Alice Waters, Joan Nathan 'Horse' Around At The Source's '14 Chinese New Year Kick-Off Reception

PENN QUARTER -- One of Washington's overall top dining destinations, let alone one of its best Asian-inspired restaurants, The Source by Wolfgang Puck always leads by example.

And Executive Chef Scott Drewno set his customary high bar on Monday evening for 2014 Chinese New Year celebrations, with a crowded kick-off reception that took over the entire ground floor bar and lounge area of the venue.

Co-hosted by world-renowned Chef Peter Chang -- a commanding figure in global culinary circles, with a mastery of Szechwan cuisine -- the night treated guests to a variety of delectable dim sum specialties.

Borrowing a theme from this year's animal of divine reputation, as defined by the Chinese zodiac (2014 is the 'Year of the Horse'), attendees were also treated to bottomless glasses of a special celebratory 'Clydesdale' punch.

Drewno had even enlisted the help of fellow top toque Mike Isabella in pulling out all of the stops for the occasion, with Kapnos lending the use of its famous wood-fired grills in preparation of the menu's whole-roasted pig.

Always a favorite restaurant amongst the city's foodies, it's a testament to The Source's hard-earned reputation that even outside chefs choose to eat there. And last night's party drew everyone from Estadio/Proof/Doi Moi Chef Haidar Karoum to award-winning cookbook author Joan Nathan to American culinary pioneer Alice Waters (Waters is widely considered the 'mother' of today's locally grown, organic food movement).

Happy New Year, indeed.