Citi Taste of Tennis today announced the exciting return of its premier food and tennis experience to Washington D.C. with an in-person event on July 31. This year marks 22 years since AYS Sports Marketing first created the one-of-kind event that brings together accomplished chefs and some of the world’s top pro tennis players to kick off major U.S. and international tennis tournaments.
Citi Taste of Tennis D.C. will be headlined by two-time Grand Slam Champion Victoria “Vika” Azarenka and Celebrity Chef and Food Network Star Chef Spike Mendelsohn of The St. James, offering a fun filled evening for foodies and tennis fans alike at the Omni Shoreham Hotel on Sunday, July 31, from 7-10 pm.
“We’re excited to once again return to DC as the title sponsor of Citi Taste of Tennis.,” said Craig Vallorano, Head of U.S. Retail Banking at Citi. “So many of our clients love world class tennis and food, so we’re thrilled to help serve up the fun.”
Citi Taste of Tennis Washington D.C. promises an unforgettable evening sampling fine food, sipping signature cocktails, and mingling with some of your favorite pro tennis players. With a heightened focus this year on supporting businesses that have endured throughout the pandemic, Citi Taste of Tennis is putting the spotlight on a curated lineup of local chefs and restaurants including:
Chef Spike Mendelsohn – The St. James
Chef James Gee – Dovetail
Chef Doron Peterson – Sticky Fingers
Chef Jassi Bindra – Amrina
Chef Scheyla Acosta – For Five Coffee Roasters
Chef Kevin Tien – Moon Rabbit
Chef Victor Albisu – Taco Bomba
Chef Shannan Troncoso – Brookland’s Finest
Chef Danny Chavez – Art and Soul at Yotel Washington
Entertainment includes music from DJ Mad Linx and a special performance by The Rakiem Walker Project. Specialty VOSS cocktails and fine wine provided by Catena Zapata will be served. Chef Mendelsohn will lead an exciting cooking demonstration and all chefs will be outfitted by Chefworks.
The Citi Taste of Tennis series is produced by AYS Sports Marketing and was the brainchild of AYS’ founders Judi and Penny Lerner. In 2000 the mother-daughter duo and longtime tennis fans, dreamed of creating an event that combined the international appeal of fine food and professional tennis. As such, Taste of Tennis was born. With over 20 years and hundreds of events under their belt, Taste of Tennis created by AYS has become one of the most anticipated “off the court” events at U.S and international tennis tournaments. The DC edition, which coincides with the Citi Open, follows Citi Taste of Tennis events in Indian Wells, Miami and London.
Tickets to the event are $300 and include unlimited food and drink throughout the evening. Group discounts are also available. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://tasteoftennis.com/washington-d-c and be sure to follow @tasteoftennis and #CitiTasteofTennis on social media for updates.
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Purchase tickets here!
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Tickets include admission, burgers (slider size) and three drink tickets.
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Participating Restaurants to Date (More to be Announced)
Chef/Owner Thomas Harvey is pleased to announce his restaurant is celebrating the noble canine with a Dog Days of Summer event on Thursday, August 18, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., to benefit Fall Church, Virginia’s Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. The public is invited to bring their pup to Harvey’s open-air patio for an informal, who has the cutest dog “beauty” pageant. 10 percent from the food and beverage sales of the entire day at Harvey’s will benefit this foundation, so clearly it is a day for the dogs.
For competitive eaters, Harvey’s is calling for applicants to sign up for the Pie Eating Competition, with confections prepared by Arlington’s Acme Pie Company, http://www.acmepieco.com, which produces the best pies using the finest local ingredients. There is a $20 entry fee for the pie eating competition with advance registration open through August 13 at Thomas@harveysva.com. This contest is restricted to people only and it is a speed not quantity eat-off that will capture the prize of a $50 gift card to enjoy at Harvey’s. The start time is 5:30 p.m., for digging into pies to help the pooches. Harvey’s will have multiple people standing around the competition pie table, and a couple seated off to the side, monitoring the event. The first fully consumed pie from the tin wins the pie eating contest. Proceeds help the animals, as 50 percent of each registration fee contributed by the pie eating participants benefits the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue.
