Feb
4
Wed
A Sugar & Champagne Affair @ Ronald Reagan Building
Feb 4 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The annual Washington Humane Society dessert and champagne reception returns Wednesday, February 4, 2015 to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. This event honors our local animal crusaders while raising critical funds to help care for the homeless pet population in our nation’s capital and is presented by Trade Center Management Associates, the operator of the Ronald Reagan Building.

NEW this year, hosts Chef Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff Gray will kick off the event with an Exclusive Experience, open to only 50 guests! Guaranteed to please, this interactive experience starts at 6:00 p.m. If you love knowing how it’s made, join host Chef Todd Gray as he delights Exclusive Experience guests with a liquid nitrogen “dip-n-dots” demonstration station. Grab a scoop of freshly made dip-n-dots and see how nitrogen works to create these much-loved beads of confection. This Exclusive Experience also includes sugar pulling demonstrations by Co Co Sala, the opportunity to hand craft truffles with the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center’s own pastry chef, Shane Goettlicher, exclusive drinks from Cava’s very own mixologist Jason Gehring, and more! Tickets are $250 each, which also includes entry to both the VIP and general receptions.

The VIP Chefs’ Tasting Room provides guests with an elite savory gathering from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Exquisite samplings will be prepared by the finest chefs in the region. A limited number of tickets are available for $150 each and include entry to the main event.

Doors to the general reception open at 7:00pm and tickets are $90 each. The area’s most talented pastry chefs will dazzle the senses with visionary works of edible art, gorgeous gourmet desserts, champagne, and some of the finest sparkling wines until 9:00pm.

Throughout the event, guests will be able to purchase Golden Tickets for the chance to win amazing once-in-a-lifetime prizes. Golden Tickets are just $50 each and only 250 will be sold onsite at the event.

To purchase tickets and to see the lineup of culinary talent, visit www.sugarandchampagne.org.  As always, leashed dogs are welcome and encouraged to attend (no retractable leashes please). All proceeds will directly benefit the animals and programs of the Washington Humane Society. This event is for guests aged 21 and over, please bring a valid photo ID.

This event will sell out! Visit www.sugarandchampagne.org for more information and tickets.

Feb
6
Fri
PRAVA Festival @ Pike & Rose
Feb 6 @ 6:00 PM – Feb 7 @ 2:00 AM

Pike & Rose, the new pedestrian-oriented, urban-minded neighborhood in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland, and a key component in the revitalization of the White Flint District, is pleased to announce the first-ever Pike & Rose Audio Visual Arts (PRAVA) Festival. The free-to-attend event on Saturday, February 7, 6PM – 2AM, is a one-night immersive art experience featuring international, national, and regional artists.

Artists from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York, Boston, and the Netherlands will present musical performances and art installations spanning 40,000 square feet over three floors of office space at Pike & Rose. The event is open to guests 18 and older and is free to attend with online registration at www.PRAVAFest.org.

PRAVA is curated and produced by Nuit Blanche New York (NBNY) in partnership with Materials & Methods.

Featured PRAVA artists include:

 Allard Van Hoorn, a Netherlands-based sound, installation and performance artist will collaborate with Baltimore’s Charm City Roller Girls to turn the 6th floor of the office building into a choreographed roller arena. Van Hoorn will create electronic music live by recording and remixing the sounds of the roller skates as they move around and through the audience.

 Matmos, an experimental duo originally from San Francisco and now based in Baltimore, incorporates odd, unusual, and ‘found’ sounds into its rhythmic music, sampling sounds ranging from cards shuffling to a frozen stream thawing in the sun.

 Mal Devisa will perform songs from her EP, For Daisy with Honey, and her most recent album, 4U. A solo artist based in Amherst, MA, whose music draws from indie favorites, jazz notes, and lo-fi rock, Mal Devisa plays the bass, keyboard, and drum. A sound-reactive light show will illuminate the audience with each kick she gives the bass drum on stage.

 Johnathon Monaghan, a DC-based artist, will present his video, “Office,” which depicts a highly-realistic office space containing an elaborate Baroque sculpture framed with blue neon tubing. As the video continues, the sculpture of a long-dead aristocrat explodes in slow motion across the uninhabited office. Set to tinkling music, the video progresses with a hypnotic pace.

