1. Rammy Awards Gala
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington honored the area’s best eateries at the 28th edition of these awards on June 7. This year’s gala, held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel for the first time, was slightly smaller than 2008’s 1,600-person party.
2. Washington, D.C. International Wine and Food Festival
The 10th annual two-day show brought a record 6,800 people to the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in February. Known more for its bottles than its bites, the event showcased more than 150 international wineries. It returns in February 2010.
3. Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show
This new entry on our list debuted in 2006, but kicked it up a notch in 2008 with big-name foodies including Paula Deen, Bobby Flay, and Giada De Laurentiis. The show, which features more than 200 exhibitors, returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on November 7 to 8.
4. Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation
On March 30, the D.C. outing of this national event moved to a new location, Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, where chefs from 40 high-end restaurants whipped up samples for the crowd and an auction raised money for local hunger-fighting organizations.
5. National Harbor Wine and Food Festival
This second annual event was expected to bring 10,000 people to National Harbor’s Awakening Plaza, pier, and marina on June 6 and 7. Attractions include a Belgian beer garden, wine tastings, and demonstrations by former Top Chef contestants.
