National Harbor Wine & Food Festival will return to the National Harbor Waterfront on the Potomac on Saturday, April 28th & Sunday, April 29th 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 28TH
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 29TH
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.
Crystal City’s summertime happy hour is back, opening a month early and announcing a new partnership with The Stand bringing food and beverage from local restaurants and an exciting live music lineup. Starting on May 4, each Friday from 5-9 pm, attendees can listen to live music from a variety of bands while enjoying local bites and drink.
What: Fridays at the Fountain
When: Every Friday May – October from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Crystal City Water Park – 1751 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202
Live Music Schedule:
May 4 Revelator Hill
May 11 Whiskey Pull
May 18 Zach Cutler & Friends
May 25 Gordon Sterling 3
June 1 Big Bad Juju
June 8 Mary El Band
June 15 Revelator Hill
June 22 Jonathan Sloane Trio
June 29 Holly Montgomery
July 6 The Jogo Project
July 13 The Jon Miller Band
July 20 Gordon Sterling and the People
July 27 Big Bad Juju
**Later dates to be announced**
Admission: 100% Free to enter, listen, and relax; food and drink for purchase (credit cards accepted) – $5 for beer/wine. $20 to join the Mug Club and receive a branded, reusable mug.
In its 11th year, Cultural Tourism DC will produce the hugely popular Around the World Embassy Tour, part of Passport DC, a month-long celebration of worldwide cultures.
Both visitors and local residents can travel the world in one day, visiting more than 40 embassies to learn about culture, food, fashion and more during the Around the World Embassy Tour open houses. In the past, embassies have treated visitors to karate demonstrations, dance performances, sari wrapping lessons, police dog training, henna art and more.
WHEN: Saturday, May 5
All participating embassies will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted
Admission is free, but some embassies may ask to see a government-issued ID. There is also a smart phone app and web-based phone app available to help visitors better plan their day. More information:https://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/signature-events
WHERE: Embassies will celebrate their cultures’ food, fashion, arts and artisans, music, and dance by hosting DC residents and visitors inside their embassies. Embassies participating to date include Angola, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Gabon, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Thailand, and Uganda.
HOW: “So far, we received commitments from more than 40 embassies to open their gates and doors to participate in this year’s Around the World Embassy Tour,” says Steve Shulman, Executive Director, Cultural Tourism DC. “Now in its 11th year, we expect nearly 30,000 people to visit embassies during a single day to learn about countries from across the globe. It is a wonderful, uniquely Washington experience for families, individuals and groups.”
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 144th 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 18th St NW are welcome, although guests inquiring about seating availability can call 202-232-7663.
Jug & Table
2446 18th Street NW
Washington, DC
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.
As part of its ReDiscovery Reading Series, the Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) will stage a free reading of David Ives new play, The Panties, The Partner and The Profit: Scenes from the Heroic Life of the Middle Class, on Monday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lansburgh Theatre. A discussion with David Ives will take place after the reading, providing the audience with the opportunity to learn more about the play before the full production arrives onstage at STC in the 2018–2019 Season.
Following the success of The Liar, The Heir Apparent, The Metromaniacs (currently playing at Red Bull Theater) and last season’s The School for Lies, David Ives gives his “translaptation” treatment to Carl Sternheim’s epic trilogy, Scenes from the Heroic Life of the Middle Class—transforming three full-length plays into a single brisk evening filled with panties falling, parents visiting, vast fortunes being made, and other signs of the looming near-apocalypse.
The reading features an impressive cast including: Greg Hildreth, who is currently playing Olaf in Frozenon Broadway; Kelly Hutchinson, recently seen Off-Broadway in The Government Inspector; Helen Cespedes currently in The Age of Innocence at Hartford Stage and, D.C. favorites Michael Glenn, Dorea Schmidt and Gregory Wooddell, who all appeared in David Ives’s The School for Lies at STC last season.
Now in its 25th season, the ReDiscovery Series aims to introduce audiences to new adaptations of great but lesser-known classic plays under consideration for STC’s mainstage seasons, and the readings are often the first step in bringing a new adaptation or an under-produced classic back into the spotlight.
“I’ve taken three full-length plays and condensed them into a single evening, moving early 20th-century German family life into America today, with what I hope is comparable comic and satiric effect,” says David Ives. “My aim is to bring to life on a modern stage the message, if not the warning that Sternheim was shouting from his era, right into our collective ear. We are looking at Sternheim’s comedy anew, through contemporary eyes, so it seems fitting that it should premiere as part of STC’s ReDiscovery Reading Series.”
Sternheim (1878-1942), a successful social satirist, is best known for a series of plays that he titled “From The Heroic Life of the Middle Class.” They tell the story of the Mask family, which moves from lower middle class to middle class to filthy rich over three generations of German society. In Ives new version, the series now begins in Boston in 1950 (“The Panties”), goes on to New York and Wall Street in 1986 (“The Partner”) and brings the Mask family up to date in our own day with the Mask grandchildren now rich in Malibu (“The Profit”).
The reading will be directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul. The main stage production next season will be directed by Artistic Director Michael Kahn, in his final season leading STC.
Audiences wishing to hear Ives’ work can reserve their spot at http://www.shakespearetheatre.
For more information about the ReDiscovery series, visit ShakespeareTheatre.org/
Team Fox Young Professionals of Washington, DC is pleased to announce the second annual Tips for Parkinson’s event on May 9, 2018 at Provision 14 to raise money for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). Last year, the District’s inaugural Tips for Parkinson’s event welcomed 200 guests and raised nearly $40,000 for Parkinson’s research. This year, the group hopes to eclipse that number, having already raised over $30,000 in advance donations. Supporting that effort are this year’s honorary co-chairs, Representatives Carolyn Maloney from New York, Hank Johnson, Jr. from Georgia, and Gus Bilirakis from Florida, who are members of the Congressional Caucus on Parkinson’s Disease and will be in attendance.
The event will include a silent auction, featuring vacation packages, signed sports memorabilia, concert tickets, and a breakfast and live podcast taping with sports commentator, Tony Kornheiser. Also up for auction are numerous gift certificates redeemable at many of the District’s favorite bars, gyms, and restaurants. Finally, there will be raffles throughout the night that will include prizes like tickets to see Hamilton at the Kennedy Center.
Tips for Parkinson’s is a unique social and networking experience that combines great food and drinks and a guest bartending competition to raise funds and awareness for MJFF. The $40 event entry cost includes drinks poured by competing bartending teams and unlimited, delicious food from the Provision 14 kitchen. 100% of funds raised from this event will go straight to research.
MJFF is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today. MJFF has funded more than $750 million in research around the world and has no endowment. Every dollar raised is immediately deployed to advance research with the best chance of leading to new Parkinson’s Disease therapies and, ultimately, a cure.
Tips for Parkinson’s 2018 will be on May 9, 2018, from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale via the following link:https://tips.michaeljfox.org/
