Apr
23
Thu
Food & Friends’ 19th Annual Dining Out for Life @ Various
Apr 23 @ 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

On Thursday, April 23rd, diners across the Washington metro region will stand up against HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses by sitting down at restaurants participating in this year’s Dining Out for Life® fundraiser (www.foodandfriends.org/dol).

Now in its 19th year in Washington, DC, Food & Friends enlists the benevolence of area eateries – from Hyattsville to Shirlington, from Dupont Circle to Georgetown – in support of children and adults facing life-challenging illnesses who benefit from the organization’s nutrition services. More than 90 area restaurants have pledged to contribute 25% to 100% of that day’s proceeds to directly benefit Food & Friends’ programs and clients in the National Capital Region.

“Diners can easily make a huge impact on the lives of so many in need in our community simply by going out to dinner on April 23rd,” says Food & Friends’ Executive Director Craig Shniderman. “Funds raised by big events during the year like Dining Out for Life® make it possible for us to serve thousands of meals each day to those living with the challenges of HIV/AIDS, cancer and other debilitating illnesses.”

Founded in 1988, Food & Friends is the only organization providing specialized meals, nutrition counseling and friendship to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illness within a 5,346 square mile service area. The nonprofit’s staff of professional chefs and registered dietitians designs meals that meet the special dietary needs of persons living with a broad range of illnesses. Since its inception, Food & Friends has provided more than 18 million meals to more 26,000 individuals, and has helped family members, friends, and loved ones provide care and support. Food & Friends fulfills its mission through a partnership with 10,000 volunteers and a dedicated staff of 52. Their confidential services are free of charge to individuals and families living throughout Washington, DC, and 14 counties of Maryland and Virginia.

Last year, Dining Out for Life®, raised more than $200,000. In 2015, Food & Friends is thrilled to have more than 90 restaurants on board, including those that are donating their entire evening’s proceeds to Food & Friends – Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant (100%), Annie’s Paramount Steak House (100%) and Ristorante Tosca (100%).

Please visitwww.foodandfriends.org/dol for a complete listing of participating restaurants. 

Apr
24
Fri
Georgetown French Market @ Book Hill
Apr 24 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The 12th annual Georgetown French Market, held in the Book Hill neighborhood, is a D.C. tradition that marks the arrival of spring. The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) announces that the popular shopping weekend—perfect for shoppers, foodies and families—will return Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Book Hill boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares in an inviting open-air market, evoking the outdoor markets of Paris. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer specials and French fare, including sweet and savory crepes, grilled merguez sausages, pastries and macarons.

Located a few blocks north of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW, Book Hill—named after nearby Book Hill Park, at Reservoir Road NW—is known for its historic charm. “The buildings along this stretch of Wisconsin Avenue were built in the late nineteenth century and now house some of the most unique local shops in the city,” said Georgetown BID Vice President Nancy Miyahira. “The French Market is a time to buy items you can’t find anywhere else, at incredible prices, and to explore what makes Georgetown such a special place.”

On Saturday, the TD Bank parking lot at 1611 Wisconsin Avenue becomes a community gathering spot from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and families are encouraged to bring the kids and enjoy live music, strolling mimes, face painting and more.

What:  12th annual Georgetown French Market

When:  Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Book Hill neighborhood; Wisconsin Avenue between P Street and Reservoir Road

For more information, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/events/french_market/.

Parking & Getting There

In true European style, visitors are encouraged to leave their cars behind and travel to Georgetown using alternate modes of transport. Capital Bikeshare Stations are located throughout Georgetown; closest stations are at O Street at Wisconsin Avenue near the CVS and in the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, across from the Georgetown Safeway. For additional transportation ideas, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/getting_here/.

 

Apr
25
Sat
Georgetown French Market @ Book Hill
Apr 25 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The 12th annual Georgetown French Market, held in the Book Hill neighborhood, is a D.C. tradition that marks the arrival of spring. The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) announces that the popular shopping weekend—perfect for shoppers, foodies and families—will return Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Book Hill boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares in an inviting open-air market, evoking the outdoor markets of Paris. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer specials and French fare, including sweet and savory crepes, grilled merguez sausages, pastries and macarons.

