The British Embassy and the U.S. Department of State are celebrating the launch of “Try Rugby USA,” a campaign to grow international community outreach and youth development around Rugby in the U.S., with a friendly rugby match.
WHAT: U.S. v UK Friendly Touch Rugby Game
WHEN: 12:30-2:00pm Wednesday 24 February 2016
WHERE: Cooper Field at Georgetown University
3700 O St NW Washington DC 20007
Playing on the UK team is Ken Harvey, a former Washington Redskins player, to help highlight the affinity for sports on both sides of the Atlantic and the NFL international series in London. Other members of the UK team consist of British Embassy staff and British Defence staff. Tosh Askew, who has coached England U19s for 5 years and won Grand Slam in 2004, Nic Rouse, rugby union player for London Irish in the Aviva Premiership, and Caryl Thomas, head coach of the University of Bath Women’s rugby team and has played for Wales Women in the Six Nations Championship and in two World Cups (2010, 2014), will coach the UK team.
Playing on the US team includes Whitney Stowell, President of Washington Irish RFC, and Chris Howard, a Tiger Rugby coach. Other players will include U.S. Department of State staff. James Walker, founder of Tiger Rugby, will coach and play on the US team.
The event is open to the public and media and free to attend. Parking is extremely limited, public transportation is recommended.
Rugby Facts:
- Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the US.
- The UK hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
- Rugby will be part of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, having last been an Olympic sport in 1924. The US won gold that year, so have been the gold medal holders for more than 90 years.
- Famous rugby players include Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, John F Kennedy, JRR Tolkien, Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Russell Crowe, Chris Farley, Meat Loaf and Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
History of Rugby:
Rugby lore has the game originating in 1823, when a pupil at Rugby School, William Webb Ellis, picked up the ball during a football match and ran with it. This new game slowly spread around public schools and universities, with the first formal rules inked in 1845. A Rugby Football Union (RFU) followed in 1871, with an inaugural international – England versus Scotland – played that same year. 1883 then witnessed Britain’s Home Nations Championship, the first international rugby competition. By 1908, with the sport having long spread into many former British colonies, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa had all sent touring teams to compete.
Despite continued growth, rugby union didn’t turn professional until the International Rugby Board (later the IRFB, now World Rugby) removed player-payment restrictions in 1995. Continental club competitions soon followed, including Europe’s much-vaunted Heineken Cup and Super Rugby in the southern hemisphere. Today, World Rugby boasts 117 member countries.
For the first time, Premiership Rugby will host a game in the US. The London Irish v Saracens game will be played at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on 12 March 2016.
Try Rugby USA
Hosted by British Council USA, Friends of the British Council USA, and USA Rugby geographical unions and state based rugby organizations, the coaches from the Aviva Premiership Rugby Clubs will be joined on the road by coaches from US based Tiger Rugby. Together they will deliver a range of coach education sessions, coaching clinics for schools, universities, clubs, youth programs as well as linking with existing rugby based social projects like Play Rugby USA. They hope to build a sustainable network of coaches, clubs and players designed to bring together, develop the skills of and inspire the US rugby community to build pathways to introduce the sports and its values to youth.
Activities will take place in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, DC, and Texas in the coming months.
For more details: http://www.britishcouncil.us/programmes/society/try-rugby-usa
Les Dames d’Escoffier is delighted to announce “CELEBRATING FOOD! Cooking-Careers- Communications.” On Saturday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. at the Universities at Shady Grove, Rockville, Maryland, the DC Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International will present its tenth Salute to Women in Gastronomy. The $130 fee covers an extraordinary, fun, and educational day-long symposium offering 16 sessions, over 50 speakers, hands-on cooking classes, and a culinary Expo with products, samples, cookbooks, as well as breakfast, lunch, and finale of “Tantalizing Teas and Teacakes.”
Ellie Krieger will serve as keynote speaker with the theme Finding the “Sweet Spot”, Where Delicious and Healthy Meet: Small Changes to Get You There in Cooking and in Life”. Krieger is well known as the host of Food Network’s hit show “Healthy Appetite,” and is a James Beard Foundation and IACP award winner, a New York Times bestselling cookbook author, and a weekly columnist for The Washington Post. Other culinary luminaries will lead seminars, including award winning authors, Joan Nathan and Amy Riolo, food writer David Hagedorn, and Osteria Morini pastry chef Alex Levin, and Cathal Armstrong, Chef/Owner Restaurant Eve, to name a few.