 Brian Chase, the drummer for the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, and Ursula Scherrer, a New York City-based video artist, will collaborate to create an improvised audio-visual piece. Responding to Chase’s performance, Scherrer will use multiple projectors to create a mesmerizing, visual landscape.

 GEMS, DC’s dream-pop duo, will perform new songs and their debut EP, Medusa. The duo makes romantic, heartbreaking music: Clifford John’s supporting, low voice balances Lindsay Pitts’ haunting pitch as they effortlessly weave their voices with hazy guitar sounds and lush synthesizers, all punctuated by a strong, danceable beat.

Feb
7
Sat
Tea with Lady Washington at Mt. Vernon @ Mount Vernon
Feb 7 @ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Tea with Lady Washington
Saturdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31, and February 7. 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Join Lady Washington for tea as you discuss the news of the day!  Listen to her stories about life at Mount Vernon while enjoying a selection of lite fare prepared by the Mount Vernon Inn. Following tea, enjoy a self-guided exploration of the estate and decorative arts found in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. Tickets: $30 for adults, $20 for youth (12 and under), includes tea, lite fare, and general estate admission.

Sweethearts and Patriots Annual Gala and Silent Auction @ City Tavern Club
Feb 7 @ 9:00 PM – Feb 8 @ 1:00 AM

Promoting patriotism, historic preservation and supporting America’s service men and women are some of the many reasons young members join the District of Columbia Societies of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution (DCSSAR and DCDAR).  Volunteer efforts focused on helping our servicemen and their families have been a high priority in recent years for young members of the non-profit, non-political service organizations.

DCSSAR and DCDAR cordially invite you to the 2nd Annual Sweethearts and Patriots Gala and Silent Auction benefiting Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) on February 7, 2015, from 9pm-1am. The patriotic black-tie (optional) gala will be held at the historic City Tavern Club (CTC) in the heart of Georgetown. Attendees will enjoy an open bar, desserts, dancing, socializing and the opportunity to bid on incredible items at our silent auction. Attendees of the gala are invited to attend the post-gala party hosted at Chi Di of Georgetown.

The annual Sweethearts and Patriots gala is organized jointly by young members of the District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and members of the District of Columbia Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Each year the gala benefits a different local organization that supports Veterans – chosen by the Founders Committee. Founders Committee members include Carl Bedell, Reid Collins, Andrew Dye, Kate Henvey, Julie Kinzer, Carina May and Leslie Ogden.

TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. Learn more at http://www.taps.org/.

Feb
10
Tue
industree’s Heart of the House @ The Loft - Third Floor
Feb 10 @ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

industree is back with its first event of the year, Heart of the House, on February 10th from 2-5PM at The Loft at 600 F Street NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC, 20004. Hear from a handful of the area’s most successful and celebrated chefs and restaurateurs as they share war stories, tales of trial and tribulation and how they’ve built their businesses. Join a candid conversation with the District’s trailblazers in the food & beverage industry, moderated by local food writer, Nevin Martell. The all-star line-up includes:

Ashok Bajaj – Knightsbridge Restaurant Group

David Guas – Bayou Bakery

Michael Schlow – Tico

Saied Azali – Perry’s/Mintwood Place

Barry Koslow – Pinea

Roberto Donna – Al Dente/Alba Osteria

Ari Gejdenson – Mindful Restaurant Group

Alex McCoy – formerly Duke’s Grocery

Network with industry leaders and up-and-comers while enjoying adult beverages and snacks at 2PM, followed by a panel discussion at 2:45PM. Students may purchase tickets for $15, while tickets are $30 for the members of the food & beverage trade, and $50 for the general public. Advance tickets may be purchased at http://dchoh2015.eventbrite.com/. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $50.

industree is an event-based brand and the candid voice of the food & beverage industry. They cultivate a community of seasoned industry innovators, future trailblazers and everyone in between to provide the connections, tools and real-life advice that make opportunities possible. Their unfiltered events and content provide a platform to share, learn and grow both personally and professionally. @DCindustree @PHLindustree @MIAindustree

Feb
11
Wed
James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner @ Del Campo
Feb 11 @ 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM

Washington, D.C. chef and grill master Victor Albisu will host a James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour dinner at Del Campo, his nationally recognized South American grill, on Wednesday, February 11. Albisu will team up with 10 other culinary talents from North and South America for an evening of spectacular food. The East meets the South with Asian passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a South American seated dinner. Proceeds from the event will benefit The James Beard Foundation.

