Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Step Afrika! Magical Musical Step Show

Thursday, December 12 to Sunday, December 22
The Paul Sprenger Theatre, 1333 H Street NE, Washington

If you don’t have tickets you’re going to miss a fantastic show – it’s sold out.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is the most vibrant holiday celebration in town! This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika! and special guest, DJ Frosty the Snowman. Over the last eight years, this internationally-renowned percussive dance company has created a contemporary holiday tradition at the Atlas, featuring friendly, furry characters, pre-show instrument-making workshops, photo ops, and even a dance party. Why celebrate the holidays sitting still when you can step with Step Afrika!
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is suited to adults and kids age four and up. Join us in the lobby 30 minutes before show time to decorate your own musical instrument so you can make music with Step Afrika! during the performance.

For more information click here

Wine Veil

Tis the Season to entertain! This is the time of year when being a little “extra” is fine. Whether you need a hostess gift, a gift for someone you don’t know very well…or to just dress up your holiday gathering the Wine VEIL® is a perfect choice! These beautiful veils elegantly lay over a wine glass, bottle or any beverage glass and will add color and sparkle to any holiday party this season. The soft and simple 5” x 5” squares are made with high-quality organza in a variety of exquisite color swatches (we love the holiday color set) and each one is weighted with beautiful silver charms of dragonflies and grape leaves. The result is a shimmery, sheer drape or VEIL over each wine glass, decanter, bottle or any glass giving a little “extra” special look to your gathering. Also, great in the summer for “al fresco” gatherings, because they keep flying leaves, bugs and dust out of your glass!

Available at www.wineveil.com or on Amazon. PRICE: $24.99

For more information click here

Imbibe with your tribe

Kafina Organic Elixir has modified several popular holiday drinks with a plant-based “vegan” and well being twist to create a healthy alternative for you to have and serve. We have included an egg-less Eggnog to sip while trimming the tree, a delicious Espresso Martini for a festive before the dinner drink and a twist to a White Russian for sipping by the fire. Available: www.kafinaenergy.com Price: 8-Pack $25; 32-Pack $92

Kafina Vegan Eggnog or the Egg(less)nog (Makes 4-6 Drinks)

Ingredients:

  • 2 Cans of 15 ounces of Coconut Milk
  • 1 Bottle of Kafina Energy Elixir
  • 2 Ounces of Rum
  • 1/2 Cup of water
  • 6 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Nutmeg
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon

Directions:

  • Blend ingredients and chill for an hour.
  • Pour into your favorite holiday glasses.
  • Finish off with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a sprig of rosemary or other garnish.

Kafina Expresso Martini Topped

Ingredients

  • 2 Ounces of Vodka
  • 1/2 Ounce of Kafina Energy Elixir
  • 1/2 Ounce of Simple Syrup
  • 1/2 Ounce of Coffee
  • 1 Ounce of Espresso

Topper:

  • 3 Coffee Beans

Directions:

  • Add ingredients in a martini shaker with ice and shake.
  • Use the shaker strainer and pout into a martini glass.
  • Take the three beans and place them in the middle of the drink!
  • Voila!

The Kafina Vegan White Russian

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Ounce of Vodka
  • 1/2 Ounce of Kafina Energy Elixir
  • 1/2 Ounce of Kahlua Liquor or other Vegan Coffee Liquor
  • 1/2 Cup of Coconut Milk

Topper:

  • 1 Teaspoon of Pumpkin Spice for Topping

Directions:

  • Shake Coconut Milk in a separate glass or jar. Set aside.
  • Shake the Vodka, Kafina, Kahlua in a martini glass and pour over ice.
  • Pour the Coconut Milk into the glass and let it meld into the liquor and elixir.
  • Top with Pumpkin Spice.

NOTE: Kahlua is vegan friendly except for the following products: Kahlua Drinks to Go and Ready-to-Drink, which contain milk proteins ok for vegetarians not vegans. Kahlúa Drinks-to-Go (DTGs) and the Kahlúa Ready-to-Drink (RTDs) contain milk proteins. Kahlua Especial and Mocha ARE vegan.

For more information click here

Mighty Sesame Squeezable Tahini

Recently, a food journalist/influencer wrote about Mighty Sesame Tahini Dressings in squeezable bottles. The verdict: “I was ecstatic,” said the hummus lover enthusiastically. “Tahini you don’t have to mix is a game-changer.”

That got the people at The Mighty Sesame Company thinking. With the Super Bowl right around the corner, squeezable tahini is an MVP when it comes to making any party easier, tastier, and healthier. After all, unlike other brands, Mighty Sesame doesn’t separate, so it’s always perfectly blended and ready to use. No mixing, no stirring, no problem!

American foodies know there’s a tahini revolution afoot. The creamy, decadent condiment usually takes center stage in Middle Eastern dishes like hummus and falafel. But in fact, it’s perfectly at home in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

We recently spoke to Vicky Cohen and Ruth Fox, authors of the popular cookbook Tahini and Turmeric, and asked why tahini is such a great ingredient to work with? They told us, “One of the things we love the most about tahini, besides its incredibly addicting nutty flavor, is its versatility. It can be used in sweet and savory applications. Besides using it to make hummus, tahini is great in salad dressings, as a sauce for sandwiches or tacos, or simply spread over toast with your favorite jam or date syrup!