Located a few blocks north of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW, Book Hill—named after nearby Book Hill Park, at Reservoir Road NW—is known for its historic charm. “The buildings along this stretch of Wisconsin Avenue were built in the late nineteenth century and now house some of the most unique local shops in the city,” said Georgetown BID Vice President Nancy Miyahira. “The French Market is a time to buy items you can’t find anywhere else, at incredible prices, and to explore what makes Georgetown such a special place.”

On Saturday, the TD Bank parking lot at 1611 Wisconsin Avenue becomes a community gathering spot from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and families are encouraged to bring the kids and enjoy live music, strolling mimes, face painting and more.

What:  12th annual Georgetown French Market

When:  Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Book Hill neighborhood; Wisconsin Avenue between P Street and Reservoir Road

For more information, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/events/french_market/.

Parking & Getting There

In true European style, visitors are encouraged to leave their cars behind and travel to Georgetown using alternate modes of transport. Capital Bikeshare Stations are located throughout Georgetown; closest stations are at O Street at Wisconsin Avenue near the CVS and in the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, across from the Georgetown Safeway. For additional transportation ideas, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/getting_here/.

 

Taste of Three Cities @ Storey Park
Apr 25 @ 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Taste of Three Cities will host an all-out foodie festival in D.C.’s NoMa district as part of its new Food Truck Triumvirate. Following a competition in front of a panel of special guest judges as well as input from festival attendees, Taste of Three Cities will seek out D.C.’s number one food truck before moving on to Philadelphia and Baltimore, respectively. Formerly known as Taste of Two Cities, Taste of Three Cities will culminate with the winning food trucks from D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore competing for the Taste of Three Cities Triple Crown award and a $2,500 grand prize.
A portion of the net proceeds from the DC event benefits DC Central Kitchen, a non-profit which uses food trucks to distribute 5,000 free meals daily to those in need.
WHO: Among the confirmed D.C. food trucks participating to date include BonMi,Korean BBQ Taco Bus, DC Slices, Burgorilla, BBQ Bus, Midnite Confections Cupcakery, Lemongrass, Captain Cookie & The Milk Man, Sloppy Mama’s, Yankee Doodle Dandy’s, Rocksalt, Sang On Wheels, Healthy Fool, Fava Pot, Red Hook Lobster, DC Taco Truck and AZ Neats.
Plus, stay tuned as special guest judges, local bands and performers and more food trucks are added to the roster!
WHEN: Saturday, April 25 | VIP Access : 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | General Admission: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Storey Park
   1005 First Street NE
            Washington, DC 20002
TICKETS: Guests may purchase tickets and view the latest festival additions, schedules and more by visiting www.tasteofthreecities.com.

 

Strathmore 10th Anniversary Spring Gala @ Music Center at Strathmore
Apr 25 @ 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

In this 10th anniversary week of opening its hallmark Music Center, Strathmore announces that iconic actressJulie Andrews will celebrate A Dazzling Decade by speaking at the art center’s 10th Anniversary Spring Gala on Saturday, April 25, 2015.With a career that has spanned decades, traversed a myriad of artistic disciplines, imbued fans with fond memories, and inspired millions, there’s no one better to headline this celebration of the past decade, while looking ambitiously toward the future.  Gala guests will begin the evening at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, followed by a sumptuous dinner, program with Julie Andrews, and an after party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats.

An Evening with Julie Andrews will include a Q&A with the audience and discussion moderated by Washington Post Theater Critic Peter Marks. She will share clips, stories, and conversation about her illustrious, history-making career. Music will be performed by the Strathmore Children’s Chorus. Andrews will not be singing.

The 10th Anniversary Spring Gala symbolizes a major milestone in Strathmore’s history, and will be the stage for announcements of future initiatives for the organization, which has become a touchstone for life and culture in Montgomery County and the greater Washington metropolitan region.  Since it opened in 2005, over 1.8 Million people have attended a performance in the Music Center at Strathmore. Many more have come through for education programs, special events, free community concerts, and festivals. There have been nearly 2,000 performances in the Music Center since its opening, including those by founding partner the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and resident partner organizations The National Philharmonic and Washington Performing Arts.