Those in attendance, with their own beloved canine in tow, will be eligible to enter a raffle drawing for a $50 gift card to be utilized at Harvey’s. If one brings their dog in a costume for this special occasion, they will receive two entrees doubling their chance at winning a raffle prize. A total of three gift cards will be raffled off for those who have brought their dogs to experience the afternoon into evening of merrymaking for a good cause.
Everyone attending on August 18 can partake in the delicious, canned cocktails from Dry Fly Distillery, https://dryflydistilling.com/, such as Huckleberry Lemonade (made with huckleberry vodka) and Gin & Tonic and Lost Barrel Brewery of Middleburg, VA, https://lostbarrel.com/, will be serving Hazy IPA and Cucumber Hefeweizen. Libations will be priced from $8 to $12. Additionally, Harvey’s will be launching its new patio dog menu, featuring snacks and treats fitting for Fido. Prices will range from $5 to $8 and include cooked meats, house-made confections, and dog beer, while supplies last on this bark-friendly day.
The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation helps homeless pets find their way into loving homes through rescue and adoption. The foundation offers same-day adoptions and two-week trial periods and has saved over 40,000 lives saved since 2001. For more information about Lost Dog & Cat Rescue please visit the website at https://www.lostdogrescue.org.
Harvey’s is located in downtown Falls Church at 513 W. Broad Street, 20046. The restaurant is located 1.3 miles from the West Falls Church metro and 1.8 miles from the East Falls Church metro accessible on the silver and orange lines. For additional information, please call (540) 268-6100 or visit https://harveysva.com.
The Embassy of the Czech Republic, in collaboration with Diplomacy & Fashion, invites you to the opening of the portrait exhibition First Spouses by Miguel “M.i.G.” Martinez, highlighting the first spouses of the European Union’s Ambassadors to the United States of America, at the Embassy of the Czech Republic on August 30, 2022, from 12 noon to 2:30 pm.
The exhibition focuses on the men and women, who through great personal sacrifices of their own, bear enormous public responsibility in their own right. Albeit their work is not always visible at first sight, they ardently represent their respective nations.
The exhibition will open during the reception for the commencement of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
About Diplomacy & Fashion
Diplomacy & Fashion is a celebration of nations and cultures, bringing together diplomacy and fashion. Its mission is to promote designers from different countries around the world. Diplomacy & Fashion envisions the creation of an exclusive network with an emphasis on fashion and the future of the industry in the center of the world’s diplomacy in Washington, DC. www.diplomacyandfashion.com
About the Photographer
Miguel “M.i.G.” Martinez, originally from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is an Emmy winner and Grammy-nominated producer, film director and international photographer. In 2007, he relocated to the DC area and began his filmmaking career. In 2010, he won the Tribeca All Access Creative Promise Award from the Tribeca Film Institute. In 2016, he premiered his award-winning documentary Farewell Ferris Wheel at the AFI Docs film festival. That same year, he was invited to The White House to speak about the film. In October 2017, Farewell Ferris Wheel made its television debut on PBS. In April 2018, the documentary started streaming on Netflix and that same year the film was nominated at the 33rd Imagen Award for Best Documentary and the 39th News & Documentary Emmy Award.
Currently, Miguel has a production company called Aster Creative Co. that he started with his business partner Jamie Sisley. In less than a year, the pair won an Emmy. They have worked with such companies as Sony, HBO, PBS, The Smithsonian, Kennedy Center, among many others.
EVENT DETAILS FOR THE PUBLIC:
Date: August 30, 2022, from 12 noon to 2:30 pm
Venue: Embassy of the Czech Republic
3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
RSVP by August 26: https://CzechPresidency.
