Washington D.C. International Wine and Food Festival
Jun 12, 2006
There are still tickets left for the D.C. International Wine and Food Festival on June 24th and 25th at the Omni Shoreham hotel in Washington, DC. at the event, there will be over 1200 wines to taste and from 280 wineries -- that's a lot of wine to try in two days. Here's a list of the wines and wineries that will be there. I don't see how anyone could possibly get around to all the wineries for tastings, but anything is possible if you have enough determination. They should give away prizes to those that try all the wineries.
On top of the wine, there will be plenty of food demonstration as well. Many local "celebrity" chefs will be performing demonstrations on the two stages at the exhibit area. These chefs include:
- Roberto Donna – Galileo
- Morou Ouattara – Fokitchens
- Vikram Garg – IndeBleu
- Katsuya Fukushima – Café Atlantico
- Bryan Voltaggio – Charlie Palmer Steak
- Noriaki Yasutake – Perrys Restaurant
- Michael Chiarello – Food Network’s Easy Entertaining/Chiarello Family Vineyards/NapaStyle
I'm actually quite interested in seeing Michael Chiarello in person since he's one of my more favorite Food Network chefs. It's not necesarily his recipes that I like, but the techniques you learn on how to prep food in advance and make cooking the day of the meal much easier. All I have to say is that Sunday at the Storch residence is prep day.
Guided tastings and seminar will also be available for an extra cost (from $25 to $40), led by notable wine experts such as:
- Gloria Maroti Frazee, Director of Education at Wine Spectator
- Mark Oldman, author of the best-selling Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine (Penguin) and wine columnist for Every Day with Rachael Ray
- Michael Westrick of Sterling Vineyards
- Ben Giliberti of The Washington Post
- Michael Franz, Editor of WineReviewOnline.com
A complete list of classes and seminars is available here. I'm particularly interested in Gloria's seminar on wine pairings, since that's something that I'm especially bad at. Choosing a good wine to go with your meal can be a challenging skill to master.
Before this year, I was never able to go, because this event is close to my birthday and I'm always away, but this year I'm planning to go. it also helps that this year, someone sent me some free tickets to go. But, just because I like all of my loyal readers so much (especially those that read the whole post), and also because I have a couple extra tickets, I'm going to give a two of them away to you. All you have to do is leave a comment with your favorite restaurant in the DC Metro area on this post by Wed at 9 AM. (Of course, make sure you use your real email address so I can get in touch with you if you win.) And if you want to put a little detail in as to why you like the restaurant, that will be nice too, but it won't have any bearing on who wins the tickets. I'll do a random drawing through the extremely scientific method of drawing names out of a hat, and announce the winner later in the evening on Wednesday.
For those of you who don't win, you should buy your tickets here. Prior to June 16 (Friday) single day tickets are $61 and two day tickets are $82. After that, the prices go up to $71 and $92 respectively.
Hard to choose just one, but I love Faryab in Bethesda...delicious kebabs & basmati rice!
Posted by: naomi s | Jun 12, 2006 at 12:02 PM
Komi -- their creativity and attention to every detail are unparalleled.
Posted by: A Steak Sandwich | Jun 12, 2006 at 12:30 PM
I heart Ray's the Steaks! Crab Bisque is the best, steaks are awesome and what a way to finish off a meal with some hot chocolate.
Posted by: Dave | Jun 12, 2006 at 12:33 PM
Tabard Inn for brunch. So affordable and so delicious.
Posted by: Alec | Jun 12, 2006 at 12:35 PM
I actually love Afterwords Cafe at Kramer Books. The food is always reasonably priced and creative; I've never been disappointed. Plus they have a very solid and affordable wine and beer list with suggested pairings. Nothing fancy, but one of my favorite places to go.
Posted by: e. | Jun 12, 2006 at 12:37 PM
I'm going to go with Dino in Cleveland Park... excellent wine list, warm and welcoming staff, and the best cheese plate I've had in a LONG time.
Posted by: Dana | Jun 12, 2006 at 12:38 PM
Hardly ever go there, but I love 1789.
Posted by: aaron | Jun 12, 2006 at 01:27 PM
Al Tiramisu... classic food and delicious service
Posted by: Sara | Jun 12, 2006 at 01:32 PM
Matuba's is one of my favorite places to get fresh/un-comlicated sushi. It's very low key and service is always great.
