Visiting for the Fancy Food Show

[domesticgodess]

I will be in Washington July 9 -11 for the fancy food show.
Seeing as I will be eating my way thru the show - I will not have a lot of opportunity for meals. (sad but true).
However I am looking for:
-little snacks (unique foods I could only find in DC)
-a great BAR...think molecular, upscale, cocktails.
-a great bar for beer.

PLUS...my boss is looking for a fabulous Italian Restaurant.

Staying near the convention centre. Plus I will have a car.
Many thanks for your help - in advance.

[Jeserf]

I enjoyed my fill of salted caramels and such things I rarely allow myself while husband ate his body weight and then some of all the cheese the world has to offer.

JOY WAS HAD! :)

[kukubura]

Were you able to enter as a member of the general public or do you have an industry angle? My wife had a grand time there on Sun and Mon and brought back a lot of interesting samples.

[Jeserf]

Trade affiliate.

We were only there on Sunday, but it was amazing.

[kcarnegie]

I would try Carmines in the Penn Quarter. I have eaten there and thought that it was very good. Large portions and a great atmosphere.

[majmaj4]

when i tried to sign up it seems to be just for professionals.

can anyone attend?

[kukubura]

From the website: This event is open to trade professionals only. No one under the age of 18, including infants and toddlers will be allowed onto the Show floor.

How strict are they? I don't know. My wife is going, but she's a professional food writer. I could have gone with her but a variety of factors won't permit. I'll have to settle for looking at her photos.

(The really extra crazy thing is all of the related special dinners and tastings that she's getting invited to outside the show. Lordy lord!)

[Jeserf]

...photos aren't permitted, but maybe that's just for the attendee not the media?

[kukubura]

I'll suggest that she call and make sure it's ok. I have a feeling that press can take pics but who knows?

[dining with doc]

Moleciular great Bar and snacks. PS7
Beer mussels and pomme frites at Brasserie Beck.
Both not far from convention center

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PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

Brasserie Beck
1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[domesticgodess]

oh DC chowhounders....this is PERFECT.
WOW.
I will be blogging. Stay tuned.
www.momwhoruns.com

[Jeserf]

take me with you?

The web site says anyone can go, $35. is it worth it?

[MDicecreamguy]

It is DEFINATELY worth it......and you will NOT be looking for a restaurant after you've been to this show,,,,,move over Ringling Bros.......THIS is the Greatest show on Earth" ( that is if you like food more than elephants and clowns! )

[Jeserf]

hm....maybe I'll toss in the towel and go! Is it just lots of vendors giving away samples? Is it PACKED or mostly industry who is used to it? Sorry to get OT but $70 (2 people) isn't cheap, so just seein'....

[MDicecreamguy]

Many vendors will let you sample their products.....there are unique foods from all over the world. The LAST thing I would be worried about is where to eat AFTER this show.
It is huge.....If you've never been you really need to pace yourself. You might be stuffed after you've been through the first aisle. This show is usually in New York....hasn't been in DC for about 20 years.....definitely worth $35 pp

[Jeserf]

thanks, MDicecreamguy - I'm fairly certain we'll be there!

[domesticgodess]

I went to the show in NYC last year and loved it..which is why I am returning to Washington for this years show. I walked my way thru the show from 9 to 5 p.m on both days. I did not go out for dinner after the show - just drinks. Highly recommend it.
www.momwhoruns.com

[woodleyparkhound]

A great bar - The Passenger is near the convention center. I haven't been, but it's been on my list for ages - it's well regarded on this board. Even better, make a reservation for The Columbia Room, which is inside the Passenger. I think this is exactly what you are looking for.

http://www.passengerdc.com/
http://www.passengerdc.com/columbia/i...

Another great bar - and this one I have been to - is The Gibson at 14th and U. Classy, upscale cocktails in a very pleasant environment. It's behind an unmarked door next to Marvin's.

Great bar for beer - definitely Churchkey, at 14th and Rhode Island. Great selection, great atmosphere (so-so food though - eat elsewhere).

Fabulous Italian restaurant - Obelisk is small, upscale and very special (your boss should reserve now). Bibiana is highly regarded on this board. I have a reservation there in 3 weeks. More casual, neighborhood Italian is Dino in Cleveland Park (very good food and a fabulous wine list).

Snacks unique to DC - all I can come up with here would be a hot half smoke in natural casing at Camales Meats at the Eastern Market, but that would be out of your way (Eastern Market Metro). Another would be a salty oat cookie from Teaism (3 locations).

Have fun!

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Teaism
2009 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005