Halloween spooktacular specials and frighteningly festive foodie events

October 27, 1:39 PMDC Restaurant ExaminerLisa Shapiro

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Pastry Chef Anthony Chavez's "Eye Scream" at 2941

Many DC area restaurants are showing their Halloween spirit this year by offering spooktacular specials and frighteningly festive foodie events. Below is a listing of restaurant events or specials:

2941: The "Eye Scream" Returns at 2941. Pastry Chef Anthony Chavez is once again brewing up his whimsical Halloween dessert which will be available to dinner guests. This bone-chilling confection features Valrhona white chocolate, pistachio mousse and raspberry-lychee coulis, presented on a bed of dry ice to resemble a pair of smoking eyeballs (see photo on right). This frighteningly festive dish is priced at $15 (or as a $10.00 supplement on any Prix Fix menu). 2941 is located at 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042

Buzz's Spooky Sugar Cookies

Buzz bakery and lounge will once again host its annual "Boo-Fest" celebration, the Halloween extravaganza for kids of all ages on Thursday, October 29^th from 3-6 p.m. Costumed kids can decorate spooky sugar cookies, play games and win prizes, while parents enjoy a complimentary cup of steamed apple cider. For More Information: Buzz Bakery; 899 Slaters Alexandria, VA 22314; tel: (703) 600-2899

Poste Moderne Brasserie's ‘Ghost Roast’ In Honor Of Halloween: October 31st 6:30 p.m. ~ Enjoy Roasted Capretto with Fall-Inspired Cocktails, Red Wine Caramel Apples and a Five-Course Tasting menu. Plan on coming in costume. The best costume will win a five-course chef’s tasting for two. Chef Robert Welands special Poste ‘Ghost Roast’ will feature: Warm 8th Street Market Mulled Cider and as an appetizer, Pumpkin Soup and Salad: foie gras, red onion marmalade, toasted pumpkin seeds paired with: The Linus: Roasted local pumpkin, Flor de Cana 7 year old rum, Bacardi coco, touch of milk, dusted with nutmeg. Main course includes a Wood Roasted Capretto (Baby Goat) served with Anson Mills creamy polenta and charred Brussels sprouts paired with: Post Road Pumpkin Ale, Brooklyn Brewing Co. For dessert: Goat Cheese Cheesecake: concord grapes and concord grape sorbet paired with: Wolffer Late Harvest Chardonnay, Sagaponack, NY, 2007. Cost: $45 exclusive of tax and gratuity. Space is limited (30 seats total) and reservations are required. For reservations and for more information contact Stacy at (202) 449-7062 or stacy.nemeth@postebrasserie.com Poste Moderne Brasserie, 555 8th Street, NW Washington, DC, 20004. 

Belga Cafe - DC's first Beligian restaurant, the Belga Cafe will be serving up magic and mischief at the bar as they celebrate Halloween with Chef and Owner Bart Vandaele as he creates spooky desserts and provides candy for neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Imbibe at the bar with frightful spirit concoctions such as The Vampire Kiss Martini, with vodka, champagne and chambord; The Blood Sucker Cocktail, a delicious combination of rum, pineapple juice and strawberry puree; and of course, a Witches Brew Golden Ale from Belgium. Belga Cafe is located at 514 8th Street, SE; Washington, DC (202-544-0100; www.belgacafe.com).

Co Co. Sala, DC's only chocolate boutique and lounge, will be celebrating Halloween with treats of plenty. Retail offerings include their seasonal special Somethin' Pumpkin Bar, a sweet combination of chocolate and spiced pumpkin; Boo Bar Collection, a package of bars ranging from Twilight Bite (chocolate pumpkin truffle cream, habanero crunch & cinnamon bits) to Burnt Mummy (chocolate, peanut butter cream, salted dark caramel & crispy rice). Treat your little ghosts, goblins and ghouls to Co Co. Sala's customized White & Milk Chocolate Spook Pops or make your party special with Co Co. Sala's customized edible plaques decorated with pumpkins, ghosts and bats. Indulge in our special Vampire's Kiss Kupcakes, perfectly moist chocolate delights complete with a touch of raspberry. To celebrate with Trick-or-Treaters, Co Co. Sala will launch their Hot Co Co. Sips Stand, just outside Co Co. Sala from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31st. To inaugurate this new feature launch, Co Co. Sala will donate all the proceeds from Saturday to the non-profit Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org). Co Co. Sala is located at 929 F Street, NW; Washington, DC (202-347-4265; www.cocosala.com).

Trummer's On Main celebrates a town full of Halloween spirit on October 31st. Come early with your children in costume as Trummer's On Main and all local shops and restaurants participate in Trick-or-Treating along Main Street in Clifton. Trummer's is handing out hot chocolate and cookies, freshly made by Pastry Chef Chris Ford, on the front porch of this historic home. Later in the evening, come in full-costume as Trummer's hosts a costume party in the bar and lounge area. Awards such as 'Best in Show' and 'Most Scary' will be handed out. Goolish libations by Mixologist Stefan Trummer include a Hot Toddy and Pumpkin Daiquiri. Trummer's On Main will be serving regular dinner service, featuring Halloween surprises throughout the menu by Executive Chef Clayton Miller. Trummer's On Main is located at 7134 Main Street, Clifton, VA (703-266-1623; www.trummersonmain.com).