Strathmore is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.
Strathmore is also supported in part by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

Strathmore Presents
10th Anniversary Spring Gala
An Evening with Julie Andrews
Conversation, Stories & Clips
with Peter Marks, moderator
& music by Strathmore Children’s Chorus
Saturday, April 25, 2015

5:30 p.m.         Cocktail Reception
7 p.m.              Dinner
9 p.m.              An Evening with Julie Andrews and music from the Strathmore Children’s Chorus
10:30 p.m.       After Party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats

Tickets (for concert only) $65 – $175 (limited single tickets available for purchase)

Dinner ticket packages include:
$600 Individual Supporter: One ticket to Gala dinner in Music Center, Performance with Julie Andrews, admission to after party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats.
$1,500 Gala Patron: One ticket to Gala dinner, preferred seating for An Evening with Julie Andrews, admission to after party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, listing on evening’s video recognition, valet parking pass.
$10,000 Sponsor: Table for eight at Gala dinner, preferred seating for An Evening with Julie Andrews, valet parking passes for all eight guests, listing in evening’s video recognition, acknowledgment on Strathmore’s donor wall, newsletter and annual report.

Ticket packages can be purchased by contacting The Sorelle Group at (202) 248-1930 or Strathmore@sorellegroup.com.

Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852

For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.strathmore.org or call (301) 581-5100

May
4
Mon
Sonoma Shows ‘Somm’ @ Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar
May 4 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

DC wine institution Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar will transform into a wine-centric movie theater showing the critically acclaimed documentary Somm on Monday, May 4 at 6pm.Accompanied by a panel of DC wine experts, DC’s original wine bar will invite guests to its cozy Sonoma Avenue Lounge for a full movie theater experience, with a wine flight tasting and an unlimited popcorn bar featuring fun house made varieties, like Classic Butter, Ranch, Dill Pickle-Spiced and Truffle, for $30 a person.

As Somm follows four sommelier hopefuls on their journey to compete against the best in the business and pass the test to become Masters, Sonoma will be hosting its own local wine tasting competition. Sonoma Beverage Director and sommelier Woong Chang will be joined by sommeliers Elli Benchimol ofRange and Andrew Stover of Oya and Sei to conduct a guided wine tasting with guests-and then compete against one another in a blind wine tasting, just as is done in the film.

In addition to the fun popcorn bar, guests can also select from Chef de Cuisine James Marroquin’s a la carte menu house made movie snacks, like Popcorn-Marshmallow clusters, Old Bay-Spiced Candied Nuts, Soft Pretzel Twists with mustard or bacon peanut butter, and Crispy Chickpeaswith coriander & cumin.

Space is limited and tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite For more information, please visit www.sonomadc.com or call 202.544.8088.

 

Who:   Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar

Sonoma Chef de Cuisine James Marroquin

Sonoma Beverage Director Woong Chang

Range Sommelier Elli Benchimol

Oya and Sei Sommelier Andrew Stover

 

May
8
Fri
“A Toast to DC” @ Carnegie Library
May 8 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Tourists may think of it as a town of monuments, but those of us who live here really know why Washington is such a vibrant place: Its character and history make this a city like no other. Add the burgeoning home-grown beer and cocktail scene, and you’ve got one more reason to celebrate. Tonight, raise a toast to D.C.’s unique local flavor and home-town pride at a party that salutes its distinctive collection of neighborhoods—and the newest generation of brewers and distillers to make the city their home.

Enjoy after-hours access to the elegant 1902 Carnegie Library on Mount Vernon Square, home to the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (The sweeping central staircase is the ideal place to make an Instagram-worthy grand entrance.) Taste samples from Atlas Brew Works, Port City Brewing Company, DC Brau, New Columbia Distillers/Green Hat Gin, and Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.

Take in the Historical Society’s newest exhibition, For the Record: Artfully Historic D.C., which captures architectural portraits of Washington sites tagged as among the most-endangered places by the DC Preservation League. Find your neighborhood on the map of the District that covers one of the floors, pose with friends in the photo booth, explore exhibits on a digital scavenger hunt, and dance to music mixed by DJ As-One. The evening is a great way to meet your city neighbors and trade stories with other party-goers about what makes your Washington special.

