Mission Dupont Twitter/X Food Review

Mission Dupont's Mexican Chile Wings

Mission: Overdone

Prior (dine-in) visits to @missiondupont have been great, but tonight’s delivery (via @DoorDash) left me disappointed, with 1️⃣ notable exception. Mission’s Arrachera Steak Taco ($7.50) was small but packed with steak. Unfortunately tough & overdone 🥩 ☹️ Late in the day perhaps? But no excuse. Vibrant cilantro & jalapeños subsequently got lost in the mix. D More disappointing? Mexican Chile Wings ($17.95) which were even more overdone. 8 wings with an A+ rub, cooked to death. I’ve had ‘em before (normally awesome) so I was really surprised. So surprised, I barely finished 3. D- (Thank God for the rub!) The aforementioned notable exception? A bag of $4.95 Chips & Salsa that seemed to come from Heaven above. Impossibly light but crispy chips & a perfectly zesty salsa (not thick, but delicious.) A (So good, they almost saved this meal.)

Grade: D+ (High expectations went unmet.)

Fish Taco Twitter/X Food Review

Chorizo Taco at Fish Taco

DMV > L.A. Tacos

Talia’s unofficial “summer tour” continues in downtown Bethesda with Sunday dinner at Fish Taco 🌮. As always, Chips & Salsa Verde ($5.50) to start. Hot, crispy chips & a beautiful green serrano pepper salsa A++ (best in DMV) followed by a $4.50 Chorizo Taco with more salsa verde, cilantro & onions… Orgasmic! A+ and a $10.50 Chicken Burrito with some of the best rice in the world & spicy adobo chicken B+ (mostly rice, but hard to complain.) Washed it down with a bottle of guava Jarritos (A!) and great 🎵 by Marc Anthony, Myke Towers & W Sound. Fantastic service too. Overall: A+

Grade: A+

Taco Bell Cantina Twitter/X Food Review

Crispy Chicken Nuggets & Nacho Fries at Taco Bell

Just once, I’d like to have (even) lukewarm Nacho Fries at @tacobell. Why always cold? D- Crispy Chicken Nuggets are hotter, and packed with flaky chicken + and insanely good Hot Honey Diablo Sauce (my new fave) B+ & Zero Sugar MTN DEW BAJA BLAST (green!) All for under 8 bucks.

Grade: B

Dos Toros Taqueria Twitter/X Food Review

Pollo Asada Taco at Dos Toros Taqueria

Now THAT’s a Chip!

@DosToros makes one of the prettiest chips in town. Golden, salty & delicious with Pico de Gallo (not liquidy, wished for more) A-, and one heck of a taco, Pollo Asada with Mexican Rice, Verde Hot Sauce & Pico de Gallo. Loaded, but still less than 5 bucks. B+ (a tiny bit cold) Overall: A- (spotless & cool inside + $3 off initial order!) Great music too (Disclosure.)

Grade: A-

Oyamel Kicks Off Tequila Mezcal Festival Monday

Photo courtesy of Oyamel

From our friends at Oyamel Cocina Mexicana...

In addition to hosting the Kick-Off Party for the annual Tequila Mezcal Festival on Monday, March 2nd from 6 PM - 9 PM, Oyamel will also host three nights of ticketed dinners in celebration of the agave spirits. Each dinner is inspired by cuisine of Oaxaca, with Chef Omar using unique ingredients from the region like Chicatana Ants, Ayocote Beans and Tlayudas - all exclusive to the cocktail dinners.

Mexicue Debuts in DC; Celebrated Mexican Concept Brings Bold Fresh Flavors to 14th Street

From our friends at Mexicue...

Mexicue Debuts in DC

Celebrated Mexican concept brings bold, fresh flavors to 14th Street

Today, Mexicue is thrilled open the doors to its first restaurant in Washington, DC and sixth shop nationwide, located in the 14th Street corridor of Washington, DC. What started as a food truck in 2010 by founder Thomas Kelly, Mexicue has grown to include five locations in NYC and Connecticut. The casual, convivial restaurant has taken inspiration from Mexico and the American South and created a unique mashup of flavorful, fun food and cocktails in an upbeat, vibrant atmosphere.

