Dec
16
Sun
Wake-n-Bake with Terrapin Beer Co. @ City Tap Penn Quarter
Dec 16 @ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wake-n-Bake with Terrapin Beer Co. @ City Tap Penn Quarter – Sunday, December 16

City Tap Penn Quarter is teaming up again with Terrapin Beer Co. for their annual Wake-n-Bake baking challenge. Amateur bakers will be challenged to make their most delicious creation using Terrapin Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout. The bakers will present samples of their creations at City Tap Penn Quarter at 11am on December 16, with guests attending the event sampling all the desserts and voting on the winner. Bakers who want to participate can sign up by emailing info.pennquarter@citytap.com; guests who want to sample all the desserts and select their favorite can get a ticket for $10 at the door.

Feb
9
Sat
Chocolate Festival @ Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
Feb 9 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Chocolate Festival

Saturday, Feb. 9, and Sunday, Feb. 10; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian holds its annual Chocolate Festival in February. From the blossoms of the cacao tree which grows in Mesoamerica, the Maya culture developed chocolate. This program will introduce visitors to indigenous symbols and images representing cacao throughout pre-Columbian history and invite participants to make an art-inspired piece. Participants will enjoy the music of Guatemalan Marimba with Marimba AWAL and join Grupo Los Tecuanes (Mixtec) as they share the process of turning cacao into chocolate. Executive Chef, Mitsitam Native Foods Café, Freddie Bitsoie (Diné), will demonstrate various recipes inspired by chocolate. Limited tastings will be available during the demonstrations. Families and children can participate in different activities in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, including make-and-take a cacao pendant using the Mayan glyph for cacao (chocolate).

Crêpe Day: Celebrate La Chandeleur! @ Hillwood Estate
Feb 9 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Crêpe Day: Celebrate La Chandeleur!

Saturday, February 9, 2019, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Enjoy crêpes, storytelling, art projects, and more amidst Hillwood’s spectacular gardens, magnificent mansion, and exquisite French treasures.

www.HillwoodMuseum.org 

4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

Feb
10
Sun
Chocolate Festival @ Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
Feb 10 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Chocolate Festival

Saturday, Feb. 9, and Sunday, Feb. 10; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian holds its annual Chocolate Festival in February. From the blossoms of the cacao tree which grows in Mesoamerica, the Maya culture developed chocolate. This program will introduce visitors to indigenous symbols and images representing cacao throughout pre-Columbian history and invite participants to make an art-inspired piece. Participants will enjoy the music of Guatemalan Marimba with Marimba AWAL and join Grupo Los Tecuanes (Mixtec) as they share the process of turning cacao into chocolate. Executive Chef, Mitsitam Native Foods Café, Freddie Bitsoie (Diné), will demonstrate various recipes inspired by chocolate. Limited tastings will be available during the demonstrations. Families and children can participate in different activities in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, including make-and-take a cacao pendant using the Mayan glyph for cacao (chocolate).

Feb
18
Mon
First Annual Not Wasted Dinner @ Equinox Restaurant
Feb 18 @ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

On February 18 at 7 pm, Chef Todd Gray will host the first annual Not Wasted Dinner, a tribute to the organizer’s collective mission to eradicate food waste in the hospitality industry. The dinner is a collaboration of diverse yet like-minded chefs who will create a four-course dinner made from “trash ingredients” like roots, stems and cuttings.

“As we celebrate our 20th year in business, we’re more committed than ever to taking dramatic steps to decrease the restaurant’s carbon footprint. The dinner will be both educational and delicious–showcasing how you can utilize otherwise wasted ingredients and have a sumptuous dining experience at the same time,” said Ellen Kassoff, co-owner of Equinox Restaurant.

The evening will also feature an interactive discussion with an enlightened group of esteemed panelists to discuss and guide us all in ways we can reduce, reuse, and recycle for a brighter, more promising environmental future.

Confirmed panelists include:

  • Amanda Stone, World Wildlife Fund
  • Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Together We Bake
  • Hilary Landa, Ad Council
  • Laura Monto, Sodexo

Panel moderator: Lesly Baesens, DC Food Recovery Working Group

Guest Chefs

  • Todd Gray, Equinox Restaurant
  • Michelle Brown, Teaism
  • Gregory Payne, Sodexo
  • Robert Wood, SuperFd Catering

Special “Trashed” cocktails — using forgotten bits of bar fruit in syrups, garnishes, and mixers — will be crafted by Peter Grimm, Equinox Restaurant’s Bar Manager and Mixologist.

