“Best Bites” from Chefs for Equality 2024
“At Chefs for Equality, over 150 of Washington’s greatest chefs, bakers and mixologists create spectacular food and drinks in the name of full LGBTQ+ equality,” said prominent food writer, chef, restaurateur, and Chefs for Equality event host David Hagedorn.
The annual event, now in its 12th year and held at the National Building Museum, is an evening of extraordinary food, drink, entertainment, and auction fundraising. It is also a night of advocacy that supports the Human Rights Foundation’s nationwide educational work and fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.
Hagedorn explained that this year’s theme, “Fully Committed!” paid homage to the region’s generous chef community and its efforts to protect marginalized communities, including the transgender and non-binary communities, people of color, and women in the face of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Several of the participating chefs confirmed that they joined in the event as allies to friends, relatives, and other loved ones.
Christopher Vazquez and Rick Davis of Amaryllis Floral + Event Design transformed the Chefs for Equality venue into a feast for all senses, featuring 50 savory tasting stations and 20 crafted cocktail bars headed by renowned chefs and mixologists from the Greater Washington area.
There were 13 personal chef tables — each decorated with a unique theme — and a chance to dine with celebrity chefs for a lavish five-course meal in the middle of the action, as well as drag performances, a silent auction, and private upper-tier champagne and caviar lounge added to the party’s prestige. But don’t think there was anything “general” about General Admission!
Guests meandered the tables of tastes from some of the hottest spots around town, including The Greenhouse at the Jefferson, Opaline, Fat Nomads, Dirty Habit, and Bronze. Several standout dishes included the sashimi at Sura DC, Deviled Eggs from Virginia’s Darling, and the Corn Bread bite at Muscle Memory BBQ.
Outstanding sips were on offer as well. Our top tipple was Jane Jane’s “Barley” made with Aberfeldy, Curacao, Lime, and Ginger Beer.
All proceeds from the evening served to benefit the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s nationwide educational work for LGBTQ+ equality.