The 5 Hottest New Culinary Offerings Around DC

The new year offers abundant color on the plate with terrific dining destinations in DC and beyond.
A miniature creme fraiche ice cream cone smothered in Royal Daurenki caviar at The Inn at Little Washington.

THE INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON
When chef Patrick O’Connell stands at your table and gives a primer on the art of nibbling a pinch of caviar off your wrist, you know it will be a special night. When I visited The Inn at Little Washington to stay in Th e Cardinal’s Nest, a recently unveiled cottage (see “Cottage Core”), I couldn’t resist trying O’Connell’s new Petrosian caviar nine-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The indulgence is a stunning bucket-list experience.

Standout courses include a crispy potato waffle with sour cream espuma studded with caviar, the Tin of Sin with Chesapeake Bay crab and cucumber rillette accompanied by a tin of gorgeous little marbles of savory caviar (pairing: Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut), and savoy cabbage with a sweet chunk of Maine lobster drizzled with Royal Beluga caviar beurre blanc (pairing: Domaine Lefl airve Macon-Verze Burgundy). Th e evening’s lush capstone is a miniature creme fraiche ice cream cone smothered in Royal Daurenki caviar. As always, O’Connell delivers a memorable show. 309 Middle St., Washington, Va.,571.315.5279,@innatlittlewash

Minetta Tavern is new in Union Market District.

MINETTA TAVERN
Keith McNally’s Minetta Tavern, the iconic New York-style tavern and bar renowned for its vintage charm and Parisian-inspired menu, recently made its DC debut in the Union Market District. Menu hits include grilled Island Creek oysters with pancetta and Fresno chili butter, coq au vin with gnocchi and black truffles, brook trout with smoked trout roe, and the Black Label Burger featuring prime dry-aged beef cuts. The Lucy Mercer Bar, located above the restaurant with 18th-century French-inspired decor, offers a decadent selection of small plates, cocktails and French wine. 12874 Neal Place NE,202.235.0444,minettataverndc.com

Quill & Crumb at the revitalized Folger Shakespeare Library is the perfect spot to enjoy a winter afternoon.

QUILL & CRUMB
When the Folger Shakespeare Library opened last summer, my guide to the impressive new space waved an arm across the revitalized and light-filled Great Hall and said, “Wait until you see what’s planned for this area.” Quill & Crumb arrived before the holidays. Menu highlights include salmon gravlax on toasted brioche with herbed chevre, cucumber and radish; local cheese with Brightwood Bee Ranch honey, fresh berries, candied pecans and a baguette, and custom espresso drinks featuring housemade syrups (we love Ophelia’s Bloom, especially with pistachio milk and elderflower and lavender syrup). Guests can also enjoy beer, wine, local cider and seasonal cocktails from the bar. Open to the public, the cafe welcomes visitors without timed-entry passes or event tickets. In other words, it’s an enchanting place to hang out during a winter afternoon. 201 E Capitol St. SE,202.544.4600,folger.edu

SILVER AND SONS BARBEQUE
Fans of chef Jarrad Silver, take note: The master of barbecue recently opened the first brick-and-mortar location of Silver and Sons Barbecue, his acclaimed food truck and catering service known for its Jewish-Mediterranean-inspired takes on American barbecue. The 800-square-foot space in Bethesda offers carryout service and a standing counter accommodating four to six diners.

Signature items cherished by food truck enthusiasts, like short rib pastrami, prime brisket, pulled lamb shoulder, smoked turkey breast and pastrami-spiced mushrooms form the foundation of the menu. Guest should also expect creative specials and dishes exclusive to the restaurant. We can’t wait to see (and taste) what Silver has up his BBQ-stained sleeves. 5362 Westbard Ave., Westbard Square, Bethesda, Md., 301.500.3140, silverandsonsbbq.com

Expect pizzas, pastas, duck wings and a classic roasted chicken, among other standout menu items at the new Elena James All Day.

ELENA JAMES ALL DAY
Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic, the owners of Nina May (@ninamay_dc) and Opal (opal_dc), have been pondering the concept for Elena James All Day—a neighborhood restaurant with a playful and hip vibe—for several years. When they found the perfect location inside the Ritz Carlton Residence at Chevy Chase Lake, they pounced. Guests can look forward to counter service for breakfast and lunch, along with a separate dinner area featuring a long bar and open kitchen, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Early menu favorites include pizzas, pastas, duck wings and a classic roasted chicken. 8551 Connecticut Ave. in Chevy Chase, Md.,240.723.7093,elenajamescc.com