Pages

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Don't miss the Spirit of the Festival Tonight!



When?
 On Tuesday, November 30th, the Washington D.C. International Wine and Food Festival will present Spirit of the Festival from 7:00-9:00PM
Where?
Atrium Ballroom at the Ronald Reagan Building
Why?
Each team will provide a food and cocktail pairing for guests to sample. A select panel of judges will be on hand to assess the five submissions and award a prize to the winning team.  Fun times!
How?
Get some tickets now!  Tickets are priced at $55 per person, and can be purchased online awww.missiontix.com/events/product/9947/spirit-of-the-festival or by calling 410.752.8950. 

For more information, please visit www.spiritfestival.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/event-highlights
Who?
Equinox Restaurant:
Sponsored by: Woodford Reserve
Pastry Chef: Tom Wellings
Mixologist: Simo Ahmadi
Dish: Caramel Custard with Woodford Compressed Apples, Maple Bourbon Froth
Beverage: Woodford Manhattan Latte

Chef Wellings' dessert tasted just like a caramel apple.  So good!  My husband would have loved Simo's cocktail with Woodford Reserve, Cynar Artichoke Liqueur, chamomile infused sweet vermouth, cream and garnished with toasted almonds.  It was a little too strong for my taste, but I'm not a huge whiskey drinker.
Equinox on Urbanspoon

PS 7
Sponsored by: Hendricks Gin
Chef: Peter Smith
Mixologist: Gina Chersevani
Dish: “Tea Sandwich” ~ Cucumber, Orange, Coriander and Hendricks Gin Cured Lemon Snapper served with Ocal Olive Oil Brushed Toast Points
Beverage: Hendricks “High Noon”

Gina served up some of her amazing punch and super creative cereal milk cocktail.  Awesome!  The dish and pairing were on the lighter side with a good use of the gin.

Ici Urban Bistro: (My Favorite)
Sponsored by: Remy Martin VO Cognac
Chef: Olivier Perriet
Mixologist: Vincent Gernigon
Dish: Seasonal Mushrooms and Cognac Remy VS Crème Brulee. Foie Gras Toast
Beverage: "Santa Martini": Featuring holiday flavors such as coco and ginger mixed with Remy Martin VO Cognac

Chef Olivier's mushroom creme brulee was spot on.  I only got one small bite, but I was ready for more.  Also, Vincent made a perfect cocktail with cognac, chocolate mint infused simple syrup, ginger liqueur and soda.  It was my favorite of the evening.
Founding Farmers:
Sponsored by: Patron XO Cafe
Chef: Al Nappo
Mixologist: Jon Arroyo
Beverage: Dolores Dulces
Dish: Herb-crusted Rotisserie Chicken with Maryland Kale, Cabbage and Patron XO Sautéed Pears

We started off our tasting with some crunchy popcorn.  Chef Nappo's chicken was simple, moist and delicious.  I really liked Jon's Dolores Dulces with Patron XO, cognac, cherry brandy, egg white and garnished with fresh nutmeg.  

Aria/Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center:
Sponsored by Herradura Blanco Tequila
Dish Mississippi Farm Raised Shrimp and Citrus Ceviche with Tequila Granita
Beverage Tequlia Mockingbird
Chef Xavier Deshayes
Mixologist: Denis Burns

Denis did a good job with his Tequila Mockingbird (love the name)!  Very similar to a cranberry margarita that I make.  I'm a huge fan of Herradura Blanco.
 Aria Trattoria on Urbanspoon

No comments:

Post a Comment

Make sure you are a subscriber if entering a contest to be eligible to win a prize. We need to have a way to contact you to tell you if you win.