As the gloomy spring gives way to the sunny skies of summer in D.C., food enthusiasts are gearing up to explore a variety of culinary pop-ups throughout the city.
From inventive sweets to Caribbean delights and theatrical cocktail experiences, D.C. is bursting with flavors and unique dining events that are here for a limited time only.
One of the trendsetters in the pastry world is Savannah Velasco-Kent, known for her impressive work at Lutèce’s pastry program.
She is launching her own pop-up, Bread Scraps, focusing on delicious breads and pastries.
Every week, she offers bread subscription pickups in Arlington, showcasing rustic sourdoughs and rich barley malt loaves.
Her next pop-up event is scheduled for June 18 at Each Peach Market where patrons can find summer-inspired pastry snails filled with lemon verbena, coconut cookies, and artisanal breads made from local wheat and barley.
Although pre-orders are sold out, there will still be a chance for walk-up customers to grab some delicious treats.
If you miss this one, fear not as Velasco-Kent has plans for additional pop-ups in the coming month.
For barbecue lovers, Chef Joshua Davis, previously of the now-closed Little Vietnam, is unveiling a new concept called Lost Connections BBQ.
Operating from Hill East Burger from June 18 to 20, Davis will serve a range of innovative dishes including fried chicken sandwiches with panda milk bread buns, ramen burgers, and smoked Japanese curry fries.
Customers can explore these tantalizing options from 5 to 10 p.m. each night, with both reservations and walk-up options available.
Not stopping there, Davis is also hosting weekly pop-ups at Electric Cool-Aid every Friday night, offering a variety of smoked meats and noodle bowls with a unique BBQ twist.
In the realm of mixology, La Tejana’s José Cox and Masseria’s Jonathan Henriquez are back with their ice-obsessed cocktails at a pop-up known as Prosper.
This collaboration includes an immersive cocktail experience inspired by the stories of explorer Richard Byrd.
Taking place on June 22 at La Jefe, this event features unique drinks that combine ingredients like eucalyptus and palo santo, alongside an exclusive a la carte menu with sushi options from MXDC.
With a price tag of $78 for the experience, it’s promised to be an exciting journey for cocktail enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Tonari is welcoming the return of kakigori, a traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert, perfect for the summer heat.
Visitors can indulge their sweet tooth on weekends from 1 to 2 p.m., sampling flavors like coffee, strawberry, matcha, and more.
Additionally, the beloved cheesesteak pop-up is back on the first Monday of every month, featuring a unique twist on Philly favorites.
Chef Miguel Guerra, renowned for his Michelin-starred restaurant Mita, is relaunching his popular Latin American doughnut pop-up, Donisima.
Having initially started out as a family business across countries, Guerra’s doughnuts, including guava and cheese and chocolate-covered variants, are available at Junge’s in The Square.
Massive doughnuts retail at $5, catering to sweet enthusiasts looking to try various flavors with prices of mini-flights set at $10.
Avinesh Rana, chef at Paraíso, is also collaborating with a Navy Yard deli where he has introduced a mouthwatering birria torta, showcasing a fusion of his Nepalese-American heritage and Mexican cuisine.
This limited-time offering is available throughout June for $15.99.
New York sensation Levain Bakery is also making a splash in D.C. by partnering with local ice cream spots this summer.
Starting in late May, customers can enjoy thick, gooey cookies paired with Dolcezza’s vanilla bean gelato for $10.50, a sweet deal available only for the summer season.
In the spirit of vibrant outdoor dining, Dirty Habit has transformed its space into a Monaco-inspired hideaway, complete with spritzes, seafood dishes, and playful casino decor.
Guests can take advantage of The Golden Hour Experience, featuring $10 drink specials every Thursday and Friday from 7 to 8 p.m., providing an ideal setting for summer nights.
Tail Up Goat, a Michelin-starred restaurant making its exit this year, is hosting a crucial dinner series that highlights local chefs.
The series includes special collaborations with culinary heroes from across the nation, with tickets available for select June and July events.
This effort aims to celebrate the restaurant community that has thrived over the last nine years.
Bringing a lively atmosphere, a.kitchen + bar is launching a Wednesday dinner series featuring signature dishes from various noteworthy chefs, all contributing to support the Southern Smoke Foundation.
With an entry fee of $10 and a lineup that includes renowned D.C. chefs, it promises to be a memorable experience combined with live music.
Finally, in a creative take on outdoor dining, chef Chris Morgan is hosting grilling sessions on a patio at Joon throughout the summer.
Guest chefs will join him on select Thursdays in a delicious twist to raise funds for the James Beard Foundation.
With summer outings abounding, a refreshing wine garden has sprung up at a 14th Street restaurant, adorned with pink-and-white umbrellas and serving frozen cocktails alongside light bites.
As part of the festivities, Cork Wine Bar is introducing Marv’s Dogs, a pop-up offering Chicago-style hotdogs, enriching the summer culinary scene.
Additionally, for those who appreciate the finer things in life, the partnership between Death & Co. and Legacy Hi-Fi is bringing a glamorous fusion of hot dogs and martinis to patrons every Monday in June.
With a special menu that marries classic and decadent elements, these unique pop-ups across D.C. signal an exciting season of outdoor dining and gastronomic exploration.
Food lovers should stay tuned for updates, as these experiences promise to elevate the late spring and summer dining scene in D.C.
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