September Festival Dining in DC

September 8 - 22
Greek Modern Festival at Zaytinya
Location: Zaytinya, 701 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
3 Stars, $$$
Ph: 202.638.0800
Click Here for more information and reservations (recommended)

Chef Christoforos Peskias of 48 The Restaurant in Athens spends two weeks at Zaytinya for the festival. Diners can expect special additions to Zaytinya’s menu for lunch and dinner, which will range in price from $8 to $14. Highlights include a pork belly souvlaki "sous vide" with tzatziki foam, sardines and grape leaves in three variations and imam bayildi, roasted eggplant with tomatoes & onions with feta ice cream. During the Festival, Zaytinya will also offer dessert specials developed by Moisides, ranging in price from $10 to $12. Guests can also sample exciting cocktails (priced at $10) based on 48 The Restaurant’s recipes. The restaurant also highlights the great wines of Greece during this festival. A special flight will be offered for $25 and will include Evharis Eva Sparkling Moschofilero, Hatzidakis Assyrtiko Santorini 2007 (white), Dalamara Xinomavro Naoussa 2002 (red) and Samos Muscat of Samos Vin Doux.

September 10 - October 5
Rosa Mexicano's 6th Annual Chocolate Festival
Location: Rosa Mexicano, 575 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
4 Stars, $$$
Ph: 202-783-5522

The program includes menu specials, guest chefs, and cooking classes. Click Here for more information and reservations (recommended).

September 15 - October 12
Paella Festival: Taberna del Alabardero & Jaleo
September 15 - October 30
Location: Taberna del Alabardero, 1776 I St. NW
Ph: 202.429.22oo

Special Paella dishes will be offered during the Festival. The downtown restaurant will also host cooking demonstrations and give away free samples from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, Sept. 15.

September 29 - October 12
Location: Jaleo (Bethesda, DC, Crystal City)

Jaleo, in collaboration with Chef Rafael Vidal of Restaurante Levante in Valencia, Spain, designed a special menu of paellas ranging in price from $30 to $45. Chef Vidal will host the cooking of a giant paella and give out free samples at the Dupont FreshFarm Market Market on Sunday, Sept. 28. The Bethesda Jaleo will offer free paella samples at the bar during a happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 1.