“Pop-Up Preview + New Filipino Restaurant – Hiraya – Guest Chef Paolo Dungca at Tiki TNT + Starting October 13”

From a press release:

“At Tiki TNT, Todd Thrasher’s waterfront, runaway hit of the DC Wharf, the breeze always blows tropical. Starting Wednesday, October 13, 2021 there will be a new island flair in the air, as Filipino native-born chef, Paolo Dungca, returns as the resident guest chef for a special preview pop-up dinner series of his upcoming restaurant Hiraya – of which Thrasher is a partner. The four-course dinner menu [$75] will tell the story of Dungca growing up in the Philippines — an innovative spin on the customary cuisine of his childhood and the recipes he learned from his mom, aunties, and grandparents.

The pop-up dinner series [October 13, October 20 and October 27] will be a personal reflection and celebration of the beauty, history, and flavors of the Philippines. The menu, with rotating items, will include starters like the Cassava Cake with Sea Urchin, Crab Fat, and Mangalista Lardo. Seconds will share robust flavors like the Palabok Negra featuring Squid Ink, Maine Lobster, and Palabok Sauce. Heartier selections may include the Bistek – Koji Beef, Yeasted Onion, and Black Garlic. And, make it a sour, sweet, and tart finish with the Calamansi [Filipino Lemon, Lime] Custard Tart with Calamansi Meringue. And to pair – Todd Thrasher has designed a custom cocktail menu, with flavor profiles meticulously matched to complement each dish [add on for an additional $40.]

Dungca began his culinary career in Southern California working alongside Chef Kevin Meehan at Kali Dining. Here in the DC area, he’s been steeped in classic French cuisine, upscale Filipino and Asian cuisine, and fine dining. He was the opening sous chef at Bad Saint with Chef Tom Cunanan; Chef Cathal Armstrong’s chef de cuisine at Restaurant Eve and Kaliwa; and was the opening head chef of ABC Pony, Chef Erik Bruner-Yang’s venture in Asian-inflected rustic Italian fare.

Pre-paid reservations available through Resy. Price of Ticket includes, food, tax, gratuity all beverages will be charged at the end of the dinner. Seatings begin at 6PM with the last seating at 8:30PM for this special dinner. The full menu at Tiki TNT will still be available during the dinner for food as well for drinks.

Tiki TNT | 1130 Maine Ave, SW“