Washington City Paper Fetes Best of D.C. Finalists at 5th Annual Best of D.C. Celebration April 6th Presented by Events DC
The Washington City Paper and Events DC invite you to join them in honoring the best of the best in D.C. at its 5th annual Best of D.C. Celebration at the DC Armory on Thursday, April 6th beginning at 6pm. Some of D.C.’s best restaurants, mixologists, local breweries and distilleries, bands and retailers will provide the entertainment as guests sip, sample, and dance the night away.
What: Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. Celebration
Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017
Times: VIP 6-10pm; General Admission 7-10pm
Location: Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square (801 K Street NW, Washington, DC)
Price: VIP – $110; General Admission – $70
Tickets: https://www.xorbia.com/events/wcp/Best-of-DC-Celebration-2017
As the world grapples with the most severe global refugee crisis since World War II, musicians convened by conductors John Devlin and Lidiya Yankovskaya, herself a refugee who found asylum in the United States, are coming together to provide a voice to refugees in the country.
At 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 10, Yankovskaya and instrumentalists whose friends and families have fled to the U.S. to escape violence and persecution will perform a special concert for residents in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The performance will take place in The Fillmore Silver Spring and will feature a full symphony orchestra and soloists—including award-winning soprano Zhanna Alkhazova—performing works by refugee composers, such as Iranian composer Gity Razaz, Béla Bartók, and Irving Berlin, as well as music that involves refugee themes written by Verdi and Puccini, among others. The concert will showcase, through music, the positive impact that those who have come to this country seeking safety and a better life have had on American culture and society. It is one of three fundraising events that the Refugee Orchestra Project is organizing this spring.
“I organized the Refugee Orchestra Project as a way to demonstrate, through music, the critical role that these individuals play in our cultural landscape,” said Refugee Orchestra Project Conductor and Artistic Director Lidiya Yankovskaya. “In light of the negative rhetoric we regularly read and hear in the news today, I felt it important for all of us to once again be reminded of the essential role that refugees play in making American culture vibrant and strong.”
Devlin and the D.C.-based Gourmet Symphony will support this endeavor by recruiting local musicians to participate in the concert, as well as food vendors who will provide product and services to encourage donations for the cause.
“Gourmet Symphony was thrilled when the Refugee Orchestra Project representatives reached out to us about a possible collaboration around this worthy cause,” said John Devlin, co-founder and Artistic Director of Gourmet Symphony. “As artistic leaders in the nation’s capital, we feel that it is our responsibility to play an active role in our community and in matters of national importance. The concert will also allow us to engage culinary partners who are passionate about this cause. Our common goal is to offer a sense of connectedness and hope through the music and fellowship shared in this performance.”
Admission to the concert is free, donations are suggested. Guests who make a donation of at least $50 will receive premium seating and a gourmet gift box including snack bites from Gourmet Symphony’s culinary partners at Beuchert’s Saloon and Mike Isabella Concepts, among others—this will be capped at 100. Proceeds from donations will go toward the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees in support of those seeking asylum in the U.S. and abroad.
On Thursday, April 13th historically-themed hotspot LINCOLN will celebrate its 6th anniversary and you’re invited to join in the festivities! The anniversary party, which will run from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, is the perfect way to start your weekend a little early.
Take a photo with Honest Abe (a presidential impersonator will be on site starting at 5:00 pm) and test your knowledge of American history with LINCOLN Trivia. Be sure to bring your competitive spirit with you – 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will all go home with prizes (the most coveted being two tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball for the 1stplace winner!)
Complimentary bar bites will be served from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Those who want to continue the celebration can grab a table for dinner and enjoy some of Executive Chef Demetrio Zavala’s signature dishes like Creekstone NY Strip (with Horseradish Spaetzle, Marrow, Mustard Apple Sauce, Red Wine Reduction & Spinach,) Braised Lamb Osso Bucco (Baked Carrots, Yuzu, Natural Jus, Mustard Greens,) and Poached Halibut (Vanilla Onion Soubise, Shrimp Bisque, Peppermint Basil, Grapefruit.)
A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to Martha’s Table, a local organization that supports and strengthens children and families by increasing access to healthy food and quality education.
While there is no cost to attend LINCOLN’s anniversary party, guests are asked to kindly RSVP via e-mail: rsvp@lincolnrestaurant-dc.com.
