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.

Apr
13
Sat
American Pops & Yoga! @ Arena Stage
Apr 13 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Yoga enthusiasts are getting ready to stretch as they listen to The American Pops Orchestra perform selections of early American folk music. Instructor Michael Peterson will guide attendees on a 70-minute journey through yoga and meditation on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater-Molly Smith Study, 1101 Sixth St., SW, Washington, D.C.

Tickets are available at http://bit.ly/APOyoga

Apr
20
Sat
Earth Day Plogging @ Raymond Recreation Center
Apr 20 @ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

VIDA Fitness is teaming up with DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to clean up the District while breaking a sweat for Earth Day. D.C residents are invited to join in the second annual Plogging event, picking up trash while jogging, as they run a preset two mile course beginning at Raymond Recreation Center.

Ploggers will be provided with trash bags and gloves to use as they run and pick up litter. VIDA Fitness and DPR will ensure appropriate disposal of all trash collected during the plogging event. This event is free and open to the public. 

After plogging VIDA Fitness will provide snacks and drinks for all participants. Sign up is requested to ensure enough supplies are on hand for all ploggers.

WHEN:             Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 10 a.m.

WHERE:           Starting at Raymond Recreation Center VIDA Fitness and DPR will lead joggers on a designated two mile route through Northwest DC.

WHY:               To clean up the trash and litter in the District in honor of Earth Day

HOW:              Sign up at https://vidafitness.com/plogging and also receive a free workout at VIDA Fitness

Pearl Dive’s Annual Crawfish Boil @ Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
Apr 20 @ 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace’s Annual Crawfish Boil is right around the corner!

The venue will be offering up a feast of Crawfish, Corn on the Cob, House Made Andouille Sausage, Coleslaw, Cornbread Muffins, Roasted Potatoes, Wood Grilled Oysters, Pulled Pork Sliders, Hush Puppies, Abita Beer, House Wine Pours, and Hurricane Punch!

All you can eat and drink!

May
4
Sat
DC Chocolate Festival @ La Maison Francaise
May 4 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The DC Chocolate Festival is back this Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 10:00 am till 5:00 pm. 

This event brings together over 30 chocolate vendors and thousands of chocolate lovers for a day of tasting, talking and learning.  

A celebration of artisan and fine chocolate from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, the DC Chocolate Festival is at La Maison Francaise, Embassy of France (4101 Reservoir Road NW).

And it will bring together both chocolate makers and chocolate enthusiasts for a day of tastings and educational micro workshops.

The DC Chocolate Festival features over 30 chocolate vendors with incredible chocolate confections, treats, beverages, and craft chocolate bars from across the local area and the world!

In addition to delectable tastings, the DC Chocolate Festival offers chocolate documentaries & film screenings, books signing, talks, workshops for kids and adults and many more!

Click here for tickets.

May
16
Thu
ZooFari: Bite Night @ Smithsonian National Zoo
May 16 @ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Boasting the city’s best restaurants, one-of-a-kind animal demonstrations and inspiring conservation stories, ZooFari: Bite Night, a benefit for wildlife sponsored by GEICO, returns to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on May 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Hosted by Friends of the National Zoo, this year’s event promises to be a glamorous night of dining, drinking, bidding and dancing—all to support the Zoo’s important mission to save species.

“We love hosting ZooFari every year,” said Lynn Mento, executive director of FONZ. “What makes it so special and popular is not just that the food and drink are amazing, but that you’re enjoying the restaurant tastings in this beautiful setting where you have the chance to see animals, and meet some of the world’s leading conservation scientists. It’s a unique combination of great food, great drink and helping to save the planet … that’s a pretty good night!”

Most animal houses will be open, and the VIP Lounge, hosted by Charles Schwab & Co., will be at Great Cats Circle, where there also will be exclusive animal demonstrations. The only DJ to spin beats and cook at the same time, DJ Chef, will entertain all attendees, as will electric violinist Ben Hoyt, Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar and a food sculptor.

