34th Annual Giant Barbecue Battle Photo Recap - Day One

Buzz Lightyear & friend at the 34th annual Giant BBQ Battle

Summer officially began a week ago today, but DC Outlook doesn't recognize summer until the return of the Giant Barbecue Battle. That was yesterday, and even Mother Nature agreed to lend a helping hand, defying local projections of rain and (shudder) thunderstorms. She even managed to keep the Sun under wraps clouds, which for those of us who love to attend, makes a big, BIG difference. With the weather in check, the kind folks at Giant Food took care of everything else, delighting a huge crowd with great food, giveaways and music. If you're keeping score at home, those are probably the three best things in the world. Here's our annual recap of happy faces and memories; and in case you missed Saturday's non-stop fun, the BBQ Battle returns today along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd & 7th Streets. Tickets cost only $21.20 (including tax) and can be purchased online or in person. Gates open at 11 AM and don't close until 7 PM tonight.

Giant Barbecue Battle Marks Memorial Day and America 250 by Honoring Veterans

From our friends at Giant Food...

Giant Barbecue Battle Marks Memorial Day and America 250 by Honoring Veterans

As the nation gathers over Memorial Day weekend and prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle, America’s Food & Music Festival, will honor service members and spotlight veteran initiatives and businesses during its 34th annual edition on June 27-28 on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC.

Tejas Barbecue Twitter/X Food Review II

Tejas Barbecue's Pastrami Sandwich

We’re in Love Round 2 at @wonder’s Tejas Barbecue. Pastrami Sandwich ($18.95) is a literal work of art, featuring luscious, thick layers of A+ pastrami tucked inside marble rye bread, smothered in mustard (and subsequent deliciousness.) Destined to become my 🆕 go-to sandwich, since I’m officially in love 😍. A for awesome. Just as tasty, their $5.95 Cornbread (with visible char) which tastes almost identical to Streetbird’s Cast Iron version, save for orange 🍊 honey 🍯 butter 🧈 instead of maple 🍁 butter 🧈. Both are amazing (pick ‘em.) A+. All-around A+ & already one of Cleveland Park’s best combos.

Grade: A+

33rd Annual Giant Barbecue Battle Photo Recap

Heatstroke sizzles on the Pepsi Summer Grilling Stage

Is there such a thing as too hot? Yesterday's official temperature topped out at (just) 88* but it felt much hotter. I admit, it slowed me down a bit, but the Giant Barbecue Battle (celebrating its 33rd edition) is the type of event that draws really big crowds, no matter what the thermostat says. This year was/is no exception. I go to all sorts of events throughout the year, but the Barbecue Battle holds a special place in my heart. Great food, giveaways and music? Sold! Just in case you missed Saturday's non-stop fun, the BBQ Battle returns today along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd & 7th Streets. Tickets cost only $20 and can be purchased online or in person. Gates open at 11 AM and don't close until 7 PM tonight.

Hal & Al's BBQ Twitter/X Food Review

Hal & Al's Brisket Sandwich & Tallow Fries

Barbecue lunch at @BallstonCenter, by way of Hal & Al’s. Not much of a BBQ vibe, but food is pretty solid, including a $15 Brisket Sandwich with a mountain of well-cooked $6 Tallow fries (bathed in Wagyu brisket something) and a small square of corn bread. I ate the entire sandwich 🥪 & a third of the fries, but there’s nothing special about any of it. Next?

Grade: C+

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle 2022 Photo Recap

DC Mayoral candidate Red Grant performs on Sunday

After two years of virtual celebration, the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle returned to its familiar setting along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to commemorate its 30th anniversary in person. Mother Nature supplied beautiful weather. and Giant Food took care of the rest, welcoming crowds of barbecue lovers with great giveaways, music and succulent food. What more could you ask for (besides a whole week of activities?) Cue our countdown to next year already!

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue Rolls Out Game Day Packages

Smoked Avocado Deviled Eggs at Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

From our friends at Smokecraft Modern Barbecue...

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue Rolls Out Game Day Packages

Safely cheer teams on from home with award-winning barbecue favorites

Arlington’s Smokecraft Modern Barbecue has rolled out game day packages for fans to choose from. Guests can order take-out barbecue favorites to enjoy at home while watching football this season.

New Product Launch: The Texas Brush

The Smart Grill Brush in action

From our friends at The Texas Brush...

Smart Phones. Smart Buildings. Even Smart Cities. Now Introducing the Smart Grill Brush

Chefs, grilling aficionados and BBQ enthusiasts looking for a solution or holiday gift, meet The Texas Brush. Introducing the world’s first smart grill brush: https://texasbrush.com/.

Martha Stewart, Wolfgang Puck to Headline 2019 MetroCooking DC Show

Martha Stewart headlines this year's MetroCooking DC

From our friends at MetroCooking DC...