Posted by: Natalya | Jun 12, 2006 at 01:33 PM
I love Corduroy, their food is always prepared well and the dining room is so welcoming.
Posted by: Amy | Jun 12, 2006 at 01:52 PM
I like Romantica Deli and Pizzaria in Great Falls, Virginia. It is a small place, but their pizza, calzones, etc... are all great. If you are ever in the area, you should stop by and taste it for yourself.
Posted by: Demetrius Klaus | Jun 12, 2006 at 01:58 PM
I love DC Coast. I've been several times and always have a wonderful meal start to finish. 2 Amys is a close second.
Posted by: KeithA | Jun 12, 2006 at 02:20 PM
Makoto--the intricate food, small dining room, and great service really make you feel like you're having dinner in Japan.
Posted by: Laura | Jun 12, 2006 at 02:26 PM
Rosemary and Thyme on 18th and S. They have a great Mediterranean menu and their half priced wine and margaritas happy hour (including weekends) is great.
Posted by: Dat | Jun 12, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Colorado Kitchen. It's a little off the beaten path, but the biscuits alone are worth the hike up 14th Street. The burgers (turkey or regular) are great and just beat out Palena in my book.
Posted by: Brooks | Jun 12, 2006 at 02:35 PM
Vidalia - the food is supurb, and the wine tastings on Tuesdays are so much fun. (And slightly easier on the wallet).
Posted by: Katie | Jun 12, 2006 at 02:37 PM
Oriental East in Silver Spring - best dim sum restaurant in the area, hands down. I love the tradition of ordering off the carts on the weekends. Extremely easy on the wallet, family friendly, and if you don't speak Mandarin or Cantonese, just point at what you want.
Posted by: Torie | Jun 12, 2006 at 02:44 PM
I'm saying Corduroy, but after this weekend it might be Ray's the Steaks! It'll be my first time going there and I can't wait!
Posted by: Julie | Jun 12, 2006 at 03:56 PM
Murasaki is my current favorite. Since I work near Tenleytown, I try to stop in at least once a week.
Posted by: DaveH | Jun 12, 2006 at 05:17 PM
Jackie's in Silver Spring. The retro/industrial decor is cool and the mini Elvis burgers are addictive.
Posted by: Justin | Jun 12, 2006 at 05:19 PM
Well, Inn at Little Washington by far if that is considered a DC restaurant, but if that doesn't count, then I've loved both Komi and City Zen.
Posted by: Jodi | Jun 12, 2006 at 05:20 PM
My favorite DC area restaurant is Corduroy (mmmm, the crème brûlée!), but since it's in your Top 5, I'll throw out another. I also love Ten Penh, particularly the ahi tuna burger.
Posted by: Polichick | Jun 12, 2006 at 05:32 PM
I love Ceiba for a nice night out and creative dishes. Plus, the great mojitos only help!
Posted by: Jessica | Jun 12, 2006 at 08:27 PM
Without question, Corduroy. In terms of value, few DC restaurants offer its combination of freshness, refinement, and portion at the price point. And the wine list is pretty much a collection of very well priced gems.
Posted by: Greg | Jun 12, 2006 at 11:17 PM
Afghan Grill, because I can't get enough of the pumpkin, and it's right in my neighborhood.
Posted by: janet | Jun 13, 2006 at 12:12 AM
Facia Luna: great pizza for a great price.
Posted by: Luna | Jun 13, 2006 at 08:14 AM
I would have to say DC Coast. Although Restaurant Eve is not far behind. Difficult to chose just one...
Posted by: Damian | Jun 13, 2006 at 08:26 AM
Samantha's (which I tried on your recommendation) for its subdued atmosphere and wonderful, inexpensive food (especially the papusas!).
Posted by: Lauren | Jun 13, 2006 at 10:13 AM
San Marco's...not the fanciest, not the best food, but VERY good for the price, but in quality and quantity. Plus, the wine's cheap!
Posted by: Dan | Jun 13, 2006 at 10:47 AM
Rosa Mexicano! The restaurant in DC even beats out the original one in NYC in terms of decor, spaciousness, and zippiness of the guacamole!
