Mar
16
Fri
KIPP DC KIPProm @ Dock 5 at Union Market
Mar 16 @ 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM

March 16 (6:30pm – 11:30pm)

KIPP DC KIPProm

Dock 5 at Union Market

What if you could do a “prom-over” and recreate all of the magic of prom night while supporting our KIPP DC KIPPsters on their journey to and through college? KIPProm is your chance! Join in for an evening of great company, awkward dancing, and spiked punch as KIPP DC rallies behind the next generation of Washingtonians. All proceeds directly support KIPP DC’s KIPP Through College & Career programs designed to empower KIPP DC alumni and propel them onward to lives full of choice and opportunity.

Cost: Tickets start at $150

Mar
23
Fri
SheROCKS HERStory @ DC Architecture Center
Mar 23 @ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

SheROCKS, D.C.’s premiere Women’s History Month event, is set to return to the District Architecture Center on Friday and Saturday, March 23rd – 24th, 2018. In addition to the jam-packed weekend of female empowerment, SheROCKS is proud to announce its national tour, which will kick off July 2018!

SheROCKS will maintain its core, continuing to champion, honor and highlight women achieving remarkable feats in the arts, business and tech industries; however, 2018 is the year of the SheROCKS expansion. To truly reach the masses and meet the demand for female artistry, SheROCKS will launch its national tour with stops in Los Angeles and New York! SheROCKS is one of the fastest growing events for emerging women artists and entrepreneurs, showcasing the nation’s abundant female talent,  while creating ways to accelerate support amongst women in business.

“We’re so excited for all that 2018 has in store for SheROCKS! We receive so many submissions from potential showcased artists in other cities who are unable to participate due to lack of travel resources, so to accommodate not only the talent but also broaden SheROCKS’ reach, we implemented the tour. And while D.C. will remain our homebase and kickoff city, we’re brimming with anticipation for what our LA and New York stops will bring!” says, Gaines.

SheROCKS’ two-day D.C. event itinerary includes: SheROCKS HERStory with Caressa JenningsSasha Nicole and Timea Gaines and VIP Pamper Party on March 23rd, and Power Brunch and Mixer and Main event on March 24th.

This years SheROCKS honorees include Guy-Blaché DuVernay SheROCKS Filmmakers of the Year,  Raven Irabor and Marissa LewisGreiman-Roberts SheROCKS Graphic Artist of the YearMachee KellyFrida Kahlo SheROCKS Artist of the YearJanai Marshall, and Annie Leibovitz SheROCKS Photographer of the Year, Nikki Cee.

From a local favorite to a Billboard Hot 100 headliner, SheROCKS’ 10 showcased artist cover the talent spectrum. After a nationwide call for submissions, it was narrowed down to the following 10 performers:

Singer, Tamara Jade, Singer, Patrice LIVE, Singer, Cramer Music, Lyricist, O-Slice, Artist, Addie Rawr, Singer, Brittanie Thomas, Dancer, Megan Atkinson of The Collectif Project, Artist, Cheyenne Sookoo, Artist, Nevada McQueen, Photographer, Felicia “Freya” Taylor.

Singer, songwriter and superhero, Roquois, will headline the event and perform tracks from her recently released debut album.

SheROCKS is brought to you by Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund 40 Under 40 recipient,  Hello Beautiful Woman To Know 2017 and Love Life Media, LLC CEO and motivational speaker, Timea Gaines.

To view full list of performers, event schedulepurchase tickets or for additional information please visit SheRocksEvent.com. Stay in the loop using the hashtag #SheROCKS2018, and follow SheROCKS via Facebook, and @SheRocksEvent on Twitter and Instagram. Please contact publicist with media or interview requests.

Smithsonian at 8’s La Grande Fete @ La Maison Francaise
Mar 23 @ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

WHAT:  SMITHSONIAN at 8, in collaboration with Francophonie DC and the Embassy of France, presents La Grande Fête, the closing celebration of the 2018 DC Francophonie Cultural Festival.

WHEN: Friday, March 23, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

WHERE: La Maison Francaise at the Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC

Get ready for a spectacular party with a French accent. The annual Francophonie Cultural Festival spotlights the music, art, literature, film, cuisine, and customs of French-speaking countries and regions from across the globe. Its closing celebration, La Grande Fête, is always magnifique, and this year’s bash is no exception.

