Events/Things To Do

National Harbor Wine & Food Festival will return to the National Harbor Waterfront on the Potomac on Saturday, April 28^th & Sunday, April 29^th from 12:00PM to 6:00PM each day.

The event is in a tranquil outdoor setting on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by the Inner Harbor hotels, and restaurants and shops.  More than just a tasting, the Festival brings together area chefs, artisanal craftsmen, culinary pioneers, live entertainment, family fun as well as wine and spirits from around the world.

All guests will have the opportunity to enjoy samples of over 150 local and international wines, beer and spirits with their souvenir glass during the event. Guest will be able to purchase their favorite wine selections by the bottle to take with you, or by the glass to enjoy on-site. There will be delectable food samplings to try from the best restaurants, and food trucks in the DC area. In addition, a special craft beer tasting for the ultimate experience one could imagine. World renown chefs will be there and preparing scrumptious foods to last all weekend and have kindly offered meet and greets and demonstrations during the event.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28^TH

2PM – SCOTT DREWNO, CHIKO

Scott Drewno was raised in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes wine region, a rural area known for its vineyards and its family owned farms.  Watching his mother turn fresh, seasonal produce from local farm stands into bubbling pies and cobblers first piqued his interest in cooking and planted the seed for Drewno’s culinary ambition. Drewno joined the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group in 1998.  He started as a line cook at Chinois in Las Vegas, where he melded French cooking practices with Asian flavors and ingredients.  After a series of rapid promotions, Drewno was named Executive Sous Chef at Spago, Wolfgang Puck’s celebrated Las Vegas restaurant known for its seasonal American cuisine and celebrity clientele. In 2017 Drewno partnered with Danny Lee to form The Fried Rice Collective with their first restaurant CHIKO, a Chinese-Korean, fine-casual concept. Zagat hailed the restaurant as one of “DC’s Most Important Restaurant Openings of 2017”.

3PM – AMY BRANDEWEIN, CHEF/OWNER, CENTROLINA

 Amy Brandwein is the chef and owner of Centrolina, a combined seasonal Italian restaurant and market that opened in CityCenterDC in spring 2015. Throughout her career, Chef Brandwein has earned many accolades, including recognition as a 2017 James Beard Foundation Award finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic and a 2018 James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. Prior to opening her own restaurant, Chef Brandwein was the opening chef de cuisine at Alba Osteria in Washington, D.C. in 2013. Previously, Chef Brandwein launched Casa Nonna, the BLT Restaurant Group’s first Italian concept in Washington D.C and New York. She has also served as the chef de cuisine at Bebo Trattoria, and was the executive chef of Galileo da Roberto Donna in Washington, D.C.

4PM – VICTOR ALBISU, DEL CAMPO & TACO BAMBA

With more than a decade of experience in fine dining and upscale French, American and Latin American restaurants, Chef Victor Albisu is combining his culinary education with his Latin American heritage to bring a unique style of cuisine to his restaurant concepts. His first full-service restaurant, Del Campo, is an upscale South American grill in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It was named a Best New Restaurant of 2013 by Esquire magazine. Taco Bamba, a takeout taqueria that reflects his Cuban and Peruvian roots, opened next to Plaza Latina in Falls Church, Virginia, a Latin market owned by Albisu’s mother. Before pursing independent ventures, Albisu served as executive chef of BLT Steak in downtown Washington, D.C. for more than four years. While at the helm, Albisu cooked for President and Mrs. Obama and led the restaurant to earn several accolades, including Power Spot of the Year in 2012, as awarded by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan

BOTH DAYS – SOMMELIER & PROPRIETOR, BRENT KROLL

Sommelier & Proprietor Those familiar with Brent and his approachable, sophisticated style, obvious passion and knowledge of wine, will recognize his influence at Maxwell, where he works as a full-time employee. Prior to opening his Shaw DC wine bar, Kroll designed the wine program of the newly re-opened Iron Gate, a historic landmark that was once the longest operating restaurant in D.C. In 2015, Iron Gate was awarded Wine Program of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and Top Wine Program in the D.C. region by DC Modern Luxury, as well as being recognized as one of the Best Wine Restaurants in America by Wine Enthusiast. Kroll also wrote the wine list for other local restaurants such as Hazel and the Partisan.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29_TH

