Soft-Shell Season:Memorial Day means the kick-off to Chesapeake Bay crab season, and the season always starts with soft shells,before crabs regrow their hard outer exterior shell. This time of year is when you’ll find soft-shells on menu at essential spots like Fish Shop, which prepares them lightly fried and tucked between a bao bun, as well as served on a sandwich at Hank’s Oyster Bar, with locations in D.C. and Virginia.
Celebrate AAPI Month: Across D.C., restaurants are hosting special themed dinners all month long to shine a spotlight on chefs, restaurateurs, and other hospitality folks of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage. Rooster & Owl will invite chefs from across the city, including Mandu, Queen’s English, Thip Khao, and Maketto for special collaboration dinners. Meanwhile, the team at Mandu will host chefs Erik Bruner-Yang (Maketto), Stevie Chu (Ekiben), and Susan Bae (Moon Rabbit) for an anniversary party in honor of Mandu’s 20th birthday.
Best of the Eastern Shore:Summertime is around the corner, and that means Eastern Shore getaways to the Chesapeake Bay. Have you noticed? Both Easton and Saint Michaels, Maryland have become dining destinations along the Chesapeake. Sample some of the freshest seafood at Ruse or try Italian pastas made fresh daily at Easton’s newest hit restaurant Accanto. An orange crush and crab cake is also a must at Washington Street Pub, and you’ll want to slurp down a dozen freshly shucked Choptank oysters at Purser’s Pub at the Inn at Perry Cabin.
New to the Hit List (May 2026) The Fountain Inn, The Greenhouse, The Little Grand, Nanglo Restaurant and Bar, Omakase Room by Tadayoshi, Pascual.
