It is time to celebrate the incoming New Year in and around the DMV, and restaurants are offering diners a lively and delicious array of choices.

Many area restaurants are offering New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day specials. (Photo: Fashion Squad)

1789 Restaurant, 1226 36th St. NW, will offer a seasonal a la carte menu as well as a New Year’s Eve tasting menu from 5-11 p.m. The six-course tasting menu is $125 per person or $179 with suggested wine pairing. The tasting menu must be ordered for the entire table.

701 Restaurant, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, will offer two seatings on New Year’s Eve. Diners at the first seating from 5-7:30 p.m. have the option to order off the seasonal a la carte menu or enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu for $55 per -person. During the second seating from 8:30-11 p.m., only a four-course menu priced at $110 per person including a Champagne toast at midnight will be served. A four piece jazz band will play music until 1 a.m. 701 Restaurant will be open for regular dinner service on Jan. 1 with guests receiving a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast the New Year.

Ambar, 523 Eighth St. SE, is serving a special New Year’s Eve menu showcasing dishes from the Balkan Peninsula with a modern twist. The first seating from 5-8:30 p.m. includes unlimited small plates and drinks for $69 per person. The second seating from 9-10:30 p.m. is $99 per person to dine in the main dining room or $79 per person at the bar and includes unlimited small plates and drinks with a Champagne toast at midnight. Guests dining during the second seating will enjoy unlimited food and drinks until 12:30 a.m. A cash bar will be available for those wishing to order additional drinks between 12:30-2 a.m. On New Year’s Day, Ambar will offer its fixed price brunch of unlimited small plates and cocktails from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for $39 per person. Unlimited brunch must be ordered by the entire table.

Ankara, 1320 19th St. NW, is celebrating New Year’s Eve in true Turkish style with a four-course prix fixe dinner menu for %44 per person featuring specials from 6-8:30 p.m. along with specially priced wine selections. chosen to pair beautifully with the cuisine. Diners will receive a complimentary glass of Ridgeview Fitzrovia Rosé Brut to start the evening. Guests will also enjoy Turkish coffee and Belgian-style dark chocolate from Divine Chocolate to end the meal on a sweet note. The first course for the table served with house-made pide included hummus; shakshuka made with diced sautéed eggplant, tomato, roasted pepper, garlic, red pepper paste and parsley; sigara böreğI, fried, phyllo stuffed with feta and herbs; and mercimek köfte made with red lentils and bulgur patties, herbs and onions. The second course include the choice of coban salatasi, a diced blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, radishes and herbs; or lahmacun, a flat bread topped with minced beef and lamb with tomatoes and onion relish. The third course includes the choice of kuzu pirzola, grilled lamb chops, lightly seasoned and served with Ottoman rice; izgarada dana antrikot, a grilled rib eye steak served with Ottoman rice; tavuk siş, a grilled and marinated chicken breast served with Ottoman rice; or grilled branzino served with a seasonal vegetable sauté. For dessert, choose either baklava or kayisi tatlisi, poached apricots served on bed of crème.

Ardeo+Bardeo, 3311 Connecticut Ave. NW, will offer two seatings New Year’s Eve. From 5:30-7 p.m., features a special a la carte menu. At the second seating, from 8-11 p.m., guests will enjoy a three-course, prix fixe holiday menu priced at $65 per person including Champagne toast at midnight. The restaurant will be open for regular dinner service on Jan. 1, and guests will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast the New Year.

All Set Restaurant & Bar, 8630 Fenton St., Plaza 5, Silver Spring, will be celebrating New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m. with a dozen oysters and bottle of Pihu Simonet Brut Champagne for $40, a raw bar platter with one dozen oysters, six littleneck clams and four jumbo shrimp with a bottle of Francois Montand Brut Champagne for $60 or a raw bar deluxe platter with one dozen oysters, crab cocktail, lobster cocktail and four jumbo shrimp with a bottle of Francois Montand Brut Champagne for $80. The restaurant will also offer a three-course menu featuring surf and turf and wine pairings for $50 per person.

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, 1308 G St. NW and 7511 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, is offering mini doughnuts on New Year’s Eve. The box of minis includes two mini crème brûlée doughnuts, two mini vanilla glazed doughnuts with chocolate buttercream, two mini chocolate glazed doughnuts with gold sprinkles, two mini Nutella glazed doughnuts with chocolate shavings and a white chocolate drizzle, two mini strawberry jam filled doughnuts with vanilla glaze and 2016 written on top and two mini vanilla pastry cream filled doughnuts with chocolate glaze and 2016 written on top. A box of minis costs $20.

Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, 1100 New York Ave. NW, will offer Italian fare to help ring in the New Year with seatings available at 5:30 and 7 pm. Diners during the first seating will enjoy a special a la carte menu. During the second seating, a four-course pre fixe menu priced at $85 per person will be offered, including a Franciacorta (a sparkling wine from Lombardy) toast at midnight. Bibiana will be open for regular dinner service on Jan.1, and guests will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast the New Year.

BLT Steak, 1625 I St. NW, will offer a special New Year’s Eve blackboard menu from 5-11 p.m. featuring Nantucket Bay scallops with kumquat preserve, black trumpet and yuzu nage; grilled veal sweetbreads with chanterelle, celery root and caper butter; roasted porcelet rack with glazed pork belly and quince jus; prime dry aged rib eye with bone marrow and A5 wagyu butter; and honeycrisp apple cake with crème fraîche and malted ice cream. Diners who stay until the ball drops will receive a complimentary Champagne toast..

Blue Duck Tavern, 1201 M St. NW in the Park Hyatt Washington, will present a four-course menu for $130 per person from with a variety of chefs’ market selections, along with a Champagne toast for the table. At At Blue Duck Tavern’s lounge, guests can ring in the New Year with a premium open bar with specialty cocktails from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. for $195 including live music by Karla Chisholm until 1 a.m., small plates, a Champagne toast at midnight and chocolate desserts. Tickets are available online.

The Bombay Club, 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, will serve a special New Year’s Eve menu with two seatings. A three-course menu priced at $55 per person will be available from 5-7:30 p.m. During the second seating from 8-11 p.m., a five-course menu will be served for $85 per person. The restaurant will be open for regular dinner service on Jan. 1, and guests will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast the New Year.

Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen, 3126 12th St. NW, will partner with Sloppy Mama’s food truck on all-day menus that will be available from Dec. 30-Jan. 3, as well as a special New Year’s Eve dinner menu and a New Year’s Day brunch menu. The all-day menu includes smoked whole wings, pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches as well as entrée versions of the brisket and pulled pork. Sloppy Mama’s signature BBQ sauces, Kansas City, Georgia Gold and North Carolina, will also be on the menu. On New Year’s Eve, a three-course $35 menu will be available including a charcuterie plate, pork three ways with smoked ribs, seared pork belly and pulled pork and smoked chocolate truffles for dessert. A glass of prosecco will be served with the menu. On New Year’s Day, brunch begins at 10 a.m. with items like the Brookland burrito with smoked brisket, pulled pork or smoked turkey sausage and scrambled eggs, green chili sauce, Tillamook cheddar and potato hash, and smoked wings served with potato hash and tossed in Kansas City or Georgia Gold Sauce.

Centrolina, 974 Palmer Alley NW, will serve it’s a la carte menu from 5-11 p.m. Optional sparkling wine flights will be available for $45.

City Tap House, 901 Ninth St. NW, is offering a three-course, prix fixe dinner from 6-11 p.m. for $65, a open bar from 10 p.m.-midnight for $40 or both the dinner and open bar for $95 on New Year’s Eve. DJ Premonition will play from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. The prix-fixe menu include an amuse of crispy deviled egg with house ranch and Sriracha, and a first course of Asian pear and arugula salad with cambazola, candied walnuts and vanilla bean vinaigrette; sausage stuffed quail with sweet potato hash, blackened green beans and cranberry compote; or Parisian gnocchi with ‘nduja cream, escarole, Meyer lemon and crispy garlic. The second course includes a choice of surf and turf with petite filet, half a lobster tail, truffled potato risotto, roasted asparagus and sauce Americaine; Moroccan spiced lamb with ras el hanout, fall ratatouille and minted yogurt; John Dory en pappillote with marble potatoes, vanilla braised endive, crispy prosciutto and grapefruit beurre blanc; or heirloom squash pappardelle with kabocha squash, baby kale, Tokyo turnips, maple-walnut cream and pomergranate. Dessert includes black forest ganache cake with bourbon cherries and Kirsch Chantilly cream; or lavender-white chocolate crème brulee with lemon-poppy biscotti. A free glass of Champagne will be offered to every guest at midnight.

Many area restaurants are helping to ring in 2016. (Photo: iStock)

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar,801A Ninth St. NW, will offer a festive Cuban feast to celebrate the New Year. The first seating from 4:30-8:30 p.m. features an a la carte menu with a selection of ceviches, tapas and other signature dishes including several New Year’s Eve specials. Guests who dine before 6 p.m. will receive a $25 gift card per couple to be used on a $50 purchase during a future visit. The late dining option, with seatings between 9-9:45 p.m. will feature a five-course prix fixe menu for $99 per person with a Champagne toast, balloon drop, DJ and dancing, and party favors for the midnight celebration. Guests at the second seating will be able to keep their reserved table throughout the evening.

Del Campo, 777 I St. NW, is serving a New Year’s Eve Asado menu. The meal includes complimentary provoleta, black truffles and country bread. Diners have a choice of smoked uni and crab angel hair; Hamachi ceviche smoked caviar; or pumpkin risotto with tiny scallops and grilled goat cheese. The asado to be shared includes Iberico pork loin and caviar; smoked Wagyu bavette; grilled lobster; or grilled sweetbreads; burnt Brussels sprouts; jalapeno mashed potatoes; or grilled greens served with chimichurri, salsa criolla and smoked hollandaise. Dessert includes a choice of dulce de leche crepe soufflé; chocolate cashew cake; or tres leches Twinkies. The cost is $88 person, $100 with Champagne or $128 with win pairings. The restaurant will also serve it’s a la carte menu.

Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St. NW, will have a strolling mime providing entertainment all evening along with several specials and its regular a la carte menu. There will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

El Centro D.F., 1819 14th St. NW, is hosting a chef’s table experience in their 24-seat taqueria from 8-10 p.m. from $110 per person. Guests will dine on three communal tables and feast family-style on a variety of dishes. Partygoers will also receive carafes of margaritas, Mexican beers and sparkling wine to toast the New Year. Tickets can be purchased online. Those dining in the main dining room of the lower-level requileria and enjoy seasonal a la carte specials priced from $12-$29 each. Additionally, bar patrons will enjoy happy hour specials from 4-9 p.m. with $5 bottled Mexican beers, house red and white wine, tequila infusions and signature cocktails. On New Year’s Day, the restaurant will serve an all-you-can-eat Mexican brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for $35 per person including bottomless brunch drinks. The all-you-can-eat brunch menu must be ordered for the entire table, and all items are available a la carte priced from $5-$15.

El Centro D.F. Georgetown, 1218 Wisconsin Ave. NW, is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash on their tented outdoor patio from 6-10:30 p.m.. For $70, diners will enjoy a variety of passed hors d’oeuvres from 6-10:15 p.m. and carving stations from 6-9 p.m. Also, guests can take advantage of El Centro’s popular happy hour specials throughout the evening including $5 bottled Mexican beers, house red and white wine, tequila infusions and signature cocktails. The party is limited to 75 people. Tickets must be purchased online. The main dining room will offer a la carte specials priced from $12-$29 each and guests will receive happy hour drink specials from 4-9 p.m. at the bar. On New Year’s Day, the restaurant will serve an all-you-can-eat Mexican brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for $35 per person including bottomless brunch drinks. The all-you-can-eat brunch menu must be ordered for the entire table, and all items are available a la carte priced from $5-$15.

Et Voila!, 5120 MacArthur Blvd. NW, will offer holiday specials in addition to their regular a la carte dinner menu on New Year’s Eve. Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve will be available for $125 per bottle along with a Moscato d’Asti for $24

The Fainting Goat, 1330 U St. NW, will celebrate with retro New Year’s Eve specials from 5-10 p.m. and a complimentary midnight Champagne toast. Retro-inspired dishes include lobster thermidor, prime rib with twice-baked potato and Brussels sprouts, and baked Alaska in addition to its regular a la carte menu.

G by Mike Isabella, 2201 14th St. NW, will serve a five-course New Year’s Eve tasting menu for $65 per person with an optional $39 house wine pairing or $49 premium wine pairing. The first course is shaved winter vegetable panzanella with lobster, burrata and radish, followed by the second course of charred octopus with Calabrian chili-honey glaze, white beans and cipolini onions. The third course is pasta blanca with cauliflower ragu, carp roe and cavier, followed by the fourth course of crispy snapper with crispy potatoes, cauliflower romesco and rosmary gremolata or N.Y. strip with sunchoke, creamed escarole and pickled pearl onions. The final course includes a choice of seasonal desserts.

The Hay-Adams Hotel 800 16th St. NW, will offer a three-course prix fixe menu priced at $80 per person from 5:30-10 p.m. Diners will receive a complimentary glass of house Champagne for toasting the New Year.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St. NW, will offer a “Beer, Bourbon & Southern BBQ” pre-bash on the rooftop terrace from 5-8 p.m. New Year’s Eve, an all-you-can-eat and drink for $45 per person with all-you-can eat Southern BBQ with complimentary brews and bourbons. The dining saloon will offer several specials from 5 p.m.-1 a.m. including vintage cocktail flights, a special chef’s prix-fixe menu and a special menu of the 20 best whiskeys to drink before the ball drops. Beginning at 6:30 p.m.-midnight, Dram & Grain will offer a five-spirit cocktail tasting for two with drinks paired with snacks. Cost is $125 per couple. On New Year’s Day, there will be a Hangover Roast from 3-10 p.m. on the heated rooftop terrace with pork and Southern sides, such as a whole roasted Vermont pig, Hoppin’ John, collard greens and buttermilk biscuits for $15. Drink specials will include $4 cans, $5 drafts, $6 punch and $7 cocktails. Guests can also sample a flight of Whistle Pig “Old World” rye whiskey, finished in special wine barrels such as madeira, sauternes and port, for $30.

Legal Sea Foods four DMV locations will be open on New Year’s Eve. They will serve an a la carte menu as well as a special holiday entrée. The restaurant at 704 Seventh St. will be open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Tysons Galleria in Mclean and 2301 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Crystal City will both be open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and the newest location at National Hall in Ronald Reagan National Airport will be open from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. The restaurants will also be open regular hours on New Year’s Day.

L’Hommage Bistro Francais, 450 K St. NW, will offer a five-course tasting menu from 5 p.m.-close for $95 per person. The menu begins with torchon de foie gras served on brioche with fig jam and chestnut soup with chestnut honey crème fraîche and brioche croutons followed by Maine lobster with linguini and bouillabaisse demi. Next, diners can select from chestnut honey roasted duck breast with confit leg, roasted chestnut and cherry dressing or pan roasted monkfish bourguignon with baby vegetables and red wine sauce. For dessert, a petite pastry selection will be served.

Lupo Verde, 1401 T St. NW, will offer a traditional Italian feast with two seatings. The first seating, from 5-7 p.m., features a special a la carte menu The second seating at 7:30 p.m. will offer five items off the regular a la carte menu for $85 per person, or a pre-selected five-course menu for the same price along with a Champagne toast at midnight..

Macon Bistro & Larder, 5520 Connecticut Ave. NW, with serve a four-course prix fixe holiday menu for $75 with seatings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. The diners at the second seating can countdown to the New Year with a Champagne toast at Midnight. Both seatings will begin with a heaping bowl of black-eyed peas served with braised collards and our famous Essie’s biscuits. In the South, eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is thought to bring prosperity in the New Year. The restaurant will also feature a flight of three Crémants for $20 or a flight of three Champagnes for $30. They will also be available by the glass or bottle.

There are many options in the DMV for ringing in the New Year. (Photo: Healthy Gallatin)

The Majestic Café, 911 King St., Alexandria will serve its featured seasonal a la carte menu and holiday specials from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. New Year’s Eve. Specials include hand cut cast iron seared 16-ounce rib eye with caramelized foie gras butter and lobster risotto for $49; miso-glazed Chilean sea bass with pork belly, apple kimchi and whipped roasted cauliflower for $38; and linguine and clams with house-made squid ink linguine, littleneck clams and anchovy for $29. Pairing options include the Dr. Loosen Riesling sparkling for $36/bottle or the special Pierre Ferrand Grande Champagne Cognac Cocktail for $8. On New Year’s Day, the restaurant will serve its a la carte brunch from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner on New Year’s Day will be served from 4-11 p.m.

Masa 14, 1825 14th St. NW, is offering two seatings for New Year’s Eve from 5-7:30 p.m. and after 8 p.m. Those who reserve an early seating have two hours to enjoy a four-course, prix fixe dinner in the downstairs ing room for $60 per person, before heading to their celebration. Diners at the second seating will enjoy a four-course, prix fixe menu with additional specials priced at $80 per person including a choice of three New Year’s Eve specialty dishes and dessert as well as a Champagne toast at Midnight. Bar patrons will be able to take advantage of happy hour specials from 5-7 p.m. with $5 Yeungling, Dos Esquis, Amstel Light, house red and white wine by the glass, and signature cocktails. On New Year’s Day, Masa 14 will serve their prix fixe brunch in the main dining room from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for $39. Brunch includes an unlimited selection of cocktails and a selection of of salads, eggs, sandwiches and sweets. The special brunch offer must be ordered for the entire table. Dishes can also be ordered a la carte.

Nopa Kitchen + Bar, 800 F St. NW, will have two seatings on New Year’s Eve. The first, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., features a seasonal a la carte menu. The second seating, starting at 8 p.m., offers a four-course, prix fixe menu priced at $75 per person along with a Champagne toast at midnight. Beginning at 9 p.m., a DJ will spin to help ring in the New Year. Nopa Kitchen + Bar will be open for regular dinner service on New Year’s Day with diners receiving a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast the New Year.

The Oval Room, 800 Connecticut Ave. NW, will serve a special holiday menu New Year’s Eve. Offering two seatings, the first is available from 5:30-7 p.m. featuring a three-course prix fixe menu priced at $60 per person. At the second seating from 7:30-10 p.m., a four-course, prix fixe menu priced at $85 per person or $125 with wine pairings will be offered. The Oval Room will be open for regular dinner service on Jan. 1, and guests will receive a free glass of bubbly to toast the New Year.

Rasika, 633 D St. NW, will serve a special New Year’s Eve menu with two seatings. A three-course menu priced at $55 per person or $100 with wine pairings will be available from 5-7:15 p.m. During the second seating from 8 p.m.-close, a four-course menu will be available priced at $85 per person or $145 with wine pairings. A credit card is required to confirm all reservations, and a $25 cancelation fee will be applied for those who cancel within three days of the event. Rasika will be open for regular dinner service on New Year’s Day, and guests will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast the New Year.

Rasika West End, 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW, will serve a three-course menu priced at $55 or $100 with wine pairings 5-7:15 p.m. A four-course menu will be available from 8 p.m.-close priced at $85 per person or $145 with wine pairings. A credit card is required to confirm all reservations, and a $25 cancelation fee will be applied for those who cancel within three days of New Year’s Eve. The restaurant will be open for regular dinner service on Jan. 1 with guests receiving a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast the New Year.

