Uncorked: The Last Sipper

The DC International Food and Wine Festival finished with a bang.  The Last Sipper event was the last big hoorah, and allowed guests to take a walk around the room tasting food and wine that featured dishes created by some of DC's well known chefs.  It was a night to mingle, feast, and taste new wines, but there was also a silent auction for guests who were interested in that as well.

The food alone was incredible, but the best part of all- it showcased recipes from Washington DC Chef's Table, a recently published cookbook featuring some of DC's hottest chefs who support sustainability and responsible farming practices.  There was so much to choose from that I really didn't know where to start.  One side of the room featured small bites like risotto fritters, Sea of Cortez Bay Scallop Ceviche with Avocado, crushed Peanuts, Cilantro and Crispy Shallots, Dorado with Jalapeño Lime Sauce, Provencal mussels with Tomatoes, Garlic, Capers and Basil, vegetable pot pie, a cold sweet and savory Brussels sprout salad, and a couple tasty looking desserts.  

I especially loved the scallop ceviche, which was refreshing and citrusy with a touch of sweetness and crunch from the crushed peanuts, and the Brussels sprout salad, which was both savory and sweet.   While enjoying these yummy dishes I made my way around the room tasting mainly refreshing whites that were offered, but also a few reds.  I enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc with the scallops and an interesting Italian white with some of the other appetizers.  

At the other side of the room there were even more incredible looking dishes starting with a Sea Trout Napolean and Tuna Tartar won tons, and then some heavier and heartier options like creamy lobster mac and cheese, shrimp and grits, creamed spinach and basil, and more yummy desserts.  

I especially loved the heavier seafood dishes with a crisp yet medium bodied Soave and tried some new grape varietals out as well.  Two of my favorites were a very dry and refreshing white wine from Greece, and an interesting Portuguese white that was light and crisp to start, but finished heavy and creamy like a Chardonnay.

I was really impressed by the organization of the event, all the absolutely delicious dishes, and I really enjoyed tasting sustainable wines from around the world.  The food and wine festival really outdid itself this year, and The Last Sipper event was definitely a success.