We joined Events DC Wednesday for a special media preview dinner at the Ambassador of Indonesia’s residence, Wisma Indonesia.

It was hosted by the Ambassador of Indonesia himself, H.E. Budi Bowoleksono, pictured here with his chef, Gabih Kunto Baskoro. The Ambassador expressed his honor in accommodating the many nations represented in the seated, four-course dinner, articulating how important culinary skills are to express each nation’s culture.

The preview gave the media a chance to experience some of the exceptional international dishes that will be included in this year's main event. We snapped EventsDC senior vice president Erik Moses and the Ronald Reagan Building's Global Business Development vice president Andrew Gelfuso flanking the Indonesian ambassador's wife and host, Reshanty Bowoleksono.

Five outstanding embassy chefs collaborated on the dinner for special guests, representing Peru, Ghana, Indonesia, Afghanistan and Belgium; the dessert was made with textures of Belgian chocolate, one of our favorites.

This year’s Embassy Chef Challenge takes place on May 24 at the Ronald Reagan Building. The annual competition brings together hundreds for an evening of music, arts, culture and, of course, amazing international cuisine. Here, Embassy of Ghana's chargé d'affaires Asare Asiedu and minister of economic affairs Akosua Okyere Badoo, with the minister deputy chief of mission Agustin De MaDalengoitia and his wife, Malena.