Maggie O’Neill to Bring “Let’s Play” to The Rooftop at Union Market

Click above to enlarge

From our friend, Maggie O'Neill...

Maggie O’Neill to Bring “Let’s Play,” Her First Experiential, Interactive Solo Exhibit to The Rooftop at Union Market

The life-size bingo game on July 28 will feature a 75-player board on the rooftop court

Renowned artist and entrepreneur Maggie O’Neill invites Washingtonians to play to win during her first interactive exhibit, “Let’s Play,” a free, open-to-the-public event at The Rooftop at Union Market (1309 5th Street, NE.)

Slapfish Food Review

Fish & Chips (Single) at Slapfish

There's a fast-casual version of just about every cuisine in the nation's capital. Even seafood... to a degree (Buredo, Luke's Lobster) but Fish & Chips? Fat chance. Until Slapfish came along. The California-based chain debuted in Rockville last July, and just opened their first DC location (in the old Capriotti's space at 1800 M Street, NW.) We stopped by the latter today for our first-ever visit, and found something positive (and not so positive) to report.

Dave & Buster's Fairfax to Open March 25

From our friends at Dave & Buster's...

Dave & Buster’s to Open Fairfax Location in Fair Oaks Mall

Northern Virginia’s newest entertainment destination slated to open in March 25

Dave & Buster’s, the ultimate entertainment destination, is thrilled to announce the March opening of their location in the Fair Oaks Mall. The opening marks Dave & Buster’s fourth location in the greater capital region and the 125th overall.

Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill Announces New Cooking & Cocktail Classes This Spring

Dyllan's Raw Bar Grill (Photo: Timothy M. Yantz)

From our friends at Dyllan's Raw Bar Grill...

Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill, located along the historic C&O Canal in Georgetown at 1054 31st Street, NW, is pleased to unveil cooking & mixology classes with their new Cooking with Chef Darren series. Led by Chef de Cuisine Darren Hendry, cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels will learn how to prepare some of Dyllan’s most popular dishes in the restaurant’s expansive prep kitchen. Classes are priced from $55 to $65 per person (all inclusive), which includes a complimentary glass of red, white or sparkling wine upon arrival, a welcome packet including a $10 gift certificate for a future visit, a Dyllan’s hat, as well as take-home recipe cards. Classes are limited to 10 attendees, keeping the experience friendly and relaxed. Additionally, Mixologist Allison Boyd will also lead a series of cocktail & wine classes this spring in the restaurants full-service bar. Beverage classes are priced from $35 to $45 per person (all inclusive), which includes a flight or wine or two complimentary cocktails along a collection of snacks and keepsake recipe cards/tasting notes. The complete list of cooking, wine & mixology classes are listed below:

Punch Bowl Social to open Arlington location December 8

Retro Diner at Punch Bowl Social San Diego (Photos: Punch Bowl Social)

From our friends at Punch Bowl Social...

Punch Bowl Social Arlington to Open December 8

The award-winning brand will launch in Ballston Quarter with a grand opening party

Punch Bowl Social will open its new 25,000-square foot restaurant, bar and entertainment destination (4238 Wilson Blvd.) in Arlington’s Ballston Quarter on Saturday, December 8.

MXDC Cocina Mexicana Celebrates Day of the Dead with Food & Drink Specials

From our friends at MXDC Cocina Mexicana...

MXDC Cocina Mexicana Celebrates Day of the Dead with Food & Drink Specials, October 29 - November 3

Dia de los Muertos sugar-skull face painting will also be available for guests on Friday, November 2 from 4 PM to 7 PM

MXDC Cocina Mexicana, the modern Mexican restaurant by Celebrity Chef Todd English, invites guests to take part in one of Mexico’s great traditions, the Day of the Dead. From October 29 through November 3, MXDC will offer three festive cocktails, four specialty beers, two shooters and three signature dishes, in addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu. Standout dishes include the Flautas De Pollo, fried crispy taquitos served over frijoles charros; the Mexican Posole, pork shoulder stew with hominy corn, and the Tacos De Camarones Fritos, soft shells and fried shrimp, served with coleslaw, chipotle aioli and pickled onions.

Le Kon Celebrates Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

From our friends at Le Kon...

The Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey. This year, Día de Muertos is celebrated October 31 - November 2.

