We went to the Ronald Reagan Building for EventsDC’s Annual Embassy Chef Challenge, which brought together hundreds for an evening of international culinary delights, entertainment, arts and culture. We snapped PCORI’s Dyala Stone, Rochelle Bent and Jayde Stewart surrounding Public Health Institute’s Mozzelle Isley holding up the passports that led them through each embassy’s featured cuisine.
The food presentations at each station were beautiful; each station was decked out in traditional art, fabrics and décor from their home country. Guests voted for their favorite dish using the hashtag #ECC2016; screens in the background showed the live feeds. Here, Women’s Diplomatic Series’ Faith Psillas, Tracy Brew, Donna Jervey and Colleen Mudlaff.
The Philippines won the Chef Challenge with their seafood rice on banana leaves, while the Embassy of Poland served duck and mushroom stuffed pierogis garnished with a purple flower. Here, EventsDC’s Chinyere Hubbard, Cultural Tourism DC’s Cheryl Crowell, Charlotte Reid Design & Event’s Charlotte Reid and DOT’s Nancy Brown.
The night finished with a special drum and dance performance of Senegal and Balinese descent. Here, MeSH’s Claire Etches and Tabatha Gilmore flank Destination DC’s Lawrence Hamm.
Alfredo Flores & Casie Kiel contributed to this issue.
