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.
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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.
The Commentary Social House will host an Artisan Pizza + Craft Cocktail Class on Wednesday, August 16 from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Executive Chef Francecil Ponte will host this interactive class with the help of her Sicilian kitchen supervisor Rita Massa from Napoli, affectionately known by the restaurant team as the “Pizza Queen”. Chef Fran and Rita will share tips and tricks to master the methods of creating authentically Italian crowd-pleasing pies. Appetizers and wine pairings will be served as guests choose from gourmet topping options and customize their personal pizzas.
As each attendee’s pies cook to perfection, The Commentary’s master mixologist will lead the class as they learn to craft in a cocktail lesson.
Guests will choose one of the three time slots offered but are welcome to arrive early and sip on happy hour libations before their class starts.
Tickets will be $50 and can be found here.
Calling all Mount Vernon Triangle bookworms! Cantata (801 3rd Street, NW) Quadrangle and The Wilkes Company’s newest 275-unit residential building in Mount Vernon Triangle is teaming up with Busboys and Poets for conversation and cocktails at The Next Chapter Book Club.
**Between Wednesday, July 26, and Thursday, July 27 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, booklovers can stop by Cantata to pick up a free copy of acclaimed author Akwaeke Emezi’s You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty, which has been featured in multiple best seller and must-read book lists, including The Washington Post, New York Times, Essence, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29 and more.**
Following the book pickup, Cantata will host a gathering on Thursday, August 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the stunning Cantata rooftop for an evening of drinks, dessert, moderated conversation, and Q&A with Busboys and Poets.
Guests who pick up a free book in July will be automatically entered to win a beach read beach bag, full of everything you’ll need for your next beach day, including a beach bag, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, and $100 Busboys and Poets gift certificate towards their next book purchase.
WHEN: Book lovers can pick up a free copy of You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty between Wednesday, July 26 through Thursday, July 27 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Next Chapter Book Club will meet to discuss Akwaeke Emezi’s best-selling novel on Thursday, August 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
WHERE: Cantata (801 3rd Street Northwest Washington, DC 20001)
HOW: This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but visitors are encouraged to RSVP here.
Food & Friends, a DC-based nonprofit dedicated to providing home-delivered, medically tailored meals to people facing life-challenging illnesses, is kicking off the fall gala season with the 30th anniversary of its signature event, Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction.
More than 35 of the Washington, DC, region’s most talented chefs and mixologists will provide gourmet tastings and signature cocktails in this highly anticipated annual event. It will be held Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, with a President’s Reception starting at 5:30 p.m. and the Chef Tasting Reception starting at 6:30 p.m.
More information and tickets are available at https://foodandfriends.org/
The event’s Chef Chair is three-time James Beard finalist chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto. Participating chefs include Amy Brandwein of Centrolina, Shane Mayson of Crazy Aunt Helen’s, Terri Cutrino of Hank’s Oyster Bar, Roberto Santibañez of Mi Vida, Patrice Cleary of Purple Patch, and more, including Food & Friends’ very own executive chef, Rasheed Aburrahman. News4 anchor Eun Yang will emcee the event.
“This event celebrates the amazing work of Food & Friends and honors our connection to the restaurant community, who were among our first supporters,” said Carrie Stoltzfus, Food & Friends executive director. “We want this event to spotlight the restaurant industry’s generosity and resilient spirit. At Food & Friends, we know it takes many hands to do this work. Over the years, participating restaurants and chefs have helped us raise more than $18 million through Chef’s Best.”
Proceeds from the 30th Anniversary Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction will help Food & Friends prepare and home-deliver 1.65 million free, medically tailored meals and groceries, and provide nutrition counseling this year to 4,700 neighbors with life-challenging illnesses.
Food & Friends will honor Eli Lilly and Company, for their bold and compassionate decision to reduce prices by 70% for their most prescribed insulins and capping patient out-of-pocket costs at $35 or less per month. Their corporate citizenship is removing systemic barriers to health and creating affordable access to life-saving insulin for people living with diabetes.
Centrolina: Cannoli Making Class with Pastry Chef Yesenia Jarquin (SAT, 8/26)
Calling all Cannoli lovers! Join Executive Pastry Chef Yesenia Jarquin in her authentic Italian cannoli making class at Centrolina DC at 1PM on Saturday, August 26th. Learn how to make cannoli and various traditional and delicious fillings. You will be provided all the necessary tools and can also purchase the cannoli making kit ($20) so you can showcase your cannoli making skills at home ! Tickets available on Resy for $85/pp. PR Contact: Fiona@elevenelevenpr.co.
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.
A date is set for the iconic Parisian-inspired urban picnic characterized by its famous all-white dress code. On Saturday, September 9 from 6 – 10 p.m., Le Diner en Blanc – Washington will again descend upon a surprise DC location that welcomes thousands of guests who don their whitest of whites for a magical evening of dining, socializing and celebrating amid music, entertainment and dancing.
With their all-white tables, chairs, and table settings in tow, guests for the chic white-linen affair arrive at the newly revealed site to set up their al fresco spread for a fanciful night. The truly ambitious create elaborate French picnics with extravagant, inventive tablescapes and pageantry. High-fashion is also a huge component while many guests dress in decorative headdresses, ball gowns, white dinner jackets and top hats with a spectacular Washington landmark as a backdrop for remarkable photo-ops.
The legendary evening is steeped in Le Dîner en Blanc traditions like the napkin wave to signify the beginning of dinner, and the lighting of sparklers to conclude the culinary feast. However, while the long-standing French picnic ritual will not change, this year’s DC event will bring back authentic Le Diner en Blanc customs that originated back in Paris more than 35 years ago. A cadre of entertainers and musicians will canvas the outdoor venue and perform one-on-one throughout the night, which will add to the beautiful spectacle Washington experiences.
According to Linda Davis, president of The Davis Group and co-producer of Le Diner en Blanc-Washington, this year’s celebration will feature some added unexpected surprises, performances, installations and festivities. “Le Diner en Blanc is a sophisticated, community happening that has many organic roots that have taken a back seat through the years,” said Davis. “We are seeking to bring culture and the true Paris concept back with an elevated experience that highlights performances by multiple entertainers, which allows the guests to commune with their neighbors and get to know people on a more intimate level.”
“In the past, there has been a rush to dine, and then move,” said Kaitlin Latonick, partner of The Davis Group and co-producer of Le Diner en Blanc-Washington. “This year the entertainment will come to our guests – it’s an exciting change for us.”
Registration for the unique experience happens in three phases. Phases for tickets will open the beginning of August and dates will be announced next week. Check the website for the dates of each ticket phase. To be part of the opportunity to experience Diner en Blanc, people can sign up now by visiting the official website at washington.dinerenblanc.com
At the end of the evening when the entertainment and dancing convenes, guests pack up their table settings, belongings and rubbish and head into the night leaving behind no sign of their elegant revelry. To keep up to date on event announcements, visit washington.dinerenblanc.
