Fun Food Events Around DC This July

The hot weather may be making you melt, but fear not, because there are plenty of exciting food events happening in DC this summer. From cultural celebrations to hidden bars, there's something for everyone's taste buds. Here are some must-attend events that will satisfy your culinary cravings:

Celebrate Romanian Culture at The Wharf's District Pier

Immerse yourself in Romanian culture at The Wharf's District Pier, located at 101 District Sq., SW. This three-day event, hosted by the Romanian Embassy and the Romanian Cultural Institute, promises to be a feast for the senses. Enjoy traditional Romanian food, Transylvanian folk music, spoken word performances, and Carpathian dances. The festivities take place on Friday, July 7 from 5 to 9 PM, and on Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9 from noon to 8 PM. Best of all, the event is free, so no tickets or reservations are required.

Experience a Unique Metrobar in Bryant Street Development

While eating and drinking on the Metro is prohibited, you can indulge in transit-themed cocktails and food truck fare at Metrobar. Located at 640 Rhode Island Ave., NE, Metrobar is a hidden gem near the Red Line. Join their much-anticipated soft opening event on Saturday, July 8 from 5 to 9 PM, where you can sip cocktails inside a repurposed Metro car. Don't miss out on this unique experience, as tickets are limited and given out via a free lottery. Food trucks Bun'd Up and Abu Layla Kush will be there to satisfy your hunger until closing time.

Learn Southeast Asian Flavors at Hill Center Workshop

Discover the secrets of Southeast Asian street food at the "Street Food: The Mekong" workshop at the Hill Center, located at 921 Pennsylvania Ave., SE. Join Chef Mark Haskell on Tuesday, July 11 from 6 to 8 PM as he teaches you how to recreate the vibrant flavors of bánh xèo, a Vietnamese savory crepe. The $69 registration fee includes complimentary beer and wine, so you can enjoy a fun and educational evening.

Bold Fork Books Presents Cookbook Authors and Book Club Events

If you're a book lover and a foodie, you won't want to miss the events hosted by Bold Fork Books at their Mount Pleasant shop, located at 3064 Mt. Pleasant St., NW. On Wednesday, July 12 at 7 PM, baker Stacey Mei Yan Fong will discuss her book "50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant's Love Letter to the United States Through Pie." Get inspired by her unique recipes, such as California artichoke pie and Maine blueberry and Moxie pie. Tickets start at $10 and include admission and, of course, pie.

Explore Afghan Cocktails at LaPop

Join the Afghan cocktail night at LaPop, a hidden cocktail bar underneath Lapis, an Afghan restaurant located at 1847 Columbia Rd., NW. On Wednesday, July 12, starting at 5 PM, LaPop's talented mixologists will experiment with flavors from Afghanistan to create spirit-based concoctions. Experience a fusion of flavors in each sip. For just $5, you'll receive a welcome tasting of a housemade beverage.

Ramen Reading at Politics & Prose

Bring your little ones to the Takoma Park Maryland Library, located at 7505 New Hampshire Ave., Takoma Park, on Wednesday, July 12 for a fun reading of "Ramen for Everyone." Written by Patricia Tanumihardja, this picture book includes recipes and ideas for personalized ramen. Recommended for kids aged 4 to 8, this free event will spark their culinary creativity.

Best of Washington Party

Get ready to indulge in unlimited food from over 60 of Washington's best restaurants at the Best of Washington party, taking place at the Anthem, located at 901 Wharf St., SW on Thursday, July 13. This highly anticipated event is not to be missed. Tickets start at $195, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Treat your taste buds while supporting a great cause.

Oyster Happy Hour at Dauphine's

On lazy Friday afternoons this summer, head over to Dauphine's, located at 1100 15th St., NW, for their new oyster happy hour. From 11:30 AM to 3 PM every Friday through Labor Day, you can enjoy delicious local oysters from Maryland and Virginia at half price (around $1.75 each). The restaurant's regular happy hour starts immediately afterward, so you can keep the celebration going.

Flava Food Truck Block Party at the Sandlot in Anacostia

Experience the vibrant energy of the flava food truck block party at the Sandlot in Anacostia, located at 633 Howard Rd., SE, on Friday, July 21 from 4 to 9 PM. This monthly event highlights Black-owned roving food businesses and is free to attend. Explore a variety of mouthwatering dishes and support local entrepreneurs.

Midsummer Dinner Collaboration at Lutèce

Indulge in a unique dining experience at Georgetown's Lutèce, located at 1522 Wisconsin Ave., NW, on Monday, July 24. For one night only, Lutèce will host guest chef Nico Russell of Oxalis, an award-winning seasonal restaurant in Brooklyn. This collaboration between Russell and Lutèce's chefs will showcase midsummer ingredients in a memorable dinner. Reservations for this exclusive event start at $115 per person and can be made through Tock.

War of the Rosés: A Charitable Competition

Enjoy a friendly competition for a good cause with War of the Rosés. Eighteen bars and restaurants will donate 10 percent of their rosé sales during the month of July to charities of their choice. Started by the owners of Beau Thai and BKK Cookshop, this event allows you to sip rosé while supporting local charities. Check out the full list of participating restaurants and their chosen charities for more details.

Cheesetique's Mozzarella Fest

Throughout the entire month of July, Cheesetique is throwing a "Mozzarella Fest" at their locations in Alexandria and Arlington. Indulge in a special menu featuring burrata, cow's milk mozzarella, and mozzarella di bufala, paired with summery accompaniments like roasted yellow tomatoes. Sip on Italian drinks like spritzes and Negronis while enjoying the cheesy goodness. Don't miss out on special events, including movie nights and winemaker appearances at the Del Ray location.

Little Himitsu: The Resurrection of a Beloved Restaurant

Chef Kevin Tien's renowned Japanese restaurant, Himitsu, is making a comeback as Little Himitsu. From July through August, you can experience this exciting pop-up inside Petworth's Little Vietnam, located at 828 Upshur St., NW. The menu combines Little Vietnam and Himitsu dishes, including mouthwatering tuna handrolls, a delectable catfish sando, and Himitsu's famous karaage. Make a reservation through Little Vietnam's Instagram to secure your spot.

With these fantastic food events happening all around DC this July, your taste buds are in for a treat. Don't miss out on these unique culinary experiences that celebrate culture, creativity, and community. Make sure to mark your calendars and bring your appetite because it's going to be a delicious month in the nation's capital.

Images:

1. Caption: Bold Fork Books owner Clementine Thomas. Photograph courtesy of Bold Fork Books.

2. Caption: The scene at a previous Best of Washington party. Photograph by Jessica Sidman.

3. Caption: The dining room at Lutece in Georgetown. Photograph by Channing Foster.

Now, let's get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and savor the flavors of DC this July!