Nordic Food, Food Trucks, Water Balloon Fights and More Fun Food Events Coming Up

Photo by Emily Clack

Nordic Food Days is taking place June 19-26th. Washingtonians will be invited to experience food prepared by five of the world’s best chefs from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden over the course of one week.  Don't miss out on New Nordic cuisine!

Joining the exciting mobile food revolution, Freixenet USA announces the launch of the Freixenet Tastings and Tapas Truck this month.  The “Black Bottle Bubbly” will stop in Washington, DC June 23-26 on its tour of five east coast cities to share the beauty and versatility of cava, Spain's sparkling wine, and put a tapas twist on the classic American food truck.

Come out and play in Georgetown! To celebrate summer, DC's favorite waterfront neighborhood is hosting a fun-filled Georgetown Waterfront Summer Celebration on Sunday, June 26^th at the Washington Harbour from 12 - 3 p.m. An exciting way to cool down while having a blast, the highlight of the celebration will be The Great Georgetown Water Balloon Battle, inviting Washingtonians to toss hundreds of pre-filled water balloons and compete to win prizes at this memorable summertime water battle.

Celebrate July 4th at Café du Parc on Pennsylvania Avenue - America’s Main Street!   The Willard InterContinental is hosting a block party-style celebration with live rock band from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.   Café du Parc’s signature plates range from $7.95 to $10.00 and include; classic Willard Burger with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and onion, pesto chicken sandwich on a brioche sesame bun, Kobe Beef hot dog with traditional accompaniment, locally made Italian sausage sandwich with grilled peppers and onions. cheese and coleslaw.

J and G Steakhouse Patio Picnic, Monday, July 4,4:00 to 10:00 pm on the patio.  Located at the corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and 15th St. NW, J andG Steakhouse patio is a prime spot to watch the Independence Day fireworks and enjoy a patriotic picnic. From 4:00 to 10:00 pm, guests can enjoy appetizers, traditional BBQ fare and dessert for $35. Sip on pitchers of Passion Fruit Sangria, Ginger Margaritas and buckets of beer as you take in the sights and sounds of summer. 

Smith Commons DMV Brewers BBQ; Friday, July 1 - Sunday, July 10:  Celebrate your independence from common beer and fare. For 10 days, Smith Commons will offer uncommonly good BBQ favorites and brews from The District, Maryland and Virginia. Nothing says American like local beer and BBQ. For $20, guests can choose a main, companion and a sweet. On Sunday, July 3 $5 brews will also be available.

LOCAL PIG ROAST: Join Local 16 and White House Meats for fresh, roasted Berkshire pork sourced from High View Farm in Berryville, VA, served with summer vegetables sourced from Whipple Farms, a biodynamic farm in Rixeyville, VA, and a variety of beverages. Proceeds support Think Local First DC.  Tickets include food and two drinks.  Other drinks can be purchased individually.  Purchase tickets online or pay with credit/cash at the door.  Tickets: $15 Click Here to Buy Tickets Sunday, July 10, 12-5pm, 1612 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 

The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFT), is pleased to announce the Outstanding Specialty Food Retailers of 2011. They are: Central Market, Austin, Texas; Fromagination, Madison, Wisc.; Olives Gourmet Grocer, Long Beach, Calif.; The Cheese Iron, Portland, Maine; The Fresh Market, Greensboro, N.C.; and ZZest Market and Café, Rochester, Minn. The awards will be presented July 11, 2011, at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C., in a red-carpet ceremony hosted by Celebrity Chef Cat Cora. Winners are featured in the June issue of the NASFT’s Specialty Food Magazine and at specialtyfood.com/retailerawards.  To celebrate next month’s NASFT’s Fancy Food Show in Washington, DC, Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar will offer a complimentary Cuban dessert with any entrée purchase from July 10-12^th.  

The Willard continues its celebration of independence on July 14th - Bastille Day on Pennsylvania Avenue’s Champs Elysee!  The party takes place outdoors at Café du Parc for lunch and dinner from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Enjoy live music, grilled French specialties, crêpecarte French specialties are priced from $16.00 to $35.00. 

EDIBLE GARDEN TOUR:  Get your grow on with DC's first Edible Urban Garden Tour hosted by Loulies.com.  Explore city spaces and residential gardens that will open their doors and gates for the public to see what growing good food in our own backyards, front yards, rooftops, and empty lots is all about.  It’s a chance to ask questions, learn from and hear what inspires some of DC’s best gardeners.  The tour will start at Old City Green, a beautiful, plant-filled garden shop and stretch through the revitalized neighborhoods of Shaw, Bloomingdale and Ledroit Park.  Plus, see for yourself and learn more about Common Good City Farm, the community garden that Prince Charles recently toured as part of his inspiring Future of Food visit to DC.  Purchase tickets online or pay with cash the day of.  Tickets: $10  Click Here to Buy Tickets  The tour is self-guided and will cover several miles so a bike or a car is recommended.

Friday, July 15
Gardens open for touring from 5-8pm
902 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

BACK ROAD FORAGING TOUR: Join Roadside Food Projects and Atlas Obscura for a back road, urban foraging expedition through the Nation’s Capital.  $15; July 15^th at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

THE FORAGED COCKTAIL: After a day foraging through the streets of the city (see Back Road Foraging Tour event details), join Roadside Food Projects and Atlas Obscura for a soiree at The Gibson for ‘foraged’ cocktails—urban elixirs of yesteryear. The talented mixologists will mix scattered wineberries and spring ephemerals with the most curious Hendrick’s Gin for a tasting of the Nation’s Capital's very own wild bounty.  Purchase tickets online or cash at the door.  July 15, 7-9:30; The Gibson, 2009 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009.

Tickets: $60
Click Here to Buy Tickets

FARM-TO-STREET PARTY: Celebrate local food at Washington DC's first ever Farm-to-Street Party!  Enjoy scrumptious dishes made with ingredients from local farms, local craft beer and wine.  Engage with local entrepreneurs, chefs and non-profit organizations who are making local food available in Washington DC.  Enjoy music from local artists, cool off in a dunking booth, take part in children's activities and more!  Purchase tickets online or pay with credit/cash at the door. July 16 from 12-5 p.m.  Tickets: $15 (includes two food tickets)
Click Here to Buy Tickets