The Blood (Orange) Flowed at Bourbon Battle

March 30, 2017

WEST END—Last night’s big bash to celebrate the Washington Marriott Georgetown’s redesign included a Bourbon Battle with four media mixologists competing for charity. Eater DC’s Tierney Plumb’s “Orange You Drunk Yet?” cocktail lost out to National Journal editor Jeff DuFour, who also included blood orange in his creation. TV host Rossi Morreale hosted the battle, which also included DCist’s Travis Mitchell, DC Refined’s Laura Wainman, and Zagat’s Rina Rapuano. The winning “Antonio” drink will now be featured in the hotel bar. Hank’s Oyster Bar’s Jessica Weinstein took the crown in the face-off between actual bartenders.

FOGGY BOTTOM—Starting tonight at 7 p.m., a team from Absolut Vodka will be at District Commons whipping up a seasonal Cherry Bomb cocktail with ginger and house-made cherry balsamic syrup.

LOGAN CIRCLE—Sotto, the subterranean jazz club/restaurant on 14th Street NW, just mixed up its menu with a focus on small plates. Think grilled head-on prawns ($13), and asparagus and ricotta beignets ($10).

March 28, 2017

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS--Elle’s new April issue proves dining out in D.C. is fashionable right now. A “Meet the Style Leaders of D.C.” feature includes four local trendsetters that name drop their favorite restaurants. Clothing line owner Virginia Arrisueño calls out Bluejacket Brewery and Ice Cream Jubilee in Navy Yard, while blogger Marissa Mitrovich does her photo shoot at Rose’s Luxury and gives props to her neighborhood spot, Columbia Room.

PENN QUARTER—José Andrés will add another piece of real estate to ThinkFoodGroup’s D.C. empire in the coming weeks. The temporary space, branded ThinkFoodLab, will host pop-ups and act as a testing ground for new and existing fast-casual concepts. The first pop-up will focus on its food truck Pepe. Open weekdays at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Mike Isabella Concepts just launched a website for its recently expanded full-service catering arm Catering by Mike Isabella. Alyssa Hotz, who has been with his restaurant group since 2011, will be spearheading the program, which covers any event from office lunches to weddings.

March 27, 2017

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Beefsteak is in the veggie soup game, now serving Tio Gazpacho in José Andrés’ fast-casual chain. Come with a same-week receipt from March 27 to March 31 and get a free gazpacho from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Beefsteak by Tio’s new classic gazpacho flavor will soon be joined by yellow gazpacho (yellow tomato, yellow pepper, and carrot) and green gazpacho (kale, spinach, avocado, and mint). NYC-based Tio Gazpacho was founded by Austin Allan after spending four years living abroad in Spain. [EaterWire]

Rey Lopez

FOGGY BOTTOM—The renovated Watergate Hotel turns 50 this year, and to celebrate the milestone, an over-the-top $50,000 package is available. Along with three nights for two in a presidential suite, the five-figure vacation includes crazy perks like a magnum Champagne bottle upon arrival, private helicopter tour of D.C., treatments at its new 12,500-square-foot Argentta Spa (and a late night private dip at its pool with a personal bartender), VIP tickets to The Kennedy Center, and a 1960s-inspired photoshoot. [EaterWire]