1st Annual Taste of Tysons Corner Center Saturday, May 6
In collaboration with, and in support of the emerging scholars program, the Erkiletian family (owners of The Wildset Hotel & Ruse) are hosting an intimate evening at their family farm in St. Michaels, Maryland, this June.
Dinner will be prepared in the garden by MICHELIN Star Chef Michael Rafidi of Albi in Washington, D.C. in collaboration with Chef Michael Correll of Ruse in St. Michaels, Maryland.
Tickets include a one night stay at Wildset, artisan cocktail house and hors d’oeuvres, tasting menu prepared by Chef MIchael Rafidi and Michael Correll, wine pairing by sommelier William Simons and Allie Balin, after dinner fireside cocktails, a donation to Emerging Scholars, an organization that is near to the hearts of the Erkiletian family.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Jean-Claude Plihon, the director of culinary and food & beverage at Park Hyatt Washington, D.C., and Andrew Cleverdon, chef de cuisine of Blue Duck Tavern, are pleased to host a guided tasting dinner showcasing a variety of wines from RdV Vineyards nestled in the magical granite foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just 60 miles outside Washington, D.C.
Guests of this delicious evening will explore the expansive collection of RdV Vineyards to complement a gastronomic four-course communal journey comprised of the freshest seasonal ingredients. This intimate dinner is priced at $295 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and features wines poured by Josh Grainer, managing director and winemaker at RdV, and Rutger de Vink, founder, and owner of RdV Vineyards, such as American Grand Cru, Lost Mountain Cabernet 2019, Rendezvous, a rare membership only Rosé and a special library vintage of Lost Mountain 2012.
WHEN: Thursday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m.
HOW: Tickets are priced at $295 per person (excluding gratuity and tax) and seats are limited. For reservations, please visit https://www.exploretock.com/
WHERE: Dinner is served at the Chef’s Table in Park Hyatt Washington, D.C.’s award-winning Blue Duck Tavern, located at 1201 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20037.
WHY: Founded in 2004 by Rutger de Vink, a former marine and corporate executive turned vigneron, RdV’s 100-acre vineyard sits on a steep, southern-exposure hillside with rocky soil and granite under the surface, creating a terroir ripe for growing Bordeaux varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. RdV Vineyards has produced world-class wines that marry the elegance of Bordeaux with the bold spirit of California. Additional information can be found at: https://www.rdvvineyards.com.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is pleased to announce its second annual whiskey pairing dinner with Uncle Nearest Whiskey* on Friday, June 30 beginning at 5:30pm. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler will conduct whiskey tastings.
Executive Chef Jordi Gallardo, Executive Sous Chef Jason Rowley and Sous Chef Edward Agnew will create a three-course culinary feast prepared to complement delicious cocktails curated by Fairmont’s mixologists with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.
The reception begins in the courtyard with canapés and a “Pretty as a Peach” cocktail made with Uncle Nearest, peaches and Angostura bitters.
The three-course dinner begins at 6:00pm:
First Course – Jalapeño honey polenta bread
Smoked oyster spinach, bacon, local cheese / raw on half shell mignonette/ Memphis fried oyster whiskey pickle
Mustard greens grilled baby carrot, pickled strawberry, cherry tomato/ fennel frond/ smoked apricot vinaigrette
Beal Street Gold Cocktail
Uncle Nearest Rye, Domaine de Canton, honey syrup, lemon
Entrée – Jumbo shrimp, whiskey lime glaze
Hickory smoked brisket, Uncle Nearest BBQ
Smoked tomahawk, herb roasted garlic butter
Sous vide short rib, Cherry and chili vinaigrette
Beer brined wild turkey, peach whiskey BBQ
Side Dishes – Grilled spring asparagus
Baby sunburst squash
Sautéed wild mushroom
Smoky Mountain Café Cocktail
Uncle Nearest 1884, Espresso, Kahlua, Frangelico
Dessert – Chocolate whiskey cigar, raspberry dust
4.3 Whiskey Tasting
Uncle Nearest 1856, Uncle Nearest 1884, Uncle Nearest Rye
At 7:30pm, guests will retire to the courtyard’s cigar lounge to relax while enjoying a cigar tasting.
An evening with Uncle Nearest, including reception, dinner and cigar is $250 per person including tax and gratuity. Additional cocktails, wine, beer and cigars will be available for purchase. For reservations, please email wdc.courtyardevents.dl@fairmont.com or visit Eventbrite tickets
Overnight accommodations are available on June 30 starting from $249 including complimentary valet parking for one vehicle and a special amenity. For reservations, please visit www.fairmont.com/washington, and use promo code – PTEH.
*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/
The Courtyard Bar offer cocktails and bites on Monday through Friday from 2pm until 10pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 11am 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.