In addition to providing a unique dining and entertainment experience, the event will celebrate conservation work around the globe. Smithsonian scientists will be on hand to share stories with guests about how they’re saving endangered animals. Special stations will showcase five wildlife projects supported by Conservation Nation, an initiative of Friends of the National Zoo.

A silent auction is open to the public before and during the event. The auction features conservation-themed prizes, including animal paintings, behind-the-scenes tours at the Zoo and even the opportunity to name a wild tapir.

General admission tickets include access to the general event area, as well as complimentary food tastings, beer, wine, soft drinks and water, plus live entertainment and animal experiences. Four extravagant VIP packages include access to an exclusive VIP Lounge with the finest food and cocktails, as well as special parking opportunities, express check-in and more.

May
19
Sun
Wanderlust Mindful Triathlon
May 19 all-day

Wanderlust, producer of the largest yoga lifestyle events in the world, in partnership with adidasbrings Wanderlust 108, the world’s only mindful triathlon, back to Washington DC on May 19, 2018.  Coming to The Lawn at Oklahoma Avenue, Wanderlust’s unique triathlon consists of a five-kilometer run (or walk), a music-fueled, outdoor yoga class led by Faith Hunter and a guided meditation led by Tracee Stanley. Mindful triathletes can also groove to the sounds of DJ Jesse Blake, browse the marketplace of local craft and food vendors, and experience bonus fitness classes throughout the day.

New for 2018, participants in North America will be able to choose from an array of premium ticket options to create their perfect Wanderlust 108 adventure.  Prices start at $30, with premium packages from $99.  Wanderlust will donate $1.08 from every ticket sold to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS with (RED). To date, (RED) has generated more than $500 million for the AIDS fight, supporting HIV/AIDS programs and services in eight countries in Africa. 100% of money raised goes to work on the ground—no overhead is taken. For more information, visit red.org.

At all Wanderlust 108 events, the Kula Marketplace will showcase local craft vendors, including clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted items. Local and organic food vendors will be on site, as well as a retail store experience created by adidas and Wanderlust housed in a 60’ geodesic dome.  Items from the adidas x Wanderlust co-branded collection will be sold on site at each event.

Jun
2
Sun
NOVA Wine Run 5K at Vintage Virginia @ Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center
Jun 2 @ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

NOVA Wine Run 5K at Vintage Virginia!

Sunday, June 2, 2019

9:30am RACE TIME

9:30am Children’s Run

9:45am 5K Commences

10:15am Runner’s Circle Opens

11:00am The Wine Festival Opens

with Bubbles and The Donut Wall

Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center 

Join us on Sunday at Vintage Virginia at Bull Run Park as we Chase the Chardonnay in NOVA style. The NOVA Wine Run at Vintage Virginia 5K race will start and end at the Vintage Virginia Wine Festival and will be run on both grass and pavement. As you finish your race you will find yourself immersed in the largest Wine & Food Festival in Northern Virginia with over 200+ wine from over 25+ VA wineries. In addition the will be a special wine garden especially for runners. Teams are encouraged to dress the part and we’ll have a costume contest. All runners are welcome to stay at the Festival. Join us – entries are limited.

Jun
10
Mon
Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction @ Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
Jun 10 @ 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

On Monday, June 10th, 40 of the area’s best chefs and mixologists will serve up special tastings of their signature dishes at Food & Friends’ annual Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction. Hosted at the Marriott Marquis, Chef’s Best will benefit Food & Friends, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that provides life-sustaining meals to those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses.

Thanks to the efforts of Chef Chair Kevin Tien of Himitsu, Hot Lola’s, and Emilie’s, guests will enjoy tastings prepared by some of the region’s most talented chefs and mixologists including: Eric Bruner-Yang, Maketto, Tony Chittum,Iron Gate, Sanjay Mandhaiya, Pappe, Jong Son, Tiger Fork, Amy Hosseinnian, Buffalo & Bergen,andMalkhaz Maisashvili of Supra,among other notables from the D.C. dining scene. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on an array of exciting silent and live auction items featuring fantastic trips, one-of-a-kind experiences and private dining opportunities.