Attendees will learn about tricks of the trade, translating chefs’ recipes, BBQ history, Video storytelling, and the magic of International Spice Blends. Find out about Mastering the 5th Taste through Soy Sauce, uncommon spices and in-depth views on local-sustainable food sourcing. Finally, attendees can participate in hands-on classes in yogurt, sushi, Philippine appetizers, and phyllo dough.
Celebrating Food! is sponsored by the Washington DC Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International.
For more information and to register go to www.lesdamesdc.org For further information, please email info@celebratingfood.org or call (202) 973-2168. Find us on Facebook at Celebrating Food! by DC Les Dames or Twitter @LesDamesDC.
Les Dames d’Escoffier Washington, DC. Chapter is a non-profit 501(c)(3) invitational organization of women leaders in the food, beverage, hospitality, and related industries who use their talents and influence for community outreach and through grants, mentoring, scholarships, and educational programs, to help support women to succeed in these industries.
As authorities in the exploding Korean food movement, Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard spent over two years traveling to Koreatowns all over the U.S. and abroad, researching and interviewing over 100 chefs and businesses. “Koreatown: A Cookbook” features nearly 100 recipes, essays and profiles of Korean food, drink, and culture, including a Kimchi White Chocolate Cookie recipe by chef Erik Bruner-Yang. For more information on the book, visit:www.koreatowncookbook.com.
On Saturday, March 12, DC arts supporters will come together to celebrate the Cathedral Choral Society and its mission of inspiring the community through the joy of choral singing with Gala 1941 at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel. This gala is the Cathedral Choral Society’s most significant annual fundraising event, and supports the organization’s artistic and community engagement initiatives.
In celebration of the Cathedral Choral Society’s founding year, attendees will enjoy a ritzy evening of 1940s fun with big band swing, guest performers, dancing, and a silent auction. This gala will be “reception style,” with an open bar, food stations, and passed hors d’oeuvres. The sixteen-piece Brooks Tegler Band performs.
“Our spring gala is our most important annual fundraising event,” said Ernie Abbott, President of the Cathedral Choral Society’s Board of Trustees. “On the eve of our 75th anniversary season, this gala is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the artistic programming and community engagement initiatives of this organization. Support from our gala attendees will help ensure artistic vibrancy in our 75th season and beyond.”
13th Annual Blue Jeans Ball Raises Funds to Support the Capital Area Food Bank’s
Delivery of 37 Million Healthy Meals in 2016
Just Announced:
- Auction items from noted American food writer Mark Bittman, and award winning pastry chef Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milk Bar, plus trips to Brazil, the French Riviera and more!
- The Allen Chapel AME Church Gospel Choir will kick off the program with a live performance
- 40+ savory and sweet tasting stations to include:
o Cabot Creamery Cooperative
o Café du Parc
o Café DuPont
o City Perch Kitchen + Bar
o Congressional Seafood
o Del Campo
o Fig and Olive DC
o Ghibellina
o Lavagna
o Meat Crafters
o Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
o Penn Commons
o Pinch
o Pizzeria Paradiso
o Restaurant Eve
o Ristorante Tosca
o Sodexo
o Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar
o Sotto
o Stanton & Greene
o Stonyman Gourmet Farmer
o Sweet Pearlz Cheesecakes
o The Fourth Estate at the National Press Club
o The Melting Pot
o The Palm Restaurant
o Thrive DC
o Two Acre Farm
o Union Kitchen
o Vidalia/Bistro Bis/Woodward Table
o Zeke’s Coffee of DC
Who:
- Restaurant co-chairs: Chef Ruth Gresser of Pizzeria Paradiso, Chef Sherry Yard of City Perch Kitchen + Bar, and Chef Jeff Buben of Vidalia, Bistro Bis, and Woodward Table.
- Emcee, Scott Thuman, ABC7/WJLA-TV and News Channel 8
- Live entertainment by DJ John Jazz and Miss H.E.R.