Beginning at 7 p.m., guests will launch into a world tour of francophone cultures. They’ll sample food and drink from more than 30 embassies as they explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. DJ Princess Slaya spins music from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and plenty of destinations in between. Experience the best of the French-speaking world—all without leaving home. 

General admission $40

Tickets must be purchased in advance (no sales at the door).

For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit http://s.si.edu/2ocUayg.

Mar
26
Mon
ODYSSEY: A GRAND TASTING & EXPLORATION OF GREEK WINES @ The Loft at 600F
Mar 26 @ 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM

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

Mar
30
Fri
Awesome Con @ Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Mar 30 @ 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The sixth annual Awesome Con by LeftField Media, the Mid-Atlantic’s premier pop culture convention, will unite 80,000 fans of comics, technology and science, television and film, custom art, over-the-top cosplay, and more at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1, 2018. The convention floor and panel rooms will buzz with hundreds of hours’ worth of programs including: celebrities and experts hosting panels and exclusive reveals; cosplay fashion shows; gaming tournaments; iconic film memorabilia exhibits; and a diverse array of activities for families on Easter weekend.

Family-friendly pavilion Awesome Con Jr returns with even more playful events planned to educate and entertain kids of all ages and parents alike, with special promotions in place to engage Awesome Con’s youngest fans throughout the show. Future Con, Awesome Con’s science pavilion, will dive into the latest developments in science and science fiction sure to delight even the most curious minds. Back for the second year is Pride Alley presented in partnership with Geeks OUT, shining a spotlight on LGBTQ creators and fans in an even more robust section of Artist Alley.

With Awesome Con 2018 hosting more energetic programs, more globally recognized special guests, and presenting more exclusive previews and announcements to attendees than ever before, it continues growing into a standout annual destination as an unbridled celebration of pop culture and pure fun.

WHEN: Friday, March 30; exhibit hall hours 12pm – 8pm, programming until 10pm

Saturday, March 31; exhibit hall hours 10am – 8pm, programming until 10pm

Sunday, April 1; exhibit hall hours 10am – 5pm

WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center

801 Mt. Vernon Pl NW

Washington, DC 20001

SPECIAL GUESTS:

 

Screen Stars:

  • Stephen Amell (Arrow, New Girl, Private Practice)
  • John Barrowman (Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, Torchwood, Doctor Who)
  • Cress Williams (Black Lightning, Prison Break, Hart of Dixie)
  • Tom Welling (Smallville, Lucifer)
  • Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville, Guardians of the Guardians Vol. 2, IMPASTOR)
  • Joonas Suotamo (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars Story)
  • Joe Keery (Stranger Things, Molly’s Game, Slice)
  • Ben Savage (Boy Meets World, Girls Meet World, Chuck, Dear John, Little Monsters, Without a Trace)
  • Will Friedle (Boy Meets World, Girls Meets World, Batman Beyond, Kim Possible, Guardians of the Galaxy animated series)
  • Rider Strong (Boy Meets World, Girl Meets World, Cabin Fever)
  • Charisma Carpenter (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel)
  • Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Samurai Jack, Pulp Fiction, Justice League Unlimited, Mad TV, Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

 

Comic Guests:

  • J. Scott Campbell (Gen¹³, Danger Girl, Spider-Man)
  • Fabian Nicieza (Deadpool co-creator, X-Men, Thunderbolts, Action Comics)
  • Jim Starlin (Captain Marvel, Iron Man, Infinity Gauntlet, Batman; co-creator of Drax, Gamora, and Thanos)
  • Greg Capullo (Batman, Reborn, X-Force, Quasar, The Creech)
  • Scott Snyder (American Vampire, Batman, Swamp Thing, Voodoo Heart)
  • Tom King (Batman, The Sheriff of Babylon, The Vision)
  • Colleen Doran (A Distant Soil, Wonder Woman, Amazing Spider-Man)
  • Sean Gordon Murphy (Batman: White Knight, Hellblazer: City of Demons, Punk Rock Jesus, Shaun of the Dead, Teen Titans, The Wake, Tokyo Ghost)
  • James Tynion IV (Detective Comics, Batman)
  • Sorah Sungh (Iron Man, Princeless)

TICKETS: Daily and full weekend passes available

  • Friday or Sunday Only Admission: $35
  • Saturday Only Admission: $50
  • 3-Day Weekend Pass: $75
  • 3-Day ‘Geekend VIP’ Pass: $150
  • Kids 10 and under: free with coupon code AWESOMEJR
  • VIP passes & experiences range from the VIP Geekend ($150) to the premium, limited quantity Club Awesome Reserve Membership ($999) and offer access to various celebrity appearances and special events.

