Savor the Flavors of the world in Washington, D.C.
More than 35 area restaurants are inviting guests to travel the world through their global cuisine with Passport DC's Savor the Flavors.
Throughout May, which is International Cultural Awareness Month, Events DC celebrates Passport DC, a month-long celebration of global culture. Savor the Flavors is an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore new cuisine from restaurants that offer traditional dishes from their countries.
' Passport DC is one of Washington, D.C.'s most cherished traditions," said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. "This hallmark event truly embodies the essence of our city: dynamic, inclusive and globally connected. Each year, it serves as a reminder that despite our diverse backgrounds, we can unite through art, culture, cuisine and shared experiences. Throughout the month of May, we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to explore the world through extraordinary events in our nation's capital.'
Many Washingtonians and visitors look forward to the month-long celebration, which highlights several signature events, such as embassy open houses with the Around the World Embassy Tour and European Union Open Houses and the Fiesta Asia Street Fair.
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In its second year, Savor the Flavors is one of the newest traditions. It promotes and celebrates authentic global food experiences in the Washington, D.C. area. Restaurants participating in Savor the Flavors showcase the richness and diversity of their cuisines, while promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.
"We are proud to partner with Events DC to celebrate the incredible diversity of our restaurant community through Savor the Flavors of Passport DC. This promotion shines a spotlight on the global cuisines that make Washington, D.C. one of the most vibrant dining destinations in the world, while fostering greater cultural connection and appreciation across our city," said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington.
The Savor the Flavors restaurants offer a wide variety of ethnic cuisines, such as Japanese, Irish, Vietnamese and Ethiopian. There are also dishes that combine Mexican with Indian or Lebanese spices.
Belga Café on Barracks Row was the first Belgian restaurant in Washington, D.C. 21 years ago, said Chef Bart Vandaele, who was a judge for Events DC's Embassy Chef Challenge. Both Belga Café and The Betsy are participating in Savor the Flavors.
'I think Washington, D.C. is the birthplace of international food,' Vandaele said, noting so many embassies in the city. 'I think we just need to keep on pushing the international cuisine. The love of everything and everybody goes through their stomach. If you want to solve the problem, have people at the table and put something in their stomach … I think this is what the capital of the U.S. does.'
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Several of the participating restaurants will have specials or discounts for guests who come in because of Savor the Flavors.
"At Elcielo Restaurant in Washington, D.C., we are honored to represent the rich flavors and vibrant spirit of Colombia during Passport DC. Sharing our culinary heritage with the world is at the heart of what we do, and we're proud to be part of a celebration that brings cultures together through food, art and community," said Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos.
To fully enjoy Passport DC and see a full list of restaurants participating in Savor the Flavors, guests can download the Events DC app to get their virtual passport stamped for points towards a final prize at the end of the month. The app also lists other international programming throughout May.
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Savor the Flavors of the world in Washington, D.C.
More than 35 area restaurants are inviting guests to travel the world through their global cuisine with Passport DC's Savor the Flavors. Throughout May, which is International Cultural Awareness Month, Events DC celebrates Passport DC, a month-long celebration of global culture. Savor the Flavors is an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore new cuisine from restaurants that offer traditional dishes from their countries. ' Passport DC is one of Washington, D.C.'s most cherished traditions," said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. "This hallmark event truly embodies the essence of our city: dynamic, inclusive and globally connected. Each year, it serves as a reminder that despite our diverse backgrounds, we can unite through art, culture, cuisine and shared experiences. Throughout the month of May, we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to explore the world through extraordinary events in our nation's capital.' Many Washingtonians and visitors look forward to the month-long celebration, which highlights several signature events, such as embassy open houses with the Around the World Embassy Tour and European Union Open Houses and the Fiesta Asia Street Fair. expand In its second year, Savor the Flavors is one of the newest traditions. It promotes and celebrates authentic global food experiences in the Washington, D.C. area. Restaurants participating in Savor the Flavors showcase the richness and diversity of their cuisines, while promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. "We are proud to partner with Events DC to celebrate the incredible diversity of our restaurant community through Savor the Flavors of Passport DC. This promotion shines a spotlight on the global cuisines that make Washington, D.C. one of the most vibrant dining destinations in the world, while fostering greater cultural connection and appreciation across our city," said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. The Savor the Flavors restaurants offer a wide variety of ethnic cuisines, such as Japanese, Irish, Vietnamese and Ethiopian. There are also dishes that combine Mexican with Indian or Lebanese spices. Belga Café on Barracks Row was the first Belgian restaurant in Washington, D.C. 21 years ago, said Chef Bart Vandaele, who was a judge for Events DC's Embassy Chef Challenge. Both Belga Café and The Betsy are participating in Savor the Flavors. 'I think Washington, D.C. is the birthplace of international food,' Vandaele said, noting so many embassies in the city. 'I think we just need to keep on pushing the international cuisine. The love of everything and everybody goes through their stomach. If you want to solve the problem, have people at the table and put something in their stomach … I think this is what the capital of the U.S. does.' expand Several of the participating restaurants will have specials or discounts for guests who come in because of Savor the Flavors. "At Elcielo Restaurant in Washington, D.C., we are honored to represent the rich flavors and vibrant spirit of Colombia during Passport DC. Sharing our culinary heritage with the world is at the heart of what we do, and we're proud to be part of a celebration that brings cultures together through food, art and community," said Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos. To fully enjoy Passport DC and see a full list of restaurants participating in Savor the Flavors, guests can download the Events DC app to get their virtual passport stamped for points towards a final prize at the end of the month. The app also lists other international programming throughout May.
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