Apr
12
Thu
Toast of the Tour @ Mess Hall
Apr 12 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Chef Jess” Jessica Swift and Karen Hoefener of Nomad Dumplings will be among the women entrepreneurs giving talks and tastings at the Junior League of Washington’s (JLW) Toast of the Tour cocktail reception at Mess Hall, a business incubator and event space in Northeast Washington, on Thursday, April 12.

JLW is proud to partner with leading female chefs and entrepreneurs for this event. Chef Jess is a registered dietician and classically trained chef whose meal delivery business caters to her clients’ individual needs. Hoefener’s Nomad Dumplings are regionally inspired, colorful dumplings with all-natural ingredients recently featured in Washington City Paper.

The evening reception will also feature tastings from other Mess Hall members and alumni businesses, including Prescription Chicken and Farm to Feast. Barefoot Wine and Bubbly will provide wine, and  attendees will be able to enter a drawing for prizes including an overnight stay at the Jefferson Hotel, reservations at Rose’s Luxury, two free hours of cleaning from Maids in Black, and gift cards to restaurants and bars including Founding Farmers, Mission, Iron Gate, Momofuku, Boqueria, and more.

This event benefits the Junior League of Washington, an educational, charitable organization committed to developing exceptionally qualified female civic leaders who are prepared to address the ever-evolving needs of the Washington, DC, community through volunteer service, meaningful programs and initiatives, and innovative solutions.

Toast of the Tour is the kickoff event for JLW’s 7th annual Kitchen Tour, a walking tour that will spotlight nearby Brookland’s unique homes and food scene on Saturday, April 21. Tickets for Toast of the Tour and Kitchen Tour are available at JLW.org/KTtickets. For Toast of the Tour, general admission tickets are $55, and VIP tickets, which include specialty cocktail tastings and a souvenir oven mitt, are $65.

What: Toast of the Tour, a cocktail reception and kickoff event for Kitchen Tour

When: Thursday, April 12 from 6-9 p.m.

Where: Mess Hall, 703 Edgewood Street NE, Washington, DC

About the Junior League of Washington:
The Junior League of Washington (www.jlw.org) is a nonprofit organization of more than 2,300 women who annually donate thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. JLW is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. JLW focuses its financial and volunteer resources on the issues of literacy – adult, child, and cultural – and works with a diverse group of community partners. Since 1912, JLW has donated more than five million hours of direct volunteer service and more than $5.8 million to the Washington, DC, community.

Washington City Paper’s 10th Annual Best of DC @ Organization of American States
Apr 12 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Washington City Paper invites you to join in to salute the best of the best in DC at its 10th annual Best of D.C. Celebration at the Organization of the American States Headquarters and Art Museum of the Americas beginning at 6pm. More than 50 restaurants, mixologists, local breweries distilleries, entertainment, rare art exhibitions, and many more surprises will leave guests
mesmerized.

The event will benefit one of our city’s hidden gems, the beautiful OAS Art Museum of the Americas.

What: Washington City Paper’s 10 th Annual Best of D.C. Celebration
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2017
Times: VIP 6:00pm; General Admission 7-10pm
Location: The Organization of the American States Headquarters and the Art Museum of the Americas (Constitution and 17 th St. NW and 201 18 th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20006)

Price: VIP – $110; General Admission – $70
Tickets: http://www.xorbia.com/events/wcp/10th-annual- best-of- dc-celebration-

Artisanal Food, Bars & Restaurants: District Doughnut, ANXO, Cuba Libre Restaurant; Rum
Bar, Spark at Engine Company 12, Pow Pow, Blue 44, and many more to be announced
soon.

Brews & Spirits: Right Proper Brewing Company, Port City Brewing Company, 3 Stars
Brewing Company, Edrington Group, Belle Isle Craft Spirits, Virginia Distillery Company,
Catoctin Creek, One Eight Distilling, KO Distilling, Jos. A. Magnus & Co. and many more to be
announced soon.

VIP tickets include a swag bag, plus access to the VIP hour with tastings from specialty
bottles, signature cocktails, and savory bites from some of D.C.’s hottest restaurants.
Information about this year’s beneficiary: OAS Art Museum of the Americas (AMA)
The Art Museum of the Americas (AMA) (museum.oas.org) was the first museum of
modern and contemporary Latin American and Caribbean art in the United States. It is the
center of cultural diplomacy of the Organization of American States (OAS), a multilateral
diplomatic forum for the Western Hemisphere whose aim is to promote democracy, peace,
justice and prosperity (www.oas.org).

AMA’s origins are in the Visual Arts program of the Pan-American Union which pre-dates
the founding of the OAS in 1948.  This early commitment to promoting the art of Latin
America and the Caribbean helped to launch the international careers of artists who are
now regarded as masters of mid-20 th  century artistic trends of new figuration, geometric
and lyrical abstraction, and conceptual, optical and kinetic art.  Today, this valuable collection has more than two thousand works of art, including from Canada and the United
States, and is renowned as a premier collection within the international art community.

