A New Twist to Twisted Vines and a Fresh Portrait of Lincoln

Written by Anita

November 16, 2014

Everything old is new again—especially when owners strive to keep things fresh and fun. We stopped by two DC-area hot spots that have recently taken steps to reinvigorate their menus, giving both old and new customers something to cheer about.

Twisted Vines owners Josh and Sybil Robinson invited us to an open house to sample their food and wine offerings. Chef Jessica Shields, formerly of the Ashby Inn, has created an array of cold and hot plates—perfect for either a meal or as an accompaniment to your favorite vino (Twisted Vines offers over 30 wines by the glass and over 200 by the bottle.) The cozy restaurant and wine bar space also recently has been refreshed and updated—its pale blue walls are hung with abstract artistic works painted by chef Shields’ father, offset by its ornate pressed-tin ceiling.

Items that tickled our tastebuds included the Jerusalem Artichoke Soup, a rich puree with crème fraiche and pear, brightened with the zing of pickled mustard seeds (paired with the Jansz, Premium Cuvee Brut from Tazmania); the housemade duck confit, served in a spear of purple endive and topped with earl-grey-golden raisin puree and juniper crumble (paired with Terrapin Cellars, Pinot Noir from Oregon); and the lemongrass green curry mussels with Asian pear and crispy ginger (paired with the Margerum “Klickitat” Pinot Gris from California). Cheese and charcuterie boards allow you to mix and match from Twisted Vines’ assorted meats and cheeses. Although chef Shields changes the menu frequently based on what is available locally, you are sure to find something to suit your palate.

Interested in adding a twist to your weekend?  Then stop by Saturday or Sunday from 10am-2pm for Twisted Vines’ decadent brunch, featuring a mix of sweet and savory items. (Add bottomless mimosas for $15.) Or check out the Spanish wine tasting on November 23. Want the wine to come to you? Then join the Twisted Vines Wine Club, where for $34.99 each month you’ll receive two bottles of hand-selected wines, 10% off all retail wine purchases, 15% off wine cases and all events, and invitations to member-only mixers. There is no contract and you can cancel at any time. That’s something to toast to!

Lincoln has just entered its second term on the DC dining scene and, to mark the occasion, co-founder and principal Alan Popovsky and PRG’s corporate executive chef Demetrio Zavala has added some larger plates to his popular small plate menu. Start your meal with a seasonal cocktail: the Abe Old Fashioned, which melds cranberry and vanilla-Infused Atlantico “private-cask” rum with peychaud bitters. Or warm up with the Hot Merry Maple Toddy, a steaming blend of Knob Creek smoked maple bourbon (which derives its name from the stream that ran near Lincoln’s childhood home), clove syrup, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, and spices. Tasty snacks include decadent duck rillettes deviled eggs with chives, creamy parsnip soup with duck and a sprinkle of chestnut oil, or the house rolls slathered in gingerbread butter. Salad lovers will swoon for the chopped Maryland kale salad with red currants, parmesan, and cranberries dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette (a favorite of President Barack Obama); Steak lovers will savor the butcher block loaded with 12 oz. of juicy and tender Creekstone Farms New York Strip, served with Kennett Square Beech Mushrooms.

Want to experience Lincoln’s food for the people by the people? Then stop by its happy hour (from 4-7pm daily) and enjoy $5 brews, $7 wines by the glass, and $8 cocktails and snacks. Or make your reservation now for Lincoln’s Fourth Annual Thanksgiving Day Feast. Hail to the ch(i)ef!

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