Tickets are $65 and may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-wasted-dinner-at-equinox-restaurant-tickets-55034372289

Mar
5
Tue
Mardi Gras Extravaganza DC @ The Showroom
Mar 5 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Mardi Gras Extravaganza DC will be coming to The Showroom [March 5, 2019] on Fat Tuesday from 6PM-10PM. Join the co-chairs – N’awlins native chef David Guas and chef Spike Mendelsohn, along with Gina Chersevani, one of the most beloved mixologists in the DC area, and Bruce Pike of Pike Productions known for elaborate event productions. The all-you-can-eatand drink [$55] night of indulgence benefits DC Central Kitchen. New Orleans-style food is presented by 20 of the top chefs in DC including ChikoThe Salt Line, Rocklands BBQJulii,District Doughnut, Good Stuff Eatery and more! Sip on cocktails crafted by 12 of the top mixologists, including Sarah Rosner of Bourbon Steak and Frankie Jones of Occidental Grill & Seafood, as the best bartenders in DC battle it out for the title of “Best Hurricane” in the cocktail competition. And, flying in from New Orleans for the occasion, mixologist Ryan Gannon of Curein New Orleans – winner of the 2018 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program – will be serving up authentic, spirited sips. To top it all off, there’ll be a costume contest and live New Orleans style tunes – and, back by popular demand, 3 gorgeous drag queens. PAY ONE PRICE!Tickets are $55 per person, ORDER HERE. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door. All attendees must be 21 years or older.

Turn Up the Heat culinary experience @ The Anthem
Mar 5 @ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
On Tuesday, March 5, the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) will shake off the chill of winter with its annual “Turn Up the Heat” culinary experience at The Anthem (901 Wharf Street SW).
The highly anticipated event, emceed by ovarian cancer survivor Elle Simone Scott of America’s Test Kitchen on PBS, honors D.C.’s best female chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists and this year will tip its hat to Chef Seng Luangrath of Thip Khao, the Laotian sensation that has quickly become a local must-visit.
With her 2019 “Chef on Fire” OCRA honor, Thip Khao head chef and owner Seng Luangrath joins illustrious company, including past honorees Marjorie Meek-Bradley (St. Anselm) and James Beard Award nominee Amy Brandwein (Centrolina). And, the list of “Turn Up the Heat” participating restaurants and food industry pros providing the evening’s outstanding food and drinks for more than 400 guests reads like a who’s who of Washington’s female culinary visionaries, among them:
OCRA is the largest investor in ovarian cancer outside of the U.S. government and “Turn Up the Heat” is the organization’s hallmark fundraiser, raising critical funds for research and serving ovarian cancer survivors and their families.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting our annual ‘Turn Up the Heat’ event in support of all women who have been touched by ovarian cancer,” says OCRA President and CEO Audra Moran. “Having the top female chefs in Washington, D.C., supporting our cause sends a powerful message to all those affected by the disease, while also creating a fantastic evening of food, cocktails and fun.”
 
“Everything I do is to honor my late mother, she would’ve loved to see me at this year’s ‘Turn Up the Heat’ event as the Chef on Fire,” says Thip Khao head chef and owner Seng Luangrath. “Just recently, a friend of mine passed away from ovarian cancer and I’m dedicating my participation in OCRA’s largest fundraising event to her. Cancer touches all of us in one way or another – I hope everyone can join us at this thoughtful event for an incredible cause.
General admission for “Turn Up the Heat” begins at 6:30pm, with early entry at 6pm for VIP ticket holders who will mingle in the Teal Lounge, proudly sponsored by United Airlines.
For more information about OCRA and “Turn Up the Heat” and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.turnuptheheatdc.org
Mar
9
Sat
Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Pitch Fest @ Mission Navy Yard
Mar 9 @ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Women chefs, authors, culinarians, innovators and entrepreneurs will have a Shark Tank opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of professional experts as Les Dames d/Escoffier’s DC Chapter presents Pitch Fest, Saturday, March 9.

Local food entrepreneurs in retail, marketing and public relations will form the panel and will judge the pitches. The entrepreneurial winner will receive three hours of consulting services from the panelists plus a gift certificate to Michelin-starred restaurant Bresca.

Aviva Goldfarb, marketing executive and founder of “The Six o’ Clock Scramble” will moderate the panel that will include Stacey Adams, president and founder of Annapolis’ Tastings Gourmet Market; Susan Callaghan, chef and lecturer at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Jill Collins, founder of hospitality PR firm Jill Collins Public Relations Group.