This year, the OAS will celebrate its 70 th  anniversary with a variety of initiatives to tell its
story of diplomacy in the Americas.  In service to the OAS and its mission, the Art Museum
of the Americas is gathering support to upgrade the preservation and presentation of it art
collection, bring in new exhibits and promote new artists, bring art to a broader
community through digital media and educational outreach, improve access to the art
galleries for peoples with disabilities and, in general, use this cultural diplomacy asset to
promote more rights for more people in the Americas.

The Art Museum of the Americas welcomes on-going patrons and new audiences to join us
in the celebration of the arts and diplomacy.

Apr
17
Tue
WhiskyFest @ Marriott Marquis
Apr 17 @ 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Presented by Whisky Advocate magazine, WhiskyFest, the leading whisky festival in North America, returns to Washington D.C. for the third year in a row! Celebrating its 21st anniversary, WhiskyFest, which made its D.C. debut in 2016 following events held in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, offers the opportunity to sample nearly 300 whiskies from around the world—including single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Tennessee, Japanese, Canadian, and craft-distilled whiskies, plus high-end rum, cognac, and other spirits—and learn firsthand from the experts.

Who: Whisky Advocate Executive Editor Jeffrey Lindenmuth and the rest of the publication’s editorial team welcome guests to meet an array of master blenders and other notable whisky experts presenting rare whiskies from around the world. Distillery representatives will be on hand at their pouring booths, while educational seminars, featuring their own tastings, run throughout the evening.

Where: Washington, DC Marriott Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

When: Tuesday, April 17

  • VIP Entrance: 5:30 PM
  • Grand Tasting:  6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Seminars: 7:00 PM7:45 PM8:30 PM

Tickets: Regular admission tickets are available at Early Bird prices for $275 and can be purchased online. Tickets include a one-year subscription to Whisky Advocate magazine, a commemorative crystal glass, an event program and pen, the latest copy of Whisky Advocatemagazine, a gift bag, entrance to all seminars on a first come first served basis, a gourmet buffet throughout the evening and nearly 300 whiskies from around the world to sample.

Impact of Advertising Workshop @ Canvas
Apr 17 @ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Purchase your ticket today to secure your spot at FGIDC’s next workshop, Impact of Advertising. Set up your brand for success with the newest, most impactful advertising tools.

Panelists:
Kerri Larkin, Director of Marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue
Stephanie David, Founder of POPNOD

Moderator: Jen Walawender, Media Buyer/Planner at JRA Advertising Agency

Date: April 17, 2018
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Location: Canvas
1203 19th Street NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20036

FGIDC Members – $15
Non-Members – $25
At the Door – $30

Apr
20
Fri
Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour @ Ronald Reagan Building
Apr 20 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour Washington D.C. is an unforgettable wine tasting experience that features more than 200 of the world’s finest wineries pouring their best bottles. Sample exceptional wines and discover new favorites—all while in the nation’s capital.  

Who:

Meet and mingle with top winemakers and estate owners from the world’s best wine-growing regions.

Where:

Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW 

When:

Friday, April 20, 2018, from 7-10 PM; VIP ticketholders admitted at 6 PM

Program Highlights:

  • All wines have been rated 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator.
  • Enjoy a delicious buffet to complement your wine.
  • All attendees will receive a souvenir RiedelTM tasting glass.

Cost:

General admission tickets are $225, while VIP tickets are $325. Purchase here. 

A portion of net proceeds from the event benefits the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, which supports scholarships and grants to students pursuing careers in the wine industry.

Apr
21
Sat
Third Annual National Cannabis Festival @ RFK Stadium Festival Grounds
Apr 21 @ 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The National Cannabis Festival welcomes Backyard BandSee-I and the legendary hip-hop group Cypress Hill to the third-annual music, art and advocacy festival celebrating the legalization of cannabis in Washington, D.C. The one-day festival takes place on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds.

In early 2015, a group of cannabis policy advocates, business leaders, and enthusiasts joined together around the idea to host the National Cannabis Festival (NCF), an event celebrating progress on legalization in DC and across the nation. They envisioned creating an event recognizing the spirit of the cannabis movement and the non-profit groups that have worked to influence state and federal legislators, paving the way for growth of the legal cannabis industry and repeal of prohibition policies. In 2016, 5,000 people from 30 states and Washington, DC attended the festival. In 2017, more than 7,000 attendees participated in a second year of peaceful celebration. NCF is very excited to be hosting the third festival and expects even greater attendance this year.

The 2018 NCF music line-up includes hip-hop royalty Cypress Hill and reggae artists See-I of Thievery Corporation alongside local DC legends Backyard Band, hot up-and-coming artist Beau Young PrinceDJ Ayes Cold, and local favorites Oh He DeadNames, and MARLEE. The concert is hosted by DC-favorites Samy K. and Reesa Renee.

The 2018 Education Pavilion will feature a variety of panel discussions, demonstrations, and awards ceremonies. During the CannaTank Contest, aspiring canna-business owners present their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win $1000 in start-up assistance. Judges for the contest have been announced, and you can learn more about our featured judges for round 1 and 2 of CannaTank here. The schedule and lineup has been announced for the EducationWellness, and Grow School Pavilions.

