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June is bursting with flavor, fun, and plenty of reasons to celebrate the start of summer. From martinis to moonshine, lobster rolls to Lionel Messi, this month’s lineup is filled with tasty favorites, local finds, and a few playful surprises along the way. Thanks to Carla Besosa for once again sharing a spirited collection of days to enjoy. Take a look and discover your next excuse to dine out, sip something special, or celebrate just because.

6/2  NATIONAL ROTISSERIE CHICKEN DAY 

There are many good Peruvian-style chicken venues in the area.  Check out Inca Chicken at 408 S. Van Dorn St.

6/3 NATIONAL EGG DAY 

Cameron Cafe offers a variety of egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and quiches. Founding Farmers is a good choice for their devilish eggs or egg salad. 

6/4 NATIONAL CHEESE DAY 

La Fromagerie, at 1222 King St., has a succinct but upscale menu, and presents some rare wines, cheeses, and charcuterie. 

6/5 NATIONAL MOONSHINE DAY 

Hops-n-Shine, in North Del Ray, makes seven varieties of moonshine. I recommend you pair with the Herbalicious sandwich, my favorite! 

6/6 NATIONAL YO-YO DAY

The yo-yo is experiencing a steady niche revival. Those computer games can wait! Does anyone remember the Tommy Smothers "Yo-Yo Man" skit? He was always in a "state of yo”! 

6/9 JOHNNY DEPP'S BIRTHDAY 

Johnny turns 63. Celebrate with one of the many Johnny Depp movies. Some of my favorite offbeat selections include: The Astronaut's Wife (1999); Donnie Brasco (1997); and Don Juan DeMarco (1995). 

6/11  NATIONAL CORN ON THE COB DAY 

I'll be looking for elote! Taqueria Picoso in The Shops at Mark Center and Taco Rock in Pinecrest Plaza, both do a magnificent job with their elote.

6/14 NATIONAL BOURBON DAY 

Jim Beam is the best-selling bourbon in the world. Favorite local sipping spots include Alice Comfort Cocktail at 724 King St., Virtue Feed & Grain at 106 S. Union St., King's Ransom at 728 King St., Union Street Pub House at 121 S. Union St., Captain Gregory's at 804 N. Henry St., and Basin Street Lounge at 219 King St.  "Civilization begins with distillation." - William Faulkner

6/15 NATIONAL LOBSTER DAY 

I was delighted to discover that California Fish Grill, in Kingstowne, has Lobster Rolls! Shooter McGee's has Wednesday Lobster Night, offering a whole Maine Lobster. And keep an eye out for Cousins Lobster Truck. 

6/18 NATIONAL GO FISHING DAY 

What and where? Potomac River near Jones Point and Hains Point for blue catfish and bass; Burke Lake for bass and muskie; and Occoquan Reservoir for largemouth bass. As a non-fisherperson, I will likely go fishing at McDonald's for a Filet o' Fish sandwich. 

6/19 NATIONAL MARTINI DAY 

The state of New York leads in consumption. Local reviews point to Francis Hall in Hotel Heron at 699 Prince St. "One martini is all right, two are too many, and three are not enough." - James Thurber

6/22 NATIONAL ONION RINGS DAY 

I found rave reviews for the onion rings at Zaytoun Halal Grill, just two minutes west of us on Duke Street. 

6/24 LIONEL MESSI'S BIRTHDAY 

Messi is turning 39 and is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. (That's soccer, for those of us on this side of the Atlantic.) With the 2026 FIFA World Cup beginning on June 11, now is a good time to see what all the fuss is about!

6/30 NATIONAL MAI TAI DAY 

Try the Hi-Tide Lounge at Vola's Dockside at 101 N Union St.


Carla Besosa has been a Cameron Station resident since 2000, and a Compass contributor for more than 20 years. She earned the title of "Cameron Station Foodie" for the many restaurant reviews she wrote for the newsletter, many of which can be found in The Compass archives on the community website, www.cameronstation.org. Carla is a huge supporter of Cameron Station and very tuned into the fun and delicious ways to enjoy life in and around our community.