Something wicked this way comes

Happy Halloweek, readers! We’ll save you any haunted forest roundups in this newsletter. If you’re a die-hard fear fiend you’ve already scoped out the scariest spots and if you’re not, well, we won’t peer pressure you.

Farm to Farm Table

Beyond housing the northern most sections of Shenandoah National Park, the DMV isn’t considered an outdoorsy spot, and the area is more known for good crab than any harvestable crop. But roughly 30 miles from Metro Center, Montgomery County is investing in its agricultural tourism. Aviva Bechky, explores The Crossvines in her latest story for WCP.

The restaurant, winery, vineyard, golf course, and events venue spans about 380 acres. According to Bechky, The Crossvines is a $19 million investment that aims to “boost agricultural tourism, bolster the local economy, and kick-start small wineries by offering wine-making equipment that vineyards can use on a contract basis.”

The expansive facility is unique in its mission, but it reflects a new emphasis being placed on local sourcing and farm-to-table concepts that many concurrently love and love to roll their eyes at.

“It’s almost been overused as a saying—you know, ‘they’re farm to table,’” executive chef Luis Montesinos tells Bechky. “But I literally want to be like, go to the farm, have the farmers come out and talk to me.”

The Crossvines Credit: Siravo Five

More and more, patrons are placing value on local ingredients and labor. And closer to Metro D.C., several spots are bringing new energy on the farm-to-table approach.

  • Zinnia opened in the space formerly occupied by Mrs. K’s Toll House in 2021, and Chef Danny Wells and his team have since made good use of the space. Ingredients from the property’s own organic raised beds are featured on the dinner menu and, with such a big green space, it makes sense Zinnia won runner-up for Best Kid Friendly Restaurant.
  • Shaw’s Oyster Oyster uses only native and wild ingredients on their menu. Except for the use of Chesapeake oysters—which, Oyster Oyster explains on their website, have played an essential role in the local ecosystem—the restaurant is entirely vegetarian.
Historical photo of Mrs. K’s Toll House; Courtesy of Charlie Demma
Carrot steak from Oyster Oyster, Credit: Deb Rubba

News & Events

  • Best Hardware Store Finalist Jenks’ Hardware in Northeast is hosting its 2023 Pumpkin Fest this Saturday, and it is truly brimming with pumpkins from soup to carving to mocktails.
  • Nothing screams fall more than cider, and Anxo’s Harvest Festival has mulled and non-mulled varieties. Plus, with apple season upon us, Anxo is once again bringing its foraged apple cider to the District. Help them forage the apples right here in D.C. proper.
  • Best Winery Winner District Winery’s candy and wine pairing might sound gross, but you were probably going to get a stomach ache from sugar consumption this Halloween anyways?
  • Hi-Lawn’s Halloween party is chock full of ‘90s vibes with live music from Uncle Jesse. Submit your Jenks pumpkin for their Jack-O-Lantern contest!
  • Whether you’re into the classic boba, aloe vera, or jelly, Spot of Tea’s Dupont location is now fully functional after hosting a grand opening this past weekend.
Pumpkin design by Lou Cantolupo; Photo credit: Tim Carman
Credit: Laura Hayes

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW D.C.’S BEST?

Congratulations to WCP readers Andre B. and Alexandra H. for getting the answer to last week’s question. Streets Market just opened up a new location in Georgetown on P and 27th streets NW. The market was a finalist for Best Corner Store this year.

Respond to this email with your guess to the question below and you could also win some WCP swag!

There’s a lot happening in D.C. at all times, but especially this weekend where Halloween celebrations might coincide with your 1989 (Taylor’s Version) release party. One Northwest D.C. bar—and holder of multiple Best of D.C. honors—is hosting both this weekend, with 1989 festivities on Friday and a Halloween extravaganza on Saturday.

What’s the bar and what categories will you find it in?

Hint: Both nights are sure to be RED.

Congratulations to WCP reader Henry F. for getting the answer to last week’s question.

It’s Not Delivery, It’s The Gig Economy

Best Cupcake Winner Baked and Wired announced the cafe and their sister spot, A Baked Joint, will be stepping away from the delivery service Grub Hub citing exorbitant fees imposed both on the restaurant and the consumer. The move aligns with previous outcry from some local restaurants over the fees associated with these companies, as well as the questionable working conditions for gig economy workers.

A report released by Katie Wells earlier this year looked at the experiences of workers from 20 different meal, grocery, and alcohol delivery services, including Grubhub. Recent legislation from Councilmember Charles Allen aims to address some issues with company practices, but the system remains flawed. To read about some of the report’s recommendations, check out WCP’s conversation with Wells online.

Credit: Paul Sableman / CC BY

That’s all for this installment. Be sure to check out all of our Best of D.C. winners, runners-up, and finalists here. We’ll see you in two weeks for the next edition!