Rosa Mexicano, 575 Seventh St. NW and 153 Waterfront St., National Harbor, is serving a four-course prix fixe New Year’s Eve dinner for $35 complete with a festive sparkling margarita. Dinner includes guacamole de Granada with pomegranate and pumpkin seeds, prepared tableside; lobster and short rib flautas; entrees such as a chicken and skirt steak skillet with slow-cooked peppers and Chihuahua cheese or the classic tablones, a slow-braised, bone-in short rib with smoky mestiza sauce; and a fiesta-sized tres leches cake for dessert.

Secret Chopsticks, 1850 Fort Myer Drive in Rosslyn, will celebrate New Year’s Eve with two special tasting menus from 5-10 p.m. Guests can select a six-course tasting menu priced at $79.99 per person or a nine-course tasting menu priced at $129.99 per person and includes a Champagne toast.

Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, 2404 Wisconsin Ave. NW, invites guests to come on out in their jammies, bathrobes, curlers, or onesies from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. New Year’s Day for its first annual Pajama Party Brunch, which includes a choice of two courses for $18 with an optional wine pairing for an additional $10 and bottomless mimosas for $15. The menu includes donut holes or duck breast egg rolls as a first course and for the second course, a choice of vanilla bean French toast brioche with cinnamon and bacon or sausage; Bistro Benedict with Canadian ham, hollandaise and home fries; chicken and waffles; Slate’s cheeseburger with herb mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar or gruyere, fries or salad; or steak and eggs with filet mignon, two eggs any style and home fries for an additional $5. Dessert is available for $5 and includes a choice of tres leches cake or a warm fudge brownie served with vanilla ice cream.

The Source, 575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, will serve a five-course tasting menu for $130 per person and an additional $65 for wine pairings or a seven-course meal for $150 plus an additional $75 for wine pairings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The seven-course meal includes a chef’s amuse followed by a dim sum trio of uni, caviar and king crab. The second course is lobster egg drop soup with organic hen eggs and lobster wonton, followed by crisp bronzino filet with wok fired root vegetables and caper berry-black bean sauce. The fourth course is hot and numbing quail with fingerling potatoes and Sichuan peppercorns, followed by an intermezzo of fever tree ginger ale float. The fifth course is roasted pork belly with kabocha squash puree and tree smoked pork jus, followed by Snake River Farm’s Wagyu beef duo of grilled N.Y. strip and black pepper braised short rib. Dessert is a chocolate soufflé and passion fruit panna cotta with five spice mixed berry sorbet and a sesame tuile.

Station 4, 1101 Fourth St. SW, is offering a three-course, prix fixe menu from 5-10 p.m. New Year’s Eve for $65 per person. Those not wanting dinner can swing by for some late night fun from 11 p.m.-2 a.m. as the restaurant will host a “Studio Station 4”, 1970s-themed New Year’s Eve party with an open bar, passed appetizers, DJ and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets for the late-night celebration are $100 per person. Guests are encouraged to dress in their ‘70s finest for the chance to win a $150 gift card for best costume.

Tico, 1926 14th St. NW, will serve its regular a la carte menu until 11:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve along with two specials: bone marrow with watermelon radishes, oloroso sherry onion jam, and toasted bread; and Rappahannock oysters with preserved Meyer lemons and herb oil. On New Year’s Day, Tico will offer a “Stay In Your Pajamas-Disco Brunch” from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys for $19 along with its regular brunch menu. Diners are encouraged to wear pajamas, and there will be a special throwback disco soundtrack playing.

Vinoteca, 1940 11th St. NW, will offer a bubbly-paired five-course prix-fixe dinner for $65 per person or $105 with wine pairing at 6 p.m. or $75 per person or $120 with wine pairings at 9 p.m. Second seating guests can keep their table for the night and receive a sparkling wine toast and snacks at midnight. A “Class with a Glass” party from 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. for $99 per person includes two open bars with wines, craft beers and cocktails, an array of spirits and bottomless bubbly all night long. The outdoor plaza bar will transform into a “winter wonderland” with fire pits, heaters, twinkly lights and music, while the upstairs lounge will be bumping at full force for those who want to dance the night away to the year’s hits. There will be a midnight snack buffet

Yona, 4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, will offer it’s a la carte menu in addition to a $75 tasting menu. The tasting menu includes zensai of chilled tofu with mushroom dashi, yamaimo and fresh wasabi; Okinawa seaweed with san bai zu, prawns; and ikura and a vegetable tasting paired with Barbera Brut Rose followed by an otsukuri course of Japanese snapper with Meyer lemon and speck; aji tataki with negi and Szechuan soy; tuna poke with shredded lettuce, shiso and nori; and smoked Hamachi with cojang, shiso and tobiko paird with Kubota Senju. The mushiono course is duck chawanmushi with foie, umeboshi and scichimi meringue paired with Wiens-Prum Riesling. The intermezzo course is beet-yuzu sho paird with Mio sparkling sake. The ramen course is king crab rame with uni butter and negi paired with Oloroso and Amontillado sherries. Dessert will be koshihikari rice panna cotta with chicory and young coconut paird with a Stanley or Zayna.

Zengo, 781 Seventh St. NW, will offer its regular a la carte menu with holiday specials from 5-11 p.m., with the last seating at 9 p.m. Prices range from $14-$31 each and each guests will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne to toast the New Year. On New Year’s Day, Zengo will serve its bottomless brunch with unlimited small plates and cocktails for $39 per person and $10 per child younger than 10 from 10 a.m-3 p.m. Bottomless Brunch must be ordered by the entire table, and the menu is offered exclusively for the prix-fixe service.

CakeLove, one of the first bakeries to catch the cupcake craze in the DMV, will close its original store at 1506 U St. NW at the end of the year.

CakeLove will close its original U Street location and begin selling CakeLove in a Jar online and in retail stores. (Photo: CakeLove/Facebook)

Lawyer-turned-baker Warren Brown opened CakeLove in 2002. At one time it had seven locations in the DMV, but the rest have already closed. Instead, the company will sell its CakeLove in a Jar, a single serving of cake and cream cheese icing in a resealable jar, online. CakeLove in a Jar is available in a number of grocery stores on the east coast including Whole Foods, Glen’s Garden Market, Yes! Organic Market and Union Kitchen Grocery locally.

“While I’m sad to leave the many friends and neighbors of this wonderful community, I’m very excited for this change. Over the last few years, I have been working to transition CakeLove from a string of brick-and-mortar stores to a new business focused on portable, ready-to-eat premium desserts. The closing of our flagship location marks the completion of this transition and the launch of a new CakeLove,” founder Warren Brown said in a statement.

Customers in the DMV will still be able to order CakeLove’s signature layer cakes online for delivery or pick-up at the U Street location before Dec. 31. After the New Year, cakes will be available for delivery or pick-up from the bakery’s new warehouse space at 4940B Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria.

There will be a goodbye party today from noon-3 p.m. to celebrate its more than 3 years on U Street. The party will include a cate-cutting ceremony to officially launch the new CakeLove, free cake and bubbly, giveaways of the new jars and a raffle of several of Warren’s autographed cookbooks.

Marcel’s begins Sunday brunch service

Marcel’s, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, will begin serving at three-course brunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 pm. For $65 per person this Sunday, Dec. 20.

Marcel’s will begin serving brunch this Sunday. (Photo: Marcel’s)

The first course includes a choice of roasted pumpkin soup and cashew crab cakes; smoked salmon carpaccio with red onion, dijon crème fraiche and watercress; baby arugula, balsamic shallots, shaved parmesan and aged sherry vinaigrette; gratin of Prince Edward Island mussels with tomato fondue, gruyere and garlic cream; or pan seared diver scallop with baby spinach and Osetra caviar butter.

The main course includes a choice of seared Atlantic halibut with saffron risotto and red wine reduction; poached eggs on toasted brioche with goat cheese and Parma ham in a chive sabayon sauce; three egg omelet with sautéed spinach and gruyere cheese; Ahi tuna niçoise with new potato salad, frisée, haricot vert, cherry tomato and olive anchovy; farmhouse chicken, gruyere cheese potato cake with melange of vegetables and tarragon jus; Martins angus NY strip with baked roma, haricot vert and cabernet sauce; or Aunt Leila’s pancakes with powdered sugar and fresh berries.

Dessert includes a choice of Earl Gray crème brûlée with tea meringues, lemon thyme sauce and lemongrass Chantilly; carrot sponge cake with date jam maple candied walnut and cream cheese ice cream; or Valrhona chocolate bar with coffee crème anglaise and salted caramel ice cream.

Brunch will be complemented with signature libations and bubbly and the restaurant’s 16-page wine list.

Area restaurants toast the holiday with homemade eggnog

This holiday season, many area restaurants are serving unique variations of the festive egg and milk nog.

Cuba Libre in Penn Quarter is serving El Coquito, a Cuban eggnog. (Photo: Cuba Libre)

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, 801 Ninth St. NW, has El Coquito made from a combination of cinnamon, vanilla, coconut milk, coconut rum and a toasted coconut rim for $8 through Jan. 1

1789 Restaurant, 1226 36th Street, NW, is serving its classic eggnog made with whole milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, rum extract, nutmeg, almond extract, cloves, guar guam and Lambda Carrageenan for $13 through Dec. 31.

Ambar, 523 Eighth St. SE, is offering a special eggnog cocktail called the Egg-N-Grog made from a combination of Hennessy Black, Ron Zacapa, Chairman’s reserve spiced rum, Hidalgo Oloroso sherry, spiced syrup, a whole egg and milk for $12 through Jan. 17.

Bibiana, 1100 New York Ave. NW, is serving a classic eggnog with a twist made from a combination of Pedro Ximénez, Benedictine and Buffalo Trace for $12 through Dec. 24.

