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Thursday, December 2, 2010

The Festival Was Filled with Spirits, Including my Pumpkin Pie Shooter

Crowds filled the beautiful Atrium Ballroom at the Ronald Reagan Building for the Washington D.C. International Wine and Food Festival's Spirit of the Festival.   Each team will provided a food and cocktail pairing for guests to sample. 
I made my Pumpkin Pie Shooter for the guests to try. 
Photos by Emily Clack


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”

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


 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.
Fun times were had by all!  Great job Ellen!!

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