Dumpling Making Class and Dim Sum Brunch

On Saturday, February 24^th, Chef Russell will lead a hands-on cooking class teaching guests how to make pot-stickers and spring rolls with accompanying sauces. This interactive demonstration will guide guests through filling preparation and folding techniques. Following the class, attendees will enjoy a family style brunch including the dishes they cooked in class. The event will run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $50 and available here.

Union Market will get a little taste of Brazil when internationally inspired lifestyle brand NOVA BOSSA pops up at the thriving retail and culinary district.

Offering art and photography, bain couture, books, women’s clothing, handbags, home decór, jewelry and scarves, the NOVA BOSSA pop-up will feature a wide selection of globally sourced items from international designers, including Adriana Degreas, Artiz, Catarina Mina, Cecilia Prado, Mercedes Salazar, Mola Sasa, Paula Mendoza Jewelry, Scarf Me, Wymann Rio and more.

From intricately handmade bags to 24-carat gold-plated statement jewelry to colorful baskets from the Amazon, NOVA BOSSA’s assortment of luxury-leaning goods orbit around founder and CEO Carolina Furukrona’s passions for travel, design and entertaining.

She launched NOVA BOSSA last year following 100 international adventures and a business certification from Harvard, in an effort to both pay homage to her São Paulo roots and enable top lifestyle brands — especially by women designers and artisans — from her native Brazil and other emerging markets to go global.

“NOVA BOSSA is delighted to celebrate our one-year anniversary by partnering with Union Market DC for this pop-up,” Furukrona says. “We believe that Union Market’s focus on culture and commerce, on showcasing the very best new businesses in the region, and on serving a dynamic and diverse clientele makes this a unique opportunity for our brand. We are excited to showcase rising international women designers − most of which have never before been available in the United States or the D.C. region – and to prove that the creativity, craftsmanship and design emanating from places like Brazil can be just as good, if not better, than what’s coming out of Europe. After spending so much time abroad I feel D.C. is lacking some bossa, so it’s an honor to present new products that can give a daring and fresh update to the wardrobes and homes of our great city.”

As home base for 40+ award-winning restaurant and retail concepts, northeast D.C.’s thriving Union Market District continues to grow its reputation as a brand incubator, giving small businesses the solid footing they need to get to the next level.

The NOVA BOSSA pop-up launches February 22, and will operate as follows:

Night Market and Three-Course Chinese New Year Dinner

For guests interested in a sit-down dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year, Chef Smith has created a three-course menu that begins with a Whole Steamed Bronzino, representing family togetherness, made with aged soy, fermented black bean, and chili oil. The second course, representative of the five blessings of the New Year including longevity, riches, peace, wisdom, and virtue, is Whole Soy Lacquered Quail with mustard greens and long wheat noodles. The final course features Chocolate Mochi Cake with tangerine marmalade, which was chosen because the pronunciation of the word “tangerine” sounds much like the pronunciation of the word “money” in Mandarin. Before dinner, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in four live-action stations featuring Whole Roasted Lamb with Steamed Bao Buns, Chinese New Year Chicken Potage, Kanpachi Yu Sheng Sashimi, and Chinese New Year Pork Dumplings. The menu is priced at $85 per person with an additional $35 per guest for an optional wine pairing. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the Source’s upstairs dining room. Reservations can be made by phone at 202-637-6100.

Lounge Takeover with Chefs Mike Rafidi and Kevin Tien and Pit Master Joe Neuman

Chef Russell Smith and team will host a lounge takeover from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27^th, with guest chefs Mike Rafidi from Arroz and Requin, Joe Neuman from Sloppy Mama’s BBQ, and Kevin Tien from Himitsu. Multiple dishes from Chefs Smith, Rafidi, and Tien will be available and Pit Master Joe Neuman will be on site with his smoker. Beer will be provided by 3 Stars Brewing and unlimited Wolfgang Puck wines will also be included. Tickets are $50 and available here.

Celebrating more than three decades as one of the Washington area’s most prominent charity events, the Leukemia Ball is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event is dedicated to raising money for life-saving cancer research and patient programs funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Since the first Leukemia Ball in 1988, the event has raised nearly $60 million toward finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and efforts to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Guests at the 2018 gala will enjoy entertainment from Grammy Award nominee, bestselling author, radio host, and comedian Jeff Foxworthy, known best for his blue-collar humor and comedic storytelling style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s. In addition to hosting numerous television programs including the FOX game show “Are You Smarter Than A 5^th Grader” and the CBS reality series “The American Baking Competition,” Foxworthy has his own comedy channel, “Jeff and Larry’s Comedy Roundup” on SIRIUSXM, showcasing some of the best in American comedy.

The crowd will also dance the night away to the sounds of Phil Vassar, one of only a handful of musicians to have multiple hits as a songwriter and as an artist. His country chart toppers include “Just Another Day in Paradise”, “Carlene”, “Six Pack Summer”, and others performed by Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, and Jodee Messina.

