The District’s Winter Restaurant Week, presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, returned this winter from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2. Across the city, restaurants of all cuisines and price ranges offered up multi-course meals at discounted, fixed prices.
During the week, elaborate lunches could be found for as little as $25 and dinners for as low as $40.
This Restaurant Week, The Eagle visited Cuba Libre, a vibrant restaurant serving up Cuban cuisine in an environment that teleports diners to the Caribbean. Their deal included a three-course dinner for $40.
The meal started off with two delicious appetizers: chicken empanadas with aji sour cream dipping sauce and black bean soup. A table favorite was the complimentary pressed Cuban bread that came with a soft and spreadable cinnamon butter. The savory oils on the bread paired nicely with the sweetness of the butter.
Their entrées included pollo asado and masitas de puerco fritas. The chicken came with roasted garlic mashed potatoes that were another crowd pleaser. Additionally, the pork was beautifully tender and moist after being slow roasted in a Spanish-style sauce. Portions were ample and there was little room left for dessert.
But how could we refuse! Dessert brought on a tres leches cake topped with a semi-sweet mocha mousse, adding in a slight chocolate flavor without overpowering the vanilla sponge cake. Much smaller in portion than the entrées, the cake was the perfect way to end the meal.
Beyond Cuba Libre, the area had over 100 restaurants participate in Restaurant Week. Upscale D.C. staples, such as Georgetown’s Italian Filomena Ristorante, offered lunch for only $35 and dinner for $65.
For those not in the mood for Italian, Jinya Ramen Bar offered tasty Japanese cuisine, and Tamashaa, an Indian restro bar, offered a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes representing flavors from across India.
Closer to campus is Rosemary Bistro Cafe, where diners could try a variety of dishes, including their grilled octopus, beef bourguignon and profiteroles.
Beth’s in Bethesda, Maryland, is hosting an extended restaurant week until Feb. 9, where their three-course dinner is $40. Focusing on classic American flavors, their restaurant week menu includes a smashed burger and a Callebaut fudge brownie for dessert.
Restaurant Week will roll back around this August. Take the opportunity to try something new. Cuba Libre is a fantastic choice, but there are plenty of other meals that are steals throughout the city.
This article was edited by Maria Tedesco, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Olivia Citarella and Emma Brown.