Martha Stewart, Wolfgang Puck to Headline 2019 MetroCooking DC Show

In addition, Emmy-winning Chef Lidia Bastianich, “BBQ Pitmasters” Myron Mixon, James Beard chefs, specialty food vendors, BBQ Bash, cooking classes at culinary showcase

Making her first appearance at MetroCooking DC, the region’s largest culinary showcase, Martha Stewart will headline the November 16-17, 2019 show to be held for its 14th year at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. In addition, internationally-renowned chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck will take the MetroCooking stage. Other well-known chefs, Emmy-award winning Lidia Bastianich and the “winningest man in barbeque” TV host and restaurateur Myron Mixon will make appearances as well.

The Watergate Hotel Brings the Nation's Best Breakfasts to DC

Main Dining Room at Kingbird (Photo: The Watergate Hotel)

From our friends at The Watergate Hotel...

The Watergate Hotel Is Launching a New Breakfast Pop-Up Menu, Featuring Dishes from Four Nationwide-Renowned Restaurants

The Watergate Hotel, the luxurious urban resort in the heart of the Nation’s Capital is bringing four of the nation’s most critically-acclaimed breakfasts hotspots to the city. Beginning September 26th, visitors and locals alike will be able to savor signature dishes from Connie’s Chicken & Waffles in Baltimore, Paperboy in Austin, Blue Collar Restaurant in Miami and Dusek’s in Chicago.

Adams Morgan Food Crawl Travels from Ethiopia to El Salvador This Saturday, September 29

From our friends at the Adams Morgan Partnership...

Carpe DC Food Tours and the Adams Morgan Partnership are thrilled to host the Flavors of AdMo Food Crawl this Saturday to celebrate the rich diversity found in Adams Morgan.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar to Host a Cookbook Release Party Tuesday, November 13

Photo courtesy of Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

From our friends at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar...

Fans of the Restaurant are Invited to Celebrate the Release of Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot’s Second Cookbook with a Party Featuring Delicious Food and Cocktails Profiled in Cuba Cooks

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, located steps from CityCenterDC at 801 9th Street, NW, will celebrate the release of Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot’s second cookbook, Cuba Cooks: Recipes and Desserts from Cuban Paladares and Their Chefs (October 2018) with a book signing party on Tuesday, November 13. Guests pay $50 per person to enjoy select open bar that includes beer, red and white wine by the glass, house red and white sangria, Pyrat Mojitos, Mango Mojitos and Spiced Cuba Libre's, along with an array of passed and stationary tapas, ceviches, and desserts profiled in Cuba Cooks. Dishes are subject to change, but may include Ceviche de Pez Perro - hog fish ceviche with black-eyed peas, coconut milk, cilantro and cachucha Chile sauce; Sopa de Cilantro - chilled cilantro soup with tempura of clams; Tacos de Berenjenas - malanga tacos with eggplant salad; Buñuelos de Espinaca, spinach and manchego cheese fritters, served with goat cheese sauce; Croquetas de Pollo - chicken croquettes with cachucha aioli; Alitas de Pollo a lo Chino - Chinese barbeque chicken winglets; Tostones con Ropa Vieja de Pato - braised pulled duck legs with Hawaiian toston, as well as Cuban Porchetta - pork belly and pork loin roast with Moros y Cristianos pilaf. Desserts are just as enticing and include Churros con Chocolate, Macarrones de Coco, Guayaba con Mousse de Queso Crema as well as El Arroz con Leche de Mami Totty. Cookbooks will also be available for purchase throughout the evening and priced at $40 each.

Jacques Pépin, Bethenny Frankel Join Lineup at December 1-2 MetroCooking Show

Jacques Pépin returns to MetroCooking DC, December 1-2

From our friends at MetroCooking DC...

Emeril Lagasse Headlines December 1-2 MetroCooking DC Show, Tickets on Sale

Just added: Legendary Chef Jacques Pépin; Lifestyle Maven Bethenny Frankel

Emmy-award winning Chef Lidia Bastianich, TV host & cookbook author Carla Hall, James Beard Chefs, specialty food vendors, BBQ Bash, cooking classes at culinary showcase

Making his first appearance at MetroCooking DC Show, the region’s largest culinary showcase, Emeril Lagasse will headline the December 1-2, 2018 show to be held for its 13th year at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Other well-known chefs, Emmy-award winning Lidia Bastianich and TV host and cookbook author Carla Hall, will make appearances as well. This event is organized by E.J. Krause & Associates.

Celebrate Bethesda Restaurant Week with All Set Restaurant & Bar

From our friends at All Set Restaurant & Bar...

All Set Restaurant & Bar, located at 8630 Fenton Street, Plaza 5, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, will celebrate Bethesda Restaurant Week by offering guests exclusive prix fixe menus during lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch service. Crafted by Executive Chef Edward Reavis, the menu showcases dishes inspired from time spent in coastal New England. Diners can look forward to a three-course lunch and brunch menus priced at $22 per person, and a three-course dinner menu priced at $35 per person (tax and gratuity not included.) Bethesda Restaurant Week will run from August 10 through August 19.

