A Love Letter to DC: One Night of Smoked Meats and Handmade Pasta

On Monday, July 28, something special is happening in the heart of Mount Vernon Triangle. Two restaurants that call this neighborhood home, Cucina Morini and 2fifty BBQ, are coming together for a collaboration that’s been months in the making and weeks in the planning.

Chef Matthew Adler and Pitmaster Fernando González, both 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists, have spent countless hours side by side, shaping a one-night-only menu that bridges two culinary worlds. Their teams have tasted, adjusted, and tested again, chasing the balance that only comes when fire and finesse meet on the plate.

This isn’t a pop-up. It’s a love letter to DC.

The menu is rooted in feel and flavor. Housemade pastas carry crisp, herby sauces and bold, smoked accents. The rigatoni is folded into a creamy carbonara, made with house-cured, prime grade pastrami from Creekstone Farms. Hand-stretched pappardelle holds a rich, wire roasted chicken ragù. Spaghetti verde, inspired by the Rio Grande Valley, comes alive with freshness and the optional addition of pork belly burnt ends. Every bite speaks to the hours of R&D and the patience behind aiming for excellence.

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From the smoked and seared Picanha sourced from Roseda Farms to the sides kissed with Calabrian spice and pistachio pesto, every dish is a reflection of care. The cocktails are built to complement the flavors: bright, savory, and surprising. And it all closes with a smoked cherry sundae that brings the whole story home.

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Both 2fifty BBQ and Cucina Morini are proud to serve Mount Vernon Triangle. This collaboration is our way of giving back to the neighborhood that has shown us so much love. It’s an offering of flavor and fire, plated with purpose.

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This menu will be served for one night only. Reservations are highly recommended, and seating is limited.

Join us on July 28 at Cucina Morini. DC, this one’s for you.

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🔥 Stay Close to the Fire
From master classes abroad to new flavors at home, our journey’s always evolving — and we love bringing you along. Follow us on Instagram @2FiftyBBQ for behind-the-scenes moments, pitroom stories, and the people behind the fire.

All wood, all good.