Dining: The Dubliner

May 10, 2018 Russell W. Warnick

The first time I step foot in The Dubliner was January, 2006 - I remember it clearly, I jumped off the metro at Union Station to meet my future roommate who suggested we meet there as it was close to her law school, a few pints later and we were setting a move-in date for a windowless room in a basement in Adams Morgan. I've changed, the restaurant hasn't. It's very much a DC institution, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

This year, in it's 44th year, Dave Coleman, founder of The Dubliner was awarded the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award "for dedication and leadership that has helped transform Washington’s restaurant scene into today’s vibrant restaurant industry."

The RAMMYS will be held on June 10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, tickets are on sale now at $325.

Drinking: Royal Pub

May 7, 2018 Russell W. Warnick

You've got to hand it to the team at Drink Company, they know how to deliver, in less than five days they transformed their Cherry Blossom pop-up bar into a regal Royal Wedding. Unlike past pop-up transformations it's only Eat the Rich that is open to become St George's Chapel, which might turn out to be a mistake if the crowds from opening weekend are anything to go by (I suspect the other two bars are being prepped for the summer pop-up installment that will no doubt come in June). It's a pretty impressive turnover, this Brit was impressed.

But before you ask, just because I carry a British passport I do not know any members of the Royal Household, and it didn't get me any perks. I'll be having words.

I've visited a few of the past pop-ups on 7th and I've never left without dropping a tidy Benjamin on a few rounds of drinks, spend a couple of hours here and you will too. But you go for the experience, not just the drinks. Gotta step up that #selfie game.

Dish: Rock Shrimp Okonomiyaki

May 3, 2018 Russell W. Warnick

There are a few dishes at Beuchert's Saloon that don't look like the rest, the whole menu is worth eating but there are a couple of stand out dishes that are, well, outstanding. The Rock Shrimp Okonomiyaki is one, I've been telling everyone about it since having it last weekend. A Japanese pancake topped with watermelon radish, sorrel, toasted shallots and a sweet soy sauce, and a drizzle of lemon cream which adds just a touch of fun to what is otherwise a pretty serious dish.

Dining: Player's Club

May 1, 2018 Russell W. Warnick

There's nothing quite like smashing stainless steel balls against a plastic Death Star in a Star Wars pinball machine, whilst listening to Tears for Fears and drinking a $4 Virginia IPA. Welcome to Player's Club, an 80's (70's & 90's?) inspired arcade bar that recently opened up on 14th Street, where else.

I'll admit to being an 80's kid but I'm going to go out on a limb and say 80's Britain and America were not the same. I don't recall as much wood paneling, questionable leather, and rust orange carpet and wallpaper (although my first car was rust orange, thanks for the life lesson, dad) as did the owner's of Player's Club; the Hilton brothers, from such fine U Street establishments as Marvin and Brixton.

© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL W. WARNICK, 2014 - 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

DISCLAIMER / CONTACT