Events for July 21, 2012

Free Tasting This Weekend

Saturday July 21, 2012 (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

Bogle

Chardonnay
Merlot
Petite Sirah
Phantom
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
(California)

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Chevy Chase Wine & Spirits.

Brussels, Mussels, and Hustle
The Chefs of Belgian Restaurant Week Bring on the Annual Brawl
of Belgian National Day at the Taste of Belgium-Mussel Throw Down

Belgium has dedicated 2012 to gastronomy, and Washington, DC, joined by its counter parts, New York City and San Francisco, are taking that very seriously. Foodies do not have to flock to Brussels to indulge in frîtes, mussels, and chocolate-y treats, as the week of decadent desserts, cordial raising of glasses, and gentlemanly global dinners leads up to the down-and-dirty battle of pure, rough, and hard muscling of mussels.  Ladies and gentleman, get ready for the Mussel Throw Down with chefs Martin Castillo [Belga Café], Eric Frisch [Et Voila!], Teddy Folkman [Granville Moore’s], Geert Pieferoen [Locolat Café], and Paul Stearman [Brasserie Beck].

At the annual brawl reserved specially for Belgian National Day, Saturday July 21, at the Taste of Belgium event sponsored by Stella Artois, each chef will "hustle" his way to the top, preparing unique variations in this madness of mollusks. In the heat of the competition, shells will be torn open and meat will be ripped from its safe haven, separating the champs from the rest. Spoils of glory and beer await the victor, but who will be left standing at the finish line? Judges Jan Van Haute, chef of the Embassy of Belgium, Washington Post Food Editor Bonnie Benwick, Greet de Keyser of Belgium VRT Television, and Stella Artois Draft Master Chris Meyers will decide.

So flex your spirit and head to Yards Park at the Capital Riverfront to witness the thrilling – and delicious – competition. Will Et Voilà! take the gold for a second year, or will someone else rise to the top of the mussel heap? Frîtes freaks and waffle wanderlusts welcome too.

Taste of Belgium is free and open to the public. Tickets can be purchased for food and drinks: Waffles - $4; Beer - $6; Frîtes - $4; Mussels - $6; Ice Cream or Beer Floats - $4; Taste of Belgium Ticket Package $20. Gates will be open from 12-6:30PM.

Belgian Restaurant Week: http://www.belgianre...rantweekdc.com/