The Mind of a Critic: Dishing on D.C.’s Dining Scene

The Smithsonian Associates, in collaboration with KONNECTED Media Group, presents an exclusive and engaging evening featuring a live panel discussing with notable local food critics and writers, Tom Sietsema (Washington Post), Jessica Sidman (Washington City Paper), Stefanie Gans (Northern Virginia Magazine), Todd Kliman (Washingtonian) and Phyllis Richman (former Washington Post food critic), Sunday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. at Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

In conversation with Mary Beth Albright, food writer for National Geographic, food attorney, former restaurant critic and finalist on Food Network Star, Sietsema, Sidman, Gans, Kliman, and Richman will talk about becoming food critics, fascinating experiences while on the job, insights on trends and Washington and Northern Virginia’s ever-evolving dining scene, from brick-and-mortar spots to pop ups, food trucks and everything in between. (Note: to preserve their anonymity, one or more panelists will either be disguised on stage or speak from off stage.)

A light reception follows the program featuring an assortment of savory bites, local spirits from Catoctin Creek Distillery and Don Ciccio & Figli and signature craft cocktails created by mixologists and bartenders Gina Chersevani of Buffalo & Bergen, Paul Taylor of Southern Efficiency, and Todd Thrasher of Bar PX.

Ticket prices for the Smithsonian Associates’ presentation are $42 for general admission and $30 for Associate members. For tickets and information, the public may call (202) 633-3030 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.

The Smithsonian Associates—the largest museum-based education program in the world—produces vibrant educational and cultural programming inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions. Each year more than 750 individual programs are presented to spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages in the Washington, D.C., area and across the country. The Smithsonian Associates, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2015, brings the Smithsonian to life through seminars, performances, lectures, studio arts classes and local and regional study tours, as well as many engaging programs for children, including performances, museum sleepovers and summer day camps.