Lincoln is located at 1110 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Residents of our nation’s capital can enjoy the most celebrated food in the area on April 19, when DC’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry returns to a new venue, Nationals Park. The annual tasting event will showcase the city’s top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists teamed up for a cause: making sure all children in this country get the healthy food they need every day. One hundred percent of proceeds from the event benefit No Kid Hungry’s efforts to end childhood hunger in America.
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Location: Nationals Park, 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Time: 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. for VIP/VIP Plus; 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. for General Admission
Led by Chef Chair George Pagonis (Kapnos, Kapnos Taverna, Kapnos Kouzina), Dessert Chair Tiffany MacIsaac (Buttercream Bakeshop), Mixology Chair Derek Brown (The Columbia Room, Mockingbird Hill, Southern Efficiency, Eat the Rich), and Sommelier Chair Nadine Brown (Charlie Palmer Steak), DC’s culinary tastemakers will provide guests with bite-size fare, craft cocktails, and sweets treats, driving taste buds out of the park. Taste of the Nation will offer foodie fans a chance to sample the city’s latest dining spots. Guests will also enjoy live DJ entertainment and the chance to win one of a kind auction items.
Every Kid, Healthy Food, Every Day
Nearly one in five children in this country struggles with hunger, including more than 29,000 kids in Washington, DC. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger in this nation 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 500 million meals.
In 2016, DC’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry raised enough to help feed children in need more than 2 million healthy meals. Area beneficiaries include Capital Area Food Bank, DC Hunger Solutions, and Mary’s Center.
DC’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry is supported by national presenting sponsors Citi and Sysco®, national media sponsor Food Network, and national sponsors OpenTable, and The Glenlivet.
Tickets start at $100 for General admission. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit: ce.nokidhungry.org/dc
The best eateries in the DC area will be represented at the event, including:
Agora Restaurant | Art and Soul | B&O American Brasserie | Bangkok Joe’s | Bar Pilar | Barrel | Best Buns Bread Company | Beucherts Saloon | Bidwell | Birroteca | Bub and Pop’s | Carlyle | Del Campo | Dino’s Grotto | Dirty Habit DC | District Distilling Company | Dolcezza Gelato |Espita Mezcaleria | Firefly DC | La Cuchara | Mandu | Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. | Medium Rare | Osteria Morini | Plume | Policy Restaurant & Lounge | Preserve | Radiator DC Sweet Home Cafe at the National Museum of African American History and Culture | RPM Italian DC | Sixth Engine Restaurant | Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar | Soup Up | Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee |The Prospect | The Food Market | Whaleys | Wit & Wisdom | Zentan
Residents of our nation’s capital can enjoy the most celebrated food in the area on April 19, when DC’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry, presented by Citi and Sysco, returns to a new venue, Nationals Park. The annual tasting event will showcase the city’s top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists teamed up for a cause: making sure all children in this country get the healthy food they need every day. One hundred percent of proceeds from the event benefit No Kid Hungry’s efforts to end childhood hunger in America.
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Location: Nationals Park, 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Time: 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. for VIP/VIP Plus; 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. for General Admission
Led by Chef Chair George Pagonis (Kapnos, Kapnos Taverna, Kapnos Kouzina), Dessert Chair Tiffany MacIsaac (Buttercream Bakeshop), Mixology Chair Derek Brown (The Columbia Room, Mockingbird Hill, Southern Efficiency, Eat the Rich), and Sommelier Chair Nadine Brown (Charlie Palmer Steak), DC’s culinary tastemakers will provide guests with bite-size fare, craft cocktails, and sweets treats, driving taste buds out of the park.
This year, Citi is excited to host Judah & the Lion on the mainstage overlooking the ballpark. Judah & the Lion blend the twang of folk, the beat of hip-hop, the drive of rock & roll and the punch of pop to create a truly genre-bending sound.
The new venue will also bring a refreshed cocktail scene. National sponsor Glenlivet will host an on-site pop-up bar and mixologist Gina Chersevani will serve Casa Noble Margaritas out of her Union Market airstream Suburbia
As always, Taste of the Nation will offer foodie fans a chance to sample the city’s latest dining spots, including ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar, Clarity, RPM Italian, Succotash and Whaley’s, and the greater DMV through “Baltimore Row” and “VA is for Food Lovers” sections. Baseball fans will also get a taste of the ballpark. A District Dugout area will feature some of Nationals Park’s favorite vendors, including Blue Smoke, Shake Shack, and On Rye!
