After a long day at work or a day of running errands, it can be hard to find the time and energy to cook a big meal for the holidays. If the kitchen is the last place you want to be at the end of the day, these local restaurants can help fill your table with traditional meals for all eight nights of Hanukkah.
Day One: Brisket BBQ
For a twist on traditional brisket, try brisket barbecued in a smoker. Get the brisket from Pitmasters Back Alley BBQ in NW DC (It’s a subsidiary of Wagshal’s, which will probably be just as packed) and serve it with a side of shaved cabbage. Pitmasters Back Alley BBQ: 4330 A-Rear 48th St. NW, Washington, DC
Day Two: Latkes-Plus
At Sababa, order executive chef Ryan Moore’s Potato Latke “Vichyssoise” — a crispy potato latke topped with leeks, slow cooked in cream. In addition to the latkes, diners can find Schmaltz chopped chicken liver with a hard-boiled egg and house pickles, a duck confit served with spiced Israeli couscous, and braised beef brisket with sweet potato chraimeh. Sababa: 3311 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Day Three: Fish or Chicken
Priced per person, La Prima Catering has a range of options for Hanukkah. Try the winter spiced chicken with housemade potato latkes with sour cream and apple sauce, green beans with almonds, challah rolls, petite sweet potato cupcakes, or honey lime salmon. Order by December 12, each entrée must be ordered in quantities of four or more. La Prima Catering, order online
Day Four: Three-Course Prix Fixe
Yayla Bistro’s three-course dinner is just what you need this holiday season. The meal includes a mezze platter for one, your choice of lamb, penne pasta, Mediterranean chicken, salmon, or Greek salad, and either baklava or an Apricot Delight. Yayla Bistro also delivers to a 4-mile radius of their address in Arlington. December 19-24; Yayla Bistro: 2201 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington
Day Five: Brisket, Round Two
Ruthie’s All-Day has a smoked brisket by the pound that is purported to be a huge hit for the season. While you’re munching on brisket, check out the restaurant’s wood-smoked citrus-marinated chicken and smoked crescent duck breast, and vegan smoked collards and mac and cheese sides. Ruthie’s All-Day: 3411 Fifth St. S., Arlington; order online at ruthiesallday.com
Day Six: Four-Course Prix Fixe
At Equinox by Todd Gray, there’s a four-course prix fixe dinner that starts with Yukon Gold and sweet potato latkes, then proceeds to pistachio crusted Norwegian salmon filets, before heading into a 48-hour slow cooked beef short rib with tri-colored roasted potatoes. If you still have room left for dessert, finish your meal with a decadent caramel apple cheesecake. Dine-in only, order in advance, December 19-23; Equinox Restaurant: 818 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Day Seven: Smoked Whitefish and Matzo Ball Soup
At Neighborhood Provisions, the most popular offerings have to be the the matzo ball soup and whitefish dip. They offer pickup and delivery on December 17 and 18 exclusively, but the full menu is available as a dine-in or pickup option through December 21. 2000 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Day Eight: Just Dessert
Sometimes the best way to celebrate is with some sweet treats. At Thompson Italian, there are plenty dessert options (all contain dairy), including olive oil cake, flourless chocolate cake, apple cinnamon torta, and pumpkin cheesecake. Orders can be submitted up to two weeks before you need your dishes, but need to be placed at least one day in advance. Order online thompsonitalian.com/menus; Thompson Italian: 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church
If you’re craving more traditional treats, head to Pastries by Randolph. The bakery offers traditional Sufganiyot (black raspberry jam doughnuts), which are sold individually or in packs of six, as well as Star of David Butter Cookies sold by the pound. There are also hand-decorated Hanukkah cupcakes and assorted novelty cookies. You can order for same day pickup or delivery for items available in their showcase (including all of their Hanukkah specialties). Delivery is available by online and can be scheduled up to one week in advance (limited to a 5-mile radius). 4500 Cherry Hill Rd., Arlington
Feature image courtesy Ruthie’s All-Day, by Rey Lopez.
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