2PM – ALEX McCOY, CHEF/OWNER, LUCKY BUNS

 Alex McCoy is a 17-year veteran of the restaurant industry. In 2002, at the age of 19, Alex helmed his first kitchen at a small sandwich shop in Bethesda, MD. In 2007 He became head chef of Ralph Lauren & Lincoln Pilcher’s (Kingswood, Eveleigh, Ruby’s) Georgetown, DC cafe, Rugby Food & Spirits. In 2013, inspired by his family’s London upbringing, Alex founded & opened Duke’s Grocery in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of DC which quickly became a local household name garnering such accolades as “33 Best Burgers in America” by Thrillist & “Best Burgers in DC” by Washingtonian Magazine. A lifelong traveller, Alex spent many years traveling back and forth between the US & SE Asia culminating with his opening of Alfie’s in 2015. Alfie’s classic representation of Eastern Thai cuisine earned immediate acclaim by both local and international press being featured by Vogue Magazine & Bon Appetit Magazine a few short months after opening. In the summer of 2015, via a story in the Washington Post, Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appetit proclaimed Alfie’s as one his 5 favorite restaurants in Washington DC.

3PM – ROCK HARPER, OWNER, ROCKSOLID CREATIVE FOOD GROUP

In September of 2014, Chef Rock helped develop and launch Willie’s Brew N Que in Washington D.C.; within the new and ever-expanding Navy Yards region of Southeast. Willie’s features regional barbecue, a creative beer selection and 14 HD televisions for an outstanding atmosphere. With the Washington Nationals just a block away, Willie’s was an instant hit when it launched in October. Chef Rock’s newest company, RockSolid Creative Food Group, LLC., was formed in 2016 and currently his primary focus. While he’s still creating new food concepts, Rock is determined to become a force in the television and radio arena. The food industry programming is ripe for innovation and RockSolid aims to be a major player in this evolving entertainment business.

For the grand experience, VIP ticket purchasers will receive their very own designated area to move freely and enjoy everything the event has to offer. In addition to comfortable space VIP guest will be allowed to enjoy the experience for an added hour beginning at 12PM to 6PM, live entertainment, cooking demos, wine, beer, and spirit samplings. VIP guest will have access to their own washrooms and specialty tastings.

General admission will include a souvenir glass for wine, beer, and spirit samplings, live entertainment, cooking demos. Children under 12 will receive free entry into the event; however, the event will have very minimal entertainment children. All guests are welcomed to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the waterfront at National Harbor.

New features at the festival this year include Champagne Lounge sponsored by Ferrari Champagne with in-house D.J. Dance in the bubbles and a special Rose Tasting Pavilion.

Guests looking to experience the festival with an overnight stay can enjoy Gaylord National Resort and Convention Centers exclusive VIP Food and Wine Festival package. The package includes:

• One-night room accommodations on April 27 or 28
• Two VIP one-day pass tickets to the Food and Wine Festival at National Harbor including wine and spirit tastings, food tastings, access to a VIP Pier Experience with food and wine pairings and a souvenir glass and bag with special offers

The package starts at $359 and reservations will be available at www.GaylordNational.com or by calling 301-965-4000.

Ticket prices vary to accommodate Saturday and Sunday attendees, and groups up to 4. Please see the website for additional information: http://www.wineandfoodnh.com/content/show-info or call 800.830.3976 for all inquiries.

Tickets are on sale now and range from a VIP Saturday $79 or Sunday $69 to a General Admission One Day Pass for $39 in advance/$49 onsite.

To purchase tickets and view schedule, visit www.wineandfoodnh.com or call (800) 830-3976.

