Events/Things To Do

Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour Washington D.C. is an unforgettable wine tasting experience that features more than 200 of the world’s finest wineries pouring their best bottles. Sample exceptional wines and discover new favorites—all while in the nation’s capital.  

Who:

Meet and mingle with top winemakers and estate owners from the world’s best wine-growing regions.

Where:

Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW 

When:

Friday, April 20, 2018, from 7-10 PM; VIP ticketholders admitted at 6 PM

Program Highlights:

• All wines have been rated 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator.
• Enjoy a delicious buffet to complement your wine.
• All attendees will receive a souvenir Riedel^TM tasting glass.

Cost:

General admission tickets are $225, while VIP tickets are $325. Purchase here. 

A portion of net proceeds from the event benefits the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, which supports scholarships and grants to students pursuing careers in the wine industry.

The National Cannabis Festival welcomes Backyard Band, See-I and the legendary hip-hop group Cypress Hill to the third-annual music, art and advocacy festival celebrating the legalization of cannabis in Washington, D.C. The one-day festival takes place on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds.

In early 2015, a group of cannabis policy advocates, business leaders, and enthusiasts joined together around the idea to host the National Cannabis Festival (NCF), an event celebrating progress on legalization in DC and across the nation. They envisioned creating an event recognizing the spirit of the cannabis movement and the non-profit groups that have worked to influence state and federal legislators, paving the way for growth of the legal cannabis industry and repeal of prohibition policies. In 2016, 5,000 people from 30 states and Washington, DC attended the festival. In 2017, more than 7,000 attendees participated in a second year of peaceful celebration. NCF is very excited to be hosting the third festival and expects even greater attendance this year.

The 2018 NCF music line-up includes hip-hop royalty Cypress Hill and reggae artists See-I of Thievery Corporation alongside local DC legends Backyard Band, hot up-and-coming artist Beau Young Prince, DJ Ayes Cold, and local favorites Oh He Dead, Names, and MARLEE. The concert is hosted by DC-favorites Samy K. and Reesa Renee.

The 2018 Education Pavilion will feature a variety of panel discussions, demonstrations, and awards ceremonies. During the CannaTank Contest, aspiring canna-business owners present their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win $1000 in start-up assistance. Judges for the contest have been announced, and you can learn more about our featured judges for round 1 and 2 of CannaTank here. The schedule and lineup has been announced for the Education, Wellness, and Grow School Pavilions.

The Change Makers Award recognizes policymakers on the state of federal level who have advocated for ending cannabis prohibition in the interest of fiscal policy, personal liberty, medical alternatives, and/or equal justice. Vote for your favorite policymaker in this year’s Change Makers Award here.

The National Cannabis Festival is presented in conjunction with the National Cannabis Policy Summit on Friday, April 20, which will take place at the Newseum and features a wide array of speakers and panelists discussing current cannabis policy issues and the next steps to end prohibition.

What: Third Annual National Cannabis Festival bringing together cannabis policy and culture in an all-day advocacy and music festival

When: Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Where: RFK Stadium Festival Grounds – Lots 6/7 adjacent to RFK Stadium at 2400 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Who:
Cypress Hill
Backyard Band
See-I
Beau Young Prince
Oh He Dead
Names
MARLEE.
DJ Ayes Cold
NCF’s Advocacy Partners
Local artists and exhibitors

Social Media: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natlcannafest/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatlCannaFest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natlcannabisfest/
Hashtags: #420Summit, #420one

Tickets available via Front Gate. General admission $42+ taxes and fees.

National Harbor Wine & Food Festival will return to the National Harbor Waterfront on the Potomac on Saturday, April 28^th & Sunday, April 29^th from 12:00PM to 6:00PM each day.

The event is in a tranquil outdoor setting on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by the Inner Harbor hotels, and restaurants and shops.  More than just a tasting, the Festival brings together area chefs, artisanal craftsmen, culinary pioneers, live entertainment, family fun as well as wine and spirits from around the world.

All guests will have the opportunity to enjoy samples of over 150 local and international wines, beer and spirits with their souvenir glass during the event. Guest will be able to purchase their favorite wine selections by the bottle to take with you, or by the glass to enjoy on-site. There will be delectable food samplings to try from the best restaurants, and food trucks in the DC area. In addition, a special craft beer tasting for the ultimate experience one could imagine. World renown chefs will be there and preparing scrumptious foods to last all weekend and have kindly offered meet and greets and demonstrations during the event.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28^TH

2PM – SCOTT DREWNO, CHIKO

Scott Drewno was raised in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes wine region, a rural area known for its vineyards and its family owned farms.  Watching his mother turn fresh, seasonal produce from local farm stands into bubbling pies and cobblers first piqued his interest in cooking and planted the seed for Drewno’s culinary ambition. Drewno joined the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group in 1998.  He started as a line cook at Chinois in Las Vegas, where he melded French cooking practices with Asian flavors and ingredients.  After a series of rapid promotions, Drewno was named Executive Sous Chef at Spago, Wolfgang Puck’s celebrated Las Vegas restaurant known for its seasonal American cuisine and celebrity clientele. In 2017 Drewno partnered with Danny Lee to form The Fried Rice Collective with their first restaurant CHIKO, a Chinese-Korean, fine-casual concept. Zagat hailed the restaurant as one of “DC’s Most Important Restaurant Openings of 2017”.