“LLS is changing the landscape of cancer research now more than ever, as the FDA has approved 13 new blood cancer treatments in 2017. LLS has supported nearly all of them,” said Beth Gorman, National Capital Area Chapter Executive Director. “Fundraising events such as the Leukemia Ball make that research possible, are critical to raising awareness, and directly impact the lives of blood cancer patients everywhere.”

The 2018 Leukemia Ball is co-chaired by Rob Copito, Vice Chairman, CBRE, Inc., and David DiLuigi, Market President, Greater Washington & Central Virginia for Wilmington Trust, N.A. They lead an esteemed volunteer Executive Committee of more than 45 high-ranking executives representing major organizations across the Washington, D.C. area who volunteer their time and efforts to create a memorable evening and raise millions of dollars in support of LLS’s mission.

Seventy-four cents of every dollar spent by LLS funds its mission, and LLS’s commitment to funding innovative research projects has contributed to an unprecedented rise in survival rates over recent years. For example, today, the five-year survival rate for the most common form of childhood leukemia is more than 90 percent, up from 3 percent in 1964.

“LLS has been on the forefront of advances in blood cancer treatment since 1949, with nearly 40 percent of all cancer drugs approved by the FDA since 2000 first approved to treat blood cancers,” said Copito. “However, the fight is not over. Nearly one-third of all blood cancer patients still do not survive five years past diagnosis. As 2018 Leukemia Ball Co-Chairs, Dave DiLuigi and I are honored to lead the charge as we aim to raise $3.2 million for this very important cause.”

In addition to top-notch entertainment, the Leukemia Ball also features an unparalleled silent auction and Mercedes-Benz raffle. The silent auction, which raised nearly $250,000 in 2017, is one of the area’s largest, featuring a variety of travel packages courtesy of hotel partners and the Official Airline of the Leukemia Ball, American Airlines. The Mercedes-Benz raffle features a grand prize of a 2018 GLC300 Coupe 4Matic Sedan (MSRP $46,600) and a first prize of 2 spots at AMG Driving Academy at Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas, CA including hotel and airfare (Value: $6,300).  Tickets are $100, and only 5,000 are printed.

ODYSSEY: A GRAND TASTING & EXPLORATION OF GREEK WINES

                                    Discover Greek Wines poured by their Winemakers

                      100% of Ticket Sales will be donated to José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen

The Greeks have been making wine for more than 6000 years – from the age of Dionysus and Homer to the present day.  But their wines have remained a mystery to many – until now.  Winemakers from all over Greece are coming to Washington DC for ODYSSEY, a Greek wine tasting adventure. Expand your palate as you taste wines made from indigenous grapes found only in Greece; sip on international blends; and marvel at rare vintages uncorked just for ODYSSEY.   Take the opportunity to support a great cause and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Greece.

Attendees at the tasting will tour the three main wine producing regions:  The Islands, The Peloponnese and Northern Greece each with characteristic terroirs, indigenous grapes and 6000 years of winemaking history; meet the winemakers and learn about their vinification techniques, terroir philosophies and personal stories; and of course, taste indigenous, international and rare varieties and vintages from the Cava Spiliadis portfolio.  ODYSSEY is hosted by George Spiliadis, son of noted Milos restauranteur Costas Spiliadis.

WHEN:           Monday, March 26, 4:30-8 pm

WHERE:        The Loft at 600F

                        600 F Street Northwest     Washington Dc 20004

COST:            $50 pp   100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to

                        World Central Kitchen

Details and Tickets

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-tasting-for-a-cause-world-central-kitchen-washington-dc-tickets-43370647775

As the end of winter hibernation nears, BRABO and Catoctin Creek are gearing up for a celebration of seasonal cuisine and spirits from Virginia! Following a festive fall event where the beloved homegrown establishments brought autumnal flavor pairings together, the Old Town restaurant and Purcellville-based distillery are teaming up again for a spring sipping soiree.

On Thursday, March 29, Catoctin Creek founders, Becky and Scott Harris, will be taking over BRABO’s brasserie to offer an exclusive tasting of the distillery’s popular products and special releases including the Roundstone Rye 80 whiskey, the Watershed Gin, the Old Tom Style “Peach Barrel” Watershed Gin, and the Short Hill Mountain Peach Brandy. Becky and Scott will share the stories behind the creation of each product while pouring a healthy taste for guests to enjoy.

BRABO’s Lead Bartender Brett Oye will create special off-the-menu cocktails for the evening and provide guests with the inspiration behind each drink. As whiskey and gin enthusiasts decide whether they prefer their spirit neat or in cocktail form, Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier will serve an elaborate cheese and charcuterie display alongside a menu of satisfying French hors d’oeuvres thoughtfully created to pair with the featured beverages. The evening’s food pairings will be presented side by side with each spirit and includes the following highlights:

• Sweet corn fritter with crispy speck ham and espresso aioli
• Slow-braised Virginia quail and a sunny-side up quail egg on rye bread
• Grilled local oyster with savory fennel compote and shaved scallions
• BBQ-style foie gras with spiced pecans
• Gin affogato

The spring soiree will be filled with lively conversation, a personal Q&A with the BRABO and Catoctin Creek teams, plenty of whiskey and gin, and surprising flavor pairings reflecting the best of the season!

