Following the departure of opening chef Nick Sharpe last month, Ba Bay co-owner Khoa Nyugen began devising a new menu with the advice of a respected kitchen consultant: his grandmother, Hoa Tran, for whom the Capitol Hill eatery is named. (“Ba Bay,” or “Madam Seven,” is her nickname.) On Sunday, July 24, grandma will be in the house, celebrating her 83rd birthday, with a special five-course dinner of traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared by the woman herself. “If you think food critics are tough, then wait to you meet our grandmother,” says Nyugen. Seatings are available at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The price is $55 per person. To book a seat, or for more info, email info@babaydc.com or call (202) 547-1787.

Photo by Chris Shott