RSS FeedChef Victor Albisu Opens Del Campo (777 I St NW) On April 22
We promised an update on Chef Victor Albisu’s Del Campo (777 I St NW; 202-289-7377) opening in the space formerly occupied by PS7; the restaurant opens Monday, April 22. We reviewed the menu and wine list, and are salivating for reservations already. The highlights from the press release (somewhat abridged) follow:
On April 22, Chef Victor Albisu will open Del Campo, his first full-service restaurant, in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. (777 I St. NW). Simultaneously rustic and refined, the open, airy dining room calls to mind the rural vineyards and ranches of South America. Those influences loom large on the menu as well, informing the extensive selection of grilled meats as well as traditional Latin American street foods and a robust list of South American wine varietals. In addition to the 129-seat dining room and 36-seat bar, there is a nine-seat Asado Bar located at the heart of the restaurant. Overlooking the open kitchen, this unique dining area gives guests a gallery-style view of the active grill.
Howto: Finding (Free) Wine Tastings
We are avid aficionados of the fermented grape here at PQ Living and part of our regular routine is to expand our palate at in-store wine tastings. You can buy wine, beer, and spirits at other wine stores in the neighborhood that we surveyed in 2008 but none of the others offer “try before you buy” free tastings which is what makes these four friendly downtown/Penn Quarter shops so special:
Potenza Wine (731 15th St, NW – (202) 638-6633) – Tastings are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm to 7 pm and span wine, beer, and spirits. The restaurant closed but Potenza Wine marches on as an open, going concern with a very knowledgeable and congenial manager running the store. The Facebook page is the best way to learn what’s being tasted. [Web] & [Facebook (login req’d)] & [Twitter]
Local Vine Cellar (425 11th St, NW – (202) 618-3383) – Wine tastings are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4 pm to 7 pm with three wines typically open and available for tasting. Wines being tasted are 15% off that day with Facebook posts showing what bottles will be open. Special events are shown on their events page. [Web] & [Twitter] & [Facebook (login req’d)] & [Newsletter]
Cowgirl Creamery (919 F St, NW – 202-393-6880) – Beer tastings are on Thursday nights and wine tastings are on Friday nights, both from 4 pm to 6 pm. Cheese accompanies both with the tastings taking place in the back of the store. Wine and craft beer are available for sale but Cowgirl does not sell spirits. [Web] & [Twitter] & [Facebook]
Central Liquor (625 E St, NW – (202) 737-2800) – Tastings are more informal and are best discovered on Central’s Facebook page. They typically take place Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm. Here you’ll taste beer, wine, or spirits depending on the week, and items being tasted are typically 10% off. They also have a small but nicely curated selection of affordable half bottle (375 ml) size wines. [Web] & [Facebook]
Help Beautify PQ
Ball on the Mall, the black tie event held each year on the National Mall and hosted by the Trust for the National Mall, is being held on Saturday, May 4th. The official invitation notes two levels of individual tickets; Standard Ball tickets are $175 and good for entry at 8 pm, VIP tickets run $350 and let you in at 6 pm for cocktails, dinner, and then of course the 8 pm ball.
Proceeds from the ball help the trust to perform their mission, which is to restore, improve, and preserve the National Mall. This is one of those events we’ve always wanted to attend, but it has never quite worked out. This is the year we’re finally going to attend (probably not as VIPs), are any of our readers regular attendees?
We can’t wait to have a ball at the Ball on the Mall.
Jaleo Turns 20
Last night, we were honored to be a guest at the party to celebrate Jaleo’s 20th anniversary. We rubbed shoulders with some of the friends (e.g. The Ambassador of Spain, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor) and business leaders (e.g. Steve Case) who have helped Think Food Group be the success and restaurant powerhouse it is today. Mayor Vincent Gray came to the party to proclaim April 9, Jaleo Restaurant Day.
Aside from the delicious food and freely flowing cocktail (gin, grapefruit juice, lemon and rosemary, yum!), our favorite part of the evening, was Jose’s speech. Here are just two quotes that we found particularly moving.
“America is and always will be a place where dreams can come true.”
“Restaurants are an extension of kitchens and sitting around the table enjoying a meal together is the best cultural bridge for people from far away places.”
Jaleo (480 7th St., NW) will be celebrating with several events April-June. Be sure to stop by and enjoy:
April 8-14: Jaleo welcomes Quim Marques. Chef Quim Marques is a fourth generation chef and owner of El Suquet de l’Amirall in Barceloneta, Spain. He will be hosting special dinners and featuring new and exciting dishes.
April 10: Jaleo DC will unveil the 20th Anniversary Cocktail. This celebratory cocktail will be available through the end of the year and was created by ThinkFoodGroup cocktail innovator, Juan Coronado.
April 22-26: Jaleo Bocata Classic. Jaleo knows that it isn’t a party without games, so we are setting up a lunchtime Foosball tournament from 1-2pm. Ask a manager how you and your friends and colleagues can compete for a very exciting grand prize.
May 14-16: Garcia Family Wine Dinner. A special wine dinner and pairing hosted by the owners of Mauro and San Roman and makers of Paixar and Bodegas y Vinedos.
June 17-30: Jaleo Paella Festival. More than just a demonstration or new menu items, the Jaleo 20th Anniversary Paella Festival will allow you to experience and taste your way through the flavors and regional varieties of paella found throughout Spain.
Check the Jaleo web site or Facebook page for more details.