The Options Are Endless with Slate Wine Bar + Bistro’s Newly Expanded Happy Hour Menu

Mini Pork Sliders with shishito pepper at Slate Wine Bar + Bistro

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

Relax after work with a newly expanded happy hour menu at Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, the neighborhood restaurant situated in the heart of Glover Park at 2404 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. This intimate bistro is a wonderful oasis to enjoy a glass of wine along with new Iberian and American bar fare created by Chef/Partner Danny Lledó. The menu is a ‘melting pot’ of flavors based on Lledó’s upbringing in the kitchen and vineyard, combining great wines and classic techniques with a contemporary flair. Happy hour specials are available daily, from 3 PM to 7 PM, Thursday, from 11:30 AM to 11 PM as well as Friday and Saturday, from 10 PM to midnight. Guests can enjoy $4 to $5 draft beers, $7 house sparkling rosé, white, and red wine by the glass, $8 signature cocktails along with 25 different snacks, priced from $3 to $9 each. Happy hour is available exclusively at the 14-seat bar.

The Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grille Raises the Steaks

Beefy Leafy Salad at The Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grille

From our friends at The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille...

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille is “Raising the Steaks” this fall with its limited time offer menu highlighting fresh from the kitchen meals - all made with aged USDA choice, grain fed sirloin. The famous Cowboy Burger, a ½-pound burger topped with Smoky BBQ sauce, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese and Onion Straws on a Sesame Seed Bun, will also be offered at a valued price of $9.99 throughout this promotion.

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.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille Introduces New Menu Items

Buffalo Chicken Pizza at The Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grille

From our friends at The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille...

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille will launch a new menu on August 6. The menu additions include a variety of flavorful pizzas, mouthwatering appetizers and an affordable build-your-own lunch option.

JINYA Ramen Bar Opens Next Week

Inside JINYA Ramen Bar at Pike & Rose

From our friends at JINYA Ramen Bar...

JINYA Ramen Bar Set to Open in North Bethesda's Pike & Rose

The first 100 guests will be treated to free slurpy-worthy ramen on opening day

We are pleased to announce that JINYA Ramen Bar, a full-service, sit-down restaurant, will be opening in North Bethesda's Pike & Rose, on August 7, 2018. This will be the restaurant’s third location in the DC Metropolitan area.

Celebrate Bethesda Restaurant Week with Mexican Newcomer Buena Vida

Fingerling Sweet Potato Tostones (Photo: Timothy Yantz of Ardent Vibe)

From our friends at Buena Vida...

Buena Vida, the newly opened Mexican concept located at 8407 Ramsey Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, will celebrate Bethesda Restaurant Week by offering guests an endless selection of Mexican fare prepared by Brand Chef Graham Bartlett. Dishes showcase traditional flavors from all the corners of Mexico, from coastal cuisine to the interior - and provides a fun and modern approach, designed for sharing a variety of flavors. Diners can look forward to unlimited small plates reflecting the signature dishes of Mexico priced at $22 per person during lunch service, and $35 per person during dinner service (tax and gratuity not included.) Bethesda Restaurant Week will run from August 10 through August 19.

TTT & Buena Vida Celebrate National Tequila Day on Tuesday, July 24

Tacos, Tortas & Tequila's TTT Margarita (Photo: Ardent Vibe)

From our friends at Tacos, Tortas & Tequila & Buena Vida...

Street Guys Hospitality's newest modern Mexican concepts, Buena Vida and Tacos, Tortas & Tequila (TTT), located at 8407 Ramsey Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910, will be celebrating National Tequila Day on Tuesday, July 24 with an extended Happy Hour available from 11 AM to 10 PM. At TTT, the first-floor authentic meets modern Mexican diner, guests can enjoy a selection of beverages available at a discounted price of $5 each including the TTT Margarita with blanco tequila, agave, and lime, house red, white, or sparkling wine, as well as draft, can, or bottled beer including Amber Dos Equis, Lager Dos Equis, Flying Dog 'Snake Dog' IPA, American Blonde Ale Flying Dog Numero Uno 'Agave Cerveza,' Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, Tecate, Tecate Light, Victoria, Pacifico, Bohemia, Estrella, and Jalisco.