Reservations Starting at 5:00 p.m. 4th of July
- $175++ – Adult Ticket with open bar
- $135++ – Adult Ticket with no alcohol
- $65++ – Kid Ticket
Adams Morgan Eats in the Streets is this Saturday, July 29 from 1-8pm for a foodie extravaganza. The outdoor event will take place during the launch of the 2023 Adams Morgan Pedestrian Zone between the 2400-2300 blocks of 18th Street NW. Eats in the Streets will showcase approximately 50 neighborhood restaurants and retailers in streatery spaces along the road closure offering attendees the chance to sample cuisines from across the globe, purchase meals to go, and wander through an open street. Participating restaurants will be offering dozens of all-day discounts, a “crowd favorite” menu item for $10 or less, and other fun surprises. Neighborhood retailers will also be onsite selling merchandise, giving out free samples, swag, and more.
Picnic tables will be available for attendees to eat at, enjoy live musical performances throughout the day, and gather with neighbors. Free fitness classes, face painting, a giant Foamboree for kids (the perfect way to beat the heat), balloon twisting, a chalk art muralist, and other fun activities will be available to event patrons – a schedule can be found online prior to the event. A DC Water misting station and water bottle refill station will be available for the public’s enjoyment and to cool down.
Bar Ivy, a “New Restaurant of the Year” RAMMY finalist, is debuting “Live in the Garden” – a twice-a-month live music series on its expansive 125-seat garden plaza — featuring local musicians and happy hour offerings beginning Saturday, July 15.
Bar Ivy’s idyllic (and pet-friendly) patio, shaded with a canopy of lush crepe myrtle trees, will host local musicians every other Saturday from 3:30-5:30pm. The upcoming lineup includes:
- July 29: Justin Trawick
- August 12: Mackenzie Ryan
- August 26: Brian Johnson
Music lovers can come early when Bar Ivy opens at noon, for “Happy All Day” happy hour specials until 5:30pm, such as discounted wine ($8 by the glass, $30 carafes, $10 off bottles), sangria ($8 glass, $35 pitcher), $5 “shorty” beer and sherry, $11 espresso martinis and more.
“Happy All Day” food specials from Chef/Owner Nathan Beauchamp include snacky bites like a crab-meets-Artichoke Dip with local crab, sherry and green onion; jerk-spiced Peel & Eat Shrimp with boozy rum butter; and golden Brandade Croquettes with black garlic remoulade; plus more substantial eats like homemade vegetarian Garganelli pasta with cherry tomato, anchovy, herbs and ricotta; and a Flat Iron Steak with asparagus and hotel butter.
Bar Ivy’s “Live in the Garden” concerts are free to attend, with beverage and food sold a la carte.
Citi Taste of Tennis, the Official Player Party of the Mubadala Citi D.C. Open, returns to the Nation’s Capital on July 30th from 7-10 p.m. Guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of amazing cuisine prepared by some of D.C.’s finest chefs and served by top tennis stars at La Vie Restaurant located on the Southwest Waterfront in The Wharf.
Tennis Channel’s Nick Monroe will host the event and Chef Kevin Tien will serve as the headline Chef. Nick and Kevin will be joined by a number of special guest players who will participate in an exciting cooking demonstration on the main stage.
A wide array of cuisine will be available from Citi Taste of Tennis’ all-star lineup of acclaimed chefs, including: Kevin Tien (Moon Rabbit), Bader Ali (Gerrard Street Kitchen), Patrice Cleary (Purple Patch), Alessandra Begggiato (Dolci Gelati), Jassi Bindra (Amrina The Woodlands), John Mooney (Bidwell), Scheyla Acosta and Chef Mac & Chef Pinke (Flavorture).
To add to the excitement, guests will be treated to a live performance to dance the night away. Attendees will also enjoy an assortment of interactive sponsor experiences provided by Citi, Barbados Tourist Board, Zonin Prosecco, Voss, Chef Works and Volkl.
Tickets are $250 each and group packages are available.
On Sunday, August 6th, Bourbon Steak will host a Tiki Throwdown, where former Bourbon Steak bartenders will join Head Bartender Engidawork Alebachew in a cocktail competition, battling it out to be crowned the champion. In addition to sampling each cocktail creation, guests will enjoy Bourbon Steak delights like the Duck Fat Fries and Prime Steak Burger, music from a live DJ and more. The event will be held from 4 to 7pm, with tickets available for $100, with a 10% donation benefitting Worthy Mentoring.
Guests will get the opportunity to take a front row seat for this boozy battle with local bartenders going head to head as they demonstrate building their signature craft cocktails. Guests will sample each contending beverage while enjoying passed tropical bites, and the results will be in their hands, with their votes determining the reigning champion of the night.