Emeril Lagasse, Carla Hall, Lidia Bastianich Headline December 1-2 MetroCooking DC Show

Emeril Lagasse (Photo: Sara Essex Bradley)

From our friends at MetroCooking DC...

Emeril Lagasse Headlines December 1-2 MetroCooking DC Show, Tickets on Sale

Emmy-award winning Chef Lidia Bastianich, TV host & cookbook author Carla Hall, James Beard Chefs, specialty food vendors, BBQ Bash, cooking classes at culinary showcase

Making his first appearance at MetroCooking DC Show, the region’s largest culinary showcase, Emeril Lagasse will headline the December 1-2, 2018 show to be held for its 13th year at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Other well-known chefs, Emmy-award winning Lidia Bastianich and TV host and cookbook author Carla Hall, will make appearances as well. This event is organized by E.J. Krause & Associates.

Slate Wine Bar + Bistro to Participate in RAMW’s BBQ & Grilling Week 2018

BBQ Quail at Slate Wine Bar + Bistro (Photo: Jeny Benitez)

From our friends at Slate Wine Bar + Bistro...

Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, located at 2404 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, is excited to participate in the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s BBQ & Grilling Week, an annual celebration of “Flavors of the Summer in the City” themed menus of grilled, smoked & spiced dishes. From July 16-22, Slate Wine Bar will be offering a special two-course menu showcasing some of Chef/Sommelier Danny Lledó grilling favorites and house-made BBQ which consists of Dijon mustard, apple cider, brown sugar, garlic and house-made hot pepper sauce. Priced at $22 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity not included), guests can enjoy a choice of Grilled Asparagus & Onions; Smoked Chicken Egg Roll with Carolina mustard sauce, or the BBQ Quail with semi-sweet mustard and mixed beans followed by a choice of Grilled Veggie Napoleon Burger with eggplant, squash, zucchini, tomato and onion, served with a house salad or fries; Grilled Pork Chop with hoisin soy chili sauce, onions and grilled vegetables; Texas-Style Smoked Dry-Aged Brisket served open-faced on brioche toast with a choice of house salad or fries, or the Grilled Hanger Steak with chimichurri and fries. For a sweet ending, guests can select from the featured Ice Cream or Sorbet of the Week for an additional $4. The complete menu is listed below.

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle 2018 Photo Recap

Redskins legend Ken Harvey meets his match at the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

The forecast called for rain... lots of rain; but Mother Nature had other ideas this weekend, providing mostly clear skies for the 26th annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Former Redskins pro-bowler Ken Harvey was there, signing autographs, as was Wee Man of Jackass fame. Great food and music too, including a special performance by the Plain White T's on Saturday night. There was also plenty of activities for kids, and enough freebies to fill (at least) two or three bags. Once again, Giant Food hits a culinary and fun-packed home run! In case you missed it, here are some of the highlights...

Red’s Table to Host BBQ & Bourbon Dinner on Saturday, July 14

From our friends at Red's Table...

On Saturday, July 14, 2018, Red’s Table will host a BBQ & Bourbon dinner featuring four varieties of barrel-aged American whiskey. To be called bourbon, whiskey must adhere to a strict set of rules. Most importantly, it must be produced in the United States and it must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn and matured in new and charred American white oak barrels. No colorings, flavors or other additives can be added to bourbon and it must be bottled at 40% ABV or more. On this special evening, guests will have the pleasure of enjoying a four-course dinner, prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Ettenson, paired with four varieties of bourbons. Standouts include Blade & Bow bourbon, Filibuster bourbon, house-smoked George Dickel No. 8 and Bulleit 10. The complete menu with bourbon pairings is posted below. The cost of the dinner is $85 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy these dishes and cocktails throughout the summer as menu items will be available a la carte from July 14 through September 3. Cocktails will be available for $12 each, and dishes will be priced from $3 to $28 each.

ThinkFoodGroup's America Eats Tavern Opens in Georgetown

From our friends at America Eats Tavern...

Chef José Andrés’ Ode to America Features Barbecue, Regional Specialties

José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup yesterday announced the opening of America Eats Tavern, located in the heart of historic Georgetown at 3139 M Street, NW. America Eats Tavern offers inventive riffs on historic and iconic American dishes with a focus on the mid-Atlantic region. In this newest iteration, America Eats Tavern additionally features a selection of barbecue.

MetroCooking DC Ticket Sales to Benefit José Andrés' Puerto Rico Relief Efforts

Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden (Photo: MetroCooking DC)

From our friends at MetroCooking DC...

Just Added: Carla Hall to Appear at December 9-10 MetroCooking DC Show Along with Guy Fieri & José Andrés

Fundraising effort for Chef Jose Andres’ Puerto Rico relief with ticket sales

In addition to Food Network’s Guy Fieri and local favorite José Andrés, it has been announced that Carla Hall from The Chew will participate in the December 9-10 MetroCooking DC Show. Hall will show attendees how to make her famous holiday biscuits and will be signing her cookbooks.