Original Founding Farmers Is King of Yelp Reviews in D.C.

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January 10, 2018

DOWNTOWN—A D.C. restaurant has hit the 10,000-review milestone on Yelp for the first time. The honor goes to the flagship Founding Farmers, which also turns 10 this year. The most popular dish discussed has been its Chicken & Waffles, which has been mentioned in over 1,000 reviews.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Cuban-themed cafe Colada Shop is adding healthy options into the mix this month. Starting on Wednesday, January 24, at both its D.C. and Sterling locations, find avocado toast on Cuban-style bread, a Miami Sunset smoothie (carrot, pineapple and orange), and a Cobb salad. For splurging, there’s new cocktails like a Colada Rum Toddy, as well as churros that can be dipped in hot chocolate.

ONLINE—There’s a new way to donate to charity while exploring wine. D.C.-based entrepreneurs Brett Freeman and Alex DelSordo, co-founders of Grape Intentions, launched a curated monthly wine subscription that benefits local charities including DC Central Kitchen and The Trevor Project. An online algorithm called a “Palate Picker” helps consumers pick their favorite flavors.

WEST END—Squash on Fire’s Upper West Side Cafe is slashing prices on its “Toddy On Fire” cocktail on Thursday, January 11. Get the elixir, with lemon juice, honey, ginger liquor, and Evan Williams Honey Bourbon, for $6.50 (normally $10).

January 8, 2018

DOWNTOWN—Area newcomer Rare Steak and Seafood begins courting early risers this weeks with breakfast fare served at its casual downstairs tavern. Featured offerings, available from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday, range from steak and eggs to lemon soufflé pancakes. 1595 Eye Street NW

GEORGETOWN--Global chain Ladurée is introducing D.C. diners to its take on Epiphany-inspired sweets: the King Cake galette. The crispy puff pastry, for sale through Sunday, January 14, is garnished with almond cream and tiny almond pieces, and has a hidden charm tucked inside. Whoever finds the charm can don a gold crown, which comes with the purchase. Servings range from individual slices ($7) to cakes designed to feed up to eight ($52).

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—French bakery and sit-down cafe Maison Kayser has recalculated the arrival dates of its debut D.C. locations. The White House-adjacent spot (1345 F Street NW) is now scheduled to open on Thursday, February 8, followed by the global boulangerie’s debut at 600 Massachusetts Avenue NW on Thursday, February 15.

NEW YORK CITY—Dabney chef and co-owner Jeremiah Langhorne is sharing his passion for Mid-Atlantic dining with Manhattanites this winter (Friday, January 12 through Saturday, March 31). The Michelin-starred restaurateur is sliding behind the burners at Nolita pop-up restaurant Chefs Club, where chefs from all over the world take turns manning the kitchen for months at a time. Its first chef-in-residence was Harlem-based chef JJ Johnson last fall.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—From Thursday, January 11, to Wednesday, February 7, three of chain eatery Legal Sea Foods’ local restaurants will serve nine shrimp-based specials ($8.95 to $28.95). Its Union Station location is still projected to debut this year.

PENTAGON CITY—Homegrown coffee producer Commonwealth Joe just unveiled a seasonal menu featuring creations such as maple cappuccino and a snickerdoodle drink. And through a new “Joe 2 Go” program, java addicts can pick up hot coffee for the office to serve 10 to 12.