Halloween Party at EatBar & Special Screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show, Costume Contest + Creepy Cocktails: Come dressed in your Halloween best for a costume contest and special screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 31st at 8pm. We'll be handing out prizes to the best-dressed and for one night only, we'll break out a collection of creepy cocktails, including the Poisoned Apple made with Svedka and apple puckers, lined with a pop rocks rim, and garnished with gummi worms, and The Zombie Punch with Mount Gay rum, triple sec, Malibu and raspberry syrup. Chef Barry Koslow will lend a hand with some Halloween-themed dishes such as Deviled Eggs, Blood Sausage and Tongue Tacos. Scary indeed. For a more “cerebral” Halloween, slip next door to Tallula, where Chef Koslow is dishing out special holiday plates of Calf brains meuniere and Pumpkin soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, curry oil and crème fraiche. Koslow will serve the special Halloween dishes in addition to Tallula’s regular a la carte menu.

Channel the inner Hulk Hogan at Rustico’s no-holds-barred OctoberSlam, where guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite wrestler. In addition to a costume contest, the Alexandria neighborhood restaurant is also hosting a Sierra Nevada glassware giveaway, featuring one-of-a-kind ale personally brewed by Beer Director Greg Engert during his recent trip to the Sierra Nevada brewery in California. The OctoberSlam and glassware giveaway will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, October 31st.

Dive into the rabbit hole at Vermilion’s Alice in Wonderland-themed Halloween party, which will take place in the restaurant’s lounge on October 31st at 10 p.m. Vermilion will serve spooky “spirits” and hand out fabulous prizes to the best-dressed guests. For added entertainment, the Alexandria-based rock quartet, Don’t Panic, will perform live.

Spooky Halloween Cruises on the Spirit of Washington: To get in the spooky mood, join Entertainment Cruises aboard the Spirit of Washingtonon Halloween for a spooktacular lunchtime cruise or evening “Boo” Cruise. Food, candy and Halloween fun are on tap, and costumes are encouraged! The second annual “Boo” Cruise promises haunting late-night views of DC beneath the moon. The frighteningly delicious menu includes Mummy Hummus & Vegetable Crudités; BBQ Batwings (wings); Sweet & Sour Goblin Eyes (meatballs); Southwest Spiders in Spring Rolls; Bandaged Frank-in-steins (Pigs in a Blanket); Sliced Witch Tongue Sandwich with Swiss (Monte Cristos); Mashed Bootatoes & Chopped Cow Toes (Shepherd's Pie); and a Candy Filled Tombstone (sweets). Time: 11:30am to 2:00pm for lunch; 9:00pm to 12:00am for dinner Contact: 866.306.2469 or reserve online for lunch or dinner. Cost: $38.90 per adult and $19.45 per child age 3–12 for lunch; $43.90 per person for dinner.

Majestic Cafe: This historical Old Town sibling of Restaurant Eve will offer Halloween goodies, such as chef Shannon Overmiller’s Pumpkin-Bloody bundt cake ($7.50) topped with white marzipan ghosts and dripping with red-cherry/port sauce. In addition, On Halloween night, the restaurant’s house-made flavored sodas ($3) will be garnished with gummy eyeballs. Ewwww!

Zengo: Chef/owner Richard Sandoval is making Halloween even more fun by offering guests a choice of either a “trick” or “treat” when the server arrives with the check. This week through Saturday, October 31, diners can choose a complimentary dessert upon their next visit or select from an unknown assortments of tricks, which may include a free cocktail, dinner for two, a bento box or—boo!—nothing at all. Each customer gets one trick or treat per visit.

Kemble Park Tavern:  Halloween celebration for kids of all ages at the Kemble Park Tavern. Bring the kids for Tricks and Treats for the youngsters starting at 4 pm on Saturday, October 31st. For the kids we have free treats, and tricks provided with a complimentary Magic Show at 4:30 pm on the patio by The Great Zucchini, renowned Washington Magician to younger children. No reservations necessary. For adults (or the kids at heart), there will be Halloween treats as well. Adults are encouraged to come in costume (no masks, please!) or come by and watch the kids. Be sure to meet Wilfredo, the Palisades' friendliest and most talented Mixologist. He'll be shaking things up with special Halloween drinks and mixes this Saturday as well, all night until closing! Located at 5125 MacArthur Blvd NW in the Palisades.

