D.C. Restaurateur Heads to James Beard House for ‘Food Network Star’ Reunion

Feeling overwhelmed by all the local restaurant deals and news? Here’s a quick digest of tidbits you might otherwise have missed. Subscribe to our newsletter, which goes out every weekday afternoon and includes links to the day’s top stories, and/or keep an eye on the Eater DC homepage to stay up to date.

Friday, February 16

DOWNTOWN—The team from Ilegal Mezcal is in town this week as part of a promotional tour. On Friday, February 16 the group is throwing a happy hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the W hotel’s rooftop lounge, POV, to share “smuggling stories.”

LOGAN CIRCLE—Washington City Paper has the 411 on irked Logan Tavern owner David Winer, who’s being sued by an Uber driver who blames one of his employees for a poor rating. The driver is asking for $1,200 in damages and a court date has been set for Friday, February 23; both parties say they have video evidence.

NEW YORK CITY—The James Beard Foundation, which just announced its list of 2018 semifinalists on February 15, recently added another dinner at its iconic Beard House starring a D.C.-based chef. Lucky Buns founder Alex McCoy will cook there on Wednesday, March 14 alongside other Food Network Star alums. On Saturday, February 24, five local chefs will gather there to make a meat-heavy meal.

Tuesday, February 13

CAPITOL HILL—Ōra King Tyee, a rare salmon weighing over 30 pounds, continue to grow beyond the normal life cycle of other salmon. Purveyors that deal with the specialty seafood are looking for a team of 20 local chefs to be among the first to sample it next month during an industry lunch at Charlie Palmer Steak DC. Chefs can email sonia.buchereau@kingsalmon.co.nz to snag a potential seat.

CHINATOWN—In celebration of the Chinese New Year, boutique hotel Pod DC is lowering rates to $79 a night this weekend and inviting guests to sip on Year of the Dog-themed cocktails while viewing the colorful Chinese New Year’s parade from Crimson View’s rooftop bar. There’s also the chance to win (via fortune cookie) free drinks, breakfast, Uber, metro credits, and a future stay at POD DC all month by using the code PKGDOG.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS—Fast-casual chain Roti Modern Mediterranean is getting into the Valentine’s Day spirit by giving away “love notes” to every customer who makes an in-store purchase that’s good for free meals and merchandise. And online they can get a “digital” love note that’s good for $5 towards any in-store purchase. Valid Tuesday, February 13, to Thursday, February 15.

NATIONAL MALL—The Pavilion Café in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden just added extended evening treats available until the skating rink closes on Sunday, March 11. In addition to flatbreads, soups, and sandwiches from its daytime winter menu, there’s now appetizers such as chicken satay with sunflower butter sauce, soft pretzels with beer cheese dip, warm spinach, and artichoke dip ($7 to $11). Featured beverages include $5 wine, sparkling rosé, and draft beer.