What:  BRABO & Catoctin Creek: Spring Cocktail Party

When:  Thursday, March 29

Time:  7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Where:  BRABO. 1600 King Street. Alexandria, VA 22314

Tickets:  Tickets are $70 each, include all food and drink, and are available at https://brabocatoctincreekparty.eventbrite.com. Guests must be 21+ to attend.

ABOUT BRABO

BRABO is committed to delivering exceptional food, superior service and an outstanding experience to guests. Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier offers sophisticated cuisine that is inspired by French and European techniques and flavors, and made with the highest-quality ingredients. BRABO’s seasonal menu is complemented by carefully-crafted cocktails by Lead Bartender Brett Oye and an extensive wine list that was awarded Wine Spectator’s coveted “Best of Award of Excellence” in 2017. Adjacent to the Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, BRABO is an Old Town Alexandria favorite known for its neighborly friendliness. For more information, call 703-894-3440 or visit www.BRABOrestaurant.com. The restaurant is located at 1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; is open seven days a week; and offers private-dining services. Follow BRABO on Facebook and Instagram.

Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign invites Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia residents to sip and sample the area’s most celebrated culinary creations to help kids in need at this year’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry on Monday, April 9, 2018. Hosted at the National Building Museum, the annual tasting event will feature gourmet cuisine and libations crafted by the city’s top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists as they unite to raise funds to ensure all children in America have access to the healthy food they need, every day. One-hundred-percent of proceeds from the event benefit No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America.

Led by Chef Chair Mike Friedman (Red Hen, All-Purpose), Dessert Chair Tiffany MacIsaac (Buttercream Bakeshop), Mixology Chair Gina Chersevani (Buffalo and Bergen, Suburbia), and Sommelier Chair Nadine Brown (formerly Charlie Palmer Steak), D.C.’s culinary tastemakers will provide guests with scrumptious bite-size fare, craft cocktails and delectable desserts. Guests will also enjoy the beginnings of spring at “The Playground”, an outdoor-themed bar space featuring a rosé garden and mixology stations, and a chance to participate in an intimate speed tasting with Chef Kwame Onwuachi. James Beard Award-winning Washington Post Food and Dining editor Joe Yonan will be selling and signing copies of his newly released “America The Great Cookbook”, with sales benefiting No Kid Hungry.

Notable Washington, D.C. area culinary talent and eateries participating include:

Agora Restaurant | Al Dente | All-Purpose | Alta Strada | Art & Soul | B&O American Brasserie | Bar Elena | Barrel | Belga Cafe | Best Buns Bread Company | Beuchert’s Saloon | BLT Steak | Brabo Restaurant | Buffalo and Bergen | Buttercream Bakeshop | Captain Cookie and the Milkman | Carlyle | Cava Mezze | Centrolina | Charlie Palmer Steak DC | Charm City Cakes | Choolaah Indian BBQ | Compass Rose | Cork Wine Bar | DBGB DC | Dino’s Grotto | Dirty Habit DC | District Doughnut | DNV Rooftop | Dolcezza | El Techo | Espita Mezcaleria | Farmers & Distillers | Firefly | Georgetown Cupcake | Hank’s Oyster Bar | Hazel | Homestead | Ice Cream Jubilee | Jack Rose Dining Saloon | Kith And Kin | Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro | McClellan’s Retreat | Medium Rare | Mon Ami Gabi | Oceanaire Seafood Room | Osteria Morini | Ottoman Taverna | Oyamel | POV / W Hotel | Preserve | Quarter + Glory | Radiator | Rappahannock Oyster Company | RASA | Royal | RPM Italian DC | Shake Shack | Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar | Stable| Succotash National Harbor | Taco Bamba | The Eleanor | The Pub & the People | The Red Hen | The Source by Wolfgang Puck | The Sweet Lobby | Tico DC | Toki Underground | Trummer’s On Main | Truxton Inn | Urbana Dining & Drinks | Vida Taco Bar | Whisked! | Wit & Wisdom, A Tavern by Michael Mina

One in six children in America struggles with hunger, including nearly 27,000 kids in the District of Columbia. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger nationwide 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 775 million meals.

In 2017, D.C.’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry raised enough to connect hungry kids in need with up to 1.1 million healthy meals. Local beneficiaries include Capital Area Food Bank, DC Hunger Solutions, and Mary’s Center.

D.C.’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry is supported by national co-presenting sponsors Citi and Sysco®, national media sponsor Food Network, and national sponsor OpenTable. The event is also made possible by the following local sponsors: Belle de Brillet, Buffalo Trace, Caledonia Spirits, Catoctin Creek, Founding Spirits, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Impossible Foods, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co., New Columbia Distillers, Prosciutto di Parma, Remy Martin/Cointreau and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry tickets start at $100. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.nokidhungry.org/washingtondc.