The brunch and presentation experience will be held at Mission Navy Yard from noon until 3 pm. Tickets, at $35 including brunch, may be obtained at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-pitch-fest-march-9-2019-noon-3-pm-tickets-55413950618

Food innovators wishing to make their pitch may sign up at https://tambrastevenson.typeform.com/to/N9TqWL

Les Dames d ’Escoffier Pitch Fest

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Noon – 3 pm

Mission Navy Yard – 1221 Van Street SE (corner Van & N Streets, across from Nats Stadium)

$35 includes brunch and presentations

Mar
31
Sun
Bad & Boozy Brunch @ City Tap Dupont
Mar 31 @ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

In celebration of Women’s History Month, City Tap Dupont invites guests to a Bad & Boozy Brunch on Sunday, March 31, from 11am to 3pm. Brunchers are invited to raise a glass in honor of the phenomenal women of the world with bottles of bubbly and mixers for build-your-own mimosas ($20), as well as the usual $18 bottomless mimosas, beermosas, and build-your-own bloody marys. From 11:30am – 2:30pm DJ Ducky Dynamo will have powerful female artists playing throughout the restaurant for guests to dance and sing along with while enjoying brunch favorites such as strawberry sundae pancakesshrimp & grits, and woodfired pizzas. To make a reservation at City Tap Dupont, visit https://www.citytap.com/location/dupont/.

Apr
8
Mon
Taste of the Nation @ National Building Museum
Apr 8 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign invites Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia residents to sip and sample creations from area’s most celebrated restaurants to help kids in need at this year’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry on Monday, April 8, 2019Hosted at the National Building Museum, the annual tasting event will feature gourmet cuisine and libations crafted by the city’s hottest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists, uniting to raise funds to ensure all children in America have access to the healthy food they need, every day. One-hundred-percent of proceeds from the event benefit No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America.

Led by Chef Chair Mike Friedman (The Red Hen, All-Purpose), Pastry Chair Tiffany MacIsaac (Buttercream Bakeshop), Mixology Chair Gina Chersevani (Buffalo and Bergen, Suburbia), and Sommelier Chair Nadine Brown (Society Fair), D.C.’s culinary tastemakers will provide guests with scrumptious bite-size fare, craft cocktails and delectable desserts. Guests will also have a chance to participate in an intimate tasting with Chef Kwame Onwuachi (Kith and Kin, Philly Wing Fry) and Chef Tae Strain (Momofuku CCDC), and score hot items at the silent auction and “Giving Tree”. 

Notable participating Washington, D.C. area culinary talent and eateries include:

All-Purpose | Al Dente | Art & Soul | Barrel | Beuchert’s Saloon | Buffalo and Bergen | Bombay Street Food | Buttercream Bakeshop | Captain Cookie and the Milkman | Cava Mezze | Coconut Club | Colada Shop | Compass Rose | Espita Mezcaleria | Estadio | Farmers & Distillers | Firefly | Georgetown Cupcake | The Green Zone | Hank’s Oyster Bar | I’m Eddie Cano | Jack Rose Dining Saloon | Junction Bakery & Bistro | Kith and Kin | Kuya Ja’s | McClellan’s Retreat | Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro | Mi Vida | Milkbar | Momo Yakitori | Momofuku CCDC| Nama Sushi | Osteria Morini | Ottoman Taverna | Oyamel | Pisco y Nasca Ceviche Gastrobar | Radiator | Rappahannock Oyster Bar | RARE Steakhouse | RASA | Royal | Shake Shack | Society Fair Spoken English | Stellina Pizzeria | Succotash Penn Quarter | Sweet Lobby | The Delegate | The Pub and the People | The Source | Tico |  Truxton Inn

One in six children in America struggles with hunger, including nearly 27,000 kids in the District of Columbia. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger nationwide by ensuring that kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and families learn the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget. Since the campaign’s launch, No Kid Hungry and its partners have connected kids struggling with hunger to more than one billion meals.

In 2018, D.C.’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry raised enough to connect hungry kids in need with up to 2.5 million healthy meals. Local beneficiaries include Capital Area Food Bank, DC Hunger Solutions, and Mary’s Center.

D.C.’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry is supported by national co-presenting sponsors Citi and Sysco®, national media sponsor Food Network, and national sponsor OpenTable. Whole Foods Market is the Official Grocer Sponsor of D.C.’s 2019 Taste of the Nation and will be providing samples alongside their local vendors. This event is also made possible by the following local sponsors: Caledonia Spirits, Catoctin Creek, Chrysler Pacifica, Ecolab, Flying Dog Brewery, MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, Rémy Cointreau and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry tickets start at $100, with prices increasing a month prior to the event on March 8, 2019. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.nokidhungry.org/tastedc.