, the nationwide initiative raised more than $4 million for local charities.

14TH STREET—Sakerum will launch Bento Box Brunch service starting this weekend, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Priced at $29 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, guests can select from six Japanese-style bento boxes showcasing Latin and Asian ingredients paired with creative brunch cocktails.