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.

Crystal City’s summertime happy hour is back, opening a month early and announcing a new partnership with The Stand  bringing food and beverage from local restaurants and an exciting live music lineup. Starting on May 4, each Friday from 5-9 pm, attendees can listen to live music from a variety of bands while enjoying local bites and drink.

Crystal City’s summertime happy hour is back, opening a month early and announcing a new partnership with The Stand  bringing food and beverage from local restaurants and an exciting live music lineup. Starting on May 4, each Friday from 5-9 pm, attendees can listen to live music from a variety of bands while enjoying local bites and drink.

Crystal City’s summertime happy hour is back, opening a month early and announcing a new partnership with The Stand  bringing food and beverage from local restaurants and an exciting live music lineup. Starting on May 4, each Friday from 5-9 pm, attendees can listen to live music from a variety of bands while enjoying local bites and drink.

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.

Washingtonians rising early to watch Prince Harry marry Meghan Markle on TV or online on Sat., May 19 can now end this romantic day by enjoying some of loveliest and sometimes over-the-top songs composed and written by the legendary Cole Porter.

“Let’s Misbehave: Cole Porter After Dark,” will feature pop star Betty Who in her orchestral debut. Who, who is a native of the British Commonwealth of Australia, is best known for the chart-topping song “I Love You Always Forever.”

APO, in keeping with its mission to disrupt the status quo, will intersperse Porter’s works with dramatic readings of cheeky and outrageous online dating profiles.

Joining Who in bringing the musical works to life will be:

• Liz Callaway: Tony Award nominee, voice of Disney’s Princess Jasmine and Anastasia
• Ali Ewoldt: Phantom of the Opera, Broadway cast
• Bobby Smith: Crazy for You, Broadway cast, Helen Hayes Award winner
• Vishal Vaidya: Groundhog Day, Broadway cast
• Luke Hawkins: Star tap dancer from “America’s Got Talent”

“Cole Porter was so ahead of his time — he’d probably be overjoyed that we have this idea to celebrate the wedding of the Queen’s grandson with great singers and musicians and also mix in the creative ways people try to find love in the 21st century,” says Maestro Luke Frazier.

Frazier has won a following for his ability to connect the APO with modern audiences. According to The New York Times, “As much as any individual singer, what warmed the evening was the sumptuous lilt of the American Pops Orchestra, conducted by Luke Frazier.”

The program will include Porter’s mischievous, and sometimes bawdy, play on words and situations that resonate more than ever in today’s complex meeting and dating scene. These songs include “Anything Goes,” “You’re the Top,” and “Love for Sale.”

Tickets are available at www.TheAmericanPops.org for “Let’s Misbehave: Cole Porter After Dark” at Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater at 1101 6th St., SW, Washington, D.C. on Sat., May 19 at 8 p.m.

The Cole Porter production will conclude the third season for APO that has featured acclaimed events such as a performance by singer Marilyn Maye and an Aretha Franklin tribute.

Penn Branch resident and SE Porchfest volunteer organizer, Ayanna Smith announced today the first Porchfest to be held East of the Anacostia River, Sunday, May 20, 2018, from 1pm-6pm in Penn Branch. Porchfests are mini-concerts on front porches. Local Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) in other DC neighborhoods have hosted annual Porchfests, including Adams Morgan and Rhode Island Avenue. However, there has not been a music festival of its kind East of the River.

“Penn Branch and Hillcrest have beautiful stately homes with front yards and large porches, mixed with a rich history and tons of hidden talent,” said Porchfest organizer, Ayanna Smith. “We have all of the elements of a perfect Porchfest. It is also a great way for undiscovered talent to garner visibility.”

The goal is to have six-to-eight bands perform three-to-five songs each, throughout the day.

Other DC Porchfests have been supported by local BIDS, however, the SE Porchfest is being organized by volunteers, solely.  For more information, email porchfestdc@gmail.com. Updates can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @porchfestdc.

Crystal City’s summertime happy hour is back, opening a month early and announcing a new partnership with The Stand  bringing food and beverage from local restaurants and an exciting live music lineup. Starting on May 4, each Friday from 5-9 pm, attendees can listen to live music from a variety of bands while enjoying local bites and drink.

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