Embassy Policy: By registering, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists by attending this event on the premises of the Embassy of the Czech Republic. You and any family members and guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Embassy of the Czech Republic or any of their diplomats, staff, contractors, affiliates, employees, agents, or volunteers liable for any illness, injury, or death. The Embassy of the Czech Republic disclaims and excludes any and all liability for any loss, injury, or damage, alleged to have been suffered by or as a result of or otherwise on its premises.
Masks are recommended. Currently, we are following CDC guidelines. No large bags are allowed. Small purses may be checked as you pass through security for entrance. RSVP confirmation and photo ID required.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is pleased to present an evening with Uncle Nearest Whiskey* and Drunk Chicken Cigars** on Wednesday, September 14 beginning at 6pm in the hotel’s courtyard. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler and Drunk Chicken Founder and CEO Desiree Sylver will conduct Whiskey and cigar tastings.
Executive Chef Jordi Gallardo and Executive Sous Chef Jason Rowley will create a culinary feast prepared to complement delicious cocktails curated by Fairmont’s mixologists with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.
The event begins at 6pm in the courtyard with a welcome cocktail:
Tennessee 75 (Uncle Nearest 1884), and two hot canapés
Foie Gras Croquette and Short ribs with Maple Whiskey Glaze.
The four-course dinner begins at 7pm:
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Raisins and Walnut Ciabatta & Honey Whiskey Butter
-First Course-
Grilled Skull Island Shrimp
Whiskey Corn, Silk Grilled Corn Nibblets
Uncle’s Basil Collins (Uncle Nearest 1856)
-Second Course-
Smoked Pork Belly
Petite Frisée, Fennel Frond, Petite Miro Greens, Cherry Bomb Radish,
Tarragon, Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Lincoln County Maple Smash (Uncle Nearest 1856)
–Whiskey Tasting-
Uncle Nearest Tasting with Victoria Eady Butler
Uncle Nearest 1856, 1884 and a Surprise Blend
-Third Course – Smokin’ Family Style-
Proteins:
Smoked Chicken Thighs, Smoked Brisket, Cheddar Jalapeno Sausages,
Grilled Flat Iron, Rubbed Tomahawk
Smoked Scallops and Grilled Grouper
Sides:
Roasted Brussel Sprouts Maple Crème Fraiche, Grilled Heirloom Carrots, Parsnip Puree, Applewood Bacon Fingerling Warm Potato Salad, Carnival Cauliflower Smoked
Sea Salt Cherry Tomato, Duck and White Bean Cassoulet
Sauces:
Cherry Whiskey Reduction, Herb Garlic Butter, Caramelized Onion Whiskey SC.
-Dessert-
Belmond Peanut Butter Brownie Crunch
Strawberry-Elderflower Gel
-Cigar Tasting-
At 9pm, guests will retire to the courtyard’s cigar lounge to enjoy a Drunk Chicken Cigar–hand rolled Mother Clucker Robusto paired with a Nearest the West End 1884 Cocktail. Desiree and Victoria with lead the tasting.
An evening with Uncle Nearest and Drunk Chicken is available per person in two tiers
Reception, Dinner and Cigar is $229
Reception, Dinner, Cigar and custom-engraved bottle of Uncle Nearest 1856 is $289
(Engraver on-site to engrave each bottle)
Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Additional cocktails, wine, beer and cigars will be available for purchase. For reservations, please email wdc.courtyardevents.dl@fairmont.com.
*Nearest Green, affectionately nicknamed Uncle Nearest by his friends and family in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is the world’s first known African American master distiller. Nearest is credited with helping perfect the globally recognized Lincoln County Process, which is the defining distinction between Kentucky Bourbon from Tennessee Whiskey. This unique filtering of whiskey through sugar maple charcoal was named after the county where Nearest lived and made his highly regarded whiskey.