The Change Makers Award recognizes policymakers on the state of federal level who have advocated for ending cannabis prohibition in the interest of fiscal policy, personal liberty, medical alternatives, and/or equal justice. Vote for your favorite policymaker in this year’s Change Makers Award here.

The National Cannabis Festival is presented in conjunction with the National Cannabis Policy Summit on Friday, April 20, which will take place at the Newseum and features a wide array of speakers and panelists discussing current cannabis policy issues and the next steps to end prohibition.

What: Third Annual National Cannabis Festival bringing together cannabis policy and culture in an all-day advocacy and music festival

When: Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Where: RFK Stadium Festival Grounds – Lots 6/7 adjacent to RFK Stadium at 2400 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Who:
Cypress Hill
Backyard Band
See-I
Beau Young Prince
Oh He Dead
Names
MARLEE.
DJ Ayes Cold
NCF’s Advocacy Partners
Local artists and exhibitors

Social Media: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natlcannafest/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatlCannaFest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natlcannabisfest/
Hashtags: #420Summit, #420one

Tickets available via Front GateGeneral admission $42+ taxes and fees.

Apr
25
Wed
Smithsonian Craft Show Preview Night Benefit @ National Building Museum
Apr 25 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
ABOUT THE PREVIEW NIGHT AND SHOW
Preview Night
Wednesday April 25, 6pm-9pm
Meet the artists, enjoy cocktails and a delicious buffet and benefit the Smithsonian (tickets $250).
Show Hours 
Thursday 10:30am-8pm
Friday and Saturday 10:30am-5:30pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
(advanced online purchase $17 or $20 at the door)
The Smithsonian Craft Show is organized and presented by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee. Proceeds support Smithsonian projects that open knowledge, adventure and discovery to the world.
Learn more about the artists, show hours, and daily special events at www.smithsoniancraftshow.org
Apr
28
Sat
National Harbor Wine & Food Festival @ National Harbor
Apr 28 @ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

National Harbor Wine & Food Festival will return to the National Harbor Waterfront on the Potomac on Saturday, April 28th & Sunday, April 29th 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 28TH

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 29TH

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.

May
4
Fri
A Maine Night in DC @ Thos. Moser’s Showroom in Georgetown
May 4 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us for a special evening on Friday, May 4th, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. to support the Foundation’s scholarship program. Highlights include music by Maine jazz legend Brad Terry, silent auction featuring Maine artisans + L.L.Bean goodies, with online bidding; 10% off all Thos. Moser furniture and purchases and dedicated time with showroom manager Kevin Sweitzer and the official announcement of the Foundation’s 2018 scholar recipients. Light fare, sweets and refreshments provided by Luke’s Lobster.
Tickets: $50 (includes $25 donation to the Foundation scholarship program), all tickets must be purchased in advance. Deadline for payment/ticket sales end date — May 1. Purchase tickets securely online via PayPal (reference email ismssfscholarship@gmail.com ) In the “Other Amount” section include the total cost of how many tickets you would like to purchase, and on the payment page make a note for “Moser event” in the “Add special instructions to the seller” field.  You can also mail a check to Maine State Society Foundation, C/O Marcie Cheney, 4501 Arlington Blvd., #416, Arlington, VA, 22203. All payments due May 1. All proceeds benefit the scholarship program.
Travel/Location: Georgetown parking is limited. Street parking is available on Water Street (just south of the showroom). Nearby garages include 3290 M Street (Georgetown Park) and PMI Parking garage at 3307 M ST NW, accessed via Bank Alley NW.
About Thos. Moser: Formerly a Bates college professor, Tom Moser left teaching in 1972 to restore the lost art of fine woodworking by making one-of-a-kind pieces of handmade furniture in an old Grange Hall in New Gloucester, Maine.  Today, the Moser family has grown from a one-man operation to comprise a community of nearly 70 skilled craftsmen. Since 1987, Thos. Moser has called its nationally-recognized Auburn, Maine, workshop home.  The D.C. location is one of 6 showrooms that allows customers to see and experience the results of the company’s work firsthand.
About The Maine State Society Scholarship Foundation: Details: All event proceeds benefit the Foundation’s annual college scholarship program, which in 2017 awarded eight Maine students merit-based scholarships totaling $11,000 — and has donated a total of $210,000+ in scholarship funds to 180 students since 1991.
May
5
Sat
Melrose Georgetown Hotel’s Annual Derby Day Viewing Party @ Jardenea Lounge
May 5 @ 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Guests are invited to experience the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” tradition in Jardenea Lounge on Saturday, May 5, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., offering partygoers and racing enthusiasts an authentic Derby Day program including:

  • A live screening of the Kentucky Derby race
  • Chance to place their bets on this year’s top thoroughbreds at no cover charge
  • Classic derby cocktails including:
    • Mint Juleps
    • Bacon Old Fashioned’s with in-house bacon infused whiskey