Posted by: Jennifer | Jun 13, 2006 at 10:54 AM
Matchbox... The mini-burgers alone put it at the top of my list, but then you add the thin-crust pizza and the atmosphere...I'm in heaven.
Posted by: Suzy | Jun 13, 2006 at 10:59 AM
I have a tough choice between Corduroy, Palena Cafe, and Ray's the Steaks. I think I have to give the nod to Ray's the Steaks though.
Posted by: Mike | Jun 13, 2006 at 11:02 AM
Nooshi: drunken noodles, good sushi. I'm happy. It's not the best sushi in town, I'm sure, but it's half a block from my office and it's pretty darn good, especially for the price.
Posted by: Eric | Jun 13, 2006 at 11:06 AM
Inn at Little Washington, hands down. But if it has to be in DC proper, I would say TenPenh or Zaytinya - both are so yummy and so much fun!
Posted by: Katie | Jun 13, 2006 at 01:10 PM
Marcel's because it is consistently good
Posted by: Peter | Jun 13, 2006 at 01:37 PM
Vermilion for dinner because of the unique combinations and the ambiance. Evening Star Cafe for brunch because it's just plain good and affordable.
Posted by: Susan | Jun 13, 2006 at 01:56 PM
I love Komi, but since it's been mentioned, I will say Hank's Oyster Bar for the fantastic lobster rolls and mac and cheese. Yum!!!!
Posted by: Rebecca | Jun 13, 2006 at 02:01 PM
Chef Geoff's. It was the first 'real' restaurant that I went to when I moved here and I've enjoyed it ever since. It's not the most spectacular place in the world, but when it's good, it's good and has a homey feel to it.
Posted by: Heather B. | Jun 13, 2006 at 02:07 PM
Maestro - the once in every 5 blue moons.
A&J or Joe's Noodle - the cheap Asian standby
Parkway Diner - sandwiches anyone?
Posted by: Adam | Jun 13, 2006 at 02:25 PM
Chef Geoff's (downtown, though I know most people prefer the New Mexico Ave location). Food is creative but there is always something for even the pickiest of eaters. Additionally, the atmosphere is always fun and the crowd is always ecletic! Oh yeah - the hot almond joy drink is amazing!!!
Posted by: Lauren | Jun 13, 2006 at 02:34 PM
Indique. Great food and service!
Posted by: Kathleen | Jun 13, 2006 at 04:19 PM
2 Amy's: simple, inexpensive, delicious.
Posted by: Andy | Jun 13, 2006 at 04:27 PM
Manee Thai.
Can walk there from my house and the cheap food and friendly service never disappoint.
Posted by: Lori | Jun 13, 2006 at 04:28 PM
Luigi's Pizza on 19th between K and L streets. I've been going there for nearly 12 years. Has the best cheesiest gourmet pizza in the world! I treat myself to once a year to avoid the guilt of the best pizza you'll ever have.
Posted by: Anita Katial | Jun 13, 2006 at 04:37 PM
Luigi's Pizza on 19th between K and L streets. I've been going there for nearly 12 years. Has the best cheesiest gourmet pizza in the world! I treat myself to once a year to avoid the guilt of the best pizza you'll ever have.
Posted by: Anita | Jun 13, 2006 at 04:38 PM
seriously? the best restaurant has to be kotobuki for several reasons:
1) fresh ingredients
2) secluded - in the sense that most likely you won't find people just happening to "walk by" and wonder what this place is about - you have to seek it out
3) saki in those square boxes with the side of salt
4) toro and sea urchin
5) THE BEATLES!!!
Posted by: sachi | Jun 13, 2006 at 04:43 PM
oh, and did i mention kotobuki is CHEAP!?!?!
Posted by: sachi | Jun 13, 2006 at 04:47 PM
Gotta love Zaytinya - fun atmosphere & amazing drinks and food selection!
Posted by: Jill | Jun 13, 2006 at 05:29 PM
My favorite is Cafe Creme, on U Street. The combination of neighborhood feel and high-class food is unbeatable; plus, anyplace where the chef notices his customers holding hands has my vote.
Posted by: Simon | Jun 13, 2006 at 05:35 PM
Smith Point. The beer & cheddar soup was fantastic!
Posted by: David | Jun 13, 2006 at 06:03 PM