D.C. Taco Experiment at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel, Sunday Who is the best amateur taco maker in the D.C. metro region?
That question is about to be answered.
Brooklyn-based foodie-slash-“cook-off pros” Nick Suarez and Theo Peck are hosting the D.C. Taco Experiment at the Rock ‘n’ Hotel on Sunday.
The D.C. Taco Experiment is a cook-off of amateur D.C. chefs. The winner receives a cash prize and an invitation to the national cook-off competition in New York.
“They get a chance to show their food and get recognized,” Suarez said earlier this week on the ride down to D.C. from New York. “It’s very like minds getting other.”
Twenty-five locals are expected to participate on Saturday. Dishes will be judged by a group of experts and audience reaction, which can vary.
“The audience chooses different dishes than the judges,” Juarez said. “I always try to create the perfect bite.”
While the quality of the food created is the focus of the event, so is the presentation.
“You don’t just present your food, you present yourself,” Juarez said.” [But] at the end of the day it comes down to taste.”
A portion of the proceeds from the D.C. Taco Experiment will go to the Capital Area Food Bank.
When: Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Info: $10 in advance, $15 at the door; rockandrollhoteldc.com
Birthday Celebration at Rustico, Friday
The Rustico location in Alexandria has celebrated its fifth birthday all week — five days worth, to be exact — with plenty of beer specials. Starting at 4 p.m. enjoy $2 off all drafts, wine by the glass for $5, and cans for $2 and $3.50.
When: Friday, 4 p.m.
Info: rusticorestaurant.com
Wine & Food Festival at National Harbor, Saturday & Sunday
More than 100 international wines, fine beer and bourbon. Plus plenty of food and some celebrity chefs. Not a bad weekend.
When: Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Info: $35 general admission in advance, $45 on site; $75 for VIP tickets; $150 two-day all access. wineandfoodnh.com
Elizabeth and the Catapult at Jammin’ Java, Sunday
Fantastic Brooklyn-based pop from this trio. The group has a pair of albums to its name, including last fall’s “The Other Side of Zero.” With Rene Briton.
When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m.
Info: $12; jamminjava.com
M3 Rock Festival at Merriweather, Saturday
While Whitesnake, Tesla and Sebastian Bach are the headliners, one must not overlook the presence of Lita Ford. With a bunch of other bands that promise to keep the hair alive.
When: Saturday, 11 a.m. doors.
Info: $35-$75; merriweathermusic.com
