Over the past month and a half, Washington City Paper readers have nominated their favorites in almost 300 categories ranging from “Best Restaurant When Someone Else Pays” to “Best Go-Go Band” to favorite “Marijuana Cultivation Supplier.” The results of this year’s poll will be revealed in the April 7th issue of the paper, with winners feted the night before at the annual Best of D.C. Celebration, taking place this year at the DC Armory (2001 E Capitol Street SE).
“The Best of D.C. issue is always one of our most popular issues,” says group publisher Eric Norwood. “We’re excited to toast all the winners at the celebration on April 6th and invite the public to join us!”
The 4th annual Best of D.C. Celebration will feature tastings from more than 50 restaurants, cocktails by the region’s best mixologists, live music on multiple stages and more! VIP ($100) and General Admission ($65) tickets for the cocktail affair are available for purchase online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/events/bestofdc. The VIP ticket includes an extra hour of tastings and entertainment (6pm entry), a VIP swag bag, access to the VIP lounge, and more. Ticket prices will go up on March 28th.
A portion of the proceeds from the Best of D.C. Celebration will go to benefit two worthwhile local organizations: Brainfood (http://brain-food.org/), which “uses food as a tool to build life skills with youth in a fun and creative setting,” and Words Beats & Life Inc. (http://www.wblinc.org/), which “harnesses the power of hip-hop to transform the lives of youth.” Sponsors for the 2016 Best of D.C. Celebration include presenting sponsor Events DC, as well as St. John’s Community Services, Palm, Schöfferhofer, Violet Boutique, DC Sustainable Energy Utility, DC Shorts, Anytime K9, and L’Alliance Française.
About the Washington City Paper Best Of D.C. Reader’s Poll
The first Washington City Paper Best Of issue hit newsstands in the mid-1980s, and was brought back as an annual feature in 2008. Write-in nominations for this year’s reader’s poll closed March 1st.
Alvarez and Carrell have collaborated on a brand new spring/summer house vermouth, a seasonal variation on its year-round vermouth, dispensed from a vintage fire extinguisher. The duo say the new vermouth “is going to be more bright for the warm-weather season, with some fresh herbs, rhubarb, and rosé wine. We’ll even be adding some rose petals for florality and aromatics.” The evening will serve as a sneak peak at the new offering, which will officially launch next month with a barrel-tapping party after aging for several weeks in a 53-gallon barrel.
Alvarez and Carrell have also created nine specialty cocktails for the night, highlighting unique French, Spanish and American-made vermouths such as Miro from Spain, Dolin from France, Cocchi from Italy, Uncouth from Brooklyn, Imbue from Oregon, and of course, The Royal’s own house vermouth.
Alvarez, who made a name for himself as one of DC’s aperitif experts, has created the following drinks:
Carrell highlights the extensive variety of vermouths he stocks at The Royal’s bar, in cocktails such as:
For those feeling bold, Alvarez created the Vermouth en Fuego shot, a blend of Italian, French and American vermouths, 151 rum and spices, literally served on fire. And a limited number of porrons, the communal Spanish drinking vessel, will be available for those who choose to drink their aperitifs with friends or in daring fashion. All vermouths will also be available to enjoy on their own.
This is part of The Royal’s “Royal Knights” event series, where on the second Monday of each month, they focus on a new batch of craft spirits, lesser-known liqueurs, and the creative people who make them, hosting guest-bartenders from around the country and introducing guests to creative new brands in the booze industry. Royal Knights on May 9 will center around Mezcal.
The Royal’s monthly “Royal Knights” industry nights are free and open to the public, running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the second Monday of every month. Details for subsequent “Royal Knights” nights will be announced closer to each event. For more information, please visit www.theroyaldc.com or call 202-332-7777.