Tahini also adds fabulous flavor to cookies, cakes, shakes, bars, mousses, and even granola. The possibilities are endless!” (Cohen and Fox are the authors of Tahini & Turmeric, 101Middle Eastern Classics Made Irresistibly Vegan and Founders of the Blog Mayihavethatrecipe.com).

And that’s where Mighty Sesame comes into play at your Super Bowl party. This year, kick off the fun with tahini dips like Sweet ‘n Sour Tahini sauce served with crunchy cauliflower , then score with halftime soups and salads such as Cucumber salad with Miso-Tahini dressing, Marinated entrees like Fish Tacos with Tahini and Siracha, or Chicken Breast Baguette Hero sandwich drizzled with Tahini are sure to be tahini touchdowns. Extra points, of course, for tahini-based desserts like Tahini-walnut brownies or Tahini cookies.

Best of all, tahini is a superfood. Made from one ingredient, 100% roasted sesame seeds, Mighty Sesame Tahini is loaded with plant-based protein, calcium and other vitamins and minerals. All varieties (Original fine and Whole seed) are, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free, kosher, and halal.

Find squeezable tahini and other Mighty Sesame products at Walmart, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and other retail outlets. They are distributed by Kayco, the top purveyor of kosher foods in America.

For more information click here

Fallen Dream

A ‘STAR STUDDED’ CONTROVERISAL FILM INSPIRES TO MORAL REFLECTION
-Fallen Dream, a highly anticipated “Times Up” project, is now screening internationally.-

(London) The original short film story “Fallen Dream” created by Fancy Alexandersson and Erica Bergsmeds has caught a lot of attention prior to being completed.

Fallen Dream is produced by Fancy Alexandersson (lead actress and noted international personality) and Glen Kirby from West One Entertainment

Directed by Erica Bergsmeds (acclaimed Creative & Fashion Photographer) and Screenplay by Thomas Beatty.

The international cast includes the ‘raising stars’ Fancy Alexandersson, Laura Whitmore, Jack McEvoy, Linus Wahlgren, Elijah Rowen & former ‘The Pussycat Dolls’ singer turned actor Kimberly Wyatt.

Soundtrack by young artist Alysha. Music composed by Grammy winning producer Nate Walker (Jamie Foxx, Trey Songz, Justin Bieber, DJ Khaled etc).

The short film follows Jessica, a young gifted dancer who is offered the role of a lifetime, but at what cost? Fallen Dream explores a ‘new angle’ on the ‘me too’ theme with women supporting women and men supporting women in a story where common challenges of a woman has an unexpected turn.

Bubbly and Oysters

Saturday, December 28 at 7:00 PM
City Winery, 1350 OKIE ST NE, WASHINGTON , DC

With New Year’s right around the corner, it’s time for some bubbly! Join City Winery DC as they pair select champagne and sparkling wines with oysters. What a delicious treat!

For more information click here

3rd Annual People’s Hanukkah Party

Monday, December 23 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Casolare Ristorante + Bar | 2505 Wisconsin Avenue NW, WDC

Join Casolare Ristorante + Bar for the 3rd Annual People’s Hanukkah Party!

Come celebrate the festival of lights, rededicate yourself to building a better world and get your nosh on! This year’s event is hosted by Chefs Alex Levin and Ed Scarpone from the Schlow Restaurant Group and The Micah Storefront Project on Monday, December 23 from 6:30-9:30pm at Casolare Ristorante + Bar (inside the Kimpton Glover Park Hotel) for an evening of lights, latkes, and libations. The annual celebration and party features classic, traditional dishes along with some delicious surprises from Tico, The Riggsby, Nama and Alta Strada. Bonnie Benwick, Former Deputy Food Editor, The Washington Post is making her famous apple sauce – critical for our latkes. Our cash bar will be stocked and ready with lots of great drink specials.

Whether it’s babka, latkes, Manischewitz sangria or selections from our tasting stations, you will leave very satisfied!

For more information click here

4th Annual Del Ray Candy Bar Crawl

Saturday, December 14 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Del Ray Restaurants Along Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, VA

Take a break from holiday preparations, don your most festive attire, and join the Del Ray community for an afternoon of cheer, cocktails, and raffles for a great cause! The 4th Annual Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl takes place Saturday, December 14 from 1-6pm. The first 250 registrants receive a 16 oz event souvenir cup. Bar Crawl T-Shirts will be on sale the day of the event.

Advance tickets are $15 ($20 at the door), and include specials on holiday cocktails & beers at each of the 15 participating restaurants, trolley transportation, raffles, an costume contest, a photo booth, and more. Check-in starts at 12:00 pm at Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap (401 E. Braddock Road) or RT’s Restaurant (3804 Mount Vernon Ave) You must check-in at one of the starting restaurants between 12-3pm. Participants can crawl to other restaurants starting at 1pm. Late check-in available at Pork Barrel BBQ (2312 Mount Vernon Avenue) only after 3:00pm.

