o   Fruit (other than apple)

o   Nuts

o   Chocolate

o   Savory

o   Piepourri (miscellaneous)

Any filling in a 9-inch pie crust qualifies, and there are no limits on entries. Attendees taste as many pies as they want and vote for their favorite in each category.

Pie entries must arrive between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Oct. 23, and voting closes at 3:30 p.m., with winners announced at 4 p.m. There will be six winners, but with an afternoon of delicious pie, rest assured, there will be no losers.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

All proceeds will be donated to the Jayna Troxel Murray Foundation, which supports and promotes the interests and passions (academics, athletics, travel, fine arts, and overall personal improvement) that were prominent in defining and enriching Jayna’s life, with the intended outcome of bettering the lives of others. The foundation provides scholarships for tuition to particular educational programs (undergraduate and graduate study, travel abroad, and summer camps) that Jayna attended: St. Louis University Madrid study abroad program, Semester at Sea, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, and Kamp Kanakuk. Donations gratefully accepted.

Culinary Council Chef Marcus Samuelsson is coming to Macy’s Metro Center Wednesday, October 26^th at 5:30pm.  Join Chef Samuelsson for an evening of food, fun, and music – all in celebration of his new cookbook, The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem!

Samuelsson will share stories and secrets on how to prepare some of his favorite award-winning dishes from his latest book.  There will be Harlem-inspired food and entertainment from W.A.F.F.L.E. (We Are Family For Life Entertainment), an internationally recognized dance group that performs a new hip-hop style and The Rakiem Walker Project, performing their signature style of music- a mix of blues, jazz, hip-hop, and Latin.

RSVP here to receive a $10 Macy’s gift card upon arrival.  Plus, with any purchase of $35 or more in the Home department, guests will receive a copy of The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem, which chef Samuelsson will sign.

Josh Phillips and his team at Espita Mezcaleria, the Southern Mexican-inspired restaurant located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC, invite guests to take part in one of Mexico’s great traditions, The Day of the Dead.  On Tuesday, November 1^st, Espita Mezcaleria will offer an honorary cocktail, Los Siete Misterios mezcal tasting and specialty dishes, available exclusively during dinner service.  Face painting and custom temporary tattoos featuring designs from Espita artists will also be available for guests.  Standout dishes available for this exclusive night of celebration include Morcilla Tlayuda, house-made Morcilla blood sausage, served on a crisp oversized tortilla with queso Oaxaca; Cochinita Cookies, pig-shaped cookies with piloncillo and cinnamon, as well as Mole Negro, lamb belly with hoja santa, piloncillo, Mexican oregano, chili ash with heirloom corn tortillas.  The Day of the Dead menu items will range in price from $5 to $25 each.

For the perfect pairing, guests will have the opportunity to sample several varieties of Los Siete Misterios mezcal, along with an innovative cocktail called Flor de Muerto, or Death’s Flower.  Priced at $13, the libation is made from a combination of mezcal, Cruzan Black Strap Rum, pineapple ash, lime juice and coconut syrup, garnished with an edible flower.  “I wanted to find a way to combine life and death into one drink,” says Beverage Director/Partner Megan Barnes.  “The edible flower represents life and the pineapple ash makes the drink completely black, representing death.  This concoction is fairly balanced, leaning on the sweeter side as Day of the Dead is meant to be a day of celebration paying tribute to loved ones who have passed on.”

WHEN:           Tuesday, November 1^st, exclusively during dinner service, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

WHERE:         Espita Mezcaleria is located at 1250 9^th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20001.  The restaurant is located two blocks from the Mt Vernon Square, 7^th St-Convention Center Metro Station accessible on the Green and Yellow Lines.  For reservations or additional information, please visit http://espitadc.com.

WHY:             Of pre-Hispanic and pre-Christian origin, the Day of The Dead is one of the most important holidays in Mexican culture.  In rural Mexico, people visit the cemetery where their loved ones are buried, bringing marigold flowers and candles to decorate gravesites. Toys for dead children and bottles of tequila to adults are also incorporated.  Families sit on picnic blankets next to gravesites and eat the favorite food of their loved ones. Some families build altars in their homes, dedicating them to the dead.  Altars are set up October 31st through November 2^nd and are covered with offerings to the dead including flowers, fruits, vegetables, candles, incense, statues of saints, and photos of the deceased.

Art, Beer, and Food at Art on Tap 

When: Friday, November 4, 7:00–10:00 pm

Where: The Art League Gallery, Torpedo Factory Art Center

Tickets: $35 each. $45 after October 21 (must be 21+)

Enjoy local craft beers, original artwork, and amazing food at The Art League’s annual Art on Tap!

Craft beers from local breweries have been artfully paired with a work of art from an Art League instructor. Local restaurants have chosen a brew/artwork coupling to serve as their muse to create the perfect complementary appetizer. Enjoy the brew, bite, and artwork trifectas onFriday, November 4 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at The Art League’s third annual Art on Tap event.

