Chefs For Equality

Contrary to popular belief, I’m really not one for hyperbole. However, my impressions and subsequent review of the 2^nd Annual Chefs for Equality event at the Ritz-​Carlton will not support that claim. The Chefs for Equality event was one of the best, if not the best, «bang for the buck» food event of year!
Why?
1. Most importantly, it was for a good cause.
2. It felt well-​planned and flawlessly executed.
3. Nearly 100 chefs, pastry chefs, and restaurants from across the region and 20 or so of the area’s top mixologists participated in the event. Capital Food Fight surpasses this event in size, but this one seemed to be a lot more personal, friendly, and fun.
4. The food was indulgent and pure decadence. Chef Patrick O’Connell’s popcorn topped with butter, truffle oil, parmesan, sugar, and shaved black truffles was the PERFECT snack. Adam Schop of Le Diplomate’s Foie Gras terrine topped with shaved black truffles was sinfully rich and sublime. Chef Jonah Kim of Pabu’s «Happy Spoon» of oyster, uni, salmon roe, and ponzu crème fraîche was the surprise dish of the night. Yet, there were no misses as every chef brought his or her A-​game.
5. The drinks were plentiful, varied, strong, yet complex and delicious. It was a veritable Dream Team of DC bartenders who were serving up some amazing libations. The drinks were well executed, generous, and comparable to what you’d get if you were bellied up to their respective bars.
6. Everyone got an amazing «swag bag» filled with Godiva chocolate bars, gift cards to Total Wines, bags of Jose Andres’ potato chips, fleur de sel from Salt & Sundry, and other cool and/​or edible stuff.
7. Drag queens.
Seriously, Carol W and I left the Ritz fat, dumb, and happy. To answer if Chefs for Equality was worth it, my only response is… YES. 100% YES!