ArtBar at Art and Soul on Capitol Hill hosts new 5:01 happy hour fit for foodies.

Art and Soul Pork Rings. Photo by Jason Yaskoir

Washingtonians looking to reward themselves after a long and hard days work will find solace at ArtBar at Art and Soul. Known for its modern swank decor, Art and Soul, located at The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel, (415 New Jersey Ave., NW,) just a few blocks from Union Station, recently launched their new after-work happy hour, “5:01 Session,” just in time for the gorgeous spring weather. The new happy hour includes seven food and drink pairings for just $10 each, such as crispy duck wings with a 2007 Riesling from Mercer Estates, Yakima Valley -- a menu fit for foodies, even on a budget.

The "7:10 pairing menu", a collaboration between Executive Chef Travis Timberlake and General Manager/ Beverage Director Jay Poblador, features seven inventive food and drink pairings for just $10 each. Pairings include Crispy Duck Wings with a 2007 Riesling, Mercer Estates, Yakima Valley; House Cured Jerky paired with the Our Manhattan Cocktail; Deviled Eggs paired with the signature Put Up Martini; and Pork Rinds paired with a flight of four regional beers on tap.

Photo by J. Yaskoir

DCFüd Editor, Jason Yaskoir said, "The pork rinds had a nice amount of spice and were light; not what you would expect when you order pork rings, since they are not heavy or greasy, but good (see photo above). The duck wings were amazing – tender, crispy, and unctuous, with a  flavorful sauce. There were only three per order but definitely my favorite, and great for $10 with a glass of Riesling included."

The new small bites menu by Timberlake is designed to bring those that live and work in the Capitol Hill neighborhood together while offering a distinctive food and beverage driven experience. In addition, Art and Soul's lounge or "ArtBar" will also offer specially crafted cocktails, regional beers on tap, and an accessible wine list of esoteric wines and grape varietals from small batch winemakers at reduced prices from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. every Monday through Thursday.

Sweet Potato "Fries" // Photo by Jason Yaskoir

ArtBar’s new small bites menu will include the same Southern inspired dishes found on the pairing menu in addition to Fried Green Tomatoes with Lemon Caper Tartar; "Fries" (Sweet Potato or Boardwalk); and a choice of three different Chip Dips including Blue Cheese, French Onion and Maryland Crab all for under $6.

“I hope our guests have a lot of fun with the pairing menu and explore flavor combinations they might not have tried before,“ said Poblador. “Our goal was to come up with enjoyable yet unexpected pairings at a price point that encourages repeat visits.”

To gear up for the launch of the “The 5:01 Session” happy hour Poblador revamped ArtBar’s cocktail program to offer distinct hand-crafted and ingredient-driven cocktails, featuring components and liquors not often found in your average cocktail. Items from the Art and Soul kitchen also are incorporated to create ingredients like candied ginger and flavored simple syrups featuring seasonal items. The specialty cocktails are available for $6 each, and include favorites such as the Put Ups Martini with pickled onion, okra, beets, and quail egg; Ginger Smash with tequila, ginger liquor, lime, lemon grass, and candied ginger; and The Bartlett with cachaca, pear puree, and lime. “The 5:01 Session” also offers seasonal and regional beers on tap for $4, as well as an accessible list of 16 wines by the glass for $7 each, featuring acroamatic wines from small, relatively unknown winemakers.

For more information about “The 5:01 Session,” ArtBar or Art and Soul, visit www.artandsouldc.com. ABOUT ART AND SOUL Art and Soul is open for breakfast from 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Monday – Friday; lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Monday – Friday; and dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. Friday – Saturday; and Sunday Supper is from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Art and Soul also serves Weekend Brunch from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. ArtBar lounge services are from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.

The restaurant is located at The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel, 415 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, please call 202-393-7777. For more on Art and Soul, visit www.artandsouldc.com.