WEBSITEwww.awesomecon.com is updated regularly with new guests, exciting exhibitors, and special programming.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Mar
31
Sat
Awesome Con @ Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Mar 31 @ 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The sixth annual Awesome Con by LeftField Media, the Mid-Atlantic’s premier pop culture convention, will unite 80,000 fans of comics, technology and science, television and film, custom art, over-the-top cosplay, and more at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1, 2018. The convention floor and panel rooms will buzz with hundreds of hours’ worth of programs including: celebrities and experts hosting panels and exclusive reveals; cosplay fashion shows; gaming tournaments; iconic film memorabilia exhibits; and a diverse array of activities for families on Easter weekend.

Family-friendly pavilion Awesome Con Jr returns with even more playful events planned to educate and entertain kids of all ages and parents alike, with special promotions in place to engage Awesome Con’s youngest fans throughout the show. Future Con, Awesome Con’s science pavilion, will dive into the latest developments in science and science fiction sure to delight even the most curious minds. Back for the second year is Pride Alley presented in partnership with Geeks OUT, shining a spotlight on LGBTQ creators and fans in an even more robust section of Artist Alley.

With Awesome Con 2018 hosting more energetic programs, more globally recognized special guests, and presenting more exclusive previews and announcements to attendees than ever before, it continues growing into a standout annual destination as an unbridled celebration of pop culture and pure fun.

WHEN: Friday, March 30; exhibit hall hours 12pm – 8pm, programming until 10pm

Saturday, March 31; exhibit hall hours 10am – 8pm, programming until 10pm

Sunday, April 1; exhibit hall hours 10am – 5pm

WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center

801 Mt. Vernon Pl NW

Washington, DC 20001

SPECIAL GUESTS:

 

Screen Stars:

  • Stephen Amell (Arrow, New Girl, Private Practice)
  • John Barrowman (Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, Torchwood, Doctor Who)
  • Cress Williams (Black Lightning, Prison Break, Hart of Dixie)
  • Tom Welling (Smallville, Lucifer)
  • Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville, Guardians of the Guardians Vol. 2, IMPASTOR)
  • Joonas Suotamo (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars Story)
  • Joe Keery (Stranger Things, Molly’s Game, Slice)
  • Ben Savage (Boy Meets World, Girls Meet World, Chuck, Dear John, Little Monsters, Without a Trace)
  • Will Friedle (Boy Meets World, Girls Meets World, Batman Beyond, Kim Possible, Guardians of the Galaxy animated series)
  • Rider Strong (Boy Meets World, Girl Meets World, Cabin Fever)
  • Charisma Carpenter (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel)
  • Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Samurai Jack, Pulp Fiction, Justice League Unlimited, Mad TV, Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

 

Comic Guests:

  • J. Scott Campbell (Gen¹³, Danger Girl, Spider-Man)
  • Fabian Nicieza (Deadpool co-creator, X-Men, Thunderbolts, Action Comics)
  • Jim Starlin (Captain Marvel, Iron Man, Infinity Gauntlet, Batman; co-creator of Drax, Gamora, and Thanos)
  • Greg Capullo (Batman, Reborn, X-Force, Quasar, The Creech)
  • Scott Snyder (American Vampire, Batman, Swamp Thing, Voodoo Heart)
  • Tom King (Batman, The Sheriff of Babylon, The Vision)
  • Colleen Doran (A Distant Soil, Wonder Woman, Amazing Spider-Man)
  • Sean Gordon Murphy (Batman: White Knight, Hellblazer: City of Demons, Punk Rock Jesus, Shaun of the Dead, Teen Titans, The Wake, Tokyo Ghost)
  • James Tynion IV (Detective Comics, Batman)
  • Sorah Sungh (Iron Man, Princeless)

TICKETS: Daily and full weekend passes available

  • Friday or Sunday Only Admission: $35
  • Saturday Only Admission: $50
  • 3-Day Weekend Pass: $75
  • 3-Day ‘Geekend VIP’ Pass: $150
  • Kids 10 and under: free with coupon code AWESOMEJR
  • VIP passes & experiences range from the VIP Geekend ($150) to the premium, limited quantity Club Awesome Reserve Membership ($999) and offer access to various celebrity appearances and special events.

