Tonari
5-Course Italian Meets Japanese Tasting Event
This one-of-a-kind eatery, opened in Chinatown in 2020, was the first to bring Wafu Italian cuisine to DC. And what, you might ask, is "Wafu"? Well, simply translated, it means “Japanese style,” and so the fascinating menu features dishes like burrata with orange segments and Sichuan chili oil, mushroom pizza with shiitake, Parmesan cheese, dandelion greens, yuzu kosho, maple syrup, and ichimi, and a pasta dish like mentaiko, which is tagliolini with cod roe, butter, chili flakes, tsuyu, lemon, shiso, and shredded nori. Washington Post restaurant reviewer Tom Sietsema flipped for Tonari, naming it one of his “7 Favorite DC Restaurants” of 2022, the same year that Condé Nast Traveler named it one of the "20 Best Restaurants in DC." Head Chef Mary Mendoza, a native of the Philippines who emigrated to the U.S. in 2009 at the age of 16, really does wonders here, and we are looking forward to hearing from her about how she approaches this fusion of two of the world’s greatest cuisines. (Chef Mendoza is also nominated for the RAMMY 2023 Pastry Chef of the Year award, so leave some room for dessert!)
About the Host:
Mary Mendoza
Head Chef
Hailing from the Philippines, Chef Mary Mendoza immigrated to the U.S. in 2009. Prior to becoming Head Chef at Tonari, she cooked in the kitchens of Centrolina (under perennial James Beard Award Finalist Chef Amy Brandwein), Pluma Bakery, and Obelisk. She is currently nominated for RAMMY's 2023 Pastry Chef of the Year Award.
The Lineup
Courses #1, #2, #3, and #5 will be served individually plated. Course #4 will be served family style.
-
Burrata
orange, szechuan oil
-
Cold Roasted Vegetables
anchovy butter
-
Chicken Curry Lasagna
carrot, potato
-
Milanese, Tonari Style
pork cutlet, pepperoni sauce, pizza bread, mixed greens
-
Budino
valrhona dark chocolate custard, miso toffee
Tonari
707 6th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $85 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to [email protected].
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email [email protected] with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, there is a nearby parking garage and/or lot, as well as street parking available. Parking is not validated.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event, we will be able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and food allergies except for those with dairy, gluten, soy, alliums, garlic, or sesame restrictions. Please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at [email protected] after you purchase tickets to let us know what your allergies/restrictions are.