WHO:The Royal Bar Manager Lee Carrell
501 Florida Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Ardeo+Bardeo would like to invite guests to enjoy a special kosher wine tasting on Wednesday, April 13 beginning at 6:45 p.m., just in time for Passover. In this engaging session, guests will have the pleasure of sampling four kosher wines paired with two kosher hors d’oeuvres. Led by Summer Whitford, the Food and Wine Diva (www.foodandwinediva.com), with representatives from Pearson’s Wine & Spirits, located at 2436 Wisconsin Ave NW, 20007, guests will be both entertained and educated on the ins and outs of what makes a wine kosher, and how to find quality and value. The evening tasting experience is priced at $50 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Space is limited and guests are required to make a non-refundable reservation by contacting Ardeo+Bardeo at (202) 244-6750. As an added bonus, those who attend the tasting will enjoy a discount price on any featured bottles of kosher wine from Pearson’s Wine & Spirits purchased at the event. Purchased wines will be available for pick-up or delivery directly from Pearson’s.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 13th, 2016 at 6:45 p.m – 8 p.m.., limited seating is available and reservations and payment are required in advance.
WHERE: Ardeo+Bardeo is located at 3311 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington DC 20008; phone (202) 244-6750; www.ardeorestaurant.com. The restaurant is one block from Cleveland Park Metro Stop (Red Line) and valet parking is available for $8 a car.
WHY: It used to be a challenge to find great kosher wine for Passover and most people ended up buying the traditional sweet stuff that came in a square bottle. Thankfully, things have changed, a lot, and there is plenty of well-made kosher wine one can proudly serve. Whether one is seeking a California Cabernet, a new modern wine from Israel, or a classic beauty from France, there are nice options, and this tasting can assist with learning how to find quality and value in Kosher wine. Kashrut is the body of Jewish law dealing with what foods we can and cannot eat and how those foods must be prepared and eaten. “Kashrut” comes from the Hebrew root Kaf-Shin-Reish, meaning fit, proper or correct. It is the same root as the more commonly known word “kosher,” which describes food that meets these standards. The word “kosher” can also be used, and often is used, to describe ritual objects that are made in accordance with Jewish law and are fit for ritual use.
Event: The Hecht Warehouse at Ivy City will host a Fashion Show on Thursday, April 14, 2016, in conjunction with local D.C. fashion designers and retailers Rosies and Rockers, Michelle C. Gibson, Mila and Fire, Carrie Rockwell, Ankara Streets, Elite Fitz, Brown and Williams Clothiers, Beyond The Velvet Rope and Deborah Mdurvwa. The free event, executed by On Tap Production, will include a runway show, complimentary food and drinks, entertainment and live music.
When: Thursday, April 14, 2016 | 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: 1401 New York Avenue NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
Cost: Free and Open to the Public | Please RSVP HERE
Information: To learn more about the Hecht Warehouse, visit http://www.hechtwarehouse.com/ or follow on Facebook and Twitter.
ABOUT THE HECHT WAREHOUSE AT IVY CITY
The Hecht Warehouse at Ivy City embodies the cultural evolution of D.C.’s historic Warehouse District. The revitalized residential building is a restoration of the former Hecht Company Warehouse, featuring original details throughout the amenity spaces and apartment homes. Brand new additions to the neighborhood include fitness, shopping, and dining retailers, including Nike, Planet Fitness, and MOM’s Organic Market. Residences feature historic glass blocks, exposed brick, and industrial finishes refined and restored to reflect the rejuvenation of the iconic Ivy City building.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC will take place Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. One of the Festival’s largest events, the Parade runs along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, NW. The Parade, hosted by ABC-7/WJLA-TV anchors Alison Starling and Leon Harris, will feature celebrity entertainment, helium balloons, characters, floats, marching bands and other performers. Local ABC affiliate WJLA will air the Parade locally in a delayed telecast from noon to 2 p.m. The Parade will be nationally syndicated to audiences across the country through the support of Events DC.