Every Kid, Healthy Food, Every Day
Nearly one in five children in this country struggles with hunger, including more than 29,000 kids in Washington, DC. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger in this nation 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 500 million meals.
In 2016, DC’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry raised enough to help feed children in need more than 2 million healthy meals. Area beneficiaries include Capital Area Food Bank, DC Hunger Solutions, and Mary’s Center.
DC’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry is supported by national presenting sponsors Citi and Sysco®, national media sponsor Food Network, and national sponsors OpenTable, and The Glenlivet.
Tickets start at $100 for General admission. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit: ce.nokidhungry.org/dc
The best eateries in the DC area will be represented at the event, including:
1789 Restaurant | Agora Restaurant | Al Dente | Alba Osteria | Alta Strada | ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar | Art and Soul | B&O American Brasserie | Bangkok Joe’s | Bar Pilar | Barrel | Belga | Best Buns Bread Company | Beuchert’s Saloon | Bidwell | BLT Prime | BLT Steak | Blue Smoke | Boqueria | Bub and Pop’s | Buttercream Bakeshop | Captain Cookie and the Milkman | Carlyle | Casolare Ristorante + Bar | Chloe | Choolaah Indian BBQ | Compass Rose | Cork Wine Bar | Del Campo | Dino’s Grotto | Dirty Habit DC | District Distilling Company | District Doughnut | Doi Moi | Dolcezza | Don Churro | Espita Mezcaleria | Estadio | Farmers & Distillers | Firefly DC | Fluffness | Fork & Wrench | Gravitas | Hersh’s | Homestead | Ice Cream Jubilee | Insomnia Cookies | Jack Rose Dining Saloon | Kapnos | L’Hommage Bistro | La Cuchara | Le Diplomate | Mandu | Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. | Matchbox | Medium Rare | Modern Cook Shop | Mon Ami Gabi | Oceanaire Seafood Room | Olivia Macaron | On Rye | Osteria Morini | Ottoman Taverna | Palette 22 | Pen & Quill | Petit Louis | Pinea | Plume | Policy | Preserve | Proof | Radiator DC | RASA | RPM Italian DC | Shake Shack | Sixth Engine Restaurant | Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar | Soup Up | Stella Barra Pizzeria | Succotash Restaurant | Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffeee | Summer House Santa Monica | Sweet Home Cafe at the National Museum of African American History and Culture | Ted’s Bulletin | The Bird | The Charmery | The Fainting Goat | The Food Market | The Prospect | The Royal | The Salt Line | The Sweet Lobby | Thip Khao | Tico DC | Trummer’s On Main | Vinoteca | Whaleys | Whisked | Wit & Wisdom | Zentan
The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) has increased its fundraising goal for the 14th Annual Blue Jeans Ball to $500,000—enough to provide 1.25 million meals to those in need around metropolitan Washington. Following its recent move to stop accepting junk food donations, the CAFB received national praise among leading voices in the fight against hunger, resulting in record levels of pre-event exposure and sponsorship. Consequently, the organization is introducing new elements at this year’s gala celebration, slated for Sunday, April 23, with the goal of funding more nutritious meals than ever before.
New food and drink:
- New restaurants serving 40+ savory and sweet bites include Colada Shop (“Little Havana Done Right” – Washington Post), Arroz by Mike Isabella, Pub and the People
- Mixology Chair Gina Chersevani, Buffalo & Bergen, to pour specialty cocktail
- Chef Chair Ryan Ratino, Ripple to feature kampachi crudo with uni botarga and leche de tigre mousse
New entertainment:
- New Orleans-style band Dupont Brass will entertain throughout the evening
- Unique bottles from outstanding distilleries will be offered at a special “Spirits Pull,” where a $35 donation offers guests the chance to take home a bottle of prized liquor
New auction items:
- One week’s stay at an 18th century farmhouse in Umbria, Italy
- Tour for 20 of BrightFarms’ hydroponic greenhouse, with catered lunch and as many greens as you can carry
- Austin, Texas dream trip: 7 days for four guests with live music, famous Austin dining, and much more
- Tickets to the 117th U.S. Open golf tournament, with hospitality included
As always, guests arrive in their most fashionable denim and taste to their hearts’ content. Each ticket to the Blue Jeans Ball provides 500 life-changing meals for people in need in our area, and can be purchased at capitalareafoodbank.org/blue-jeans-ball/.