This year, guests will also hear from Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), a leading Congressional advocate on issues of food security, nutrition and health. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules and is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition in the House Committee on Agriculture. In 2018, he co-founded the Food is Medicine Working Group as part of the House Hunger Caucus, which he also co-chairs.

Proceeds from Chef’s Bestwill ensure the delivery of nutritionally tailored meals and nutrition counseling to Food & Friends’ clients living with cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses. This year, Food & Friends aims to provide 1 million meals to more than 3,000 seriously ill individuals in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland.

“I am honored to serve as Chef Chair of this year’s event,” said Kevin Tien. “To me, it doesn’t matter who you are, at the end of the day, food is something that connects everyone. I am touched by the impact that Food & Friends makes in the lives of its clients, delivering nutritious meals and a healthy dose of compassion during life’s most trying times. It gives me comfort to know that Food & Friends fills such a critical need at no cost to those who rely on the organization’s services.”

Tickets are $350 and sponsorships start at $1,000. Visit www.foodandfriends.org/ChefsBest to purchase tickets and see a current list of chefs and sponsors. The President’s Reception for sponsors begins at 5:30pm. Doors open for the main event at 6:30pm, with live auction bidding starting around 8:30pm. Food & Friends depends on the support of corporations, foundations and individuals and is grateful for the sponsors who have contributed to Chef’s Best.

Jun
19
Wed
Horton’s Kids Dinner at Juniper Restaurant in the Fairmont @ Juniper Restaurant
Jun 19 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

HORTON’S KIDS ARE STAR CHEFS IN

JUNIPER RESTAURANT

-Graduates of Fairmont’s Culinary Program Show-off Skills Benefitting Horton’s-

WASHINGTON – DC – May 15, 2019 – On Wednesday, June 19th, Juniper Restaurant, at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, will serve a very special pre-fixe dinner at 6:00 p.m.  Five students from Horton’s Kids* spent time this winter with the hotel’s culinary team learning cooking skills.  In celebration of their graduation, they are taking their talents to the next level, by assisting Executive Chef Jordi Gallardo and Sous Chef Mitch Eldridge with meal preparation for Juniper Restaurant’s Horton’s Kids Dinner.  Juniper will donate 25% of the proceeds from the pre-fixe dinners directly to Horton’s Kids.

Pre-Fixe Dinner

Cast Iron Cornbread | honey jalapeño butter

 

Starters Choices

 

English Pea Soup | crab, fennel

Lola Rosa Greens | red onion, orange citrus, endive, sunflower seeds

Maryland Crab Cakes | espelette remoulade

 

Entrée Choices

Tagliatelle Pasta | shaved vegetables, torn herbs, pecorino

Scallops | shishito, tomatoes, saffron

Braised Veal Cheeks | spring vegetables, white wine reduction

Beef Tenderloin (6oz) | green beans, charred onion, blue cheese bordelaise

 

Dessert & Champagne

“Snickers” Parfait | salted toffee, chocolate cake, peanut brittle

available gluten or nut free *

A glass of Thiénot Brut

The Pre-fixe menu is $75 per person and will be prepared with the assistance of Horton’s  Kids Star Chefs on June 19th at 6:00 p.m..  The special menu will also be available through June 26th with 25% of the proceeds going to Horton’s Kids.  Diners will enjoy an amazing meal while helping Horton’s Kids.  To make reservations, please call (202) 457-5020 or email wdc.restaurantreservationsdl@fairmont.com.

In July 2019, children from Horton’s Kids will participate in a new program at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown learning about hotel operations.

Juniper Restaurant in Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is located at 2401 M Street, N.W., is in the city’s West End and adjacent to historic Georgetown.  Juniper is open for breakfast and lunch daily and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.  Sunday Brunch is served from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.