“It’s an honor to host and cook along side so many talented chefs, and a personal privilege to highlight some of the world’s great, unheralded cuisines,” said chef/owner Victor Albisu. “My mother’s side of the family is Peruvian, so South American cooking is one of my passions. I’m honored that talented chefs from North America and Buenos Aires will be cooking under one roof for this very special dinner.”

Passed hors d’oeuvres will be prepared by celebrated D.C. chefs Erik Bruner-Yang of Toki Underground, Scott Drewno, executive chef of The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Haidar Karoum, chef/partner of Doi Moi, Estadio and Proof, Jonah Kim, chef/partner of the forthcoming restaurant Yona, and Danny Lee, co-owner of Mandu. Cocktails will be provided by Del Campo bar manager, Mary Kelly and Mike Isabella Concepts beverage director, Taha Ismail.

Six acclaimed chefs from North and South America will share in the creation of the evening’s five-course menu:

  • Chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo (Washington, D.C.)
  • JBF Award Winner Chef Jamie Bissonnette of Coppa and Toro (Boston, MA)
  • Chef Chris Ford, Corporate Pastry Chef of Bryan Voltaggio Restaurants (Frederick, MD)
  • Chef Anthony Lamas of Seviche (Louisville, KY)
  • JBF Award Winner Chef Michael Schlow of Tico (Washington, D.C.)
  • Chef Antonio Soriano of Astor Bistro (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

The Celebrity Chef Tour showcases the culinary artistry of James Beard Foundation Award winners and celebrity chefs in restaurants, resorts, and other exclusive venues around the country. Like dining at the James Beard House, guests have the rare opportunity to interact with the participating chefs throughout the evening and savor specially designed tasting menus complete with wine and beverage pairings.

WhenWednesday, February 11, 2015

Where: Del Campo, 777 I St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Time6:30pm

Price: $195 inclusive of tax and gratuity

Tickets are on sale now at http://www.celebritycheftour.com/events/Del-Campo-Washington-dc.html and by calling the restaurant at 202-289-7377.

Feb
12
Thu
Heartbreak Hotel at POV @ W Hotel POV Lounge
Feb 12 @ 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM

POV Live presents HEARTBREAK HOTEL For all you lovers and love-haters out there, join us for a special dance party to kick off the Valentine’s Day weekend featuring some of the area’s buzziest bands. Featuring local artists: Furniteur Pleasure Curses Outputmessage

$10 cocktail specials!

Feb
15
Sun
Art Soiree’s Mardi Gras Masquerade @ Sofitel Hotel
Feb 15 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Don your most elegant masks and festive attire for one of the greatest French traditions and immerse into the colorful world of carnival!!!
You’re invited to
MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE 2015

WHEN: Sunday, February 15 | 8pm
WHERE:
Sofitel Hotel, 806 15th Street NW, Washington DC

TICKETS*: $15 before Feb 9th online only: https://mardigrasmasquerade2015.eventbrite.com
Tickets go up in price to $20 on 2/9/15

ENTER THE WORLD OF MASQUERADE
Dance the night away to the best of New Orleans inspired live music and get transported to the French Quarter in a heartbeat with festive decorations and costumed models.

The glamorous night of dancing and live entertainment will take place at the luxurious Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square right in the heart of DC. Entertainment includes a live New Orleans-style jazz band, DJ, festive decorations, costumed models, and more.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! Let the good times roll!

Doors open 8:00pm & the band starts playing 9:30pm. Since it’s a holiday weekend, there is no need to worry about staying out late!
Tickets: $15 before 2.9.15; $20 after –  online only; Event is 21+
Attire: Costume or evening attire

(For those coming without a mask, complimentary basic masks will be provided upon entry.)