WEBSITEwww.awesomecon.com is updated regularly with new guests, exciting exhibitors, and special programming.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Apr
1
Sun
Awesome Con @ Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Apr 1 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The sixth annual Awesome Con by LeftField Media, the Mid-Atlantic’s premier pop culture convention, will unite 80,000 fans of comics, technology and science, television and film, custom art, over-the-top cosplay, and more at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1, 2018. The convention floor and panel rooms will buzz with hundreds of hours’ worth of programs including: celebrities and experts hosting panels and exclusive reveals; cosplay fashion shows; gaming tournaments; iconic film memorabilia exhibits; and a diverse array of activities for families on Easter weekend.

Family-friendly pavilion Awesome Con Jr returns with even more playful events planned to educate and entertain kids of all ages and parents alike, with special promotions in place to engage Awesome Con’s youngest fans throughout the show. Future Con, Awesome Con’s science pavilion, will dive into the latest developments in science and science fiction sure to delight even the most curious minds. Back for the second year is Pride Alley presented in partnership with Geeks OUT, shining a spotlight on LGBTQ creators and fans in an even more robust section of Artist Alley.

With Awesome Con 2018 hosting more energetic programs, more globally recognized special guests, and presenting more exclusive previews and announcements to attendees than ever before, it continues growing into a standout annual destination as an unbridled celebration of pop culture and pure fun.

WHEN: Friday, March 30; exhibit hall hours 12pm – 8pm, programming until 10pm

Saturday, March 31; exhibit hall hours 10am – 8pm, programming until 10pm

Sunday, April 1; exhibit hall hours 10am – 5pm

WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center

801 Mt. Vernon Pl NW

Washington, DC 20001

SPECIAL GUESTS:

 

Screen Stars:

  • Stephen Amell (Arrow, New Girl, Private Practice)
  • John Barrowman (Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, Torchwood, Doctor Who)
  • Cress Williams (Black Lightning, Prison Break, Hart of Dixie)
  • Tom Welling (Smallville, Lucifer)
  • Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville, Guardians of the Guardians Vol. 2, IMPASTOR)
  • Joonas Suotamo (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars Story)
  • Joe Keery (Stranger Things, Molly’s Game, Slice)
  • Ben Savage (Boy Meets World, Girls Meet World, Chuck, Dear John, Little Monsters, Without a Trace)
  • Will Friedle (Boy Meets World, Girls Meets World, Batman Beyond, Kim Possible, Guardians of the Galaxy animated series)
  • Rider Strong (Boy Meets World, Girl Meets World, Cabin Fever)
  • Charisma Carpenter (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel)
  • Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Samurai Jack, Pulp Fiction, Justice League Unlimited, Mad TV, Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

 

Comic Guests:

  • J. Scott Campbell (Gen¹³, Danger Girl, Spider-Man)
  • Fabian Nicieza (Deadpool co-creator, X-Men, Thunderbolts, Action Comics)
  • Jim Starlin (Captain Marvel, Iron Man, Infinity Gauntlet, Batman; co-creator of Drax, Gamora, and Thanos)
  • Greg Capullo (Batman, Reborn, X-Force, Quasar, The Creech)
  • Scott Snyder (American Vampire, Batman, Swamp Thing, Voodoo Heart)
  • Tom King (Batman, The Sheriff of Babylon, The Vision)
  • Colleen Doran (A Distant Soil, Wonder Woman, Amazing Spider-Man)
  • Sean Gordon Murphy (Batman: White Knight, Hellblazer: City of Demons, Punk Rock Jesus, Shaun of the Dead, Teen Titans, The Wake, Tokyo Ghost)
  • James Tynion IV (Detective Comics, Batman)
  • Sorah Sungh (Iron Man, Princeless)

TICKETS: Daily and full weekend passes available

  • Friday or Sunday Only Admission: $35
  • Saturday Only Admission: $50
  • 3-Day Weekend Pass: $75
  • 3-Day ‘Geekend VIP’ Pass: $150
  • Kids 10 and under: free with coupon code AWESOMEJR
  • VIP passes & experiences range from the VIP Geekend ($150) to the premium, limited quantity Club Awesome Reserve Membership ($999) and offer access to various celebrity appearances and special events.