On Saturday, May 19^th, from 11:00AM to 12:30PM, devout dumpling lovers and fans of Q by Peter Chang (4500 East West Highway #100, Bethesda, MD 20814; www.QbyPeterChang.com; (240) 800-3722; IG @q_by_peter_chang_) will have the opportunity to learn how to make some of the celebrated Chinese restaurant’s signature dumplings at ‘Pinched’ – a hands-on dumpling making and cooking class led by legendary husband and wife chef duo Peter Chang and Lisa Chang. This class will serve as the first in-house cooking class to take place at Q by Peter Chang, but the team has plans to continue creating and offering additional interactive culinary classes and events in the coming months with the hopes of further educating fans on the beauty, history, and diversity behind authentic Chinese cuisine.

Priced at $40 per person, this hands-on dumpling experience is open to all ages and will begin with a 10-15 minute demonstration by Chefs Peter and Lisa Chang focusing on the techniques behind dough making and wrapping. The class will proceed providing participants with 20-30 minutes for the hands-on portion inviting attendees to make their own dumplings followed by the cooking of their dumplings handled on-site by restaurant staff, and a 30-40 minute seated lunch experience. An assortment of both meat and vegetarian dumpling fillings will be available for all class participants to choose from.

“This is an exciting and engaging way for myself, my wife Chef Lisa Chang, and the team at Q by Peter Chang to interact more with our wonderful customers and community and to help educate them as much as possible on the beauty of authentic Chinese cuisine”, said celebrated Chef and restaurateur Peter Chang. “Following ‘Pinched’, we have plans to offer many more unique and interactive classes and events in the coming months to our devoted friends and fans, especially those that have yet to experience Q by Peter Chang. As our flagship restaurant, we hope to use this space as a way to truly unite Chinese food lovers and educate them on the diversity of our versatile cuisine.:

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (240) 800-3722 or emailing info@qbypeterchang.com.

Memorial Day Pig Roast: To celebrate Memorial Day, Jackson 20 will be hosting a pig roast on Sunday, May 27^th from 3pm to 7pm. For $29 per person, guests enjoy servings of this delicacy, prepared by Executive Chef James Hudson, as live music rings in the background. Beer and Rosé specials are available throughout the afternoon as well. To attend, please RSVP using the link here.

• Date/Time: Sunday, May 27^th from 3pm to 7pm
• Price: $29 per person, including food and access to beer and cocktail specials

• 8:00 a.m. Race Start
• 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Post Run Village

• Jamie Vespa Cooking Light Editor, nutrition and culinary expert demonstrates fresh, healthy recipes on the culinary stage.

• Runners participate in a heart-pumping dance warm up with Mark Jones.

• Irene Kaznachey of YogaWorks leads a post-run stretch and Hannah Preston from Zweet Sport, offers an exciting body sculpt demonstration.

• Post Run Food & Fitness Festival filled with chef demonstrations, beer garden tastings, and giveaways!

• Jamie Vespa, Cooking Light Magazine Editor
• Owner and Inspired Chef Taria Ramos, of Inspired Cravings

• Tickets are priced at $45 (Prices increase June 1), and can be purchased at www.fitfoodierun.com.
• Pets are welcome.
• All events are rain or shine.

 Vintage Virginia®, a great summer tradition, is a must see for everyone from newbies to foodies.  There will be over 250 different wines from 25 + Virginia wineries.  The festival will return to Bull Run Regional Park Saturday, June 2^nd from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Sunday, June 3^rd from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For those athletic attendees we have added The Northern Virginia Wine Run on Sunday June 3^rd at 9:30 a.m. Entry fee is $49 in advance and includes: Entry into the race, souvenir t-shirt, souvenir glass, unlimited wine tasting from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and live music. VIP tickets are $59 in advance.