Participating restaurants: Rt’s Restaurant, Hops N’Shine, Northside10, Cheesetique Del Ray, Catch on The Ave, Stomping Ground, Pork Barrel BBQ, Del Ray Pizzeria, St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, Evening Star Cafe, KAiZEN Tavern, Live Oak Restaurant, Charlie’s On The Avenue, The Garden, and Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap

Don’t miss this fun holiday event for a great cause! All proceeds benefit Community Lodgings, an incredible Alexandria nonprofit that works to lift families from homelessness and instability to independence and self-sufficiency through transitional housing, affordable housing, and youth education programs.

For more information click here

Tour de Bourdeaux

Tuesday, January 21 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Fairmont Hotel Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Tour de Bordeaux

Experience this one-of-a kind event, with special access to the unveiling of the new 2017 Bordeaux vintage. We’re bringing the best producers from all around the world to share their products and winemaking stories with you. We’re so excited to be back for our 6th year in Washington, D.C. A limited amount of tickets are available, so get yours today!

Tour De Bordeaux Wine List

Château de Chantegrive
Château Les Carmes Haut – Brion
Domaine de Chevalier
Château Haut – Bailly
Château Latour – Martillac
Château La Louvière
Château Malartic – Lagravière
Château Olivier
Château Pape Clément
Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Château Beau – Séjour Bécot
Château Canon – La – Gaffelière
Château La Couspaude
Château La Dominique
Château Larcis Ducasse
Château Pavie Macquin
Château Valandraud
Château Villemaurine
Château Beauregard
Château La Cabanne
Château Clinet
Château Gazin
Château Rouget
Château Fourcas Dupré
Château Maucaillou
Château Cantemerle
Château Citran
Château Coufran
Château La Lagune
Château de Lamarque
Château La Tour Carnet
Château Brane – Cantenac
Château Cantenac Brown
Château Durfort – Vivens
Château Ferrière
Château Haut – Bages Libéral
Château Giscours
Château du Tertre
Château Kirwan
Château Lascombes
Château Malescot Saint – Exupéry
Château Marquis de Terme
Château Prieuré – Lichine
Château Rauzan – Gassies
Château Beaumont
Château Beychevelle
Château Branaire – Ducru
Château Gruaud Larose
Château Lagrange
Château Langoa Barton
Château Léoville Barton
Château Léoville Poyferré
Château Gloria
Château Saint – Pierre
Château Talbot
Château d’ Armailhac
Château Clerc Milon
Château Croizet – Bages
Château Duhart – Milon
Château Grand – Puy – Ducasse
Château Grand – Puy – Lacoste
Château Lynch – Moussas
Château Pichon Baron
Château Lynch – Bages
Château Ormes De Pez
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Château de Pez
Château Phélan Ségur
Château Bastor – Lamontagne
Château Coutet
Château Doisy Daëne
Château de Fargues
Château Guiraud
Clos Haut – Peyraguey
Château Rieussec
Château Sigalas Rabaud
Château Suduiraut

*Subject to change.

Ticket Details & Information
Join us in Washington, D.C. as Total Wine & More presents Tour de Bordeaux—a unique wine experience. Mix and mingle with over 80 producers as you enjoy over 100 wines, including the new 2017 Bordeaux vintage. Only a limited number of tickets are available so secure yours soon!

Date:
January 21, 2020

Location:
Fairmont Hotel
Georgetown, Washington D.C.

VIP:
Enjoy early access to a special Champagne tasting and to place an order on extremely limited products.

Time: 7-10 p.m.
Tickets: Early Bird Price: $125 | Regular Price: $175

General Admission:
Time: 7:30-10 p.m.
Tickets: Early Bird Price: $100 | Regular Price: $150

For more information click here

Winternational Embassy Showcase

Thursday, December 5 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center – 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW – Washington, DC

Winternational is an exciting celebration showcasing the cultural and culinary traditions of Washington’s diplomatic community. The festival features a bustling global marketplace with more than fifty embassies promoting their countries through vibrant and interactive displays of visual art, food, handcrafts as well as travel and tourism. Free and open to the public.

For more information click here

Christmas in Middleburg

Saturday, December 7 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Middleburg, VA

Parade Day
Come share your joy with us (John 15:11)! Begin your Christmas season in peace and love in Middleburg.

:: FRIDAY ::
Fri. 5 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony and Carols
:: SATURDAY ::
8:00 – 11 a.m. Breakfast with Santa and Silent Auction
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Craft Fair
9:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Santa’s Workshop
10 a.m. Hot chocolate warm up
11 a.m. Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Soup and Ham Biscuit Lunch
2 p.m. Christmas Parade
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Spirits of Middleburg
:: SUNDAY ::
2 p.m. Live Animal Christmas Pageant at Foxcroft School

For more information click here