“Dine-n-Dash” is usually a term that gets finger wags and disapproving head shakes … but this time it was legit! On June 15th Jose Andres and other participating Restaurants hosted the Dine-N-Dash benefiting the World Central Kitchen which was quite a feature to everyone who attended.
Attendees got to experience a unique culinary tour around DC. Half was on 14th street and the other half was around Penn Quarter. The types of food expanded from various types of fusion cuisine to American, Thai, seafood, and much more.
There were various check ins around so that the arrival load was split between various restaurants. This was smart considering what a crowded mess it would have been for everyone to arrive at the same restaurant. The night began at Birch and Barley where we were whisked away by the fantastic cocktails and the different bites that were offered. Knowing that 29 more restaurants were yet to come, the strategy was to try a small bite of everything unless you really enjoyed it!
Chef Ryan was overseeing the event at MASA 14, and served up some awesome pork belly steamed buns and Korean fried chicken. The Korean fried chicken is very similar to the Korean street food, “yam-yum” chicken. MASA 14 offers their version with a bit more heat, more crunch and less sweetness. The steamed buns were a perfect gluten-free option, and were topped with achiote, pineapple samba, and cilantro serrano chili.
Finally, SEI shared unique and delicious eel tacos, with a drizzle of eel sauce and topped with an Asian style slaw! Fun and unexpected barrage of flavors and presentation that bring two different unique culture together.
Ghibellina served up some handmade artisan cocktails, one of which being a rum based drink with a drizzle of basil oil to add an herb flavor to the semi sweet and sour drink.
The Pearl Dive blew everyone away with their top quality seafood. Among their treats were fried oysters and crawfish fritters that were truly satisfying. If shellfish was not to your taste, the pork loin slayed all those who tasted it. The pork loin was perfectly cooked, and had the right amount of heat which made for a surprisingly flavorful dish.
Towards the end of the night and a thirty minute walk from one side of DC to the other. It wouldn’t have been a Dine-n-Dash experience without stopping by Jose Andre’s establishments. First stop was Jaleo and it appeared as though they served a main entrée of paella as they had the big dish on display with every morsel of food gone. Next stop was China Chilcano where they appeared to have “Suspiro Limena” which is an iconic dessert of Peru that is a sweetened condensed milk custard that was topped with a soft and crunchy meringue. Before leaving the last of the three Jose Andre’s restaurants was Oyamel the popular Mexican establishment that features a number of creative Mexican tapas. With a band playing and as if everyone received the memo to end Dine-n-Dash at Oyamel a very lively crowd was present with drinks in hand.
All of the restaurants had their own charm, and each are worth a visit again for an actual sit down experience.
-EWL
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.