This week's top dish from Eater DC, Curbed's restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog...
EVERYWHERE— Baby, hot, hot hot! Check out Eater's monthly update of its Heat Map, which indicates the most popular places to eat around town. New additions include The Coupe in Columbia Heights, Satellite Room from the Hilton brothers and new gastropub Drafting Table.
FOGGY BOTTOM— Academic lectures from celebrity chefs aren't limited to Harvard anymore. José Andrés will teach a class on the intersection of food and politics at George Washington University.
EATER MAPS— Who has the best Bloody Mary in town? Eater readers decide in this map, which singles out such places as Pearl Dive, Logan Tavern and Ceiba.
PENN QUARTER and GEORGETOWN— Hurricane Sandy's effects meant delays for two fall openings: the revamped minibar in Penn Quarter and the expanded Farmers Fishers Bakers on the Georgetown Waterfront.
CAPITOL RIVERFRONT— Finally, some more drinking options for the ballpark area. Gordon Biersch will open at 100 M St. SE next spring, just in time for baseball season.
U STREET— It's been, basically, forever since Piola signed a lease for its second area location. The Rosslyn happy hour and pizza spot is aiming to open by year's end.
EATER MAPS— Eater told you where to find those rich Republicans. But where are folks on the other side of the aisle drinking? Here's the corresponding map tracking up-and-coming Democrats.
ZOMG FRIED CHICKEN AND DONUTS— There's no firm location for the upcoming Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, but Eater has five additional facts about what to expect from the place, which will open somewhere near Metro Center.
PLYWOOD REPORT— Plywood has updates on Swings Coffee, Kruba Thai, Cupcakes Actually and more.
PENN QUARTER— Merzi is still weighing its expansion options beyond its Penn Quarter base. The owner would like to see the fast-casual restaurant open up near Georgetown and George Washington University.
MERRIFIELD— The Merrifield Sweetgreen opens its doors today at Mosaic District.
HALLOWEEN— And finally, here's some photos of restaurant industry folks in costume.