Lupo Verde, 1401 T St. NW, is serving the Lupo Eggnog made from a combination of almond milk, brandy, Don Ciccio Nocino (walnut liquor), simple syrup, a dash of cinnamon tincture, an egg yolk and garnished with cinnamon sugar powder for $12 through the end of the month.

Secret Chopsticks now serving lunch

Last week, Secret Chopsticks, 1850 Fort Myer Dr., Rosslyn, began serving its executive lunch service from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Secret Chopsticks is now serving weekday lunch. (Photo: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

For lunch, diners can choose from entrees and dim sum selections such as sweet and sour chicken; beef braised in tomato sauce; spicy tofu with minced pork; tomato with shrimp and eggs; mo shu pork; vegetarian stuffed bun; beef pot sticker; pork dumpling with spicy sauce; crispy spring roll or the dim sum platter, which includes the pot sticker, dumpling, spring roll and ham pastry.

Entrees are priced at $19.99 and include a pickle salad and dessert, with choice of steamed white or black rice. The dim sum platter is 14.99 and includes a pickle salad and dessert.

Diners can also choose a la carte sides such as white and black rice; bacon or yang zhou fried rice; chicken rice soup; egg drop soup or pickle salad. Dessert includes date cake and sticky rice pudding. Sides range from $2-$8 and desserts are $4.99.

Mango Tree offers bottomless pad thai on Mondays

Monday means bottomless vegetable or chicken pad thai at Mango Tree in CityCenterDC. (Photo: Mango Tree)

Mango Tree, 929 H St. NW in CityCenterDC is offering bottomless pad thai from 5 p/m.-close every Monday.

Bottomless pad thai includes a choice of chicken or vegetable for $17 in the upstairs dining room or at the bar.

701 Restaurant serves Petrossian American caviar samplers

701 Restaurant, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, is serving four sampler portion caviars accompanied by a glass of bubbly or a shot of Boyd & Blair potato vodka, for $45 per person through Feb. 29.

Featured caviars are Tsar Imperial Ossetra, Royal Transmontanus, trout roe and Tobiko wasabi roe, which are served with the traditional chopped eggs, crème fraiche, red onions and potato blinis.

Christmas is just over a week away. It is a day of presents and feasting. If you want to give yourself the gift of a day out of the kitchen, there are a few restaurants open besides Chinese restaurants. Some are offering to do the cooking for you, while other have special Christmas Eve meals planned. But with so few options, you better make your reservation now or you’ll be cooking while everyone else is enjoying their gifts.

The Middleburg Room at 1789 Restaurant is all decked out for Christmas eve dinner. (Photo: Ron Blunt)

Christmas Eve

1789 Restaurant, 1226 36th St. NW, will serve holiday specials along with a seasonal a la carte menu from 4-10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Dishes include foie gras torchon with orange marmalade, brioche, Medjool dates, pickled celery and hazelnuts; coddled egg with lobster, oyster mushrooms, fennel and uni foam; bucatini with Nantucket Bay scallops, Meyer lemons, fried capers and parsley; rack of lamb with eggplant caviar, Picholine olives, chickpea panisse, roasted tomatoes and parsley oil; prime rib with pearl onion confit, glazed haricot verts, salt-baked new potatoes, horseradish cream and au jus; and Maine lobster with root vegetable hash, rainbow Swiss chard and truffle butter sauce. Dishes are priced from $20-$48.

701 Restaurant, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW will be dishing up a classic Christmas three-course prix fixe feast from 5- 9:30 p.m. for $60 per person and $30 for children 12 and younger. The regular a la carte menu will also be available. Starters on the prix fixe menu include chestnut soup with duck confit and foie gras powder; beets with green apple, pecans and pomegranate vinaigrette; crab beignets with frisée and a carrot romesco sauce; and beef carpaccio with broccoli, fried baguette and cured egg yolk vinaigrette. Entrées include suckling pig with potato polenta, plum jam and piperade; monkfish with salsify, oyster emulsion and lemon thyme; cauliflower shawarma with hummus, tomato jam and Lavosh; and Green Circle chicken with parsnip purée, Brussels sprouts and chermoula. Dessert includes crème brûlée with pumpkin ganache and gingerbread ice cream; butterscotch pudding with apple confit, biscotti and pomegranates; PB&J, peanut butter cheese cake with concord grape ice cream; and the chocolate crémeux with passion fruit ganache, cocoa meringue and vanilla ice cream. Live jazz will be played throughout the evening.

Ardeo+Bardeo, 3311 Connecticut Ave. NW will offer a three-course prix fixe holiday meal for $49 per person or $24 for children 10 and younger along with its a la carte menu from 5-9 p.m. The special menu inclues first course options such as crispy Brussels sprout salad with frisée, poached hen egg and warm bacon vinaigrette; roasted butternut squash soup with cranberry chutney and brown butter croutons; and duck risotto with bing cherry, fennel and kabucha squash purée. Entrées include braised Berkshire pork shoulder with trotter grits, haricoverts and port jus; pan roasted diver scallops with celery root, Winterbor kale and apple cider broth; and sweet potato ravioli with braised root vegetables, red spinach, sage and brown butter. Desserts include white chocolate Bavarian mousse with coffee cremeux, chocolate gingerbread cake and cinnamon stick anglaise; eggnog crème brûlée with gingerbread cookies, pecan crumble and whiskey foam; or fall spiced apple tarte with balsamic fig compote, taleggio and mascarpone ice cream.

Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, 1100 New York Ave. NW will offer a traditional Feast of Seven Fishes five-course tasting menu available from 5-9:30 p.m. for $65 per person. The meal will consist of fish and pasta including Nantucket Bay scallop crudo with pomegranate seeds, mint, caramelized lime and olio verde; raviolo with Maine lobster, burrata, cherry tomatoes and tarragon butter; spaghetti neri, squid ink spaghetti with razor clam, guanciale, pickled chili peppers and aglio e olio; and gamberoni, grilled giant prawn, roasted puntarella, preserved lemon and wild sea urchin butter. Dessert choices include torta, warm molasses cake, crystalized ginger and candied pecans served with brown butter gelato.

Centrolina, 974 Palmer Alley NW, will serve a feast of the seven fishes from 5-10 p.m. for $65 per person and $40 for the optional wine pairing. The meal is served family style and includes antipasti, primi, secondi and dolci courses with dishes like polpo, grilled octopus, potato confit and cotechinata; bucatini with wild prawns, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and Calabrian chile; and pesce spade, swordfish poached in olive oil, parsley, lemon and capers.

DBGB Kitchen and Bar, 931 H St. NW, will serve a holiday a la carte menu from noon-9 p.m. featuring venison orecchiette, sherry glazed duck, coq au vin, seard scallops with crispy sweetbreads and the classic buche de noel for dessert. Dishes range from $8-$41 each.

Del Campo, 777 I St. NW, will serving a feast of the seven beasts for $78 per person and it must be ordered by the entire table. Dishes include venison ceviche with sweet potato, burnt leeks and burnt baby radish; prosciutto with uni and scallop panzanella; and lamb shank with crispy garlic and herb salad.

While most area restaurants are closed Christmas Day, a few are open with special menus. Others will be serving special Christmas Eve dinners. (Photo: Thinkstock)

G by Mike Isabella, 2201 14th St. NW, is serving a traditional feast of the seven fishes from 5-10 p.m. for $65 per person with an optional $35 beverage pairing. The menu includes seafood brodo with poached shrimp, mussels and fennel; an East Coast oyster with warm miso butter and a Wast Coast oyster with cold green tomato mignonette; snapper crudo with Fresno chile, pomegranate and basil; snow crab arrabbiata, hand-cut spaghetti with guanciale and uni; mixed seafood salad; pan seared black bass with farro, cherry and Tuscan kale; and a selection of desserts.

The Hay-Adams Hotel, 800 16th St. NW will offer a three-course prix fixe menu priced at $80 per person from 5:30-10 p.m. The menu includes roasted sunchoke soup with smoked duck; marinated beets with aged goat cheese and pistachios; crispy pork belly with green apple and fennel salad and miso dressing; lobster thermidor with spaghetti squash and pee wee potatoes; and prime rib with creamy Yukon gold potatoes, winter vegetables and sauce bordelaise. Desserts include honey roasted pear tart with rosemary frangipane and Chantilly cloud; and peppermint panna cotta with cranberry gelée, white chocolate and streusel.

L’Hommage Bistro Francais, 450 K St. NW, will serve a four-course tasting menu from 5-10 p.m. for $75 per person. The menu begins with a plat de tartine, torchon de foie gras served on brioche, fig cured duck ham, served on raisin walnut baguette and duck rillettes served on palladin bread, followed by a warm poached pear salad with smoked lardon, roquefort société, candied Basque walnuts and Dijon vinaigrette. The main course includes canard roti e confit, chestnut honey roasted duck breast with confit leg, roasted chestnut and cherry, followed by a selection of petite pastries.

Lupo Verde, 1401 T St. NW, will offer a traditional Feast of Seven Fishes from 5- 11 p.m. for $65 per person. The dinner will consist of fish and pasta, following the Roman Catholic tradition to refrain from the consumption of meat on holy days. The courses represent the seven sacraments and seven days of creation. The meial includes carpaccio di tonno with poached pear, ginger poppy seed dressing and crispy onions; impepata di cozze, sautéed mussels with white wine sauce, dried chilies and toasted bread; capesante gratinate, scallop gratin with herbs, pine nuts and red wine reduction; polpo e patate, seared baby octopus with mashed potatoes, green olive pesto and crispy parmesan; ravioli all’astice, lobster ravioli with smoked bisque and marsala reduction; tagliolini cozze e peperoncino, house- made tagliolini with mussels, green onions, dried peperoncino and San Marzano tomatoes; and rana pescatrice, seared monkfish, potato cream, black truffle, wild mushrooms and orange zest. For dessert, Italian pandoro croccante, wrapped pandoro with dark chocolate, pistachio mousse and orange mint sauce.