Nearest Green Distillery, a 323-acre Tennessee Walking Horse farm that has been dubbed by the press as “Malt Disney World,” was purchased in 2017 by Uncle Nearest, Inc. and opened for public tours in 2019. https://unclenearest.com/
**Established in 2019, Drunk Chicken Cigars are handmade in the U.S.A. to create premium flavor profiles. Every combination of tobacco leaf, including the filler, binder, and wrapper, was chosen to produce an assortment of smooth, rich, and savory cigars with a variety of customers in mind. The mission of the Drunk Chicken Cigars family is to produce premium cigars that can be smoked anytime of the day. Our cigars have tones ranging from spicy black pepper, coffee, earthiness, and dark and creamy-chocolate, which can accompany your breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening nightcap. In fact, our cigars are “Nubalicious”… so good you will smoke it to a nub. https://drunkchickencigars.com/
The Courtyard Bar offer cocktails and bites on Monday through Friday from 2pm until 10pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 11pm until 10pm. Featured bubbles include; 15 varieties of champagne and sparkling wine, 13 types of sparkling and still Rosé and 36 brands of gin, including Fairmont’s very own gin. The team worked with One Eight Distilling, located right here in D.C’s Ivy City neighborhood to create Untitled Gin No. 6.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is pleased to announce that its popular Paella Nights will return on Wednesday, September 21 and 28, from 4 to 7pm in the Courtyard Bar.
Lush landscaping, cozy fire pits and ample seating creates the perfect venue for Executive Chef Jordi Gallardo’s live paella station. Using a family recipe from his hometown of Barcelona, he will prepare and serve authentic Paella with shrimp, chicken, mussels and secret ingredients from his giant pan. An array of gazpacho, pan con tomate, manchego cheese, serrano ham, tortilla de patatas, olives, anchovies and flan de caramelo will accompany chef’s Paella.
Paella is $18 per person and $10 for children up to 12 years of age, not including tax and gratuity. Specially priced glasses of red and white sangria will be available along with the Courtyard Bar’s extensive cocktail menu. Reservations are available at this email address: wdc.courtyardevents.dl@
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is pleased to announce that its popular Paella Nights will return on Wednesday, September 21 and 28, from 4 to 7pm in the Courtyard Bar.
Lush landscaping, cozy fire pits and ample seating creates the perfect venue for Executive Chef Jordi Gallardo’s live paella station. Using a family recipe from his hometown of Barcelona, he will prepare and serve authentic Paella with shrimp, chicken, mussels and secret ingredients from his giant pan. An array of gazpacho, pan con tomate, manchego cheese, serrano ham, tortilla de patatas, olives, anchovies and flan de caramelo will accompany chef’s Paella.
Paella is $18 per person and $10 for children up to 12 years of age, not including tax and gratuity. Specially priced glasses of red and white sangria will be available along with the Courtyard Bar’s extensive cocktail menu. Reservations are available at this email address: wdc.courtyardevents.dl@
A celebration of culture, fashion, history, and diplomacy with a special, first-ever event featuring international fashion designers who dressed First Ladies and First Gentlemen from all over the world…
Diplomacy and Fashion is putting Washington DC on the map as a First Ladies fashion hub in one of the most influential cities in the world. As the most prestigious non-partisan fashion event in Washington DC, First Fashion Gala showcases 40 designers who have dressed First Ladies, First Gentlemen, Kings, and Queens from around the world. We are thrilled to include a retrospective exhibit with pieces from Former First Lady Laura Bush, Edith Wilson, and Former Empress Farah Pahlavi to name a few.
First Fashion Gala is a premier Black Tie Event chaired by Anne Simonian Totah that funds scholarships for low-income or single-parent students who want to study diplomacy or fashion in the nation or abroad. In addition, proceeds will go towards the goal of creating diplomacy and fashion courses in undergraduate programs nationwide.
Tickets are now on sale for the 13th Annual Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge.
Similar to years past, this international culinary competition is a one-of-a-kind, uniquely-immersive experience that celebrates Washington D.C.’s diversity and works to advance cultural diplomacy.
At the event, guests will be able to enjoy natives’ dishes, beverages and entertainment from embassies representing every corner of the globe.
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Date: Thursday, October 13th 2022
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Time: 6:30pm General Admission
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Location: Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard
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Purchase Tickets On: eventsdcembassychefchallenge.
com
