Latest news with #EventsDC
Business Journals
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Journals
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.
Business Journals
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Journals
Fiesta Asia Street Fair celebrates Asian culture in the heart of Washington, D.C.
2025 marks the 20th year of Fiesta Asia in Washington, D.C. As part of the annual event, dragons, lions, karaoke and more will take over Pennsylvania Avenue NW on May 17. The Fiesta Asia Street Fair is celebrated as the longest running, most inclusive and the largest free Pan-Asian Festival in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. 'We are so excited to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We always pride ourselves on presenting our festival with authenticity, wholesomeness and accessibility. Never has Washington, D.C. or anywhere else for that matter seen so many heritages represented in the same space — or so many dragons and lions commingling on an open street,' said Wuiping Yap with the Asia Heritage Foundation. Noticing there weren't a lot of celebratory festivals for the Asian community 20 years ago in the metropolitan area, Yap thought about how many outdoor festivities are held in Asian cultures. She also thought there was a lack of representation and understanding of the Asian heritage. She reached out to friends in her performing arts community to start the grassroots street fair and hold it right in front of the U.S. Capitol on Pennsylvania Avenue. Yap and that core group of founders are still integral to the festival's organization 20 years later. 'A lot of friends and families and different community groups all lent their strength and support to the founding of the event,' she said. 'Our goal has always been and will be to preserve and promote Asian heritage and culture through arts, traditions, cuisine and way of life. We remain relevant even after 20 years because someone must do it — to create and maintain the platform for cultural heritage promotion. Also, our nimble size and like-minded partners make decision-making and creative innovations a breeze.' expand What started as one and a half stages, has grown to five stages featuring dance, martial artists, contemporary performances, group performances and Persian artists. More than 1,000 performers are expected at this year's fair. In addition to the varied heritage programs and activities representing more than 20 cultures, there will be a special parade featuring more than 10 fiery dragons and 20 lions; a karaoke duel on the latest Asian pop songs; a neko cosplay challenge (a cat-like costume play); and many more exciting activities. 'The Fiesta Asia Street Fair is a hallmark event of Passport DC, taking place during International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington, D.C.,' said Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events DC. 'This lively festival showcases Asian culture and is part of a series of events this month that celebrate the diverse local, national and international communities in our nation's capital. We invite residents and visitors alike to join us in experiencing this fair and to explore our vibrant global city.' A brand-new tradition for this year's Fiesta Asia is an inaugural cook-off battle for the public to show off their best ramen, demonstrate their dumpling wrapping skills or sushi rolling talents. Festival organizers will have all the tools and ingredients necessary for festival goers to sign up on the spot. The public also can learn how to do a dragon dance, a unique opportunity for participants. 'Come in as a group or company to adopt a dragon and have an experience,' Yap said. 'Who doesn't want to be able to say, 'I did a dragon dance down Pennsylvania Avenue?'' She added, 'Everyone is welcome to partake as a dragon performer or simply come as a cheering spectator. Do not miss the opportunity to celebrate Asian heritage with us.'
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Thousands Line Up In D.C. For Chinese Cultural Tour Despite Tensions
Thousands attended an open house at China's embassy in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. Russell Flannery U.S.-China trade tensions that have disrupted business between the two sides didn't derail a scheduled cultural open house at the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. According to embassy figures, more than 10,000 visitors waited in a line that wrapped around the block where the country's main diplomatic offices in the U.S. are located for a tour that focused on inland Gansu province. Not as well-known as major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, Gansu boasts the ancient city of Dunhuang, a regional and cultural hub along China's ancient Silk Road. The gathering was part of an 'Around the World Embassy Tour' in which 60 embassies open their doors and shared their culture with residents and visitors from around the world, according to organizer Events DC. Other participating embassies ranged from Japan and Thailand in Asia to Norway and the United Kingdom in Europe. 'Visitors 'travel the world' as they experience food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations and manufactured goods from different countries. Each embassy decides what unique aspect of its country it wants to present to the public,' according to an event introduction. China's popular Lanzhou beef noodles hail from Gansu. Russell Flannery Gansu dance, song and images were highlighted. Ambassador Xie Feng in a speech noted the province's longstanding ties to the U.S., such as work by the Dunhuang Academy with the Getty Conservation Institute to protect the area's Mogao Caves. More than 400 visitors to the embassy enjoyed a free bowl of Lanzhou beef noodles – a style associated with the city of Lanzhou, Gansu's capital. Current U.S.-China trade disputes didn't go undiscussed at the cultural event. 'Tariff hikes benefit no one,' Xie noted. 'They disrupt business, raise costs, rattle financial markets and slow down global growth. China does not want a trade war, but is not intimidated by it,' he said. 'If the U.S. wants to talk, it should act in the spirit of equality, respect, and reciprocity.' For his part, President Donald Trump over the weekend defended his administration's policies toward China in an interview with 'Meet the Press.' 'We were very tough with China, as you know,' Trump said on Sunday, according to a NBC transcript. 'We put 145% tariff on. Nobody's ever heard of such a thing. And we've essentially cut off trade relationships by putting that much of a tariff on. And that's okay. We've gone cold turkey. That means that we're not losing.' Though noting the potential for talks between the two sides, Trump later added: 'We were losing hundreds of billions of dollars with China. Now we're essentially not doing business with China. Therefore, we're saving hundreds of billions of dollars. Very simple.' Illustrating how ties between the two global giants remain in flux, however, the U.S. announced on Tuesday afternoon that Treasury Secretary Scott K.H. Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will travel to Geneva, Switzerland later this week for talks with Chinese representatives. Though trade differences rage, Saturday's D.C. event if nothing else shows how a flow of cultural exchanges and interest between the two sides continues. Chinese Luxury Brand Naked Opens Ginkgo Getaway Ahead Of Big Holiday Look Out McDonald's And KFC: Here Comes China's Alan Song
USA Today
05-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL announces host city for 2027 draft (was Denver picked?)
NFL announces host city for 2027 draft (was Denver picked?) The NFL has announced the host city for the 2027 NFL draft ... and it's not Denver The city of Denver and Washington, D.C., were previously reported as the two contenders to host the 2027 draft. The league announced Monday that D.C. has been selected. 'The NFL Draft has become a marquee event, uniting fans across the country and around the world,' NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. 'We are excited to bring the 2027 Draft to Washington, D.C., a city rich in history and national pride. "With the support of President Trump, the Commanders, Events DC, and Mayor Bowser, we're looking forward to delivering an unforgettable experience as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars." Denver mayor Mike Johnston has been pushing to bring a draft to Colorado. After missing out on the 2025, 2026 and 2027 drafts, perhaps the city -- and Broncos -- will now turn attention toward attempting to win a bid for the 2028 draft. Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
