In Other Patio Opening News – Vinoteca’s also Opens with new Spring Menu

1940 11th Street, NW

And since we’re finally getting good weather – from a press release:

“One of U Street’s favorite outdoor gathering spots, Vinoteca has just opened its lively front patio and charming backyard Plaza Bar for Washingtonians looking to enjoy the beautiful coming spring weather. Al fresco diners can enjoy an expanded new Grill Menu of housemade hot dogs, burgers and other grilled snacks, sip new spring cocktails, play a round of bocce or enjoy a brunch in the sun at Vinoteca.

NEW SPRING GRILL MENU

Equipped with a full outdoor grill, Chef Lonnie Zoeller has amped up his grill offerings with an expanded menu of housemade hot dogs and burgers just for the spring season. Chef Zoeller began making his own housemade hot dogs last year, and has added several new varieties including the Who Dat Doggy, a boudin pork dog with grilled red onions and remoulade, and the Barbie Dog, chicken dog with BBQ, cheddar and apple. These join the classic Plaza Dog topped with ketchup/mustard/relish, the Frankfurter topped with homemade sauerkraut and caraway mustard, anda spiced-up veggie dog. All dogs are $7, and $6 at happy hour.

Burger lovers now have three juicy, grilled-to-order choices: the O.G. Bocce, a local beef burger topped with basil aioli, fresh mozzarella, grilled red onions, lettuce and tomato; the Holy Mother of Pork topped with fig & bacon jam, gruyere and frisee; and for veggie lovers, the Ciao Fungo, a portobella mushroom burger topped with roasted red pepper, feta and arugula. The O.G. Bocce and Holy Mother of Pork burgers are $9 ($8 at happy hour), and the Ciao Fungo is $7 ($6 at happy hour).

Other simple yet flavorful snacks coming off the grill include Beef Skewers with chimichurri, onions and queso fresco, Chicken Skewers with honey, lime, garlic and cashews, and Grilled Cauliflower with Asiago cheese and chives.

SPRING COCKTAILS

There’s nothing better in the spring than a refreshing al fresco libation, and mixologist Horus Alvarez has created a new spring cocktail menu to enjoy on the Plaza, starting on April 1. Vinoteca’s take on a Caipirinha, the Pra Caramba! ($11) combines Velho Cachaça, grilled mango juice, fresh lime and sugar, garnished with a fresh mint sprig. Alvarez’ Green Excitement ($11) is his own gin & tonic creation combining Green Hat gin, cucumber-mint-jalapeño water, orange bitters and tonic water and the Sidecar’s Sidekick ($12)was inspired by the classic Prohibition cocktail, made with Paul Beau 6yr Cognac, Combier orange liqueur, Pür Pear Williams Liqueur, fresh lemon juice, sugar and orange zest.

Vinoteca also of course has a Red Sangria on the menu ($8 glass/$32 pitcher) made with Torres 10 Brandy, Taylor Port, fresh citrus, cinnamon and apple.

BOCCE

The only bar in DC to boast its own outdoor bocce court, Vinoteca’s oyster-shell court setting on the Plaza is reminiscent of a European courtyard. Welcoming bocce pros and novices alike, the court is open Wednesday – Friday from 5 p.m. to close, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to close (on Monday and Tuesday evenings the court is reserved for DC Bocce League play).

Vinoteca offers happy hour every day (Monday-Sunday) on the Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. with $5 wines, $5 Peronis and discounted small plates. Brunch is also served on the Plaza and sidewalk patio on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.”