I Tried the Non-Alcoholic Pairing at Michelin-Starred Pineapple & Pearls in Washington, DC
I recently tried the zero-proof pairing at Michelin-starred Pineapple & Pearls in the Capitol Hill district of Washington, D.C.
I recently dined at Michelin-starred Pineapple & Pearls 🍍 🦪 in the Capitol Hill district of Washington, DC.
This place had been on my restaurant bucket list for years. YEARS I TELL YOU. A concept by Chef Aaron Silverman (honest to goodness, no relation; Silverman was awarded a James Beard Foundation Award in 2016), who also owns Rose’s Luxury and Little Pearl, Pineapple & Pearls takes its food and beverage programs very seriously while not taking itself that seriously at all. The staff wear blazers over t-shirts. The general manager greets you with a Polaroid camera and snaps a before-dinner shot of you. There’s a huge portrait of Anthony Bourdain on the wall. The playlist is full of bangers. I don’t know about you, but descriptors like stuffy and pinky’s up come to mind when I think of Michelin-starred, not a place with disco balls and lightning bolts.
L: on my way into the city; Middle: with the GM, Cosmo Clemens (actual name); R: it's like they knew I was coming!
The story behind my Michelin experience in DC
For a while, I’d been stewing on a new project: a Washington DC / Baltimore Destination Guide from a non-alc lens. Turns out, it wasn’t so new after all — I’ve been laying the groundwork with Booze Free in DC since I launched the site in January 2020. That being said, my vision is to create a Zero Proof Nation guide local to the DC metro and Baltimore areas highlighting some of the best in inclusive hospitality across price point and occasion (e.g. date night, anniversary, solo dinner, casual dining with friends, staycation in the city). Knowing that people can’t read my mind, I started researching restaurants, bars, and hotels with legitimate NA programs (or at least the hint of a legit NA program on respective websites) and started pitching said purveyors of non-alc hospitality all across DC and Baltimore.
You’ll see the Destination Guide on my website soon; it’ll be a living document that I update based on my own experiences at bars, restaurants, and hotels — you’ll see a “Laura Vetted” stamp next to the places I’ve personally experienced. I’ll also include some that I’ve heavily researched or heard recommended. From the guide will come Substack issues like today’s, blog posts on ZPN, and some social media content for good measure.
Pineapple and Pearls was one of the first to extend a welcome my way. And trust me, I definitely squealed in delight upon reading Cosmo’s email. As I mentioned before, P&P was a bucket list restaurant. I knew they had a zero proof pairing, which absolutely delighted me, and I knew I’d be in for the treat of a lifetime.
Beverage highlights at Pineapple & Pearls
My first and second drinks were courtesy of terroir-focused non-alcoholic beverage importer, Delmosa, who I’ve talked about before.
L: Beskow's; Middle: Manufaktur Gorg Jeiger; R: caramelized onion tartine with fondue comte and edible flowers
Drink one kicked off the celebration vibes with a sparkling cranberry cider that appeared to have glitter / gold specks from Swedish brand Beskow’s. My second drink was by the German Manufaktur Jorg Geiger and was a still grape, chili, and cherry cider with a slight vegetal nose.
While I was served this caramelized — FOR 24 HOURS! — onion tartine and fondue comte with truffle and edible flowers, I heard some old school hip hop playing in the background. The restaurant knew what it was doing here. You eat something fancy, you expect something high brow. But why? Why can’t you pair exquisite food with more approachable music? It makes the cuisine more down to earth, even though it’s highly elevated. I loved how all my senses felt alive.
Some thoughts I jotted down in my notebook:
surprise and delight!
staff is warm, personable, hilarious!, very un-stuffy
it’s like The Bear without the drama (YES CHEF!)
I can’t believe this is my life right now
Antonia let me pick the color of my knife (hot pink, naturally)
EXQUISITE
I’m so full LOL :(
it’s a marathon, not a sprint
The rest of the drinks were made in house. A blackberry campari spritz. Chablis by the Sea with seafoam made of parmesan cheese (!) served in an actual shell. Pictured in the video below: Chinotto Sour, The Salad Course (matcha, Seedlip, sorrel, aquafaba, cracked pepper; served with salty, buttery, and pillow-soft gnocchi), Pineapple Tepache.
