Charity in the city

We are a true DC establishment over here at Equinox Restaurant. Our location alone puts us in the heart of the movers and shakers and it doesn’t hurt to have the White House as your neighbor. But more than that we take pride in being part of this great city and love being actively involved in our community. Besides signing on to actively participate in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program and establishing an edible garden at Murch Elementary School, Equinox partakes in many outside events that benefit different charities or aimed at educating people on responsible eating/buying habits.

Just last week we set up shop at the Washingtonian Magazine “Best of” party which contained a plethora of different restaurants and vendors who all put together amazing dishes. And while everyone was having fun noshing, socializing, and seeing a couple past Top Chef contestants it was good to know that a portion of the ticket money was going to support charity.

Our tomato-watermelon gazapacho was hit with the masses on such a hot night. The spicy concoction with a fruity twist even turned some gazpacho haters into lovers. The atmosphere of the evening was just plain happy and as we joked around with out table partners, Charlie Palmer Steak, and snuck over to Georgetown Cupcake to sneak over a few to try, I was reminded of how lucky I am to be in this place, in this city, and surrounded by some of the best people that I have met in my time here.

It has been a busy summer for everyone in the Equinox family; and the likelihood of it slowing down is nil to none, and we really wouldn’t want it any other way.

-Veronica

August 5th Dining Under The Stars on the Woodrow Wilson Plaza

Ultimate Summer Supper Under the Stars to be Shared on 

The Woodrow Wilson Plaza

Limited Tickets Remain for the August 5, 2010 Debut of the Urban Farm Table on the Plaza

(July 21, 2010) It’s the first lesson every American learns as soon as they are old enough to sit at a picnic table: summer’s bounty tastes best when enjoyed outside. The event coordinators behind Washington, DC’s annual International Food and Wine Festival have tapped into the mythology of the American cookout and will up the the ante on al fresco dining with the debut of the Urban Farm Table. The occasional series of one-of-a-kind dining experiences launches Thursday, August 5, 2010 with a four-course celebration  prepared by leading local chefs including Todd Gray of Equinox in an exceptional one-night-only setting.

This singular summer supper will be served at long communal tables under the stars in the center of Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004). The Washington Wine Academy will pair sippable summer wines with each dish. Tailor-made for area foodies, the Urban Farm Table on the Plaza will gather like-minded diners together in an unprecedented cityscape and share access to the producers and creators of fine food. The invitation to the Urban Farm Table on the Plaza extends the mission of the International Food and Wine Festival: to connect diners with leading local and international producers and chefs, but for an exclusive, one-night-only celebration.

Says organizer Ellen Kassoff Gray, “The Urban Farm Table on the Plaza is more than a barbeque with a bureaucratic backdrop. We know it’ll be a special evening for our 80 guests and I’m sure it will inspire more people to consider not just what they eat but how they celebrate community.”

The presenting chefs for Urban Farm Table on the Plaza are Olivier Perret of Ici Urban Bistro; Todd Gray of Equinox; Xavier Deshayes of Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center; and Tiffany MacIssac of Birch & Barkey and ChurchKey.  Note: Chef bios and collaborative menu below.

The “star-studded” evening has been timed for maximum twinkle: canapes will be passed at sunset (8p.m.), and guests will be called to the table at dusk (8:45 p.m.). General admission tickets are $70; $60 for Tastepost.com members. Parking will available in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.  

Menu

Urban Farm Table on the Plaza, August 5, 2010

Canape Reception

Kluge Estate and Winery Blanc de Blanc NV (Charlottesville, VA)

Olivier Perret: Ici Urban Bistro

Sweet Pea Veloute with Grilled Carolina Day Boat Shrimp, Pea Tendrils, Olive Oil Foam

Albrecht Reisling Reserve 2009 (Alsace, France)

Todd Gray, Equinox Restaurant

Grilled Golden River Trout with Summer Succotash, Benton’s Tennessee Ham, Sweet Corn Vinaigrette

Nautilus Pinot Noir 2008 (Marlborough, NZ)

Xavier Deshayes, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Fire Roasted Ayreshire Farm Beef Striploin and Stuffed Baby Zucchini with Morel Mushrooms, Roquefort Beurre “Maitre d’Hotel”

Bodega Weinert Malbec 2004 (Argentina)

Tiffany MacIssac: Birch & Barley and ChurchKey

Jasmine Tea Mousse, Plum Sorbet with Coconut Cream and Yuzu

Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2009 (Italy)

***

For Tickets email 

wineandfoodeventsdc@gmail.com

 

Summer Dishes - a must try

Summer Menu Highlights:


After an amazing staff meeting this past week, I have to highlight 2 dishes that you must try. That’s right, I’m not even asking I am demanding you to. (Pretty please? With cherries on top?)

First is the Creamy Carolina Sweet Corn Soup with the added bonus of lump crab meat, fava beans, and lemon verbana. Obviously corn is the main character but what those little added bonuses do is offset the sweetness in a very subtle way. And with summer corn starting to overflow the markets this could be the “Lady Gaga” of the menu, as in a fierce star that you must get to know now.


Second is Fettuccine with Pork Ragout, which includes chickpeas, roasted corn, and sweet garlic butter. This dish has the earthy and hearty flavors that are so often seen in the colder months and then put aside once the heat hits. But here you will find those same intense flavors, without the heaviness that can coincide with winter dishes. The sauce is light and buttery with pork that just melts in your mouth. (Now I’m salivating!) If corn soup is this month’s Lady Gaga, than this dish is like the Rolling Stones; a class act that never gets old.


So what is everyone waiting for? Turn off the computer and head down here because I know you are hungry and want to give these a try.


-Veronica


Below are some photos of the new Equinox!