When: Sunday, March 13, 2016
5 pm: VIP reception
6 pm: tastings, cocktails and silent auction
8 pm: program & live auction.
Where: Marriott Marquis Hotel
901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Hotel valet parking available for a fee
How: $200; the amount the CAFB uses to feed a family of four for almost two weeks
- Sponsorships are available to individuals or organizations at various levels
- Ticket and sponsorship details available at capitalareafoodbank.org/blue-jeans-ball/
Why: The Capital Area Food Bank is the largest organization in the Washington metro area working to solve hunger and its companion problems: chronic undernutrition, heart disease and obesity. By partnering with nearly 450 community organizations in DC, Maryland and Virginia, as well as delivering food directly in hard to reach areas, the CAFB is helping 540,000 people each year get access to good, healthy food. That’s 12 percent of our region’s mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and grandparents. Visit: capitalareafoodbank.org, or find the CAFB at facebook.com/CapitalAreaFoodBank, and Twitter at @foodbankmetrodc.
What: The 13th annual Blue Jeans Ball, featuring tastings from outstanding area chefs, live music, live and silent auctions. Chefs Ruth Gresser, Sherry Yard and Jeff Buben will lead tastings by 40 of the area’s hottest restaurants and denim-clad guests to raise funds for the Washington metro area’s largest hunger relief organization, which helps 540,000 people each year get access to good, healthy food.
Attendees will taste dishes created in the spirit of wellness, just as the CAFB is committed to offering a menu of wellness to the neighbors it serves. New this year, chefs will be encouraged to showcase nutritious ingredients that the CAFB provides to the VA, DC and MD community: fruit and vegetables, beans, whole grains, protein rich meat, fish, nuts and dairy.
Who:
- Restaurant co-chairs: Chefs Ruth Gresser of Pizzeria Paradiso, Sherry Yard of City Perch Kitchen + Bar, and Jeff Buben of Vidalia/Bistro Bis/Woodward Table.
- Scott Thuman, ABC7/WJLA-TV and News Channel 8
- Live entertainment by DJ John Jazz and Miss H.E.R.
- Nancy Roman, CAFB President & CEO
- CAFB Board of Directors
When: Sunday, March 13, 2016
5 pm: VIP reception
6 pm: tastings, cocktails and silent auction
8 pm: program & live auction.
Where: Marriott Marquis Hotel
901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
How: $200 General Admission; $500 VIP Admission
- Sponsorships are available to individuals or organizations at various levels
- Ticket and sponsorship details available at capitalareafoodbank.org/blue-jeans-ball/
Why: The Capital Area Food Bank is the largest organization in the Washington metro area working to solve hunger and its companion problems: chronic undernutrition, heart disease and obesity. By partnering with nearly 450 community organizations in DC, Maryland and Virginia, as well as delivering food directly into hard to reach areas, the CAFB is helping 540,000 people each year get access to good, healthy food. That’s 12 percent of our region’s mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and grandparents. Visit: capitalareafoodbank.org, or find the CAFB on Facebook atfacebook.com/CapitalAreaFoodBank, and Twitter at @foodbankmetrodc.
WHAT: SMITHSONIAN at 8 and Francophonie DC present “La Grande Fête.” Closing celebration of the 2016 DC Francophonie Cultural Festival.
WHEN: Friday, March 18, 7 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: La Maison Francaise, 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC
Get ready for a spectacular #SMITHSONIANat8 party with a French accent. The annual Francophonie Cultural Festival spotlights the music, art, literature, film, cuisine and customs of French-speaking countries and regions from across the globe, and its closing celebration is always magnifique.
Beginning at 7 p.m., guests launch into a world tour of francophone cultures. They’ll sample food and drink from more than 30 embassies as they explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. (Watch for a full list of participating countries.) There will be plenty of giveaways for guests to take home as souvenirs.
See a special performance by the “King of Cajun Blue Zydeco” accordionist-guitarist Major Handy. His music is a delicious mix of rousing Cajun blues and modern riffs that will make audiences “jump like shrimp frying in the pan.”
