What's Happening In Washington, DC: December 28, 2015
In the lull between Christmas chaos and the excitement of New Year's Eve (don't forget to check our NYE roundup for fun parties) , there are still plenty of tasty treats to eat and drink across the DMV. There is a New England stalwart opening their fifth location in our region, three top chefs, including Top Chef Season 12 winner Mei Lin are cooking for charity and for the fun of collaboration, and there are new treats to try at Tysons Corner.
Founding Farmers Tysons Pastry Studio Opens During Holiday Season
Crazy as it sounds, Founding Farmers just opened their new Pastry Studio in Tysons Corner over the holidays, and while you may not want to look at another Christmas goodie we know your sugar cravings don't just disappear with the discarded gift wrapping. Amanda King, the Studio's new executive pastry chef, has whipped up some mouthwatering sweet things like a rainbow of French macarons, orange chocolate ganache squares, Jefferson Donuts, and a variety of white and dark chocolate barks, candied popcorn, and spiced nuts.
Not Your Average Joe's Comes to Reston Town Center
New England-based Not Your Average Joe's is opening on Monday, January 4 at 1845 Fountain Drive in Reston, Virginia. The restaurant will feature eclectic cuisine from every corner of the globe and in the spirit of corporate citizenship all sales made during grand opening will benefit local non-profit Cornerstone, which provides support for people in need of food, shelter, affordable housing. This new 7,300 square-foot restaurant will seat 218, include a full bar with two seasonal outdoor patios, and features an open kitchen and wood-burning oven. Look for standout dishes such as roasted butternut squash flatbread with sage-pecan pesto, red wine braised short ribs, and Romesco rockfish, all of which are complemented by an extensive wine list, inventive cocktails, and a wide variety of local, regional, and imported beers.
Top Chefs Take Over D.C for Fundraisers and Chefs' Dinners
Devoted fans of Top Chefs get ready because January 4 and January 5 Top Chef winners, former "cheftestants", and current competitors will descend on our nation's capital to raise funds for charity and prepare an elaborate, six-course prix-fixe dinner. First on the calendar is the Top Chef Industry Takeover Night at Graffiato that starts on Monday, January 4, at 10:00 p.m. and ends in the wee hours on Tuesday, January 5 at 1:00 a.m. Featured Top Chefs include Season 12 winner Mei Lin and current Season 13 competitor Marjorie Meek-Bradley from Ripple. Both chefs will have a little help from their friends at Graffiato as they serve up midnight snacks, which are included in the $10 entry fee, 50% of which will go to local charity Martha's Table. Sorry, drinks aren't free but there will be special prices on selected drinks.
If you didn't get enough Top Chef face time at the fundraiser on January 4, then you can drop a few bills on the collaborative, six-course, prix-fixe dinner the next night—you just won't fare as well financially—this dinner is $195 (includes food, drink pairings, tax, and tip) per person. It's also being held at Graffiato on Tuesday, January 5 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and includes the handy work of Season 12 winner Mei Lin, and two local favorites including current Top Chef Season 13 contestant Marjorie Meek-Bradley and Kapnos chef and Season 12 contestant George Pagonis. Hurry and buy tickets online now.
Vin & Vic's Chicago-Style Pizza Popup Comes to Capitol Lounge
If you want to dive into some killer pizza that pays homage to a Chicago tough guy with a heart of gold, and get a deal on food and wine, then you won't want to miss the Vin & Vic's popup being hosted at Capitol Lounge in southeast. About every two or three weeks, this popup will serve a few small plate selections along with thin and deep dish Chicago-style pizzas and cheap drinks and they won't close until 2 a.m. Loud music is free, which is how Vic would have liked it, and the food is simple but tasty. To keep up with their Vin & Vic's changing schedule check out their Facebook page. Don't be a stranger and stay in touch via email to get updates, invitations to events, and more.
Summer Whitford is the D.C. Editor and a food, drink and travel writer at The Daily Meal. In addition to lifestyle topics, Summer also writes about culture and the arts at Woman Around Town. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva and on Instagram at thefoodandwinediva.