Five Things I Learned About Restaurant Week.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you got a look at some of the things to look forward to during DC’s Winter Restaurant Week.  Next week, January 22-28, 2018, 250 restaurants will feature $22 lunch and $35 dinner deals all across the region.  In past years, I have had mixed feelings about the celebrated week because I never really knew the story behind the concept.  I thought most of the restaurants that participated were run-of-the-mill and would lack in quality when serving in bulk.  I stand corrected.

I spent some time chatting with the folks of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) and found out these tidbits of knowledge that have now changed my view of the week.

1. The RAMW does not solicit restaurants to participate, it is a benefit of being a member of the Association.
2. The RAMW is picky about who gets included in Restaurant Week.  Just because a restaurant is a member does not mean it will automatically be included in the roundup.  Restaurant Association Members have to apply to be included.
3. The restaurants have to provide quality menus during Restaurant Week.  They cannot simply add items that would already fall below the $22 and $35 price points.
4. Some restaurants do not make sense in participating in Restaurant Week even if we, the consumer, feel like they should.  The RAMW is about quality not quantity.
5. This is the 32nd Restaurant Week in 18 years.  Other cities that host Restaurant Week refer to D.C. when trying to formulate best practices.

Joselito’s Boquerones fritos en adobo

Now for the food (and drinks).  Here are a few things to watch out for:

1. Joselito’s Boquerones fritos en adobo (Deep fried anchovies, cumin, yuzu aioli)
2. Espita Mezcaleria’s Avocado Tostada with cashew butter, tomato, pickled bulb onion, salt, cacao nibs and sunflower sprouts
3. Osteria Morini’s Agrume (Olive Oil cake, candied citrus, lemon curd, limoncello sorbet)
4. Del Mar’s daily infused gin.  Not included in Restaurant Week but an honorable mention that should coincide your meal here.
5. Alta Strada pizza.  Their house-made pizzas are legit.

Also, some participating restaurants will include brunch in their Restaurant Week deals.  This is a steal in this town.  Take. Advantage.

Tags: events, restaurant week, restaurants, washington dc

Category: Announcements, Food.Fun.Stuff., Washington D.C.