Dining at the ultra-swanky Bourbon Steak (2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) just became a little bit easier on the wallet.

The steakhouse, which opened in the Four Seasons late last year, recently rolled out a bar menu with dishes that even a staff assistant can afford. The menu is available in the sleek bar area as well as the quiet, private garden, which features several fire pits and seating for 47. The new dishes are broken into four categories: snacks, sharing, lettuce cups and Bourbon bar burgers.

The snacks are designed to be a light option to accompany a cocktail and are priced between $5 and $10. Choices include sweet and spicy beef jerky as well as warm California olives served with garlic and peppers. The sharing plates are slightly more expensive, costing between $8 and $21, and include lobster corn dogs.

The bar’s lettuce cups are ideal for those looking for a light option. Priced from $9 to $19, this portion of the menu offers tempura lobster and pulled pork. Bourbon bar burgers are also available for those who are looking to enjoy chef Michael Mina’s signature red meat without breaking the bank. Topping out at $16, burger choices include the oak-fired prime steak burger.

If you’re looking to shell out a bit more cash, Bourbon Steak is also offering a pre-theater menu for $59. The menu is available from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays.

Masa 14 Names Chef

When Masa 14, located in the heart of the vibrant U Street neighborhood, opens its doors in September it will have chef Antonio Burrell at the helm.

Burrell was recently named chef de cuisine at the Latin/Asian restaurant. He last worked as the chef de cuisine at Jamie Leeds’ CommonWealth, a British gastropub in Columbia Heights.

“He has the knowledge, passion and the reputation,— said Masa 14 owner Kaz Okochi.

Prior to working with Leeds, Burrell served as executive chef at the now-closed Viridian restaurant and also as executive chef at the Eleventh Street Lounge in Arlington, Va. Burrell got his start at both Vidalia and Bistro Bis under the instruction of James Beard Foundation-winner Jeffrey Buben.

Masa 14 (1825 14th St. NW) will offer a menu of small plates priced between $6 and $14. This new venture is a partnership between Okochi of KAZ Sushi Bistro and Richard Sandoval of Modern Mexican restaurant group.

Botanic Garden’s Culinary Offering

Ever wanted to know more about the different plants that make up your diet? Look no further than the Botanic Garden’s Culinary Arts Festival slated for this weekend.

The festival will pay close attention to the role that plants play in culture and cooking. There will be solar cooking demonstrations and tastings conducted under a tent outside the garden’s greenhouse. The event will be held rain or shine and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.