What an event! A text from my eating companion says it all, “This is heaven!” Zoofari, a fundraiser at the National Zoo, happened last night. With over 100 D.C. restaurants in attendance, it’s all a blur to me. I do remember fish was the most fashionable ingredient of the night. And that Blue Moon was the beer of choice. Oddly enough, I spent two hours at the zoo and saw no animals, unless, of course, you count the woman with 5 Georgetown Cupcake morsels on her plate. (And I’ll freely admit I’ve argued against boutique cupcakes in the past, but those were pretty damn good cupcakes!) If I can remember correctly, I’ll share some highlights of the evening. But again, I rolled out of the zoo last night like a Violet Beauregarde blueberry.
Mike Isabella of Zaytinya and Top Chef fame offered a melon popsicle. Too bad melon isn’t in season yet. Shouldn’t he know that? The Source, sans Wolfgang Puck, served delicious dumplings – just one more tasty tidbit that reaffirms its place as one of the best restaurants in D.C. BLT Steak had mini-burgers. Mini-burgers that made me crave White Castle instead of their big brother. Rocklands roasted a whole pig. Belga Cafe had a few variations of a Belgian waffle. I opted for the traditional topped with chocolate and whipped cream. The waffle was warm. Morton’s was a let-down. Sure, there were a lot of soups topped with crab and various foams that I passed on, but a steakhouse, and a famous one at that, should not be serving teeny tiny slices of beef on a huge potato roll. Tail gaiters can do better!
I wish I could remember everything. It all became a blur after a while. And unlike a top news reporter or blogger extraordinaire, I was more concerned with not dropping my food and drink rather than taking notes and pictures. But trust me, there were rows and rows of restaurants, beverage stations with wine and beer, and musical acts interspersed a long the way to keep the people happy. Sure, Central, Chef Geoff and his offerings, and Zola are all a blur. But it’s a good blur, and one I’d be happy to experience again. But next time, I’ll be sure to pace myself. One can’t eat so much delicious food so quickly! It makes for gastro-intestinal mayhem and foolishness.
Oh, and I almost forgot, I don’t remember who it was, but someone was serving what was essentially bacon juice soup topped with a goat cheese foam. Yes, my friends, heaven it was.
AEK
