Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, is celebrating America with a clever “50 States, 50 Specials” promotion. Each week its bar and restaurant is highlighting dishes and drinks from a different state. Chef de cuisine David Carlson promises that the yearlong journey “will be a celebration of our great nation.” Phil Saims, director of sales and marketing, expects the fun promo to delight travelers and draw local foodies interested in exploring regional specialties. Fried shrimp tacos with chili mango salsa, pickled red onion slaw, and cilantro and agave vinegar drizzle (pictured) is an Arizona specialty.
Georgia
Georgia’s menu features peanut-braised pork belly with peach and sweet pepper slaw, as well as sweet-tea-brined fried chicken with braised greens served on a white cheddar waffle with bourbon maple syrup. For a peachy time, pair that with a Scarlett O’Hara cocktail crafted from Southern Comfort, cranberry juice and a splash of Pimm’s.
Hawaii
During Hawaii week, “lei” back and relax with ahi tuna poke, served with a sesame wonton crisp, soy marinated cucumber, wakame salad and Samoan poi. Or try luau pork with sticky rice, sweet potato poi, grilled pineapple and shredded cabbage. Capture the aloha spirit with a blue Hawaiian crush, made with light rum, vodka, blue Curacao, pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and grenadine.
Illinois
Celebrate the Land of Lincoln by ordering a roasted Italian beef sandwich with sweet peppers, provolone, mozzarella and pickled vegetables presented on a ciabatta bun, or try stuffed quail served with popcorn pesto and caramelized potatoes. Toast the experience with a JG&L cocktail, a refreshing handcrafted beverage made with Jameson whiskey, ginger beer and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Idaho
Get a taste of the wild during Idaho week. Order bison red bean chili with hand-cut potato wedges, house pickled jalapenos and avocado cream. Other options are a fried trout sandwich served on a sweet potato roll, and a pan-roasted veal chop with smoked red onion soubise, warm grilled ham & apple potato salad, and fried spinach. Whet your whistle with a spring whiskey sling, concocted with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar and a splash of soda water.
Connecticut
The Founding Fathers would approve of Connecticut week. Appetizers include Atlantic mussel chowder and white clam pizza with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, alfredo sauce, oregano and parmesan cheese. Enjoy a traditional boiled dinner of corned beef brisket, cabbage and vegetables with a blackberry smash, which contains bourbon, orange bitters, muddled blackberries, lemon and simple syrup.