Enjoy jazz, dancing, performances, & cash bar.

Feb
17
Tue
BlackJack’s inaugural Capital Cocktail Competition on Mardi Gras @ BlackJack
Feb 17 @ 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Black Jack will host an inaugural Capital Cocktail Competition on Mardi Gras, an evening benefitting the Black’s Family Foundation that will pit eight teams of top bartenders from across the city against each other in a secret ingredient style challenge. The judging panel will be comprised of Duane Sylvestre, lead bartender, Bourbon Steak DC, Svetlana Legetic, founder, BrightestYoungThings.com and Scott Drewno, regional executive chef, The Source by Wolfgang Puck. In addition to having the opportunity to sample auctioned drinks from each competing bar team, guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail, Mardi Gras-inspired passed bites including freshly shucked Barren Island oysters compliments of Congressional Seafood, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches on Addie’s rolls, crawfish hushpuppies, Black Jack’s signature duck nachos, and shrimp campeche from chef Colleen Conrad. Drink specials such as $2 pours of Abita Amber and Flying Dog, and $2 Bacardi hurricanes, both frozen and on the rocks, will also be available for purchase, in addition to Black Jack’s full bar menu.

Each bar team will be shown a secret ingredient, given two minutes to plan a cocktail and five minutes to execute two identical drinks. One cocktail will be judged by appearance, flavor and technique/creativity, while the other will be auctioned off to the crowd for charity. Drinks will be scored and a winner will be chosen to move to the next round until the 2015 Capital Cocktail Competition winner is crowned.

The line up of competing bar teams includes:

D.J. Suan & Frank Manganiello, Black Jack/Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Noah Broaddus & Pete Sit, Café Saint Ex/Bar Pilar

Torrence Swain & Rachel Vistica, Founding Farmers/Farmers Fishers & Bakers

Jo-Jo Valenzuela& Bryan Tetorakis, Gypsy Soul

Jason Strich & Mike Saccone, Hank’s on the Hill

Trevor Frye & Justin Hampton, Jack Rose

Taha Ismail, Mike Isabella Concepts & Scotty Holland, Kapnos 

Christine Kim & Anthony Marlowe, TICO

All ticket purchases include entrance to Black Jack, which will be closed to non-ticket holders, drink specials, and complimentary passed bites. DJ Brandon Duff will be spinning for the duration of the event and bar manager E. Jay Apaga will emcee the festivities.

 

Feb
18
Wed
10th Annual Turn Up the Heat Gala @ Ronald Reagan Building
Feb 18 @ 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

WHAT :  The 10thAnnual Turn Up the Heat: A Celebration of Women Chefs celebrates the talents of renowned women chefs and supports the work of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Attendees enjoy a live auction, and a tasting from the top women in the industry, featuring nearly 60 women chefs, restaurant owners and mixologists.

Attendees include cancer survivors, supporters of the Alliance, corporations and leaders in business, health care and oncology. This year the gala celebrates its 10th Anniversary: ten years of delicious food, celebration, and support to those touched by ovarian cancer.

WHERE: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004

WHEN: Wednesday, February 18, 2015   6:00 PM

WHY: Turn Up the Heat is an important fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and allows us to continue our vital work on behalf of ovarian cancer survivors. Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers for women, and is the deadliest gynecologic cancer. This gala allows the Alliance to provide support to women who are diagnosed, educate the public about ovarian cancer and speak up for our community on Capitol Hill and throughout the country.

WHO: 60+ WOMEN CHEFS, RESTAURANTEURS & MIXOLOGISTS

Our participating chefs come from every corner of the DMV. From food trucks to fine dining, they represent the wealth of women working in our region’s restaurant industry. As we mark our 10th Anniversary, our number of chefs taking part reaches a record high. Several chefs are themselves ovarian cancer survivors or have personal connections to this cause. Visit our gala website or contact the Alliance for the most recent list of participating chefs.

CONTACT: For more information about the Gala, to view a list of participating chefs and to purchase tickets, visit www.ovariancancer.org/gala .