On Saturday, January 30th, the Newseum hosted hundreds of event-goers at the 8th annual Sips event in connection with Sips & Suppers 2016, raising funds for DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table. Sips — originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 23rd at the Newseum — had to be rescheduled due to winter storm Jonas, but thanks to the generosity of supporters of both DCCK and Martha’s Table, and DC’s community of incredibly dedicated chefs and artisans, the event did not suffer.
Beginning at 6:30pm, VIP guests enjoyed the exclusive VIP lounge, sipping on stellar wines and savoring bites from notable chefs. VIP guests indulged in a selection of delicious beverages, including the sustainably grown estate wines of Gustafson Family Vineyards, and Lanson Champagne, as well as sweet and savory dishes from critically-acclaimed restaurants in the DMV, including Daikaya, Dolci Gelatti, The Hamilton, Indique, and The Source.
Floors throughout the Newseum bustled with hundreds of happy attendees enjoying such items as Virginia wines and samples from dozens of the region’s most celebrated chefs, restaurants, mixologists, and artisans. Guests enjoyed mingling while relishing treats from Beefsteak, Boxwood Vineyard, Carlyle, Catoctin Creek, Gordon Biersch, Hill Country, Jack Rose, Jaleo, Rappahannock River Oysters, The Shaw Bijou, and Williamsburg Winery. Three “partyvators,” a favorite among Sips attendees – were back for Sips 2016 and featured star mixologists Gina Chersevani, Trevor Frye, and Jeff Faile crafting cocktails in elevators as they transported guests to different levels of the event.
Despite the storm, five Suppers created by esteemed chefs in private homes throughout DC went forward on January 24, and many are being rescheduled for a later date. DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table want to express our sincerest thanks to all of the hosts, chefs, and guests whose Suppers were affected and have affirmed that, despite all the trappings of these events, the real reason for gathering together is fighting hunger in our community.