WEBSITEwww.awesomecon.com is updated regularly with new guests, exciting exhibitors, and special programming.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Apr
7
Sat
Union Market Street Fair @ Union Market District
Apr 7 @ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Union Market District is kicking off Spring and celebrating the diverse collection of businesses, both old and new, with a daylong street fest featuring food and activities from district neighbors and partners including Trader Joe’s, Politics and Prose, Cotton & Reed, Masseria, Pluma, A. Litteri, Blue Bottle, DC United and more.

The free, family-friendly day will take place Saturday, April 7 from 9am to 4pm. Bordered by New York Avenue, Florida Avenue and 6th Street NE, the festival will be spread across the entire Union Market District, including venues 4th x Neal, Angelika, Dock 5, 4th x Morse Street and the Market itself.

From all-day live music at Neal Place to a pop-up bookshop by Politics & Prose and a bevy of food trucks lining Neal Place NE, the entire district, long known for attracting innovative retail as well as launching and scaling businesses, will be activated for a day of creativity and community.

World class chefs will be on hand for cooking tips while DC United players lead a youth workshop. Michelin-starred chef Nick Stefanelli will be selling breakfast sandwiches on Masseria’s patio and Instagram influencers Tamon George and Gary Williams of Creative Theory will take portrait photos in the historic alley of 4th x Neal. Meet under the Yoko Ono mural on 6th Street for spoken word poetry and dance off the winter blues with DC’s favorite DJ’s and live music.

The full schedule, including signature events, will be announced in the coming weeks.

• Trader Joe’s: Outdoor flower market + recipe sampling station
• Politics and Prose: Story time + pop-up book sale
• Cotton & Reed with Coconut Club: Pig Roast Party
• Cut Seven: Free 60-minute boot camp class @ Dock 5 (9:30-11am)
• The Bruery: White Chocolate Cherry beer launch + chocolate pairing tasting
• Nalls Produce: Outdoor spring gardening market
• Creative Theory: Portrait installation + photo shoot @ the Gallery at 4th x Neal
 S3 Active: Daylong pop-up shop @ Dock 5
• Flywheel: Free 60-minute Flybarre class @ Dock 5 (1-2pm)
• Yoga with Nya: Free 60-minute vinyasa yoga with Nya Alemayhu (3-4pm)
• The Wing: Mobile truck + free coffee
• Masseria: Breakfast sandwiches + cocktails
• Spoken in Music: Live jazz performance on Neal Place
• Twenty20 Band: Performance on Neal Place
• DC United: Meet-and-greets with players + giveaways
• HUGE: Social and digital tips
• DC Scores: Soccer skills workshop for kids + spoken word poetry performances
 Expert Booth: Seek 60 second advice on anything from tech to business strategy to romance and more
• Brief Assembly: Shop a curated selection of home, beauty + fashion products at 4th x Neal
• Peruvian Brothers: Food truck on Neal Place
• Benjamin Gates: Duke Ellington graduate, live electric cello performance
• Wheatley Education Campus: Student music ensemble
• Hugh & Crye: Warehouse sale at 4th x Neal

For more information about the Union Market district street fair, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com.

Apr
9
Mon
Taste of the Nation @ National Building Museum
Apr 9 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
This year’s event will be hosted by Chef Chair Mike Friedman, Dessert Chair Tiffany MacIsaac, Mixology Chair Gina Chersevani, and Sommelier Chair Nadine Brown. Taste of the Nation guests can look forward to:
  • Bite-size fare from some of the District’s hottest eateries including The Red Hen, Compass Rose, Hazel and Ice Cream Jubilee
  • Live music by musician Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
  • “The Playground”, an outdoor-themed bar space featuring a rosé garden and mixology stations
  • A chance to participate in an intimate speed tasting with Chef Kwame Onwuachi
  • 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

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, 2018Hosted 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.