Sample the creative combinations while drinking from a take-home Art on Tap beer tasting glass, and then vote for your favorite at the end of the event! There will also be video art screened during the event.

Click here to purchase tickets.

The Metro D.C. Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation will host its second annual Celebrate Every Breath Gala: A Grand Chefs Event Presented by CIM Group at the JW Marriott Washington, D.C. on November 13.  The elegant evening will be one of culinary creativity, interactive dining, fine wines and collaboration among the most talented chefs in D.C. — all for an incredible cause: to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 people nationwide.

The Celebrate Every Breath Gala will be a unique dining experience of tasting rooms filled with the area’s best bites and tableside cuisine prepared by some of the area’s best chefs. The food is sure to be spectacular given the line-up of incredible chefs donating their expertise to the cause. In addition to the evening’s Host Chef, Bart Vandaeleof Belga Café and B Too, the gala will feature Michael Abt of Le Diplomate, Craig Harnden of The British Embassy, Daniel Wilcox Stevens of Mokomandy, Edward Reavis of All Set Restaurant & Bar, Christopher Edwards of Salamander Resort & Spa, Driss Zahidi of Evo Bistro, Ris Lacoste of Ris, Roberto Donna of Al Dente and Alba Osteria, Ilhan Erkek of Ottoman Taverna, Roger Wiles of L’Hommage Bistro and Jonathan Krinn of Clarity.
More information to come.

The sensory adventure will begin at 6 p.m. with an opening reception showcasing hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, libations, and more. Next, guests will enjoy a delectable three-course meal paired with fine wines. A limited number of top sponsor tables will each be hosted by a personal chef who will prepare his or her cuisine tableside. Meanwhile, Culinary Spotlight Tables will feature menus designed by a collaboration of the volunteer chefs.  The evening will conclude with a dessert reception, where pastry chefs and bakeries such as Amphora Bakery will satisfy every sweet tooth with heavenly desserts, coffee and liqueur.

Throughout the evening, guests can participate in the grand silent auction, featuring exclusive experiences such as trips to Arizona, Hawaii, and California courtesy of Marriott International, among other incredible items. A live auction will feature a weeklong stay in Santorini, Greece, a South Beach Wine and Food Festival package, an exclusive private dinner party hosted by Chef Bart Vandaele, and more.

Kathleen Matthews, former chief communications and public affairs officer for Marriott International and anchor at WJLA-TV, will join as Master of Ceremonies. During the program, the prestigious Hitchcock Humanitarian Award will be presented to Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., former president and CEO of the CF Foundation, for his years of fearless leadership and tireless dedication to the cause and the profound impact he has made on the lives of people with CF.

To purchase individual tickets please visit https://celebrateeverybreath.eventscff.org/

MetroCooking DC (www.MetroCookingDC.com; @MetroCookingDC), the region’s largest two-day culinary showcase, returns to Washington DC on December 3^rd and 4^th, 2016 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center debuting an exciting local and national celebrity studded line-up of Chefs, Cookbook Authors, and more.

Show-goers will have the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season and shop from aisles of specialty food products – many featuring some of the DC areas top gourmet purveyors – including a wide variety of holiday gift options, while experiencing live demos from James Beard honored celebrity chefs, partake in interactive and informative workshops, and enjoy book signings from some of the most celebrated culinary authors in our country; all included in a general admission ticket priced at $21.50 for Adults and $10 for Children Ages 4-12. The 11th edition of the event is organized by E.J. Krause & Associates.

The James Beard Foundation Cooking Stage welcomes an all-star lineup this year, including demos from culinary legends including Jacques Pepin, Tom Colicchio, Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes” Duff Goldman of Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes, and celebrated RAMW RAMMY award-winners and local DC area-based chefs including Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto, Scott Drewno of The Source, Caitlin Dysart of 2941 Restaurant, and Chef Peter Chang – along with other regional James Beard honored winners and nominees. And on Saturday, chefs from renowned culinary school L’Academie de Cuisine will lead hands on cooking classes.

Additionally there will be several interactive activities, which are events within the event. The Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden, open both days, will serve as the ultimate spot for sipping craft beer, specialty wines, and spirits.  Following the success of the launch of last year’s hugely popular BBQ Bash, it will return on Saturday, December 3 with Chef David Guas, author of Grill Nation and star of the Travel Channel’sAmerican Grilled, as the host of this special event. Attendees will be able to sample an assortment of meats from the area’s top barbecue restaurants and pitmasters, while also discovering the latest grilling tips and trends. On Sunday, December 4, more than 50 restaurants will serve up signature sweet and savory bites at the 4^th annual Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s Grand Tasting Pavilion.

Throughout the two day event there will be non-stop activities including ongoing tastings, demos, and home entertaining and cooking workshops. Known to be a great shopping show, this year 200specialty food exhibitors will showcase products – many for sale, making the event the perfect place to shop for holiday gifts for gourmands. The popular Natural Products and Healthy Living Pavilion will feature organic and natural products.

