The Willard InterContinental, one of Washington, D.C.’s most historic hotels, celebrates the 143rd Kentucky Derby at its 31st Annual Bonnets and Bow Ties Party on Saturday, May 6, from 4pm to 7pm. Known as one of Washington’s most exclusive Derby-centric parties, Bonnets and Bow Ties brings a taste of Churchill Downs to Pennsylvania Avenue. The all-inclusive admission features an afternoon of complete derby coverage, mint juleps, unlimited beer and wine, Southern-style bites, casino-style gaming, live jazz, and prizes for “Best Derby Bonnet,” “Fanciest Bow Tie,” and “High Roller” casino winner.
A long-standing tradition at the hotel, Bonnets and Bow Ties celebrates “The Run for the Roses” in the legendary Willard Room. New to the event this year is the addition of The Paddock, a specialty area where Jim Hewes, a renowned bartender at The Willard for over 30 years, will be distilling the history of bourbon and the mint julep, a traditional beverage served at the Kentucky Derby and the hotel’s signature drink.
Guests to the event will also be able to enjoy a Southern-inspired menu curated by Executive Chef Peter Laufer and Pastry Chef Jason Jimenez. Dishes include a pimento cheese and benedict dip station, stone-ground grits with choice of bourbon cheddar cheese, sautéed shrimp, or bourbon-braised short ribs, a slider station, as well as a variety of appetizers such as hot brown turkey sandwiches, Louisville’s most famous dish. Desserts offered will include dark chocolate pecan derby tarts, mint julep anglaise shooters, whiskey vanilla bean crème brûlée and hummingbird cake bites.
Donning one’s derby best, attendees to Bonnets and Bow Ties have the chance to win dinner for four at Café du Parc for “Best Derby Bonnet” and “Fanciest Bow Tie.” Guests can also try their hand at the event’s various casino games such as Texas hold’em, roulette, blackjack and craps, and have the chance to win a $200 gift certificate to the Round Robin Bar.
Lastly, after Bonnets and Bow Ties, “The Race to the 200th Cup” begins. Upon selling 200 mint juleps in the Round Robin Bar, The Willard will release 100 limited edition commemorative Round Robin Bar Mint Julep cups. Handcrafted from the highest quality pewter by Woodbury Pewter, this cup pays tribute to the famous drink and its historical significance to The Willard as the mint julep was first introduced to Washington by Kentucky Statesman Henry Clay in the hotel’s bar in the 1840s. The lucky purchaser of the 200th mint julep will receive the first commemorative cup. Each cup will have its respective number engraved at the bottom. The Round Robin Bar’s Commemorative Mint Julep Cup will be available for purchase with The Bicentennial Mint Julep, a specialty julep made with Makers Mark 46, in the Round Robin Bar for $50.
All-inclusive tickets to The Willard’s Bonnets and Bow Ties Kentucky Derby Party are now available and can be purchased online at www.washington.intercontinental.com/special-offers for $89 through April 21 and $99 any day after. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Stay “In the Know” regarding the Willard InterContinental’s Bonnets and Bow Ties Party by following the hotel on Facebook (WillardInterContinental), Twitter (@WillardHotel) and Instagram (Willard_InterContinentalDC).
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)
The Trust for the National Mall will celebrate its tenth anniversary as an official partner of the National Park Service with a benefit gala, the BALL for THE MALL.
WHAT: CNN’s Wolf Blitzer will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the program, which will include a celebration of accomplishments to date and a look ahead to continued progress. The event will honor businessman and philanthropist, David M. Rubenstein, with the “History, Heroes, & Hope Award” for his dedication and continued support in restoring and improving the National Mall and visitor experience. Award-winning author and historian Douglas Brinkley will present Rubenstein with the honor. The benefit gala will also include a VIP reception, seated dinner with guest speakers and live music and entertainment. Ticket information at nationalmall.org/ballforthemall.
WHO: Honoree: David M. Rubenstein, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of the Carlyle Group
Emcee: Wolf Blitzer, CNN’s lead political anchor
Speakers: Douglas Brinkley, Author & Historian
Catherine Townsend, President & CEO of the Trust for the National Mall
Chip Akridge, Chairman, Trust for the National Mall
WHEN: May 11, 2017
6:30 P.M.
WHERE: On the grounds of the National Mall
Madison Drive at Twelfth Street
Celebrating ten years of partnership with the National Park Service, the Trust for the National Mall is dedicated to sustainably restoring, improving and preserving the National Mall for present and future generations. Stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the beloved but well-worn National Mall hosts 36 million visits each year but requires more than $840 million in deferred maintenance and needed upgrades. This public-private partnership is a model for bringing critical resources to the National Mall, home to the enduring symbols of our democracy.
Got ice? On Friday, May 19, VIDA Fitness’ Penthouse Pool Club on U Street will host its Third Annual ALS Silent Auction fundraising fete. Morning talk show hosts Tommy McFly, and Kelly Collis from 94.7 Fresh FM’s The Tommy Show will emcee the event and auction themselves off to the highest bidder in a chilly Ice Bucket Challenge. In the past two years, the VIDA Fitness ALS Silent Auction Event has raised a combined total of more than $50,000.
The poolside, rooftop cocktail party will include a silent auction to benefit Augie’s Quest, a nonprofit research initiative dedicated to finding a cure for Amyotrophic Laterals Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
The ALS event will run from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and feature complimentary food from the Penthouse Pool Club’s new menu designed by Sean McIntosh. DJ Danny House will spin house tracks while guests bid on silent auction items donated by DC area retailers and businesses including an autographed soccer ball from DC United, a round of golf at Congressional’s Blue Course, tickets to the annual Bacon & Bourbon festival and a Kirk Cousins autographed football. Cocktail attire is required for this public event.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here. Guests may also sponsor the event for $1000. The sponsorship includes 10 event tickets and access to a cabana suite with a complimentary bottle and bottle service all night long.