The competitor line up will feature Bourbon Steak’s Head Bartender Engidawork Alebachew, who will be defending his home turf by showcasing his “Fano” cocktail. Engi will be competing with industry experts, Jamie MacBain from Diageo Hospitality, Duane Sylvestre from Campari Group, Torrence Swain from Mezcal El Silencio and Greg Long from Allegory. Please see more details on each contender below.
Additionally, Bourbon Steak will be extending its general offerings, launching a new seasonal menu featuring delicious dishes inspired by and designed to be enjoyed during the summer months, including Lobster Cobb Salad, Gazpacho, Halibut, Corn Agnolotti Pasta, Tomato and Watermelon Salad.
*****
Engidawork Alebachew
Defending his home turf & representing Bourbon Steak at the Tiki Throwdown is Lead Bartender, Engidawork Alebachew, who will be showcasing his “Fano” cocktail.
Originally from Ethiopia, Engi had previously studied bioengineering before taking his place behind the bar at Bourbon Steak in 2010. Engi quickly realized his love for hospitality, engaging with guests and creating mixology magic, and embarked on a new career. Today, Engi leads the exciting cocktail program at Bourbon Steak creating innovative libations like the wagyu washed Yo, You Got Beef?!.
Duane Sylvestre
Hailing from the Campari Group, Libation Wizz, Duane Sylvestre, will return to Bourbon Steak to whip up his “Selassie” cocktail and protect his former title as Lead Bartender!
With 25+ years of beverage hospitality experience, Duane has an insatiable desire to learn and teach, believing that “raising the tide” for his industry peers benefits the entire food, beverage, and hospitality community. Prior to joining The Campari Group, Duane served as USBG DC Chapter President and led the award winning beverage program at Bourbon Steak.
Jamie MacBain
Coming in hot is The Potion Professor, Jamie MacBain, ready to throw it down at Bourbon Steak with his “Spirit Animal” cocktail and defend his former title as Head Bartender!
A 30-year industry veteran, leader and educator, Jamie has worked at some of the most popular dining establishments in the nation’s capital, including Bourbon Steak. Jamie was also the past president of the DC Craft Bartenders’ Guild, and is currently the DC/MD/DE On Premise Manager for Diageo Hospitality Partnership at Enthuse Marketing Group.
Torrence Swain
Introducing Torrence Swain, The East Coast Cocktail Crusader who will be battling it out at the Tiki Throwdown with his “Malvado Dorado” cocktail and flexing his prowess as former Bourbon Steak Head Bartender!
Well versed in spirit knowledge, education and cocktail creation, Torrence Swain is a seasoned industry professional, having represented esteemed D.C. restaurants including Bourbon Steak and Farmers Fishers Bakers. Torrence is now a leader in the spirits industry, serving as East Coast Director of Sales for Silencio Holdings.
Greg Long
Introducing our fifth and final beverage battler ready to flex his “Right By the Beach (Boiiiii)” cocktail at the Tiki Throwdown, Bourbon Steak’s former bartender, Greg Long!
A true cocktail aficionado, Greg started his journey at Bourbon Steak, where he bartended for four years. He then plied his trade at Dante in New York, before returning to DC and calling Allegory home, where he’s whipping up some of the best, most creative cocktails in the country.
Bar Ivy, a “New Restaurant of the Year” RAMMY finalist, is debuting “Live in the Garden” – a twice-a-month live music series on its expansive 125-seat garden plaza — featuring local musicians and happy hour offerings beginning Saturday, July 15.
Bar Ivy’s idyllic (and pet-friendly) patio, shaded with a canopy of lush crepe myrtle trees, will host local musicians every other Saturday from 3:30-5:30pm. The upcoming lineup includes:
- July 29: Justin Trawick
- August 12: Mackenzie Ryan
- August 26: Brian Johnson
Music lovers can come early when Bar Ivy opens at noon, for “Happy All Day” happy hour specials until 5:30pm, such as discounted wine ($8 by the glass, $30 carafes, $10 off bottles), sangria ($8 glass, $35 pitcher), $5 “shorty” beer and sherry, $11 espresso martinis and more.
“Happy All Day” food specials from Chef/Owner Nathan Beauchamp include snacky bites like a crab-meets-Artichoke Dip with local crab, sherry and green onion; jerk-spiced Peel & Eat Shrimp with boozy rum butter; and golden Brandade Croquettes with black garlic remoulade; plus more substantial eats like homemade vegetarian Garganelli pasta with cherry tomato, anchovy, herbs and ricotta; and a Flat Iron Steak with asparagus and hotel butter.
Bar Ivy’s “Live in the Garden” concerts are free to attend, with beverage and food sold a la carte.