Nopa Kitchen + Bar, 800 F St. NW, will offer a seasonal a la carte menu from 5-9:30 p.m. Holiday specials include pan roasted Moulard duck breast duo, crispy leg confit with tatsoi, subarashii pear-carrot purée, and foie gras mousse ($32);pan roasted Hokkaido scallops with Meyer lemon, Earth & Eats beets, roasted cauliflower and a Szechuan peppercorn emulsion ($30).

The Oval Room, 800 Connecticut Ave, NW, is offering a three-course, prix fixe holiday menu from 4:30-9 p.m. for $60 per person or $95 with wine pairings. The menu features first course options such as chestnut velouté with foie gras, maple and winter truffle; “reindeer jerky” with puffed wild rice, Marcona almonds, pink peppercorns and wild spruce; and scallop crudo with winter citrus salad, trout roe and espelette pepper vinaigrette, followed by entrées such as pan seared sole with celery root purée, black trumpet mushroom, Asian pears and a lemon emulsion; venison with roasted sunchoke, heirloom baby carrots and red currents; Christmas goose with cranberry bread pudding, pumpkin spaetzle, quince butter and fried sage; and farro “risotto” with roasted baby beets, mascarpone cheese and fresh horseradish. Dessert includes Valrhona chocolate Bavarian, sponge cake with chocolate mousse and white chocolate pearls; chilled passion fruit soufflé with rum soaked pineapple and coconut anglaise; or “fruit cake,” brown sugar cake with Amarena cherries and eggnog ice cream.

The Source, 575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, will offer a roast duck dinner for $65 per person as well as its normal a la carte menu. The roast duck dinner includes a whole roast duck with steamed bao, apricot mostarda, cucumber and pickled daikon; stir fried legs and thighs with wild field mushrooms; duck bone broth with duck dumplings; wok fired beets with crushed pistachios; duck fat fried rice with poached duck egg and 15-layer carrot cake with cream cheese icing, candied walnuts and ginger ice cream.

Station 4, 1101 4th St. SW will offering a three-course, prix fixe menu for $40 per person from 5-11 p.m. The menu starts with an amuse of pork belly with picked cucumber, red sorrel and yuzu vinaigrette followed by a choice of starters such as crab tartar with avocado, cucumber, lemon aioli, chive oil and wasabi foam; beet salad with goat cheese, pistachios, frisée and a cumin vinaigrette; or cream of butternut squash soup with white truffle essence and micro chives. Entrées include house-made lobster ravioli with tomato butter and dill; beef tenderloin with a bone marrow sauce served with potatoes au gratin and asparagus; or butternut squash farro risotto with pecorino cheese and Brussels sprouts. Dessert includes white chocolate bread pudding with salted caramel gelato or double dark chocolate ganache tart with black currant purée and French vanilla ice cream.

A few DMV restaurants will be open Christmas Day, so make your reservations early. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Christmas Day

America Eats Tavern in the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean, will serve a prix fixe brunch for $65 per adult and $25 per child 10 and younger from 7 a.m-2:30 p.m. The buffet will include dishes such as suckling pig jambalaya with andouille sausage, okra,sofrito and Carolina Gold plantation rice; Johnston County ham biscuits with blackberry jam, whole grain mustard, redeye mayonnaise and pickles; cranberry glazed Brussels sprouts with spiced pecans and dried cranberries; shrimp ‘n’ grits with cheddar, pearl onion petals and ham hock; eggs a la Benedick with pork belly and hollandaise sauce; and a holiday cookie table with an assortment of sweet treats inspired by American family recipes.

Blue Duck Tavern, 1201 M St. NW inside the Park Hyatt Washington, will serve a three-course holiday meal from 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. The feast begins with an array of starters set throughout the open kitchen, including seasonal salads, breads, cheese and meats, followed by choice of a plated entrée and side dishes showcasing produce from regional farms. Dishes include shrimp and grits with shellfish butter, stone ground grits, spinach and Tasso ham; slow poached duck egg with heirloom rice, creamed onion and braised kale; apple cider-glazed ham with baby vegetables and maple bourbon jus; and wood oven-roasted whole goose with spiced farm honey. Holiday desserts will be on display in the pastry pantry. Christmas brunch is $110 per person for adults and $55 for children between six and 12. Children younger than six are free. Diners can also order their holiday feast to go by 5 p.m. on Dec. 17. The take-home dinner includes a traditional Christmas ham, freshly baked breads, four traditional sides and two seasonal pies to feed six to eight form $350. A charcuterie and cheese board can be added for $95 with a selection of domestic farmstead cheeses and charcuterie items, along with homemade mustard, seasonal preserves, spiced nuts and crispy Lavash crackers on a handcrafted wooden platter. Dinners can be picked up on Dec. 24 from 1-5 p.m. or Dec. 25 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Orders can be placed online.

Et Voila!, 5120 MacArthur Blvd. NW, will offer holiday specials in addition to their regular a la carte dinner menu from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m and 5-10 p.m. both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Specials range from $10-$38 each and include fois gras with dry pears and raisin brioche; scallop and oyster cocktail tartar; pithivier pie with duck confit and chestnuts, served with an endive and herb salad; lamb shank with truffle polenta; branzino with lobster risotto and porcini mushrooms; or pigeon with smoked potato and cardoons served with a yellow wine reduction. Dessert is buche de noel with chocolate black currant and chestnut flavors. A feast to-go can be ordered until 5 p.m. a week in advance. Dishes available include one pound of salmon gravlax for $45; half-pound of fois gras for $70 and the buche de noel which serves four for $38 or one that serves six for $55. Christmas specials can be picked up anytime before Dec. 24

Legal Sea Foods will be open from noon-9 p.m. at 704 Seventh St. NW, Tysons Galleria and 2301 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, and from noon-8 p.m. in National Hall at Reagan National Airport. They will serve their a la carte menu as well as a special holiday entrée.

The Top of the Hay at the Hay-Adams Hotel, 800 16th St. NW, will offer a holiday buffet with three seatings available at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. for $110 per adult and $55 for children 12 and younger. Items include seared duck Magret with wild mushrooms, five spices crème sauce, crème spinach and morel mushrooms; iceberg lettuce Waldorf salad with granny smith apples, walnuts and a creamy maple dressing; smoked Atlantic salmon with baby romaine, boiled eggs, pickled red onion and cilantro crème fraîche; winter orecchiette with roasted winter vegetables; jumbo lump crab cakes with vegetable succotash, corn and pepper sauce; braised beef ravioli with Brussels sprout leaves and porcini sauce; and Colorado lamb chops with roasted winter vegetables and rosemary jus. The dessert buffet includes chocolate and chestnut cake; bûche de noël; coconut cream snowflakes; smoked pecan brittle; cranberry panna cotta; and crème filled profiteroles.

Pinea in the W Hotel, 515 15th St. NW, is serving its regular dinner menu along with three specials from 2-8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The appetizer special is Beausoleil oysters with Meyer lemon zabaglione and caviar for $19. The entrée special is roasted breast and confit leg of duck with turnips, Swiss chard, glazed chestnuts. foie gras and black currant jus for $38. For dessert, it will offer Pannetone with blood orange and amaretto gelato for $10.

Blood orange margarita (left) and tequila cider from Rosa Mexicano’s Christmas Day menu. (Photo: Rosa Mexicano)

Rosa Mexicano, 575 Seventh St. NW and 153 Waterfront St. in National Harbor will offer a two-course prix fixe menu for $35 per person with a holiday cocktail from noon-9 p.m. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The dishes are also available a la carte. Start with hot tequila cider, a blood prange margarita or a virgin hot canela-spiced cider alongside Christmas specials including lamb shank slow-cooked, coated with three chiles, garlic and spices; grilled wild jumbo shrimp and scallops marinated in a garlic vinaigrette with tomatoes, onions and serrano chiles; and calabaza crème brûlée, pumpkin custard infused with holiday spices and topped with caramelized sugar; served with pumpkin spice cookies.

Restaurants around the DMV are giving diners plenty of reasons to give thanks this holiday by offering a cornucopia of culinary offerings to make Thanksgiving memorable. Some have stress-free “to go” options while others offer a chance to celebrate in style with great service and no dishes to wash or leftovers to put away. From classic American to Italian and Indian fare, Thanksgiving takes on an international flare for the feasting.

Area restaurants including Kapnos and Kapnos Taverna are offering to cook Thanksgiving dinner for you. (Photo: Greg Powers/Kapnos)

Pre-Thanksgiving

Et Viola!, 5120 MacArthur Blvd. NW, will host its annual “Stretch Your Belly” party from 5-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Guests will have the opportunity to stuff their faces with unlimited Blue Bay mussels diablo with lobster cream, tarragon and cherry tomatoes paired with Belgian fries and Affligem blonde ale; or choose the coq au vin with trofie pasta paired with Belgian fries and a glass of Côtes du Rhône for $29.95 per person.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St. NW, is serving Thanksgiving dinner in liquid form with a five-course cocktail meal inspired by traditional holiday eats. Available the Monday through Wednesday (Nov. 23-25) before Thanksgiving, the food-inspired cocktails are made with house-made and infused spirits, syrups and bitters reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner, such as ham and turkey-washed rye whiskey, baked bean syrup, butter-washed vodka and pecan pie bitters. The “Drink Your Thanksgiving Dinner” cocktail meal includes Punt on First Down with 3 Stars peppercorn saison, Beefeater gin, lemon, honey and angostura bitters; Seat at the Kids Table with butter-washed Boyd & Blair, Cocchi di Torino, Domaine de Canton, lime juice and ginger beer; What Ya Say Bud with Cana Brava rum, baked bean syrup, lime and Peychauds bitters; Glazed Over with ham and turkey-washed Wild Turkey 101 rye, honey, house amer, angostura, orange and Jerry Thomas bitters; and the Belt Loosener with PX sherry, Cocchi di Torino and pecan pie bitters. Cocktails are $10 each or a tasting flight of all five for $45.