Celebrity talent and exciting Parade elements include:
- Carrie Ann Inaba, Dancing With the Stars Judge
- Cast members from the award-winning hit musicalJersey Boys
- Pop sensation Tiffany
- Chart topping artist and The Voice contestant Sisaundra Lewis
- R&B Grammy-nominated artist and DC native Raheem DeVaughn
- Latin vocal group Viva Mas, who recently performed for Pope Francis
- Washington Redskins Cheerleaders
- Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell
- Local talent, including winners of the third annual Sing Into Spring Competition and the Washington Performing Arts Men and Women of the Gospel Choir
TICKETS & TRANSPORTATION: Free and open to the public. Limited Prime Grandstand seats are on sale now and can be purchased atnationalcherryblossomfestival.org/parade2016. The Grandstand section offers reserved seating along Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets, NW. Group tickets for 10 or more are also available. Standing along the Parade route is free between 9th and 15th Streets, NW and open to the public. Radio personality and local favorite Loo Katz from WASH-FM host from a second performance area located near the Parade’s finish.
The event is Metro-accessible via the Archives-Navy Memorial stop on the Yellow/Green lines or Federal Triangle on the Blue/Orange lines. The Parade is presented by Events DC and supported by DowntownDC Business Improvement District, ANA, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, NHK World, DARCARS – the official vehicle provider for the Parade, MGM National Harbor, Microsoft, Washington Post, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, CSI Printing and Graphics, SUBWAY® Restaurants, CitySights DC, NEWSEUM, Dunkin’ Donuts, and media partners ABC7/WJLA-TV, WASH-FM, and The Washington Informer. The Parade is being funded partially through the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor – Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. The 2016 Festival, March 20 – April 17, includes diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information and find us on Facebook (CherryBlossomFestival), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest), and Instagram (@CherryBlossFest).
A New and enhanced Cherry Blast will transform Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square as a premier 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival event on April 16. Cherry Blast will bring Japanese-inspired flair with experiences that will dazzle and delight residents and visitors alike – while creating lasting impressions of DC’s treasured springtime tradition. Explore some of the exciting Cherry Blast experiences below.
Sushi & Sake Workshops
Sample delectable sushi and savory sake selections from top sophisticated chefs and baristas entrenched in the Japanese culinary world. Workshops offered every 30 minutes from 6:30pm to 1:00am. Timeslot sign-up provided in purchase confirmation email.
Cherry Blast Dance Party
(For ages 21+) Experience live musical performances and an amazing line up of electrifying DJs and bands.
Cosplay Competition
Come dressed up in your favorite cosplay ensemble. Participants will be entered to win fun prizes.
Tokyo Street Food Experience
Indulge your taste buds at the Tokyo street food landscape. Clusters of street vendors within this Tokyo street replica will give attendees an opportunity to revel in Japanese inspired food in a sensory filed environment.
Manga Vendors
No Japanese inspired event is complete without manga vendors who will surprise and delight revelers with endless displays of comics and cartoons that span a broad range of genres-from action-adventure, comedy and mystery to the heart- pumping romance, science fiction and horror.
Anime Fashion Show
Get ready to immerse yourself in Japanese-inspired fashion with the anime fashion show that will showcase cutting-edge trends and fashion pieces straight off the runway and the streets of Tokyo.
Gaming & Drift Car Competition
In staying true to Japanese culture, cherry blast will include and outdoor gaming experience with today’s favorite video games for compete in, as well as a drift car showcase that highlights neon lights, jaw-dropping art and eye-popping spoilers. The drift car showcase will also include a competition for enthusiasts to participate and wow cherry blast attendees.
Live Painting & Cherry Blossom Inspired Art Show
Experience a cherry blossom inspired art exhibit that features more than 60 local and international artists. Two featured artists will wow revelers as they paint live with their diverse artistic style in large scale unique canvases.
When:
Saturday, April 16, 2016
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where:
The Army and Navy Club
901 17th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20006
What:
Multiple fashion shows featuring Under Armour, Alpha Industries, The Admiral’s Daughters and Lucia Riofrio, a silent auction, raffles and music by DJ Carrie Nation.
RSVP: Tickets must be purchased in advance. Register here.