So many NA drinks!
Let’s take a peek at some of the dishes that accompanied the drinks because good gracious, they were a spiritual experience.
Here I am, surrounded by a Brady Bunch of sensory delights.
To my right in the gallery is a housemade dippin’ dots palate cleanser! Blood orange, yuzu, and mandarin over pomelo curd and pieces of actual pomelo. Beggin’ (4 Seasons cover) by Norwegian Madcon played in the background. Cold, refreshing, and washed out the other flavors in my mouth, prepping me for the dessert courses (yes, multiple). There was a short stack of funfetti pancake cakes, drizzled with maple syrup and gold flecks. My favorite was a rhubarb tart with edible flowers and a lychee ice cream dollop. It was light, fruity, and capped off the evening beautifully.
The house sent me home with a “midnight snack” or “lunch for tomorrow” (I had it for dinner the next night): a wagyu beef cheeseburger and the one dessert course I hadn’t tried: Dark Side of the Pearl. I also got a printout of the menu, my polaroid photo, and the Spotify playlist from the night on a commemorative cassette tape.
The burger, the menu, the playlist.
Let’s not have any illusions, though. Pineapple & Pearls is astronomically priced. It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant and operates at the top of its game. This is a once-a-year or once-every-few-years type of restaurant, not a neighborhood dive you get chicken tenders and fries at; it’s a true splurge. I can’t afford to eat here. I think the dinner itself was $360 / person and the zero proof pairing was $95. The team invited me to dine on the house, and I graciously accepted. Future wealthy me will definitely come back once a year to celebrate. Yes, the team knew I was a beverage writer and would potentially include them in my forthcoming destination guide, but they treated EVERY 👏 SINGLE 👏 GUEST like royalty.
If an experience like this is ever in your budget, I 1000000% recommend Pineapple and Pearls for their cuisine, NA beverage pairings, service, and ambiance. Laura-vetted.
Discover all the world’s non-alcoholic bottle shops and booze-free bars with the Zero Proof Nation Global Map of AF / NA, trusted by 500K+ people worldwide.
Booze-Free Bar Road Trip Across the USA 🚘
Let's go on a Zero Proof Nation road trip across the United States and visit booze-free bars. It’s true, you can find non-alc cocktails and NA bevs on menus at hundreds of spots around the country (and world) but there’s something kind of special about a completely dry bar.
Hey, friends. It’s been a while. Happy 2022! The last time we met “on the road,” we had just visited NA bottle shops on the west coast. We continue our trip, in no particular geographical order, with booze-free bars. It’s 100% virtual* (ugh COVID / this would cost a load of $$*) but it’s also 100% fun. Guaranteed.
🚘 ⚡️
This is Zero Proof Nation.
*Would love to make this happen IRL. Should we do a Kickstarter to fund the trip? Combine a YouTube channel with the magic? Comment below!
Sans Bar
Austin, TX
📸 V. Quintero
Chris Marshall started the booze free bar movement. A former counselor for people with substance use disorder, Marshall started Sans Bar as a one-night pop-up in Austin, TX in December 2017 as a direct response to providing options for his clients, as well as himself (Chris just celebrated 15 years of sobriety). What started as a one-night pop-up turned into an every Friday happening and then national/international pop-up tours. He is The Godfather, the grandfather, the Papa of this new wave of zero proof / no-low, alcohol-free / sober bars cropping up left and right. If you’re ever in Austin on a Friday night, visit the OG.
IG: @sans_bar // thesansbar.com
Listen Bar
New York, NY
Listen Bar, founded by Lorelei Bandrovschi, is 100% virtual now (but as we can tell you, being 100% virtual is still 100% awesome). COVID may have been the cause of the pivot but from the looks of the cocktail classes, live events/workshops, and booze-free bottle shop, things are pretty bangin’ over at Listen Bar.
IG: @listenbar// listen.bar
Ocean Beach Cafe
San Francisco, CA
Owner Joshua James (aka Josh the Non-Alcoholic) is on a mission to change the world. After a 20 year career in hospitality, Josh took a break from the drinking culture and with this came mental clarity, ambition and drive. He used his experience, taste, and mindset to create Ocean Beach Cafe: a booming cafe, NA bottle shop, alcohol-free tasting tasting menu (SOBAR), and booze-free event space by the ocean.