Mango Tree, 929 H St. NW in CityCenterDC, will host a homecoming happy hour on Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 11:30 a.m.-close. There will be happy Hour pricing on beer, wine and punch all day at the downstairs bar and lounge. Wear a turtleneck or anything featuring a turkey and you’ll get a free shot. There will also be special surprises including a photo booth and door prizes throughout the day and evening.

Pete’s New Haven Style Pizza is serving a Thanksgiving pie. (Photo: Pete’s New Haven Style Pizza)

Pete’s New Haven Style Pizza, 1400 Irving St. NW in Columbia Heights, 4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW in Friendship Height, 3017 Clarendon Blvd. in Arlington and 962 Wayne Ave. in Silver Spring, is celebrating Turkey Day early and have created a special Thanksgiving pizza topped with all of the favorite holiday fixins’ including roasted turkey, candied sweet potatoes, cranberries, goat cheese, Brussels sprouts, pancetta and mozzarella. It is available from Monday, Nov. 23 to Wednesday, Nov. 25 and during lunch on Black Friday, Nov. 27, for $3.50 a slice.

Thanksgiving carryout

BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant, 4883 MacArthur Blvd. NW, is offering customers the option of fully outfitting the Thanksgiving table with a turkey, stuffing, biscuits, gravy and other traditional fare, or complementing their home-cooked dishes with sides and desserts. Fresh Murray’s Amish turkey are available from 12-22 pounds for $5.50/pound or already brined and ready for the over at $6.99/pound. Also, Leidy’s spiral cut honey ham is available for $7/pound. In a nod to the popular fish market, a variety of seafood specialties like clam chowder, freshly shucked oysters and house-cured salmon will be available. Orders must be picked up on Wed., Nov. 25.

Centrolina, is offering an Italian take on Thanksgiving carryout with dishes like oven-ready, cider brined, free-range turkeys ($6.99/pound), Chef Amy Brandwein’s mother’s Rosemary’s sage stuffing ($12), house made pies like the pine nut tart ($40), antipasto platters and sides dishes. Orders can be picked up Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 6-9 p.m. or Thursday, Nov. 26, from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The order form is online.

Del Campo is offering to prepare your turkey so all you have to do is pop it in the oven. (Photo: Del Campo)

Del Campo, 777 I St. NW, is offering a South American spin to Thanksgiving carryout including dishes like brined, seasoned, herb-smoked and oven-ready Peruvian-style turkeys (15-20 pounds, $120) accompanied by green chili purée and Aji Amarillo aioli, chapa bread stuffing ($16), pumpkin risotto ($24), pasqualina tart ($24) and more. Orders can be picked up until 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The order form is available online.

Kapnos, 2201 14th St. NW, and http://kapnostaverna.com/ Kapnos Taverna, 4000 Wilson Blvd., Ballston, are offering dinner for pick up at both locations. Dishes include Greek spiced spit roasted turkeys for 8-20 people cooked on the wood-fired rotisseries ($120), chestnut stuffing ($55), roasted lemon potatoes ($40), Greek mac and cheese ($48), spit roasted lamb shoulder ($79), spit roasted pork shoulder ($69) along with other spreads, sides dishes and desserts. Orders can be picked up on Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m.-noon. Order forms should be sent to [email protected] for D.C. pick up or [email protected] for Ballston pick up.

Macon Bistro & Larder, 5520 Connecticut Ave. NW, will offer traditional fixings for purchase out of the larder. Sides include stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, collard greens and sweet potato or buttermilk biscuits available in servings of four, eight or 12. Dinner packages are priced at $100 for four servings of all six side dishes, $150 for eight servings and $200 for 12 servings. Also, sweet potato and apple-brandied raisin pies are available for $45 each. Orders can be picked up Tuesday or Wednesday from noon-5 p.m.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, 1612 14th St. NW, is selling pie and rolls. The pies serve 6-8 people and include key lime with graham cracker crust and Florida key lime filling for $30; apple streusel pie with spiced apple and oatmeal streusel for $30; Brazos River Bottom pecan pie with bourbon and rum infused custard and Brazos River Bottom native pecans for $35 and classic pumpkin pie for $25. Addie’s Rolls are available by the dozen for $9. Orders are due by Monday for pick up Tuesday or Wednesday.

Thanksgiving Day

1789 Restaurant, 1226 36th St. NW, will serve a classic three-course Thanksgiving dinner from noon-9 p.m. in addition to its seasonal a la carte menu. The three-course menu, priced at $55 per person begins with a choice of roasted beet salad with rainbow beets, endive, candied walnuts, goat cheese, Meyer lemon confit and sherry vinaigrette or butternut squash soup with pomegranate beurre noisette, rye croutons and fried sage. Traditional turkey with roasted breast, confit leg, sausage-sage stuffing, pomme purée, cranberry sauce, mélange roasted vegetables and pan dripping gravy is the featured main course. There also will be a selection of deserts. A la carte options include D’anjou pear salad with frisée, radicchio, bacon lardons, candied Fresno peppers, feta and Kalamata olive vinaigrette; fried oysters with celeriac puree, champagne-crème fraîche foam and hackleback caviar; bucatini cacio e pepe with shallots, mignonette pepper, parmesan, coddled egg and white truffles; Nantucket Bay scallop crudo with apple soubise, French breakfast radishes, Meyer lemons, pickled fennel and celery hearts; maple glazed ham with braised collard greens, vanilla turnip puree, roasted pineapple, turnips and Cognac-cherry pork jus; rack of lamb with spiced yogurt, eggplant caviar, rainbow Swiss chard, baby carrots and natural lamb jus; Scottish salmon with spinach, fennel soubise and roasted fennel; and 35-day dry aged New York strip with bone marrow grits, horseradish cream, shallot and cipollini onion confit, new potatoes and Bordelaise. A la carte items are priced from $14 to $47.

701 Restaurant, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, will dish up a classic Thanksgiving feast with a three-course, prix fixe holiday menu from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. for $49 per person or $24.50 for children 12 and younger. Starters include roasted beet salad with caramelized labneh, pecans and pomegranate vinaigrette; Jonah crab with kuri squash, cashews and grapefruit; squash soup with ricotta, pumpkin seed oil and nasturtium ice cream; and holiday meatballs with fregula, almond, cranberry and gravy. Main course options include a turkey duo with sweet potato puree, stuffing, cranberry jam and gravy; grilled pork loin with plum jam, potato polenta and piperade; roasted salmon with butternut squash puree, trumpet mushroom and blueberry kosho; or cauliflower shawarma with sesame hummus, yogurt and lavash. Desserts include chocolate crémeux with mango whipped cream and fresh berries; pumpkin pie with cranberry sauce and cinnamon ice cream; pecan pie with marshmallow, sweet potato ganache and maple syrup, and crème brûlée with raspberries, praline cake and raspberry sorbet. A live jazz duo of piano and bass will be performing during Thanksgiving service.

Ardeo+Bardeo, 3111 Connecticut Ave. NW, will feature a three-course menu from noon-8 p.m. priced at $45 per person and $23 for children younger than 10. The menu includes roasted butternut squash soup with orange walnut chutney and pumpkin seed oil; shrimp and grits with andouille sausage and fennel salad; smoked turkey rillette with cranberry-fig compote, pickled radish and rustic bread; sweet potato gnocchi with cauliflower, sun dried tomato pesto, arugula and truffle pecorino; roasted turkey breast with pear and polenta stuffing, smoked mushrooms, confit leg and giblet gravy; grilled Atlantic swordfish with forbidden black rice, pumpkin puree and garam masala yogurt; and slow-roasted Berkshire pork osso bucco with spaghetti squash, baby root vegetables and fall bean cassoulet. The dessert menu will feature classics, such as pumpkin and ginger cheesecake with pumpkin seed granola and vanilla ice cream; chocolate cappuccino bar with coffee-Kahlua mousse and cinnamon anglaise; and fall spiced apple tarte with balsamic fig compote, taleggio and mascarpone ice cream.

Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, 1100 New York Ave. NW, will offer an Italian twist on Thanksgiving from 1-8:30 p.m. with a prix fixe menu priced at $50 per person. Starters include frico, traditional Friulian Montasio cheese crisp with roasted sweet dumpling squash, prosciutto cotto and arugula; carpaccio, big eye tuna with crab roe aioli, preserved lemon, chives and olio primo; pinzimonio, local seasonal farm vegetables with fennel cream, lemon emulsion and herb salad and ostriche, crispy Well Fleet oysters with creamed spinach and black truffle aioli. Entrées include tocchino alla porchetta, roasted herb and spice stuffed turkey with fennel pollen mustard and Italian plum jam; panzott, butternut squash filled ravioli with roasted chestnut brown butter and crumbled Brutti Ma Buoni and spigola, pan roasted rockfish with baccala mantecato, salt roasted sweet potatoes and crispy kale. Dessert options include zucca, ginger cake with Hubbard squash mousse, candied ginger and milk gelato; torta, red delicious apple tarte tatin with candied walnuts and a cider reduction; or budino, robiolina custard with mocha syrup, amaretti cookie and zabaglione gelato.

BLT Steak, 1625 I St. NW, will serve prix-fixe family-style holiday menu for$75 per person of $40 for children younger than 12 from 3:30-9 p.m. The meal features contemporary takes on traditional favorites like roasted turkey with chestnut-sausage stuffing, cranberry-grenadine sauce and and rosemary gravy; a dry-aged roasted prime rib with confit garlis jus and caramelized onion bread pudding; or striped bass with kohlrabi and cranberries. Starters include celery root soup, kabocha squash risotto and gem salad. Sides include Brussels sprouts, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and sweet potato gratin. And dessert is a choice of velvet chocolate rocky road, cranberry spiced bread pudding or pumpkin tart.

Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt Washington, 1201 24th St. NW, will offer “brunch into dinner” service from 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. A three-course holiday meal will include a selection of starters placed throughout the open-air kitchen for guests to help themselves to their first course. Starters will include seasonal salads, breads, meats and cheese to be followed by a choice of plated entrées and side dishes. Seasonal desserts, on display in the pastry pantry, will complete the Thanksgiving feast. The holiday menu is $110 per person for adults and $55 for children between six- and 12-years-old. Children younger than six are free.

The Bombay Club, 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, will offer a variety of Thanksgiving Day specials in addition to the full a la carte menu from noon-3 p.m. and 5-930 p.m. Specials include Achari turkey tikka marinated with yogurt, garlic, pickled spices grilled in a tandoor oven and served with cranberry chutney, Brussels sprouts foogath and sweet potato bharta for $20.50. Dessert includes a pumpkin brûlée with hazelnut tart and cranberry semifreddo for$9.

Carmine’s, 427 Seventh St. NW, will serve a family-style dinner that feeds eight people for $239.95 to eat in or take-out. The meal includes an 18-pound roasted turkey with sausage and sage stuffing with house-made cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts with caramelized onions and Applewood smoked bacon, sautéed string beans with julienned red peppers and roasted hazelnuts, baby carrots with fresh dill, sweet potatoes with marshmallows and maple syrup, mashed potatoes with giblet gravy and a choice of pumpkin, apple or pecan pie.

Central, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, will serve Thanksgiving dinner from noon-8 p.m. The three-course prix-fixe menu is $49 ($25 for children under 12). Appetizer options include a choice of warm spinach salad with bacon, French onion soup, goat cheese Caesar salad, chestnut veloute or roasted beets with arugula and warm goat cheese. Entrée choices include white and dark meet turkey with mushroom stuffing, cranberry sauce, potato gratin and gravy; seared salmon with stir fried vegetables; hanger steak with frites and peppercorn sauce; meatloaf with garlic mashed potato and green beans; or a vegetarian pearl pasta risotto. Dessert includes pumpkin pie, cranberry almond bread pudding or a chocolate bar.

City Tap House, 901 Ninth St. NW, will serve its regular menu plus Thanksgiving additions from noon-9 p.m. Holiday appetizers include baked cambazola cheese fondue ($14), spinach and cranberry salad ($15) and roasted butternut squash soup ($11). Entrées include a turkey dinner with smoked giblet gravy, chestnut-apple stuffing, candied yams and cranberry orange compote ($27); braied Bershire pork collar with Medjool dates, creamed Swiss chard, cheddar grit and pomegranate sauce ($27); and a dry-aged 16-ounce ribeye with Yukon gold potato and fontina gratin, roasted baby carrots and bone marrow demi ($45). Desserts include a maple bourbon pecan tart, pumpkin pie and apple doughnut bread pudding. It will also feature beers from Flying Dog Brewery that have been inspired by Otterbein’s Bakery in Baltimore. The beers have been brewed to be paired with four of Otterbein’s cookies, which will also be available.

DBGB Kitchen and Bar, 931 H St. NW in CityCenterDC, will offer a three-coure-prix-fixe dinner from noon-8 p.m. for $65 per person and $35 for children 12 and younger. The first course includes a choice of fall squash soup, tuna crudo, pork and chestnut pate, grilled kale or foie gras terrine ($10 extra). The second course includes a choice of roasted turkey with with foie gras-chestnut stuffing, pomme mousseline, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato gratin and cranberry sauce; Atlantic salmon with turnip choucroute, root vegetbales, fingerling potatoes and whole grain mustard; venison orecchiette with chestnuts, acorn squash and parmesan; mushroom risotto with black truffle and parmesan; or entrecote de boeuf with roasted sunchokes, wild mushrooms, pomme puree and sauce perigourdine ($15 extra). Dessert is a choice of pumpkin pie, apple-brown butter sundae or chocolate pecan bar.

The historic Hay-Adams, 800 16th St. NW, is serving a holiday buffet with seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. priced at $110 for adult and $55 for children 12 and younger. Offerings included carved free range heritage whole turkey with fresh sage and celery stuffing; sautéed Brussels sprouts with caramelized onions and bacon; sweet potatoes; golden Yukon mashed potatoes with rosemary gravy; pear and cranberry chutney; pan seared potato gnocchi with fall vegetables; seared veal tenderloin and tuna with lemon and caper sauce; compressed watermelon salad with tomatoes and yellow beets; Waldorf salad, iceberg wedges with Granny Smith and red delicious apples, walnuts and Waldorf dressing; and Portobello mushroom ravioli with porcini sauce. Desserts include persimmon white chocolate bread pudding; apple sour cream crumble pie; spiced cranberry poached pears; butterscotch pecan cake; “sugar pie” pumpkin squares; and maple, pumpkin and vanilla bean crème brûlée. Diners will also receive complimentary house Champagne or wine with their meal.

Jackson 20, 480 King St., Alexandria, is offering a $65 three-course prix-fixe dinner with a choice of heirloom beet salad, oysters Rockefeller, northern neck pumpkin soup or pheasant and foie gras terrine for an appetizer. The main course is a choice of econ friendly turkey dinner with buttermilk mashed potatoes, French bean casserole, cornbread stuffing, cranberry marmalade and turkey gravy; pan seared diver scallops with celery root, black trumpet mushrooms, pork belly and sage brown butter; barrel-cut, dry-aged N.Y. strip steak with potatoes Anna, Brussels sprouts and béarnaise sauces or pumpkin pot pie with collard, mire poix, Sea Island field pea and sweet corn. Dessert is a choice of apple, pecan or pumpkin pie. The restaurant is also offering a $55 buffet ($25 for children 10 and younger) with items such as roasted heritage turkey, northern neck pumpkin soup, cream corn casserole, blacken catfish, buttermilk mashed potatoes, house-made biscuits, dry-aged, bone-in prime rib, cornbread stuffing and a seasonal market pie bar.

Le Diplomat, 1601 14th St. NW, will be serving a special three-course prix-fixe Thanksgiving meal for $45/person from 1-10 p.m. Savory courses include roasted turkey breast and leg confit with sides ranging from sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce to candied yams and roasted Brussels sprouts. Desserts will include pumpkin pie with vanilla whipped cream and pumpkin seed tuile or a pecan tart with orange-cardamom ice cream.

Legal Sea Foods will offer its full menu for traditionalists as well as a turkey dinner with sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, butternut squash and cranberry sauce priced at $21.95 per person and $7.95 for children 12 and younger. The Thanksgiving menu is available at three DMV locations: noon-9 p.m. at 704 Seventh St. NW; noon-8 p.m. at Tyson’s Galleria in McLean, Va.; and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va. The Crystal City location is closed Thanksgiving day.

Lupo Verde, 1401 T St. NW, is offering specials in addition to its a la carte menu from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Specials include zuppa di castagne, chestnut soup with onion puree, squash chips and raisin walnut croutons; tortellini al tacchino, house-made tortellini stuffed with turkey ragù and buffalo ricotta in smoked bacon consommé; and tacchino inaspettato, turkey stuffed with seasonal vegetables, pork sausage, and pears, baked beneath cabbage. Thanksgiving specials range in price from $12-$26. For dessert there will be torta di melee gelato alla zucca, cinnamon and brandy apple pie served with butternut squash gelato and priced at $12.

The Majestic Café, 911 King St. in Old Town, is offering specials in addition to their regular a la carte menu from 2-9 p.m. The menu features classic dishes with a Southern twist such as whiskey barrel smoked Fields of Athenry Farm Tom turkey with cranberry and roasted chestnut bread pudding; pan braised escarole with fried garlic and Virginia wildflower honey; Papa Weaver’s maple brined Berkshire pork chop with sweet potato puree and braised savoy cabbage with Virginia ham and green apples; farro and toasted almond pilaf with baked kabocha squash casserole and Brussels sprout leaves with cream and hard cider. For dessert, guests can opt for the cinnamon red hot apple cobbler with local apples, cinnamon Red Hots and whipped crème fraîche. Specials are priced from $22-$27 each.

Nopa Kitchen + Bar, 800 F St. NW is offering a few specials in addition to its a la carte menu including roasted heritage turkey breast roulade with grain mustard potato puree, farro and oyster mushroom stuffing and cranberry-sausage jus; beef coulotte steak frites with red vein-spinach, crispy fingerlings and horseradish-red wine crème fraiche; grilled Moulard duck breast with tatsoi, brown butter squash puree, crackling crumble and roasted fig jus; and grilled Roseda Farms NY strip with winter truffle-celery root puree, compressed caviar, sunny quail egg, rainbow chard and lobster jus. Seasonal dessert offerings include maple-cider doughnuts with candied Benton’s bacon and house-made honey crisp apple sauce; pumpkin mousse Napoleon with gingersnap cookie and tiger stripe fig brûlée; and rosemary scented apple streusel with cider caramel sauce and bourbon-cinnamon ice cream. The Thanksgiving menu will be available from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

The Oval Room, 800 Connecticut Ave. NW, is serving a three-course holiday menu offered from noon-8 p.m. for $55 per person. The menu includes foie gras “crème brulée” with chestnut, sage, maple, puffed rice and plum jam; fairytale pumpkin squash panna cotta with braised chestnuts, cranberry emulsion and crispy sage; Yellowfin tuna crudo with crispy sweet potato, blackberry, cornbread croutons and maple emulsion; and black pepper cavatelli with crispy bacon, cranberries, chestnuts, thyme and winter truffle. Main courses include red bourbon turkey with oyster stuffing, Brussels sprouts, cranberry chutney and giblet gravy; duck breast with cornbread pudding, heirloom carrots, snow peas, pepitas and cider gastrique; pan seared scallops with parsnip purée, wild watercress, Asian pear and preserved lemon vinaigrette; and acquerello risotto with toasted Alba hazelnuts, compressed apples, dried cherries and pecorino. Dessert options include pumpkin cranberry bread pudding with pepitas, brown butter gelato and a cranberry emulsion; fallen chocolate “soufflé” with raspberry meringue and coffee panna cotta; and Honeycrisp apple tart with cinnamon gelato, feuilletine tuile and rum caramel.