Napoleon: Celebrate Halloween French-style: $20 at the door gets you caricature artists, magicians, wall-projected 1930s French films, a spa-product-loaded swag bag and an instantly redeemable $10 gift certificate. Meanwhile, the costume comp pays well, with "scariest" getting dinner for two, "most French" nabbing a year's worth of French classes (valued at $445), and, valued at 1500 Euros, two comp'd nights at a swanky Paris hotel for "most French + original + scary". Hello, Charles de Gallstones. Sat Oct 31st, at Napoleon: 1847 Columbia Rd NW; Adams Morgan. Call 202.234.7911 to reserve tickets, or sashay over to FranceDC.org

Z-Burger: (4321 Wisconsin Ave NW) is getting into the Halloween Spirit with their Z-pooky Halloween Party, complete with a costume contest and free Pumpkin Spice Milkshakes for all. The celebration will take place this Friday, October 30th from 4-7pm. For the disguised customers, the competition judging begins at 6:30pm. Costumes will be judged for creativity, originality and execution.

• Prizes Include:
  • 1st Place- $500 Cash prize, 1st place trophy
  • 2nd Place- 2nd place trophy, 10 Free Burger Tokens & 10 Free Milkshake Tokens
  • 3rd Place -3rd place trophy, 5 Free Burger Tokens & 5 Free Milkshake Token

The contest and party is open to those of all ages, however every customer under the age of 12 who comes dressed up for the event will get to ‘trick or treat’ for their choice of free burger or free milkshake token.

Also, as loyal fans of President Barack Obama, Z-Burger will award 5 Free Burger Tokens & 5 Free Milkshake Tokens to all customers with costumes resembling the 44th President.

About Z-Burger: Z-Burger is a quick-casual American restaurant known for its burgers, fries, onion rings and impressive variety of 75 milkshake flavors. Z-Burger operates two locations in northwest DC at 4321 Wisconsin Ave and 2414 Wisconsin Ave NW. Check us out at www.zburger.com or on Twitter at @zburger.

Social: Halloween party at the new DC area restaurant/lounge, Social. Enjoy spooktacular specials on Jagermeister and Rogue "Dead Guy" Ale, all night!! Costume Contest with spectacular prizes at Midnight. You have an extra hour to party, because you can always sleep when you're dead! Located: 1400 Meridian Pl NW. @ 14th St. Washington, DC 20010 http://www.social14.com/

El Día de los Muertos Celebrations

Oyamel: In Latin America and Mexico, El Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a three-day holiday that honors the memory of deceased relatives and celebrates the cycle of life and death. In DC’s Penn Quarter, part of Jose Andres' Think Group, this Mexican small-plates restaurant Oyamel, extends the tradition to one full week. Beginning October 26 through November 2, enjoy special cocktails, a tamale cart on the patio, and a decor that reflects Latin traditions, including marigolds, candles, and an altar. Marigolds reappear on the special Day of the Dead menu (small plates $5 to $7.50), too—in dishes such as sopa de calabaza con carnitas, a butternut-squash soup with cinnamon, habañeros, and fried pork. Or try a Mexico City-inspired tamale with Chihuahua cheese, tomatillo sauce, and roasted poblanos. At the bar, a special cocktail, the Sloe Dead Fizz ($5), is made with Plymouth sloe gin, Presidente Mexican brandy, Chartreuse, lemon juice, and egg white. For a complimentary featured cocktail with a purchase: See coupon for "Sloe Dead Fizz" cocktail.  

 

November 1 & 2 -

November 1&2: Rosa Mexicano – Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead Celebration) and enjoy special seasonal menu additions. (see menu below) DC Metro Area Rose Mexicano locations: National Harbor 153 Water St National Harbor, MD 20745 (301) 567-1005 Penn Quarter 575 7th St washington, DC 20004 (202) 783-5522

Appetizers: Tamal de Calabaza / Pumpkin Tamal Roasted pumpkin and spicy red bean tamal filled with smoked chicken. Served with goat cheese and pumpkin seed crema. Panzanella de Calabaza con Hongos / Chopped Bread Salad with Pumpkin and Mushrooms. Chopped salad comprised of diced “Pan de Muerto” (Day of the Dead bread), pumpkin, dried shiitake mushrooms, queso fresco, watercress and radicchio tossed in a pumpkin seed dressing, topped with edible flowers.

Platillos Principales / Entríes Estofado de Pato / Baked Mexican “Cassoulet” Slow cooked stew of duck leg, chorizo, cured duck, red beans, roasted pumpkin, pomegranate and guajillo chile. Topped with toasted pumpkin bread crumbs. Bistec con Mantequilla de Chile Serrano / Black Angus Rib Eye with Serrano Chile Butter Grilled 18 oz Black Angus rib eye topped with serrano chile butter. Served over wilted greens with pumpkin-potato flautas. Pescado con Sopa Seca Mexicana / Pan-Roasted Halibut with Mexican “Dry Soup” Pan roasted filet of halibut served over traditional Mexican “dry soup” of long grain rice, pumpkin, prunes, pine nuts, chiles and swiss chard. Served with pistachio mole.

Postre / Dessert Budín Pegajoso de Calabaza / Sticky Pumpkin Cake Sticky pumpkin cake soaked in pumpkin-piloncillo sauce, topped with pumpkin mole swirl ice cream and cranberry salsa.

Bebida / Beverages Margarita de Calabazas con Especias / Pumpkin Spiced Margarita