IG: @ocean.beach.cafe // oceanbeachcafe.com
Umbrella Dry Drinks
Alexandria, VA
Remember what we said about Sans Bar being the grandpa of booze-free bars? Sam Kasten, CEO and founder of Umbrella Dry Drinks, is a graduate of Chris Marshall’s Sans Bar Academy workshops. Armed with a background in retail, three years of sobriety, and a bubbly personality and can-do attitude, Kasten launched Umbrella Dry Drinks as a month-long pop-up in Alexandria, VA (suburb of the DC metro area) and hopes to find a forever home for the concept soon.
IG: @umbrelladrydrinks // umbrelladrydrinks.com
Wildcrafters
Jacksonville, FL
Wildcrafters is one of the first booze-free bars after Sans Bar to hit the map. Founder Yhang Quintero launched his tea / kava / zero proof concept in January 2020. Pop by for a jazz night, grab a gorgeous cocktail or hot beverage, or grab a can of NA beer to-go — but whatever you choose, you’ll find community, beautiful drinks, and a stunning atmosphere.
IG: @wildcraftersjax
Gem Bar
Pittman, NJ
Gem Life Collective, the parent company of Gem’s bar and bottle shop (called a bartique), is all about wellbeing, soulful bliss, and delicious AF drinks. Founder Drew Davis is fabulous and on a mission to meet her customer base where they’re at on their healing and wellness journeys. As Liz Lemon would say, I want to go to there!
IG: @boozefreebar // gemlifecollective.com
Alt Bar
Rochester, NY
Co-founders Bob and Meg Hartman are all about the #sobrietyspectrum and want their space in Rochester, NY to provide options for people who want a social experience sans booze. Currently a pop-up (don’t miss Alt Bar at Pub Hub Coffee on February 25th), expect all the fun and noise-level you’d get at a traditional bar with none of the hangovers.
IG: @altbarroc // altbarroc.com
Bendición Dry Bar
Chicago, IL
Another Sans Bar Academy graduate, founder Cristina Torres brings a punk-rock vibe to her pop-up concept. Aiming to be a place for anyone taking a break from booze (whether for a night, a month, or life), Bendición Dry Bar takes an important stand: “While [we are] a safe sober space for all seeking one, we do not tolerate any forms of racism, anti-blackess, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, any forms of sexual assault or any forms of violence. Marginalized communities will always take priority.”
IG: @bendicion_drybar // bendicionbar.com
Binge Bar
Washington, DC
📸 Tony Powell
Come as you are…and leave as you are. That’s Binge Bar’s promise. Opening a permanent spot in spring 2022, founder Gigi Arandid popped up in 2021 in the Union Market area of Washington, DC and has collaborated with local purveyors of wellness (including me…hi, Gigi!) and shared her recipes in magazines like District Fray. Get excited for ambience-elevating elements like live music and artwork by local creatives in addition to healthy lite bites and gorgeously crafted zero proof cocktails. The DC community is ready!
IG: @bingebardc
The Nixer
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has a dry bar and it’s not a hair salon ;) The Nixer is a pop-up bar experience, and mobile NA bottle shop serving the Phoenix area (note: not online DTC). “The Nixer was created specifically for the mindful drinker, health-concious, sober-curious and sober. It's a place for those of us who aren't looking to participate in alcohol consumption - whether it be for today or permanently - to socialize and enjoy a kick-ass cocktail without the pressures of alcohol.” I’m leaving on a jetplane…and on my way to The Nixer. ✈️
IG: @thenixer // thenixer.com
Inmoxicated
Racine, WI
This bottle shop, tasting room, and private party purveyor in Southeastern Wisconsin livens up the Midwest with exciting zero-proof options. As founder/owner Shannon Goodman says, “I’m an alcohol-free human Iiving in the drunkest state in the USA (Wisconsin.” To her we say, GET IT — and thank you for providing Wisconsinites alcohol-free beverages for whatever reason they’re not drinking.
IG: @inmoxicated // inmoxicated.com
Rock Bottom
Salida, CO
Rock Bottom in Salida, CO is known affectionately in its community as the “Sober Salida Bar.” Rock Bottom does pop ups, caters events (pre-batched + NA/AF drink coolers), and collaborates with local coffee shops in providing syrups for specialty drinks, etc. As founder Beck Cerón said in an IG caption about fresh syrups in reused bottles: “Using recycled material that once had booze in them, just like myself.” We feel this 💯.
