Hot new D.C. pop-ups to get through winter

• Chef Steve Chu says he's "descending on the District like a deep-fried angel" and is teaming up with pastry whiz Paola Velez and host Erik Bruner-Yang. Expect noodles and crowds — the team is fire and the bar is cozy (reservations recommended).

This Sunday, Lucky Buns chef Alex McCoy and co-chef Justin Ahn bring back their long-running Thai pop-up, Alfies, to the Adams Morgan bar for one night.

• Khao gaeng ("curry rice") is the show's star, with five styles of curries featuring local ingredients and homemade pastes over rice ($65), plus a la carte grilled skewers and boozy bevs. Email [email protected] for limited reservations.
• Look for monthly Thai pop-ups from the duo before they open a brick-and-mortar Alfies in Georgetown this summer.

It's all about mashups next week. Monday calls for a Japanese-style cheesesteak at Kat's King of Suteki ongoing pop-up in Chinatown starting at 5pm.

• Or! "Thaitalian" dishes like red curry bolognese or shrimp tortellini in tom yum brodo from Yai & Nonna. The pop-up, which blends the best from Southeast Asia and Italy, happens every Monday and Tuesday at Shaw's Baan Mae through February, offering a la carte and tasting menus (reservations recommended).