May
20
Sat
Pups on the Patio @ Commentary Social House
May 20 @ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Commentary Social House will once again feature its “Doggy Dishes” menu as they kick off the summer series of their ‘Pups on The Patio’ adoption events on National Rescue Dog Day.

The first event of the series will take place on The Commentary’s patio on Saturday, May 20th from 5 pm – 7 pm and will feature adoptable dogs from Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. Attendees can enjoy libations and delicious menu items with 20% percent of the proceeds going to the rescue league.

The Commentary’s Chef Fran Ponte has created “Doggy Dishes”, a dog-friendly menu with fresh, healthy house-made treats from kitchen scraps, in an effort to minimize waste. Furry attendees can expect a satisfying dining experience with menu options of chicken strips, sweet potato bites, and more.

Guests are welcome to bring their own dogs as they partake in an evening filled with puppies, food, and refreshing beverages while knowing that every contribution made will directly support animals in need.

Jun
1
Thu
Ruse X Albi: Night in the Garden in St. Michael’s @ St. Michael's Maryland
Jun 1 @ 7:00 PM – 11:59 PM

In collaboration with, and in support of the emerging scholars program, the Erkiletian family (owners of The Wildset Hotel & Ruse) are hosting an intimate evening at their family farm in St. Michaels, Maryland, this June.

Dinner will be prepared in the garden by MICHELIN Star Chef Michael Rafidi of Albi in Washington, D.C. in collaboration with Chef Michael Correll of Ruse in St. Michaels, Maryland.

Tickets include a one night stay at Wildset, artisan cocktail house and hors d’oeuvres, tasting menu prepared by Chef MIchael Rafidi and Michael Correll, wine pairing by sommelier William Simons and Allie Balin, after dinner fireside cocktails, a donation to Emerging Scholars, an organization that is near to the hearts of the Erkiletian family.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Jun
7
Wed
Picnic Theatre Company Presents: The Network @ Dumbarton House
Jun 7 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Please join the Picnic Theatre Company in the beautiful Dumbarton House garden in Georgetown on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, June 7, 8, 9, for a live play performance and light parody of the award-winning 1976 drama Network, a dark satire of the television news industry. Be transported to another time with music and advertisements from the 1970s!

TICKETS ($18): dumbartonhouse.ticketleap.com/picnic-theater-company-network/
(Proceeds benefit Dumbarton House museum preservation and education programs.)

In an America beset by inflation, recession, Watergate and Vietnam, a veteran broadcast anchorman channels the populist rage and becomes a national lightning rod. Ambitious network executives and corporate conglomerates take the commercialization of the news to unsettling extremes in pursuit of profits and ratings, but soon find the message and the consequences spinning out of their control. A bitingly prescient commentary on the rise of mass media and its polarizing effects on politics and American life, Network resonates more than ever today.

2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC (Georgetown)
6pm Cocktails, 7pm Showtime

Bring a blanket for picnic seating. Wine and refreshments are available for purchase. Rain or shine (if rain in Bellevue Ballroom).

Directed by Steve Rochlin

Cast:
Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Ali Dukakis • Nihal Krishan •  Alexa Newlin • Antonio Olivo • Kevin Rooney • Adam Ruben • Jayne Sandman • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White

Jun
8
Thu
Picnic Theatre Company Presents: The Network @ Dumbarton House
Jun 8 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Please join the Picnic Theatre Company in the beautiful Dumbarton House garden in Georgetown on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, June 7, 8, 9, for a live play performance and light parody of the award-winning 1976 drama Network, a dark satire of the television news industry. Be transported to another time with music and advertisements from the 1970s!

TICKETS ($18): dumbartonhouse.ticketleap.com/picnic-theater-company-network/
(Proceeds benefit Dumbarton House museum preservation and education programs.)

In an America beset by inflation, recession, Watergate and Vietnam, a veteran broadcast anchorman channels the populist rage and becomes a national lightning rod. Ambitious network executives and corporate conglomerates take the commercialization of the news to unsettling extremes in pursuit of profits and ratings, but soon find the message and the consequences spinning out of their control. A bitingly prescient commentary on the rise of mass media and its polarizing effects on politics and American life, Network resonates more than ever today.

2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC (Georgetown)
6pm Cocktails, 7pm Showtime

Bring a blanket for picnic seating. Wine and refreshments are available for purchase. Rain or shine (if rain in Bellevue Ballroom).