When: Sunday, April 23, 2017
5 pm: VIP reception
6 pm: Tastings, cocktails and silent auction
8 pm: Program & live auction
Where: Marriott Marquis Hotel
901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hotel valet parking available for a fee
Why: The Capital Area Food Bank is the largest organization in the Washington metro area working to solve hunger and its companion problems: chronic undernutrition, heart disease and obesity. By partnering with nearly 450 community organizations in DC, Maryland and Virginia, as well as delivering food directly in hard to reach areas, the CAFB is helping 540,000 people each year get access to good, healthy food. That’s 12 percent of our region’s mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and grandparents. Visit: capitalareafoodbank.org, facebook.com/CapitalAreaFoodBank, and Twitter at @foodbankmetrodc.
Meet Lisa Messerschmidt, whose life was changed by the Blue Jeans Ball. With a parent who needed care and no sibling to rely on for help, she had to leave work and rely on her husband’s salary alone. When he then lost his job due to the government shutdown, they couldn’t pay their bills, had their car repossessed, and their credit crashed. Lisa spent the next couple of years at the mercy of others, at times living without heat, running water, medical care, or, very often, food.
Enter her neighborhood nonprofit, supplied with food by the Capital Area Food Bank. They provided her family with the training and resources needed to get back on their feet – starting with vegetables, fruit and other ingredients to cook with. In Lisa’s words, “having food on the table made everything else seem possible.” The Capital Area Food Bank helped to turn crisis into stability for her family, and by attending this year’s Blue Jeans Ball, guests can do the same for others.
Each ticket to the Blue Jeans Ball provides 500 life-changing meals for people in need in our area. Today, Lisa works for the food bank, helping distribute food made possible by the Blue Jeans Ball.
When: Sunday, April 23, 2017
5 pm: VIP reception
6 pm: Tastings, cocktails and silent auction
8 pm: Program & live auction
Where: Marriott Marquis Hotel
901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Hotel valet parking available for a fee
What: 40+ savory and sweet tasting stations from Oyamel, The Palm, Ripple, Occidental and more…Made-to-order cocktails from Mixology Chairs Gina Chersevani (Buffalo & Bergen) & Eddie Kim (Bar Dupont)…and the Washington Redskins Foundation has joined this year’s effort to end childhood hunger!
How: Ticket details available at capitalareafoodbank.org/blue-jeans-ball/; as always, guests arrive in their most fashionable denim and taste to their hearts’ content!
About: The Capital Area Food Bank is the largest organization in the Washington metro area working to solve hunger and its companion problems: chronic undernutrition, heart disease and obesity. By partnering with nearly 450 community organizations in DC, Maryland and Virginia, as well as delivering food directly in hard to reach areas, the CAFB is helping 540,000 people each year get access to good, healthy food. That’s 12 percent of our region’s mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and grandparents. Visit: capitalareafoodbank.org, facebook.com/CapitalAreaFoodBank, and Twitter at @foodbankmetrodc.
Shaw Main Streets will host its annual Taste of Shaw Gala on Tuesday April 25, 2017, from 7pm to 9pm. The annual event celebrates the neighborhood’s diverse businesses and residents, and is a fundraiser for initiatives that enhance and promote commerce within the Shaw neighborhood. DC’s beloved Howard Theatre will be the backdrop for live music and libations and delicious bites from some of DC’s best bars and restaurants. Proceeds from the event support Shaw Main Streets’ economic revitalization and historic preservation activities in the Shaw neighborhood of DC, which have helped bring about the transformation of central Shaw since 2003. This year’s hashtag, #LoveShaw, represents the comradery of Shaw’s business owners and the citywide support and accolades the neighborhood continues to receive. From Michelin stars to Rammy nominations and stellar reviews, Shaw’s bars and restaurants continue to help raise the Shaw neighborhood’s profile locally and nationally.
A hospitality renaissance led by top chefs and mixologists has been under way in recent years, bringing fresh concepts and perspectives in cuisine and beverage, as well as a host of new talent, making Shaw the city’s top dining and imbibing destination. Recent openings such as the neighborhood craft cocktail bar Service Bar DC (a new take on the local watering hole from veteran bartenders Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley), the Chinese-French concept Kyirisan from husband and wife team Tim and Joey Ma, and neighborhood anchors such as The Passenger, DC’s favorite industry bar, and Convivial, which was one of 2015’s opening highlights; will be among the many participants in the annual Shaw Main Streets Gala. Shaw Main Streets invites the entire region to explore some of the best of the neighborhood has to offer at one venue, on one special evening.