3PM – AMY BRANDEWEIN, CHEF/OWNER, CENTROLINA

 Amy Brandwein is the chef and owner of Centrolina, a combined seasonal Italian restaurant and market that opened in CityCenterDC in spring 2015. Throughout her career, Chef Brandwein has earned many accolades, including recognition as a 2017 James Beard Foundation Award finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic and a 2018 James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. Prior to opening her own restaurant, Chef Brandwein was the opening chef de cuisine at Alba Osteria in Washington, D.C. in 2013. Previously, Chef Brandwein launched Casa Nonna, the BLT Restaurant Group’s first Italian concept in Washington D.C and New York. She has also served as the chef de cuisine at Bebo Trattoria, and was the executive chef of Galileo da Roberto Donna in Washington, D.C.

4PM – VICTOR ALBISU, DEL CAMPO & TACO BAMBA

With more than a decade of experience in fine dining and upscale French, American and Latin American restaurants, Chef Victor Albisu is combining his culinary education with his Latin American heritage to bring a unique style of cuisine to his restaurant concepts. His first full-service restaurant, Del Campo, is an upscale South American grill in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It was named a Best New Restaurant of 2013 by Esquire magazine. Taco Bamba, a takeout taqueria that reflects his Cuban and Peruvian roots, opened next to Plaza Latina in Falls Church, Virginia, a Latin market owned by Albisu’s mother. Before pursing independent ventures, Albisu served as executive chef of BLT Steak in downtown Washington, D.C. for more than four years. While at the helm, Albisu cooked for President and Mrs. Obama and led the restaurant to earn several accolades, including Power Spot of the Year in 2012, as awarded by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan

BOTH DAYS – SOMMELIER & PROPRIETOR, BRENT KROLL

Sommelier & Proprietor Those familiar with Brent and his approachable, sophisticated style, obvious passion and knowledge of wine, will recognize his influence at Maxwell, where he works as a full-time employee. Prior to opening his Shaw DC wine bar, Kroll designed the wine program of the newly re-opened Iron Gate, a historic landmark that was once the longest operating restaurant in D.C. In 2015, Iron Gate was awarded Wine Program of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and Top Wine Program in the D.C. region by DC Modern Luxury, as well as being recognized as one of the Best Wine Restaurants in America by Wine Enthusiast. Kroll also wrote the wine list for other local restaurants such as Hazel and the Partisan.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29_TH

2PM – ALEX McCOY, CHEF/OWNER, LUCKY BUNS

 Alex McCoy is a 17-year veteran of the restaurant industry. In 2002, at the age of 19, Alex helmed his first kitchen at a small sandwich shop in Bethesda, MD. In 2007 He became head chef of Ralph Lauren & Lincoln Pilcher’s (Kingswood, Eveleigh, Ruby’s) Georgetown, DC cafe, Rugby Food & Spirits. In 2013, inspired by his family’s London upbringing, Alex founded & opened Duke’s Grocery in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of DC which quickly became a local household name garnering such accolades as “33 Best Burgers in America” by Thrillist & “Best Burgers in DC” by Washingtonian Magazine. A lifelong traveller, Alex spent many years traveling back and forth between the US & SE Asia culminating with his opening of Alfie’s in 2015. Alfie’s classic representation of Eastern Thai cuisine earned immediate acclaim by both local and international press being featured by Vogue Magazine & Bon Appetit Magazine a few short months after opening. In the summer of 2015, via a story in the Washington Post, Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appetit proclaimed Alfie’s as one his 5 favorite restaurants in Washington DC.

3PM – ROCK HARPER, OWNER, ROCKSOLID CREATIVE FOOD GROUP

In September of 2014, Chef Rock helped develop and launch Willie’s Brew N Que in Washington D.C.; within the new and ever-expanding Navy Yards region of Southeast. Willie’s features regional barbecue, a creative beer selection and 14 HD televisions for an outstanding atmosphere. With the Washington Nationals just a block away, Willie’s was an instant hit when it launched in October. Chef Rock’s newest company, RockSolid Creative Food Group, LLC., was formed in 2016 and currently his primary focus. While he’s still creating new food concepts, Rock is determined to become a force in the television and radio arena. The food industry programming is ripe for innovation and RockSolid aims to be a major player in this evolving entertainment business.