Directed by Steve Rochlin

Cast:
Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Ali Dukakis • Nihal Krishan •  Alexa Newlin • Antonio Olivo • Kevin Rooney • Adam Ruben • Jayne Sandman • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White

Jun
9
Fri
Picnic Theatre Company Presents: The Network @ Dumbarton House
Jun 9 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Please join the Picnic Theatre Company in the beautiful Dumbarton House garden in Georgetown on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, June 7, 8, 9, for a live play performance and light parody of the award-winning 1976 drama Network, a dark satire of the television news industry. Be transported to another time with music and advertisements from the 1970s!

TICKETS ($18): dumbartonhouse.ticketleap.com/picnic-theater-company-network/
(Proceeds benefit Dumbarton House museum preservation and education programs.)

In an America beset by inflation, recession, Watergate and Vietnam, a veteran broadcast anchorman channels the populist rage and becomes a national lightning rod. Ambitious network executives and corporate conglomerates take the commercialization of the news to unsettling extremes in pursuit of profits and ratings, but soon find the message and the consequences spinning out of their control. A bitingly prescient commentary on the rise of mass media and its polarizing effects on politics and American life, Network resonates more than ever today.

2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC (Georgetown)
6pm Cocktails, 7pm Showtime

Bring a blanket for picnic seating. Wine and refreshments are available for purchase. Rain or shine (if rain in Bellevue Ballroom).

Directed by Steve Rochlin

Cast:
Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Ali Dukakis • Nihal Krishan •  Alexa Newlin • Antonio Olivo • Kevin Rooney • Adam Ruben • Jayne Sandman • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White

Jun
10
Sat
Rosé in the Rose Garden Celebrating DC PRIDE @ Conrad Estuary Rose Garden
Jun 10 @ 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Rosé in the Rose garden celebrating the DC Pride Parade (SAT, 6/10) at Estuary

Sip on Rosé wine flights in the Rose Garden at Estuary at the Conrad Hotel DC to celebrate Whitman-Walker’s 50th anniversary and DC Pride Parade on Saturday, June 10th from 11am-5pm. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Whitman-Walker Foundation.

Aug
6
Sun
Tiki Throwdown @ Bourbon Steak patio
Aug 6 @ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

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.

*****

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.

Aug
21
Mon
Food & Friends Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction @ Marriott Marquis
Aug 21 @ 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

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/engage/chefs-best/.

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.

 

Aug
26
Sat
Over The Edge With Holistic Haitian Alliance @ Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center
Aug 26 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Over The Edge With Holistic Haitian Alliance
August 26, 2023
10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Tysons Corner Center Plaza
Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center
Holistic Haitian Alliance (HHA), formerly Helping Haitian Angels, is hosting its third annual Over The Edge (OTE) urban rappelling fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center on August 26, 2023.  HHA is seeking participants of all ages and abilities who wish to rappel and businesses to sponsor the event.  In 2022, eighty-seven individuals raised money for the children cared for at HHA’s Kay Anj Village in Dekle, Haiti, and, in exchange, earned the exhilarating experience of rappelling 14 stories of the Hyatt Regency. Proceeds from this year’s event will support HHA’s mission of education.  Prior OTE events helped to raise the money needed for the construction of a high school for the children housed at the orphanage and those in the neighboring community of Dekle.  An elementary school for the children opened in 2014.
Oct
2
Mon
U.S. Dream Academy’s POWER OF A DREAM GALA @ Museum of the Bible
Oct 2 @ 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

U.S. Dream Academy’s POWER OF A DREAM GALA – Celebrating 25 Years of Cultivating Dreams

Monday, October 2

5:30-10:30P p.m.

Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC

Link
The U.S. Dream Academy, a Maryland based, 501(c)3 nonprofit that inspires and invests in the lives of children of incarcerated parents, will host its Annual “Power of A Dream” Gala in honor of the charity’s 25th Anniversary on Monday, October 2nd at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, presented by Amway. In celebrating its 25th year, the U.S. Dream Academy gala is held to benefit our nationally recognized after-school programs for children. The event attracts some of Hollywood’s top celebrities, corporate executives, and VIPs, as well as political and community leaders, who support and invest in the future of those children most at risk. The annual event also honors those who are making a difference in young people’s lives with their philanthropic efforts.

Alumni Keynote Speaker: Withney Simons Entertainment: Jennifer Holliday, GRAMMY and TONY Award winning Broadway Actress, Recording Artist and Gospel Singer

Special Performance: Wintley Phipps, GRAMMY nominated Gospel Singer, and Founder and CEO of U.S. Dream Academy, with the Takoma Academy Chorale