The dance party starts at 9:30 p.m. when DJ Princess Slaya spins music from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and plenty of destinations in between. Guests will experience the best of the French-speaking world—all without leaving home. #NoPassportNeeded
Participating organizations and embassies include but are not limited to: Alliance Francais, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, France, Gabon, Georgia, Guinea, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Monaco, Niger, Quebec, Republic of Congo, Republique de Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, and Uruguay
General admission $40 (includes admission and food and drink samples from 7 to 9 p.m.)
All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
Tickets must be purchased in advance (no sales at the door).
IDs will be checked at the door. Those under 21 will not be served alcohol.
A cash/credit bar provided by Tortoise & Hare Bar and Grille is open throughout the night.
La Maison Francaise does not offer on-site parking. Limited street parking is available on Reservoir Road; public garages are available at Georgetown University Hospital nearby. Metrobus D5 and D6 routes have stops near the event’s location.
For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com
WHAT: SMITHSONIAN at 8 and Francophonie DC present “La Grande Fête.” Closing celebration of the 2016 DC Francophonie Cultural Festival.
WHEN: Friday, March 18, 7 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: La Maison Francaise, 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC
Get ready for a spectacular #SMITHSONIANat8 party with a French accent. The annual Francophonie Cultural Festival spotlights the music, art, literature, film, cuisine and customs of French-speaking countries and regions from across the globe, and its closing celebration is always magnifique.
Beginning at 7 p.m., guests launch into a world tour of francophone cultures. They’ll sample food and drink from more than 30 embassies as they explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. (Watch for a full list of participating countries.) There will be plenty of giveaways for guests to take home as souvenirs.
The dance party starts at 9 p.m. when DJ Princess Slaya spins music from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and plenty of destinations in between. Guests will experience the best of the French-speaking world—all without leaving home. #NoPassportNeeded
Participating organizations and embassies include but are not limited to: Belgium, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Mali, Republique de Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), and Slovenia.
General admission $40 (includes admission and food and drink samples from 7 to 9 p.m.)
All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
Tickets must be purchased in advance (no sales at the door).
IDs will be checked at the door. Those under 21 will not be served alcohol.
A cash/credit bar provided by Tortoise & Hare Bar and Grille is open throughout the night.
La Maison Francaise does not offer on-site parking. Limited street parking is available on Reservoir Road; public garages are available at Georgetown University Hospital nearby. Metrobus D5 and D6 routes have stops near the event’s location.
For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com
What: The popular Early Mountain Vineyards Oyster Festival will return this spring on Saturday, March 19th, with live music, Virginia wine, and seafood from the esteemed Rappahannock Oyster Company who will provide their famous oysters and other creative dishes featuring Virginia’s best seafood. The Rappahannock a la Carte Menu will include:
- 1/2 dozen raw oysters: $10
- 1 dozen raw oysters: $20
- Crab Cakes: $10
- Stuff’n Muffin: $10
Limited non-seafood selections from Early Mountain Vineyard’s market place menu will be available a la carte and picnic lunches are also welcome out on the back lawn.
Admission includes entry to the festival, an Early Mountain wine tasting and a stemless wine glass as a take-home gift. Guests can also order from Early Mountain’s extensive list of Virginia wines – both from their vineyard as well as others that have been hand-selected from the state – available by the glass and bottle.
The Oyster Festival will take place throughout the vineyard grounds. Tickets are required of all visitors that day. All ages are welcome for a family-friendly fun day. Event will take place rain or shine.
When: Saturday, March 19th, 12pm-5pm
Tickets: Advance: $15.00
EMV Wine Club Members: $12.00
At the Door*: $20.00
Under 21: Complimentary admission
Online tickets are available at store.earlymountain.com/events or by calling us at 540.948.9005.
Advance ticket sales end Friday, March 18th at 11:59 p.m.
Where: Early Mountain Vineyards
6109 Wolftown Hood Road
Madison, Virginia 22727
Date: Saturday, March 19 2-4:00pmLocation: The Mayflower Hotel;1127 Connecticut Ave NW (between L and Desales St.)Cost per participant: $35
Tasting vendor: Dolce Vineyard
Reserve your space by emailing edgar@
themayflowerhotel.com or calling 202-347-2233 (please include the number of total guests in your party. Payment will be collected day of class).
Participants will also take home a Mayflower-branded apron.