Guests can expect a festive atmosphere, open beer and wine bar, and unlimited cuisine and cocktails from a Taste of Shaw’s stellar host committee of chefs, restaurateurs, and mixologists. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen will receive the 2017 Shaw Champion Award, chosen by the Board of Directors of Shaw Main Streets for his consistent support of economic revitalization in Shaw and SMS’ efforts to create the thriving community that Shaw is today. Appearances by Mayor Bowser and other public officials are also slated.
The 2017 Taste of Shaw host committee includes the following bars and restaurants:
The Brixton Buttercream Bakeshop Cava
Convivial Dacha Dino’s Grotto
The Tavern at Henley Park Eat the Rich El Rey
Etete French Quarter Brasserie Haikan
Half Smoke Kyirisian La Jambe
The Passenger Service Bar Seylou
Southern Efficiency Tiger Fork
Advance tickets are $80 and can be ordered online at www.smsgala17.eventbrite.com. On the day of the event, tickets will be $100. Tickets include unlimited food and cocktail tastings, beer and wine, and complimentary valet parking.
BRABO Tasting Room is flexing its happy hour ‘mussels’ with a spring patio party on Sunday, May 7 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Newly-appointed Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier invites all Old Town Alexandrians to the restaurant’s picturesque courtyard for an al fresco happy hour featuring a one-day-only menu created for the special afternoon! While listening to lively music, ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet new friends and neighbors, and enjoy as many oysters, mussels, frites, and refreshments as they desire.
Patio sips will include microbrews from Port City Brewing and 21st Amendment Brewery as well as a variety of international and domestic rosé wines from BRABO Tasting Room’s new “Around the World in Eight Rosés” menu. For those looking for a more low-key Sunday, house-made ginger beer and nitro draft coffee will be available on tap.
French-born Chef Sebastien, turned Alexandrian resident, will greet guests throughout the party and share stories from his globetrotting career. Each guest will receive a special invitation card to try the new happy hour ceviche. Chef Sebastien’s patio-party menu reflects BRABO Tasting Room’s casual and neighborly atmosphere. It includes the following:
Hors d’oeuvres
- Virginia oysters in a mint and cucumber gin gelee
- Mini veal burgers
- Cerdonia Farms crispy pork belly with local ramps and a blackberry & pepper reduction
- Freshly-shucked oysters on the half shell
Mussels
- Port Town – mussels with Port City beer, whole grain mustard butter, and herbs
- Harissa – mussels with harissa broth, grilled scallions, sautéed red onions, and red bell peppers
- Salumi – mussels with salumi broth, herb butter, roasted tomatoes, and serrano chips
Frites
- Espelette pepper frites
- Parmesan and truffle frites
- Garlic and parsley frites
Tickets for the BRABO Tasting Room patio party are $50 each, all inclusive of food and beverage, and available at https://brabopatioparty.eventbrite.com.
A Taste of Lettuce features:
Reception
- Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Alaska King Crab, Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Roll Bites on Brioche, Beef Tenderloin Sliders| Chef Chris Morvis
- Summer House Santa Monica, Ahi Tuna Tostadas with watermelon and thai chili; Real Cali Roll with king crab, avocado and cucumber| Chef Matt Delano
First Course
Wildfire, Wildfire Chopped Salad with avocado, bacon, blue cheese, chicken and citrus vinaigrette
Second Course
- RPM Italian, Strozzapretti Cacio E Pepe with pecorino, black pepper, parmesan brodo; Cavatelli Bolognese with a short rib ragu; Main Lobster Ravioli with spinach pasta and chili flakes
Main Course
- RPM Italian, Whole Roasted Branzino with salsa verde; Pork Arrosti with roasted heirloom carrots and pea greens; Chicken Parmesan baked in the wood oven
Dessert
- Mon Ami Gabi, Salted Chocolate Caramel Tart with chocolate ganache and vanilla chantilly
WHEN: Monday, May 8, 2017 at 6:30 pm
WHERE: RPM Italian DC – 650 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
COST: $85/per person, plus tax (gratuity not included)