For the grand experience, VIP ticket purchasers will receive their very own designated area to move freely and enjoy everything the event has to offer. In addition to comfortable space VIP guest will be allowed to enjoy the experience for an added hour beginning at 12PM to 6PM, live entertainment, cooking demos, wine, beer, and spirit samplings. VIP guest will have access to their own washrooms and specialty tastings.

General admission will include a souvenir glass for wine, beer, and spirit samplings, live entertainment, cooking demos. Children under 12 will receive free entry into the event; however, the event will have very minimal entertainment children. All guests are welcomed to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the waterfront at National Harbor.

New features at the festival this year include Champagne Lounge sponsored by Ferrari Champagne with in-house D.J. Dance in the bubbles and a special Rose Tasting Pavilion.

Guests looking to experience the festival with an overnight stay can enjoy Gaylord National Resort and Convention Centers exclusive VIP Food and Wine Festival package. The package includes:

• One-night room accommodations on April 27 or 28
• Two VIP one-day pass tickets to the Food and Wine Festival at National Harbor including wine and spirit tastings, food tastings, access to a VIP Pier Experience with food and wine pairings and a souvenir glass and bag with special offers

The package starts at $359 and reservations will be available at www.GaylordNational.com or by calling 301-965-4000.

Ticket prices vary to accommodate Saturday and Sunday attendees, and groups up to 4. Please see the website for additional information: http://www.wineandfoodnh.com/content/show-info or call 800.830.3976 for all inquiries.

Tickets are on sale now and range from a VIP Saturday $79 or Sunday $69 to a General Admission One Day Pass for $39 in advance/$49 onsite.

To purchase tickets and view schedule, visit www.wineandfoodnh.com or call (800) 830-3976.

Guests are invited to experience the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” tradition in Jardenea Lounge on Saturday, May 5, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., offering partygoers and racing enthusiasts an authentic Derby Day program including:

• A live screening of the Kentucky Derby race
• Chance to place their bets on this year’s top thoroughbreds at no cover charge
• Classic derby cocktails including:
  • Mint Juleps
  • Bacon Old Fashioned’s with in-house bacon infused whiskey

In celebration of the 144^th Kentucky Derby, relaxed Adams Morgan wine bar Jug & Table will be hosting a happy hour watch party from 5:00pm-7:00pm on May 5, 2018. While donning their most fashionable hats and seersucker suits, guests can enjoy 25% off rosé bottles and Distillery Lane Ciderworks Woodberry cider bottles, as well as $7 Kentucky Punch cocktails. Walk-ins to Jug & Table at 2446 18^th St NW are welcome, although guests inquiring about seating availability can call 202-232-7663.

Jug & Table

2446 18^th Street NW

Washington, DC

www.jugandtable.com

The rooftop at the Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel welcomes Washingtonians back for sun-filled afternoons and moonlit nightcaps this summer! Next month, the Radiator food and beverage team will reclaim the sky-high bar for another season of gorgeous vistas, fun programming, delicious bites from Executive Chef Jonathan Dearden, and refreshing sips from Lead Bartender Sarah Rosner. 

Rooftop Opening Fiesta – 5/5

On Saturday, May 5, guests are invited to officially kick off rooftop season with Cinco de Mayo festivities on the roof. Sarah and the bar team will keep the tequila flowing with house-made margaritas and a special selection of Mexican beers while Chef Jonathan and the culinary team will keep partygoers satiated with taco specials all night long. Salud, amigos!

The Rooftop Opening Fiesta will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., weather permitting. No reservations or cover charge required.

Please join us to celebrate some of the District’s most extraordinary young people.

Meet the students and hear their stories in their own words. It will be a fun and inspirational evening with amazing food and cocktails and live entertainment. Dress in your favorite business outfit or casual cocktail attire!

Ajax Gallery

1011 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

May 9, 2018 · 6:30 PM

Can’t make it? Please donate to support the students with whom we work!

Host Committee:

Norman Armstrong, Jim Barratt, Nancy Rodriguez Brown, Brandy Butler,
Rick Clark & Robert McVearry, David Dodero, Amira El-Gawly, Caitlin Ellsworth,
Brad Fried, Nisha Hall, Fred & Christine Hill, Julia Pidgeon Hooks,
Perry Pidgeon Hooks & Dennis Hooks, Tony Lewis, Jr., Joseph Malone,
Camelia Mazard, Kim Meehan, Mary Mellor, Ashley Moore, Jodi Ovca,
Camille Padilla, Jennifer Rackow, Charlotte Reid, Andrew Reynolds, Anthony Rodell,
Ben Rose, Crystal Rucker, Kris Woodruff Salis, Joelle Simpson, Peter Stuart,Scott & Rebecca Thompson, Elizabeth Whalen