On June 15, 2016, Chef José Andrés will be hosting his 4th annual DINE-N-DASH with proceeds going to support World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization that focuses on smart solutions to decrease world hunger and poverty.
You couldn’t ask for a better event where you can pay one price (General Ticket or VIP Ticket), walk into 30 restaurants in one night, sample some of the venue’s most popular dishes and libations and walk right out without pulling out your wallet throughout Penn Quarter and the 14th Street Neighborhoods.
Sunday’s media tour offered a sneak peak into 4 of the restaurant options.
First stop was Oyamel and this was by far my favorite stop for food and drinks. A few of the dishes that were offered were the Oyamel Margarita, Taco -Carnitas estilo Michoacán, Pescadilla Sinaloa, and table-side guacamole.
Oyamel is Mexican food that packs a punch from your standard street foods. Their margaritas are topped with “salt air,” so there’s no need for a messy rim of salt around the glass, you get a pinch of salt with every sip. The pork taco was topped with a crunch chicharrón satisfying the soft and crunchy textures. Their take on the fish “empanada” which is steamed not fried, is a surprisingly flavorful moist ingredients tucked inside of a crisp shell. Table-side guacamole, need I say more?
DCGB Kitchen and Bar (VIP)
The DCGB stop is a preview into the one of the 5 VIP restaurants available through the VIP tickets. They offer a selection of wine and food with a fresh take on French cuisine.
This beautiful two-story industrial bistro offers one of the best scenery with wide open windows overlooking Penn Quarter’s more posh-side of the city. Every bite of their sampled dishes left you feeling refreshed and not weighed down by heavy creams that you often associate with French cuisine.
Their Spring Toast was spread with pistachio and ricotta made fresh in their kitchen daily. If you dine here, don’t leave without an order of their warm Madelines. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Not a frills kind of foodie? Ghibellina offers a great pub environment with excellent bar bites. And they offer some pretty strong, yet delicious cocktails (Pepe Primavera and Frutto Del Sangue, pictured here).
This cozy little restaurants sits on the 14th Street side of the U Street Corridor and offers a laid back atmosphere.
Last stop on list of sneak peeks was Masa 14 an Asian Fusion restaurant with one of the best party vibes. This restaurant is already ready to get the party started with a live DJ, refreshing cocktails and outdoor roof deck. In the bustling area of 14th Street off the U Street Corridor.
Their Pork Belly Steamed Buns (aka, bao) are not flavored like a typical traditional bao. It has a bit of a Latin spin on it flavored with achiote, pineapple sambal and Serrano chili. The crispy shrimp was my favorite. It reminded me of an lighter version of a bang bang shrimp.
Go Buy Your Tickets
With 30 restaurants to choose from, you’re bound to find a place you enjoy. Whether you want to hit 4-star quality establishments, restaurants with menus that push the limits of your palette, or the food truck scene, I am confident you’ll find something right down your alley. And who knows, you may just run into a celebrity chef while you’re there.
To buy tickets, visit: dinendash.info and DCFüd readers can receive a $20 off of your ticket by using the promo code: PREVIEW. I’m buying my ticket and I hope to see you there!
-ADT
Editor’s Note/Save the Dates:
The Lamb Jam will be held on Sunday, May 15, the Embassy Chef Challenge on Wednesday, May 25, and Savor (the big beer show) on June 4th-5th this year. Keep an eye out for beer events (tap takeovers and brunches) the week leading up to Savor.