SPECIAL FEATURES FOR VIP TICKET-HOLDERS: Enjoy exclusive early access to the event from 7 to 8 p.m., as well as Chesapeake Bay oysters from Virginia’s Rappahannock Oyster Company and War Shore Oyster Company, drink samples, light hors d’oeuvres, and a special commemorative pint glass to hold your local brew.

General admission $40

VIP admission $65 (includes early access from 7 to 8 p.m., drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and a commemorative pint glass)

All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.

Must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend.

For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com

Smithsonian At 8: A Toast to DC @ Carnegie Library
May 8 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

WHAT:  SMITHSONIAN at 8, in partnership with the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., presents “A Toast to D.C.”

WHEN: Friday, May 8, 8 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Carnegie Library, 801 K St NW, Washington, DC

Tourists may think of it as a town of monuments, but those of us who live here really know why Washington is such a vibrant place: Its character and history make this a city like no other. Add the burgeoning home-grown beer and cocktail scene, and you’ve got one more reason to celebrate. Tonight, raise a toast to D.C.’s unique local flavor and home-town pride at a party that salutes its distinctive collection of neighborhoods—and the newest generation of brewers and distillers to make the city their home.

Enjoy after-hours access to the elegant 1902 Carnegie Library on Mount Vernon Square, home to the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (The sweeping central staircase is the ideal place to make an Instagram-worthy grand entrance.) Taste samples from Atlas Brew Works, Port City Brewing Company, DC Brau, New Columbia Distillers/Green Hat Gin, and Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.

Take in the Historical Society’s newest exhibition, For the Record: Artfully Historic D.C., which captures architectural portraits of Washington sites tagged as among the most-endangered places by the DC Preservation League. Find your neighborhood on the map of the District that covers one of the floors, pose with friends in the photo booth, explore exhibits on a digital scavenger hunt, and dance to music mixed by DJ As-One. The evening is a great way to meet your city neighbors and trade stories with other party-goers about what makes your Washington special.

SPECIAL FEATURES FOR VIP TICKET-HOLDERS: Enjoy exclusive early access to the event from 7 to 8 p.m., as well as Chesapeake Bay oysters from Virginia’s Rappahannock Oyster Company and War Shore Oyster Company, drink samples, light hors d’oeuvres, and a special commemorative pint glass to hold your local brew.

General admission $40

VIP admission $65 (includes early access from 7 to 8 p.m., drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and a commemorative pint glass)

All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.

Must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend. 

For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com

 

About SMITHSONIAN at 8

Inspired by the world of the Smithsonian, the SMITHSONIAN at 8 event series offers one-of-a-kind experiences for guests 21+. With themes from the local to the global, these after-hours gatherings combine music, food and drink, and unique settings to create evenings that are smart, adventurous, and memorably entertaining.

May
20
Wed
The Saloon Concert Series: Woodworking 101 @ Beuchert's Saloon
May 20 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Gourmet Symphony Presents The Saloon Concert Series: Woodworking 101
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 | 6-8 pm
Beuchert’s Saloon (623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003)

Join Gourmet Symphony al fresco at Beuchert’s Saloon‘s garden patio to explore the mastercraft of woodworking and its influence on music, whiskey production, and open-flame culinary arts. Hear how woods from specific forests can shape the tonalities of instruments – from the bass to the marimba; learn from Jeff Wells, veteran of DC’s craft beverage scene, how American whiskey producer Michter’s chooses its barrels when aging its bourbons; and taste the best fare of the season grilled up by Chef Andrew Markert.

Your ticket includes tastings of 3 exclusive spirits paired with 4-5 custom small plates and live chamber music performances.Tickets are $35 per person and available for purchase via Eventbrite: bit.ly/1EQdF0A.

May
25
Mon
Memorial Day Crawfish Boil @ Cafe St. Ex
May 25 @ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cafe Saint-Ex is throwing a Memorial Day Crawfish Boil on its patio Monday, May 28th. The boil includes all-you-can-eat crawfish with corn, potatoes, red beans & rice for $50 (plus tax). They’ll also have an a la carte menu from the grill including burgers (meat & veggie), sausages & chicken, as well as buckets of beer for sale. No reservations are required, though crawfish quantities are limited. The fun starts at NOON!
Cafe Saint-Ex
1847 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
For more details, please email info@saint-ex.com.