Vintage Virginia Tickets are available online at www.vintagevirginia.com .  Options include a VIP Admission One Day Pass for Saturday or Sunday $49 advance/$55 onsite and a General Admission One Day Pass for $39 in advance/$45 onsite. Designated driver tickets are also available on site.

Step out of the summer heat and relax at Aura Spa. The popular day spa is hosting a Summer Mixer at its Logan Circle location, promising a night of pampering on Wednesday, June 6 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 1517 15^th Street NW. Complimentary champagne and desserts will be served throughout the evening.

Sample various spa products and enjoy a refreshing night with free chair massages and skin analyses by expert Aura Spa estheticians. Aura Spa swag bags will be provided, while attendees can preview brand new summer skin treatments. Guests will also be entered into a raffle to win an assortment of Aura spa services and products. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP here, and for more information on Aura Spa, visit www.auraspa.net.

WHO:        Aura Spa – Logan Circle

WHAT:      Summer Mixer

                  Complimentary Summer Cocktails & Desserts

                  Complimentary Skin Analyses & Chair Massages

WHEN:       Wednesday, June 6^th

                  6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:    Aura Spa – Logan Circle

                  1517 15^th Street NW

                  Washington, DC 20005

RSVP:        Guests may RSVP here.

URBANA’S “PRIDE + SHINE” BRUNCH

Perfectly situated at the start of the Capital Pride Parade route, Urbana is hosting its annual “Pride + Shine” party on Saturday, June 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The restaurant will be transformed into a lively Pride celebration complete with food, libations, and a fierce dance party with DJ Trayze. Special guest Mike Hot-Pence will be at the all-day brunch for the second year in a row. Sporting his signature hot pants, the “Vice President” will be chatting with guests, taking photos, and collecting donations to benefit The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. 

“Pride + Shine” Bar Package

Urbana is opening the bar from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a special drink package for its “Pride + Shine” brunch party. For $50, guests have the option to choose select beer, wine, or their favorite mixed cocktail. Guests may purchase this bar package in advance at PrideAndShine2018.Eventbrite.com or at the door.

There is no entry fee to attend Urbana’s “Pride + Shine” brunch party. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 202-956-6650 or visiting www.urbanadc.com. Patio seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests may inquire about patio reservations to guarantee front-row seating and a direct view of the Capital Pride Parade. The parade starts at Urbana, giving all “Pride + Shine” party-goers the opportunity to see everything first!

SweatCon Rally flips the script on a bar crawl and instead of drinking 175 participants will sweat at boutique fitness studios around the city. Completing three thirty minute classes at three different studios back-to-back-to-back. From Dupont Circle to Shaw we’ve partnered with 15 of the hottest boutique studios including Corepower Yoga, Solidcore, Cut Seven, Orangetheory, and Cyclebar.

Prior to kicking off the work outs, we will throw a kick-ass check-in party featuring like-minded brands to create a unique experience for all attendees. This year the new 880P will host the check-in party with a GLAMSQUAD braid bar, sweetgreen salad bar, juice bar by JRINK, animated GIF booth courtesy ofMINDBODY, DJ and shopping courtesy of our title sponsor Reebok. Each participant will receive a complimentary event tank top as well as a swag filled with goodies from RX Bar, Progenex, High Brew Coffee, Vita Coco and more.

Over the last three years we have put on three SweatCon Rally events in Boston. The first hosting 30 people, then 200 and the most recent event with 450 participates (selling out in five days with a waitlist of 250 people). Building off the success of Boston we knew it was time to bring this event to more cities. This spring came to Boston (4/28), New York (5/12) and now Washington, D.C. (6/16).

Studio List:

CorePower Yoga Dupont Circle

Blast DC

SolidCore West End

Solidcore Shaw

Cut Seven

Flow Yoga 14th Street

The Bar Method

Orangetheory Fitness Mount Vernon Triangle / Shaw

CorePower Yoga City Center

YogaWorks 14th Street

Zengo Cycle Logan Circle

Elevate 14th Street

NUBOXX

CycleBar Noma

Barre3 Union Station