#1 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
After moving to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s industry awards grew from its 28,000-square-foot footprint in 2013 to the 43,000-square-foot space in 2014. Planners used the space to add more food pavilions and eliminate lines. Next: June 7, 2015
#2 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, and other celebrity chefs are a big draw at the culinary gathering, but the more than 20,000 attendees also come for cooking classes and the grand tasting with samples from 50 local restaurants. Next: November 8-9, 2014
#4 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The culinary benefit, which supports the No Kid Hungry campaign, fills the National Building Museum with guests who sample fare from more than 70 bars and restaurants, such as Blue Duck Tavern, B Too, and District Doughnut. Next: April 13, 2015
#5 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event (new to the list)
Organized by chefs José Andrés and Alice Waters and cookbook author Joan Nathan, the culinary benefit marked its sixth year in 2014. The two-night event begins with a cocktail-centric reception (dubbed "Sips") followed by intimate "Suppers" cooked by chefs and served in private homes across the city. Next: January 24-25, 2015
#6 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
More than 40,000 guests attended the seventh edition of the festival, which includes both indoor and outdoor events. The cooking stage featured top local chefs such as Mike Isabella, Bryan Voltaggio, and Rahman “Rock” Harper. Next: May 2-3, 2015