Praline Bakery & Bistro will be open Thanksgiving morning selling pies to serve at home and in the afternoon serving dinner.
(Photo: Praline Bakery & Bistro)

Praline Bakery and Bistro, 4611 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, will serve a $48 three-course, prix-fixe menu from noon-8 p.m. featuring a choice of starters including pumpkin cream soup, mini chesse ravioli with petso and roasted butternut squash with apples, dried cranberries and bacon-pomegranate dressing. Entrees include roasted turkey galantine with butternut squash puree, creamy spinach and cranberry sauce; poached ocean perch with mashed potatoes and green beans; prime rib with potato galette and Brussels sprouts; rack of lamb with potatoes au gratin, Brussels sprouts and mint jus or sweet potato gnocchi with roasted vegetables. Dessert include pumpkin or apple pie. The downstairs bakery will be open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. for last minute dessert purchases to take home including pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pecan pie, pumpkin pound cake, apple rustic or chocolate cream pie.

Pinea in the W Hotel, 515 15th St. NW, will offer it regular menu from 2-8 p.m. along with three holiday specials. The holiday specials include a pan seared foie gras appetizer with cranberries, candied almonds and vin santo for $22; a roulade of heritage turkey entrée with chestnut and guanciale stuffing, Brussels sprouts, whipped sweet potatoes and roasted turkey jus for $30; and pumpkin tart for dessert with spiced mascarpone for $10.

Rasika Penn Quarter, 633 D St. NW, will serve turkey mussalam, charbroiled turkey breast simmered in a sauce made of cashew nuts, saffron, screw pine essence and cranberry purée, served with smoked butternut squash, broccoli amchor and saffron rice for $20 from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. along with it regular a la carte menu.

Rasika West End, 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW, is offering a special Thanksgiving dish in addition to the a la carte menu from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. The restaurant will offer turkey kofta biryani, a spiced turkey dumpling cooked in a sealed pot with aromatic basmati rice, flavored with stone flower and star anise, and served with butternut squash kootu, broccoli poriyal and cranberry raita for $20.

Station 4, 1101 4th St. SW, will servea four-course, prix fixe dinner for $40 from 2-11 p.m. The meal starts with an amuse of pork belly with pickled cucumber, red sorrel and yuzu vinaigrette, followed by a choice of starters such as beet salad with goat cheese, pistachios, frisee and cumin vinaigrette; cream of butternut squash soup with truffle essence and micro chive; crab tartar with avocado, cucumber, lemon aioli, chive oil and wasabi foam. Main courses include lobster ravioli with tomato butter and dill; beef tenderloin with bone marrow sauce, potatoes au gratin and asparagus and butternut squash risotto with pecorino cheese and Brussels sprouts. For dessert, guests can choose double dark chocolate ganache tart with black currant puree and French vanilla ice cream; white chocolate bread pudding with salted caramel gelato or homemade gelato trio (chef’s choice).

Post-Thankgiving

BLT Steak will be serving Thanksgiving leftover popovers on Black Friday. (Photo: BLT Steak)

Everyone knows that leftovers are one of the best things about Thanksgiving. So all day on Friday, Nov. 27, BLT Steak, 1625 I St. NW, will serve Thanksgiving leftover popovers, the restaurant’s signature warm popovers filled with dark and white turkey meat, cranberry chutney, potato puree and rosemary gravy. The popovers will be available for $10 at the bar or to-go during lunch and dinner service.

The cool, rainy weather of the last week quickly moved the thoughts of DMV residents from summer to fall or even winter. Falling leaves, withering flowers and the rumble of the furnace on a chilly morning puts us in the mood for hearty fall dishes and bring to mind apples, cider, pickled and preserved foods, squash, pumpkin and other fall ingredients.

Executive chef Samuel Kim and his culinary team recently introduced their fall menu at 1789 Restaurant, 1226 36th St. NW.

1789 Restaurant in Georgetown is now serving its fall menu. (Photo: 1789 Restaurant)

On a cold, rainy Thursday last week, my friend and I headed over to Georgetown to enjoy the new fall items at one of D.C.’s historically-rich dining destinations. Located just a few minutes from the bustle of Georgetown’s M Street, stepping into 1789 is like stepping into history. Named for the year that Archbishop John Carroll – Georgetown University’s founder – purchased the original site of the restaurant, as well as the year the U.S. Constitution was adopted and the year the village of Georgetown was incorporated, 1789 is furnished with working period gas lights, antiques, prints and photos, which create an ambiance that echoes the building’s heritage.

A member of the Clyde’s Restaurant Group, 1789 is tucked inside a Federal-style house across from the historic Car Barns. Covering four floors, the restaurant has the charm and ambiance that only old houses possess. Floors creak, doorways sag, fireplaces are extra-large and low ceilings are all nostalgic. As we walked through the John Carroll room to our table, I wondered what he walls had witnessed over the last 200 years with diners the likes of President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, just to name a few.

The John Carroll Room is decorated with Currier and Ives prints from George Washington¹s days as president, early maps of the city, and paintings and prints of Georgetown University as well as a huge fireplace.
(Photo: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

Entering the restaurant, you are greeted by the quaint, charming pub that invites lingering with a glass of wine, especially on a chilly evening. Antiques and furnishings fill the space. The bar itself is a slab of marble that was formerly a part of the production room at the Evening Star newspaper and a Parliament clock keeps time in the corner. In addition to the pub, there are three other dining rooms: the John Carroll Room – the main dining room — Manassas Room and Wickets Room, as well as two rooms for private events—the Middleburg Room and the Garden Room.

Kim, who returned to 1789 just over a year ago as executive chef, began his career there working under then executive chef Ris Lacoste. On the night we were there, the menu anticipated the slight chill in the air with fresh fruits and vegetables such as Asian pears, Gala, Honey Crisp and Jonagold apples, butternut squash and autumnal greens; pungent local blue cheeses and fresh made pasta.

Our meal began with fresh baked bread (clockwise from top left), apple salad, hamachi crudo and foie gras torchon. (Photos: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

The meal began with a bread basket filled with 1789 bread and Parker House rolls baked in-house by pastry chef Lauren Petri and served with butter and sea salt. Diners also received a small cup of refreshing apple cider mixed with ginger.

For our first course, my guest chose the hamachi crudo ($17) with pickled daikon and black radish, smoked dashi, Asian pear and a nori rice puff. My friend enjoyed it a lot and even I, who doesn’t like raw fish, found it to be a mellow fish flavor that didn’t overpower the other ingredients. I opted for the apple salad ($14) with Honey Crisp and Jonagold apples, prosciutto, Taleggio cheese, spiced caramel, bitter greens and cider foam. The salad included sweet fresh and baked apples that paired perfectly with the soft cheese and salty prosciutto. Kim also sent out foie gras torchon ($26) for us to try. The foie gras was rolled in pistachio dust and served with Concord grape compote, pickled celery, bruleed fig, candied hazelnuts and brioche toast. Neither of us are foie gras fans, but the grape compote and candied hazelnuts made the duck liver pate palatable, although we both only took one bite. Appetizers range for $14-$26.

The second course was our favorite with the fall pasta dishes. My chestnut tagliatelle ($17) was a perfect autumn dish with porcini mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, shallots and fried sage. It was meaty from the chestnuts and mushrooms and was a bite of autumn on a fork. My friend ordered the pappardelle pasta ($20) with Maine lobster, fennel, Meyer lemon confit and Pernod. It was tasty and perfect for the cold, rainy night. Pasta dishes range from $16-$20.

The second course included chestnut tagliatelle (clockwise from top left) and lobster pappardelle, while entrees included beef tenderloin and a Thai branzino. (Photos: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

For entrées, I chose the beef tenderloin ($46), which was served with yellow corn, tomatillo puree, huitlacoche, charred scallions and chanterelle mushrooms. It was cooked perfectly and was filling. My friend ordered the branzino ($38), which is also known as sea bass and was served in a coconut-red curry broth with yogurt foam, golden lentils, charred cucumbers, green papaya, pickled onions and toasted rice powder. It was tasty and not fishy with a Thai twist. Both were excellent choices and worth ordering again. Entrees range from $28-$46, although we hear some additions – like beef Wellington – will be coming soon.

For our cheese course, we chose Kunik (all the cheese options are $12), a triple crème soft cheese made with goat milk and Jersey cow cream. It was served with apple butter and honey hazelnuts. It was the perfect choice to cleanse our pallets and to let our entrées begin to digest before having dessert.

The cheese course included a soft Kunik (top left), while desserts included rose poached pear (clockwise from top right), pumpkin walnut strudel and kiwi-berry pavlova. (Photos: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels),

And when it was time to order dessert (all priced at $10), we couldn’t decide on just two, so we ordered three. The pumpkin walnut strudel was my favorite fall dessert with maple roasted delicate squash, goat cheesecake, molasses stout croutons, spiced pepitas, walnut phyllo and sweet potato-Speculoos ice cream. It was the perfect ending to the fall delights. We also sampled the rosé poached pear, crème fraîche panna cotta, Asian pear, ginger chips, spiced cookie and ginger-lime granite and the kiwi-berry pavlova with toasted coconut meringue, lime curd, cashew cream, coconut tuile and kiwi-berry sorbet. I don’t think we could have gone wrong with any of Petri’s desserts.

1789 Restaurant is open for dinner from 6-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday, 5:30-11 p.m. Saturday and 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday. Jackets are recommended for men, but not required.