So many Easter brunches, so little time.
By Anne Kim-Dannibale
Washington’s restaurants offer plenty of options to mark the first official major holiday of the spring season. But with so many choices it can be difficult to pull the trigger. Here, a few of our favorites.
Zaytinya is offering a month-long Greek Easter celebration (Photo by Jack Dannibale)
Juan Coronado’s Apokreas cocktail at Zaytinya (Photo by Jack Dannibale)
Zaytinya
701 9th St. NW
202-638-0800
Jose Andres’ ode to Mediterranean cuisine is offering up a month-long celebration of Greek Easter, complete with outdoor markets, special dishes and even a cooking class. Don’t miss out on classics including lachanosalata with Chef Michael Costa’s own spin (clean, simple and light), or cocktails like Juan Coronado’s Apokreas, a Metaxa, Verjus and maple syrup concoction topped with a pickled red quail egg and baby carrot (unusual and delish). For a truly one-of-a-kind evening, be among the 25 lucky enough to dine with Greek author and journalist Aglaia Kremezi on April 3 and cook with her on April 4. The restaurant is also planning two outdoor agoras for those wishing to bring Greek flavors home.
Blue Duck Tavern
24th & M St. NW
202-419-6755
Chef Sebastien Archambault’s spring menu includes seasonal favorites and new additions that take advantage of the 2013 RAMMY-nominated restaurant’s wood-fired oven. Look for duck confit hash, wood oven roasted scallops accompanied by a garden ratatouille and a hearty roasted lamb rack with spring garlic and rosemary. Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, March 31. $95 per person, $45 children 6-12 years.
The Hamilton
600 14th St. NW
202-787-1000
The Easter Bunny is scheduled to make an appearance at this hopping new event space and restaurant. Brunch items include American classics, including house-made hot cross buns, orange marmalade glazed ham and rack of lamb. Though the Easter Bunny will have plenty of candy to hand out, don’t miss out on special holiday desserts coconut cream cake and lemon meringue pie. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A la carte.
The Federalist
1177 15th St. NW
202-862-1600
Diners looking for local fare may want to stop into The Loews Madison’s newly redesigned restaurant, which offers classic fare inspired by the 18th-century. The Easter brunch menu features hearty Mid-Atlantic dishes like baked Virginia ham and grits and roasted leg of Shenandoah lamb, alongside more exotic entrees like braised brisket hash and eggs with a smoked paprika Hollandaise. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $60 per person. $30 children 12 years and under.
DGS Delicatessen
1317 Connecticut Ave. NW
202-293-4400
Jewish specialties may be a bit more difficult to find in Washington, but relative newcomer DGS is doing a respectable job of filling the void. The 2013 RAMMY nominee for New Restaurant of the Year is offering a Passover Seder menu with wine pairings for $60 per person; $40 without wine.
National Rainbow Seder
Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW
202-777-3253
LGBTQs of the Jewish faith and supporters can celebrate equality and Passover at GLOE and HRC’s sixth annual Seder. Rabbi David Dunn Bauer is scheduled to lead the Haggadah with a full kosher meal. Members of Washington’s Jewish Community Center receive a discount. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, March 31. $24-$36. A limited number of tickets remained at press time, click here to purchase.
