Pintxo of grilled octopus and vegetables
 

  Osetra caviar with gin crème fraîche and caper gel

Cater to You
Fans of one of the District’s most delectable Spanish restaurants can now savor the goodness outside the restaurant. Taberna del Alabardero is expanding with a new catering venture, servicing events for up to a hundred guests. Look forward to staple dishes with a twist, like the classic Tortilla España: Normally served on a plate, it’s blended and presented in a mini martini glass for a bit of flair at catered events. Even better, executive chef Javier Romero is also available for demonstrations on conquering more advanced dishes like traditional paella or fried octopus. 1776 I St. NW, 202-429-2200; alabardero.com

Going Rogue
Vidalia’s former chef de cuisine, R.J. Cooper, is branching out on his own with Rogue 24. Joined by pastry chef Chris Ford and James Beard-nominated mixologist Derek Brown, Cooper is looking to bring fine urban dining to the District. Enjoy the freshest local ingredients from the mid-Atlantic along with an avant-garde cocktail program. In a single-level alley space with a skylight and an open-kitchencum- stage at the center, Rogue 24 provides a dynamic “theater-in-the-round” experience with just 52 seats, eight of them boasting a front-row view of all the culinary action. 922 N St. NW; rogue24.com

A rooftop event at Charlie Palmer Steak  


An Appetizing App
The new customizable iPhone app Venga gives on-the-go epicureans the scoop on specials, happy hours, music and events at restaurants and bars. “It’s like an in-the-know foodie and your concierge at a five-star hotel all rolled into one,” says local businessman and founder Winston Lord. Food writers and celeb chefs give their recommendations, such as where to find your go-to spots for summer cocktails (thanks to GPS technology)—even DC Top Chefs Mike Isabella and Spike Mendelsohn are part of the Venga crew of experts. govenga.com

Hit the Roof
Charlie Palmer Steak is the quintessential power spot where politicos nosh on superb dishes like hearty Angus rib-eye cowboy steaks and iced shellfish platters. Elevate your event or private dining experience with the rooftop terrace, which boasts an impressive Capitol view. Accommodating up to 500 guests for a cocktail reception and 230 for a seated dinner, the space is a fine choice for a dignified summer soirée. 101 Constitution Ave. NW, 202-547-8100; charliepalmer.com

  Luke’s shrimp, crab and lobster rolls


Maine Course
Lobster salad, lobster bisque, lobster ravioli—this delicacy of the sea is a versatile one, and a necessary indulgence for a summer’s day. Which is why we’re particularly excited about the arrival of Luke’s Lobster in Penn Quarter. Cofounders Luke and Bryan Holden are former District dwellers, the main reason the duo brought their first non-New York City venture to our neck of the woods. Sourced from a sustainable seafood company in Maine, Luke’s lobster rolls are succulent bites of meaty perfection. Bib up and dig in. 624 E St. NW; lukeslobster.com