Chili Bowls & Chilly Weather All Part Of The Program At Taste Of DC

NORTHWEST -- As the Belgians like to say, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing decisions.” And both the smartly and the …er… overoptimistically attired crowded Washington’s historic Pennsylvania Avenue over the Columbus Day holiday weekend, during the 2012 installment of the Taste of DC.

The USO was Taste of DC’s beneficiary charity for 2012.
Strategically sandwiched (excuse the pun) in between the White House and the Capitol building, the three-day food, drink, and music festival saw more than 50 area restaurants participate this year, including Washingtonian favorites such as Ben’s Chili Bowl, Co Co. Sala, Marvin, Pinkberry, American Ice Co., and McCormick & Schmick’s.

Taste of DC returned to the District in 2011, after a prolonged absence, thanks to the perseverance of local serial entrepreneur and former The Apprentice contestant Steuart Martens.

And it has only grown since. In addition to this year’s ‘Restaurant Row’ (sponsored by Ford), ticketholders were treated to a pervasive ‘Beer Pavilion’ presented by Belgian brewer Stella Artois. The hops heaven featured more than 30 local, national, and international beers in both 5 oz. tastings and full pours.

Between bites and beers, attendees were overwhelmed by a smorgasbord of entertainment options, including performances by the Wizards Girls, Andy Grammer, Violet Says, and Eric Hutchinson.

Like the festival itself, returning in 2012 was the fan favorite and family-friendly 2nd Annual World Chili Eating Championship event, with both amateur and ‘professional’ contestants welcome.

It’s a new foodie world after all.