“Tonic-Con” @ Royal
Apr 9 @ 9:00 PM – Apr 10 @ 1:00 AM
Monday, April 9 is International Gin & Tonic Day, and Royal in LeDroit Park is paying homage to the classic cocktail with decidedly un-classic, creative interpretations at “Tonic-Con,” the latest edition of its monthly “Royal Knights” cocktail pop-up series. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. special guest bartender Nicole Hassoun, gin distiller at Jos. A. Magnus & Co. will collaborate with Royal’s head bartenders Jake Kenny and Alonzo Freeman on a one-night menu of inventive G&Ts, offered at $8 all night.
The Gin & Tonic dates back to the 19th century, when British officers in India looked for palatable ways to fight malaria. Quinine, sourced from the bark of the cinchona tree, served as a main ingredient in tonic water, and was used medicinally. Officers received a daily dose of tonic, but, looking for ways to cut the bitterness, added sugar, lime and gin, creating the first iteration of what we now know as the G&T.
Hassoun, Kenny and Freeman each add their own twists to the traditional two-ingredient drink, such as making house seasonal tonics, molecular tonic ‘pearls,’ using unique local and Spanish-made gins, and even infusing cinchona bark into herbal liqueurs.
Hassoun, who currently serves as gin distiller at DC’s own Jos. A. Magnus & Co.distillery, is a gin enthusiast, having made a name for herself at local gin-centric bars Gin Joint and Wisdom. For Tonic-Con, she will make her own seasonal tonic and bitters, and incorporate Magnus’ own Vigilant dry and navy strength gins, in the following cocktails:
  • GETTING FIGGY WITH IT, combining Magnus’ Navy Strength Gin with a house hibiscus-fig tonic, and house smoked lemon bitters.
  •  BIG TROUBLE, LITTLE DISTRICT, made with Magnus’ District Dry Gin, Calisaya(an Italian herbal liqueur infused with cinchona bark and other botanicals), dry curacao, and lemon, topped with a Capitoline Tiber foam.
In the COLEY FIGHTS MALARIA, Royal’s Jake Kenny makes his own “Tonic Fernet” by infusing Fernet Branca with cinchona bark, combined with Mahon Gin from Spain, and sweet vermouth.
And Royal’s Alonzo Freeman gets molecular with ADRIA’S MIRACLE ELIXIR, made withFords Gin, a house cucumber-rosemary tonic and tonic ‘pearls.’
Other evening specials include $3 canned brews from beer sponsor Atlas Brew Works,$6 “Tonic Fernet” boilermakers and $10 handmade roasted chicken and vegetarian tamales, served until 1a.m.
This is part of The Royal’s monthly “Royal Knights” event series, where on the second Monday of each month, they focus on a new batch of craft spirits, lesser-known liqueurs, and the creative people who make them, hosting guest-bartenders from around the country and introducing guests to creative new brands in the booze industry.
Next month’s “Royal Knights” will take place on Monday, May 14th, themed “April Showers Bring May Flower {Cocktails}” featuring edible flower-infused syrups, floral spirits and liqueurs, and blossom garnishes.
The Royal’s monthly “Royal Knights” industry nights are free and open to the public, running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the second Monday of every month. Details for subsequent “Royal Knights” nights will be announced closer to each event. For more information, please visit www.theroyaldc.com or call 202-332-7777.
WHO:        Royal
Bar Managers Jake Kenny and Alonzo Freeman
Guest Bartender Nicole Hassoun of Jos. A. Magnus & Co.
WHEN:      Monday, April 9, 2018
             9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
WHERE:     Royal
ABOUT ROYAL
Royal is a classic corner neighborhood spot located in Washington, DC’s historic LeDroit Park neighborhood at 501 Florida Avenue, NW. A coffee shop and lunch spot by day, and an intimate bar and casual eatery by night, Royal is a unique all-day destination for morning coffee and breakfast, leisurely lunch, after-work cocktails and simple yet creative, grill-centric fare. Opened in June 2015, Royal bridges the hip Bloomingdale and Shaw neighborhoods and is LeDroit Park’s newest neighborhood joint.
The second project from restaurateur Paul Carlson, along with his family, the quaint split-level, 45-seat gathering place offers a welcoming open bar area, second-floor loft-style dining area and outdoor patio seating. Royal is open seven days a week, SundayMonday8am-12am, Tuesday-Thursday 8am-1am, and Friday-Saturday 8am2am. For more information, please visit www.theroyaldc.com or call 202-332-7777.