IG: @sober.salida.bar
Sobar
Ellicott City, MD
If you’re counting, this is the second time Sobar makes the list. But this time, we travel to Ellicott City, Maryland (outside of Baltimore). “The mission of Sobar is to encourage choice in how we celebrate by providing healthy, sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages to consumers and offering alcohol-free bars and events.” Founder Beth Harbinson is a woman in recovery and gives back to her community; she sits on Howard County’s Opioid Community Crisis Council. Look for Sobar at community events or order zero proof cocktail boxes to-go.
IG: @sober_usa // drinksobar.org
Sans Bar STL
St. Louis, MO
Sans Bar STL is an official collaboration between Sans Bar and PreventEd, a harm reduction non-profit helping lead the conversation on alcohol and other drugs. Annie O’Donoghue, external affairs strategist at PreventEd, is the brains behind the drinks, programming, and inclusive vibe at Sans Bar STL. Catering, events, zero proof cocktail recipes, merch, community: shaken, not slurred.
IG: @sansbarstl // sansbarstl.com
soBAR
Ocean City, NJ
soBAR makes the list for the third time! This popular mash-up combines “sober” and “bar” so it’s no wonder why it’s such a good fit for an alcohol-free bar. “When you take away the alcohol, what's left is the conversation. We organize parties and live events at various locations in the southern New Jersey area, allowing people the opportunity to be social and have fun, without alcohol.” If you’re in NJ, make sure to follow to see when soBAR is popping up next.
IG: @sobarnj // sobar.info
Prazbar
Chicago, IL
Pronounced “praise,” Prazbar is proudly not a juice bar. Serving Chicago, Quenjana Adams’ Prazbar is a tasting room and NA bottle shop (stop by in person or get local delivery), and the first Sunday of every month is a booze-free bar experience. “Prāzbar is here in support of all the reasons you're alcohol-free including faith, culture, health, parenting, sobriety or just cause!” We are so here for that!
IG: @notajuicebar // prazbar.com
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To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
Zero Proof Retail Road Trip Across the USA - West Coast
Let's go on a Zero Proof Nation road trip across the United States and visit brick and mortar NA bottle shops, combo booze free bars/retailers, and zero proof subscription boxes.
We continue our journey in “the middle” as we move west.
We continue our (virtual*) zero proof road trip across the United States to visit brick and mortar NA bottle shops, combo booze free bars**/retailers, and online stores.
We come to you live from the West Coast.
Oregon: Alena Botanica, Suckerpunch PDX
California: The Dry Goods Beverage Company, Ocean Beach Cafe, BrightLife Beverage Co., Soft Spirits (coming soon!)
Bonus: Total Wine + More, BevMo (California only)
🚘 ⚡️
//
This is Zero Proof Nation.
*would love to make this happen IRL. Should we do a Kickstarter to fund the trip? Combine a YouTube channel with the magic? Comment below!
** stay tuned for our booze-free bar road trip in a separate blog post!
Suckerpunch
Portland, OR
According to Suckerpunch, the only proof you need is zero. Owner Andy McMillan’s zero proof cocktail kit concept ships nationwide and features Portland producers like Wilderton, Portland Syrups, Som Cordial, and Camelia Grove Kombucha. And if you live in PDX, you can swing by the Suckerpunch retail store on Stark St. to pick up your kit.
IG: @suckerpunchpdx // suckerpunch.store
The Dry Goods Beverage Co.
Napa Valley, CA
Husband-and-wife team Jake and Adrienne Krausz of The Dry Goods Beverage Co. believe that whether you're having alcohol or not, everyone deserves a good drink. With a background in wine-making and cocktail creation and wanting to cut back on booze for health and lifestyle reasons, these two combined their powers and thus, The Dry Goods Beverage Co. was born in the wine-soaked town of Napa Valley.