For more information on this event, please visit: 3rd Annual ALS Fundraiser & Silent Auction
WHO: Penthouse Pool & Lounge at The Yards
ALS Silent Auction Fundraiser
WHAT: Proceeds to Benefit ALS Foundation Augie’s Quest
Live Entertainment by DJ Danny House
Cocktail Attire Required
Public Event / Cash Bar
Tickets $30 / Available at: http://tinyurl.com/ALSevent2017
WHEN: Friday, May 19
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
WHERE: Penthouse Pool Club at U Street
Rooftop Pool & Lounge
1612 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
The 2017 Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge presented by TCMA (A Drew Company) will highlight dishes and flavors from all around the world. Embassy chefs will gather on Wednesday, May 24 in the Atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, where they will show off their skills and compete for the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards.
The Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge not only encourages culinary diplomacy, but also celebrates the arts of many cultures and highlights some of the area’s amazing musicians, dancers and singers. Throughout the evening, cultural dances and artists will grace the stage along with the headlining band, City of the Sun, an instrumental post-rock trio from Brooklyn, New York.
“We are honored to bring together some of the world’s most culturally-distinct talents in the culinary and performing arts for the second-consecutive Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge,” said Erik A. Moses, senior vice president and managing director of sports, entertainment, and special events at Events DC. “May is International Cultural Awareness Month in DC and we look forward to both celebrating and advancing the city’s cultural diplomacy through cuisine and entertainment.”
Patrons can expect to taste traditional dishes from cultures both common and impossible to find in Greater-Washington such as salmon ceviche and merquén mussels curated by Chef Guillermo Muñoz of Chile. Haitian Embassy chef Cynthia Verna will be preparing a full-spread comprised of creole chicken, yellow basmati rice served with pigeon peas, Roma tomatoes and coconut milk; and a beet and carrot salad with homemade lime dressing. Representing the Embassy of Barbados, Chef Damien Leach will offer a unique spin on tropical fish with his piña colada mahi mahi filet.
Chef Red Garcia of the Philippines will be defending his title with a dish that uses a classic wrapping method called “binalot” – which is a way of wrapping foods with banana leaves, derived from the word ballot, which means “to wrap.” He will have a variety of foods to wrap such as rice, meat, fish, eggs and pickled vegetables. Dishes like kottu roti from the Embassy of Sri Lanka may be new to American diners and guests will have a chance to taste the dish and speak with the embassy’s culinary team about how it is prepared. Chef Anuradha Wijesinghe explains kottu roti as being made with godhamba roti, vegetables, egg or meat and spices.
Embassies will also be offering various native cocktails, beer, and wine to be sampled throughout the evening. Singapore will be serving up the city’s famous “Singapore Sling,” while the Embassy of Bolivia will have a selection of Bolivian wines for patrons to taste. The Embassy of Azerbaijan will be offering a variety of both red and white wines from their emerging high-altitude growing regions.
Chefs from every corner of the globe will be competing, including:
| ASIA | AFRICA | EUROPE | THE AMERICAS |
| Afghanistan Azerbaijan Bangladesh Indonesia Iraq Nepal Pakistan Philippines Qatar Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka Uzbekistan |
Ghana Kenya Mauritius Morocco Rwanda |
Belgium Cyprus Germany Greece Malta Moldova |
Bahamas Barbados Bolivia Chile Dominican Republic El Salvador Ecuador Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Paraguay Peru |
TICKETS: Purchase your tickets and join the cultural event. General admission tickets are $75 and will include all global sips and bites and access to all live entertainment. For $125, VIP guests can enjoy a one-hour early entry to meet all chef’s and network with embassy community elites. For ticket purchases and more information about the event, please visit www.eventsdcembassychefchallenge.com.
WHAT: Embassy chefs from around the world will gather for the 2017 Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge presented by TCMA (A Drew Company), to showcase the unique flavors of their countries in a friendly, delicious culinary competition. With more than 30 embassies participating, this year’s event offers attendees a global culinary experience unmatched in Washington DC.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a sip and bite from all participating embassy chefs, and cast their votes for the People’s Choice award. The winner will be announced alongside the Judges’ Choice – selected by a group of elite members of the worlds of diplomacy, culture and the culinary arts, who will critique each dish and beverage before placing their votes.
The Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge not only encourages culinary diplomacy, but also celebrates the arts of many cultures and highlights some of the area’s amazing musicians, dancers and singers. In years’ past, performances have included Bolivian folk dancers, Russian violinists, Chinese dancers and Brazilian samba artists. This year’s event will feature a non-stop range of performances to accompany the delicious food and drink that will be served.
Embassy of Barbados, swept the competition in 2015 winning over the people and the judges, and was the Judges’ Choice winner last year, alongside Peoples’ Choice winner Embassy of the Philippines. Both countries will return to the competition this year to defend their titles and win another coveted golden pineapple.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20460
WHO: Chefs from every corner of the globe will be competing, including:
| ASIA | AFRICA | EUROPE | THE AMERICAS |
| Afghanistan Azerbaijan Bangladesh Indonesia Iraq Kazakhstan Japan Korea Nepal Pakistan Philippines Qatar Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka |
Ghana Kenya Mauritius Morocco Tunisia |
Belgium Germany Moldova Ukraine |
Bahamas Barbados Bolivia Chile Dominican Republic Ecuador Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Paraguay Peru Uruguay |
PRICE: General Admission – $65.00
Includes all the global sips and bites and live entertainment
VIP – $95.00
Includes one-hour early entry to meet chefs, taste their offerings, and network with embassy community elite
For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.eventsdcembassychefchallenge.com/home_2017#tickets