General admission tickets are priced at $21.50, which includes admission to the James Beard Stage; cooking classes, Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden, BBQ Bash and RAMW Grand Tasting Pavilion are special ticketed events and sold separately. VIP ticket packages are available, which will afford an exclusive meet and greet with Tom Colicchio, Jacques Pepin and/or Duff Goldman, plus access to additional ticketed special events.

11^th ANNUAL METROCOOKING DC SHOW

Saturday, December 3^rd – Sunday, December 4^th, 2016

Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Washington, DC

Hours: 10 am – 5:30 p.m. Dec 3; 10 am – 5 pm Dec 4

Ticket Prices: General Admission – $21.50 in advance; Children 4-12 – $10 in advance

Children under 4 free with paid adult

www.MetroCookingDC.com

@MetroCookingDC

MetroCooking DC (www.MetroCookingDC.com; @MetroCookingDC), the region’s largest two-day culinary showcase, returns to Washington DC on December 3^rd and 4^th, 2016 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center debuting an exciting local and national celebrity studded line-up of Chefs, Cookbook Authors, and more.

Show-goers will have the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season and shop from aisles of specialty food products – many featuring some of the DC areas top gourmet purveyors – including a wide variety of holiday gift options, while experiencing live demos from James Beard honored celebrity chefs, partake in interactive and informative workshops, and enjoy book signings from some of the most celebrated culinary authors in our country; all included in a general admission ticket priced at $21.50 for Adults and $10 for Children Ages 4-12. The 11th edition of the event is organized by E.J. Krause & Associates.

The James Beard Foundation Cooking Stage welcomes an all-star lineup this year, including demos from culinary legends including Jacques Pepin, Tom Colicchio, Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes” Duff Goldman of Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes, and celebrated RAMW RAMMY award-winners and local DC area-based chefs including Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto, Scott Drewno of The Source, Caitlin Dysart of 2941 Restaurant, and Chef Peter Chang – along with other regional James Beard honored winners and nominees. And on Saturday, chefs from renowned culinary school L’Academie de Cuisine will lead hands on cooking classes.

Additionally there will be several interactive activities, which are events within the event. The Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden, open both days, will serve as the ultimate spot for sipping craft beer, specialty wines, and spirits.  Following the success of the launch of last year’s hugely popular BBQ Bash, it will return on Saturday, December 3 with Chef David Guas, author of Grill Nation and star of the Travel Channel’sAmerican Grilled, as the host of this special event. Attendees will be able to sample an assortment of meats from the area’s top barbecue restaurants and pitmasters, while also discovering the latest grilling tips and trends. On Sunday, December 4, more than 50 restaurants will serve up signature sweet and savory bites at the 4^th annual Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s Grand Tasting Pavilion.

Throughout the two day event there will be non-stop activities including ongoing tastings, demos, and home entertaining and cooking workshops. Known to be a great shopping show, this year 200specialty food exhibitors will showcase products – many for sale, making the event the perfect place to shop for holiday gifts for gourmands. The popular Natural Products and Healthy Living Pavilion will feature organic and natural products.

General admission tickets are priced at $21.50, which includes admission to the James Beard Stage; cooking classes, Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden, BBQ Bash and RAMW Grand Tasting Pavilion are special ticketed events and sold separately. VIP ticket packages are available, which will afford an exclusive meet and greet with Tom Colicchio, Jacques Pepin and/or Duff Goldman, plus access to additional ticketed special events.

11^th ANNUAL METROCOOKING DC SHOW

Saturday, December 3^rd – Sunday, December 4^th, 2016

Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Washington, DC

Hours: 10 am – 5:30 p.m. Dec 3; 10 am – 5 pm Dec 4

Ticket Prices: General Admission – $21.50 in advance; Children 4-12 – $10 in advance

Children under 4 free with paid adult

www.MetroCookingDC.com

@MetroCookingDC

WHAT: Little Chefs’ Pizza Making Class  

WHO: James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Jeff Michaud and his daughter, Gaia

WHEN: December 4^th @ 2:00pm

WHERE: Pizzeria Vetri D.C.

HOW: Call (202) 794-9057 or visit the website to reserve seats; tickets are $50/ guardian and child, additional attendees are $25

On Thursday, December 8th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm Dean & DeLuca is excited to host a holiday entertaining tasting experience where guests will be invited to browse and shop the store’s array of gifting options, discover new dishes and recipes, and learn some tips to create the most memorable experience for celebrations with family and friends this season.   

From artfully presented gifts to décor samples, Dean & DeLuca is truly a one-stop shop for everything you need this holiday season, offering a seamless shopping experience for customers to enjoy and discover including:

• A curated and intriguing collection of one-of a kind gift basket.
• DIY experience making you the curator.
• In-store gift concierge on hand in every store to guide you through the thoughtfulness of each gift.
• Gifts at ever price point including under $50, under $150, and gifts over $150.
• Gourmet holiday catering options for the ‘at home’ and ‘at work’ crowds.