IG: @drygoodsdrinks // drygoodsdrinks.com
Ocean Beach Cafe
San Francisco, CA
Owner Joshua James (aka Josh the Non-Alcoholic) is on a mission to change the world. After a 20 year career in hospitality, Josh took a break from the drinking culture and with this came mental clarity, ambition and drive. He used his experience, taste, and mindset to create Ocean Beach Cafe: a booming cafe, NA bottle shop, and event space by the ocean.
IG: @ocean.beach.cafe // oceanbeachcafe.com
BrightLife Beverage Co.
Laguna Beach, CA
BrightLife Beverage Co. is Laguna Beach’s premier non-alcoholic beverage supply company. Says CEO / owner Jonny Cummings: “I love a good beer or cocktail, but I don’t want it to slow me down. Our shop is for the doers - the early-risers, the late-night drivers, the breast-feeding or pregnant mothers, the surfers, hikers, bikers, active folks, parents, and anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on taste or experience but don't want the negative effects of alcohol.”
IG: @brightlifebeverages // brightlifebeverages.com
Soft Spirits
Los Angeles, CA
For all you Angelinos looking for something to drink when you’re not drinking (for the night, the month, life), Soft Spirits is LA’s first zero-proof bottle shop, providing non-alcoholic spirits, wines & beers. Stay tuned for the grand opening in fall 2021.
IG: @soft_spirits // softspirits.club
Bonus:
Total Wine + BevMo!
Multiple Locations
Closer to a big box beverage emporium like Total Wine + More or BevMo! (California only)? Fret not. These warehouse stores have, well, lots of wares in store for you. Aisles upon aisles of non-alcoholic.
IG: @totalwine // TotalWine.com
IG: @bevmo_co // BevMo.com
Free NA community-sourced content, no paywalls.
To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
Zero Proof Retail Road Trip Across the USA - The Middle-ish
Let's go on a Zero Proof Nation road trip across the United States and visit brick and mortar NA bottle shops, combo booze free bars/retailers, and zero proof subscription boxes.
We continue our journey in “the middle” as we move west.
We continue our (virtual*) road trip across the United States to visit brick and mortar NA bottle shops, combo booze free bars** /retailers, and online stores.
Midwest: Illinois, Michigan
South: Texas
West: Colorado, and Arizona.
Let’s do this! 🚘 ⚡️
//
This is Zero Proof Nation.
*would love to make this happen IRL. Should we do a Kickstarter to fund the trip? Combine a YouTube channel with the magic? Comment below!
** stay tuned for our booze-free bar road trip in a separate blog post!
Drink NA
Chicago, IL
Drink NA is for anyone on the #sobrietyspectrum looking for delicious non-alcoholic beer. That’s all. Simple, tasty, refreshing, NA. Chicagoan Chad, Drink NA founder, wanted a one-stop shop for all NA beer lovers. The rest is history.
IG: @drink_na // drinkna.com
Drink No & Low
Detroit, Michigan
Maybe you know brothers Max and Louis Borelli from their viral TikTok on making a non-alc Old Fashioned. Or maybe you’ve shopped from their online storefront featuring great finds from Europe, Australia, and other countries. These brothers have a background in import/export and wine and it shows.
IG: @drinknolow // drinknolow.com
Sipple
Houston, TX
Leading the way in Houston, co-founders and husband/wife team Danny and Helenita Frounfelkner have years of hospitality + food/beverage experience — and a passion for a healthier lifestyle. What makes Sipple unique is a focus on founder stories, all things NA, and music! The best part: Sipple Notes — including flavor profile, music pairings (“vibes”) and more.
Keep an eye out for their brick and mortar bottle shop / bar experience, coming soon!
IG: @sipple.co // sipple.co
AWAKE
Denver, CO
Denver is kind of booming in the NA space right now. AWAKE is a full-service alcohol-free bar and bottle shop with a regular schedule of inclusive events for all. Have you seen their partnership with Secret Dance Addiction, also based out of Colorado? 💃 Get to know co-founders Billy and Christy Wynne — and make new AF friends.
IG: @awakedenver // awakedenver.com
Everything NA
Phoenix, AZ
Everything NA is the umbrella company for a booze-free bottle shop — with local delivery — and pop-up bar experience. As the folks behind this concept say, choosing not to drink doesn't have to limit where you go. To the moon! But first, Phoenix.
IG: @thenixer // everythingna.com
Free NA community-sourced content, no paywalls.
To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
