Photo: Gordon Beall/Courtesy of the Inn at Little Washington
The Inn at Little Washington—a local foodie destination 70 miles from the district in Washington, Virginia—marked its 30th anniversary last week, and plans are underway for its gala celebration on April 9 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Chef and owner Patrick O'Connell has already invited some top names in the food world, including Thomas Keller and Alice Waters, as reported by Yeas and Nays.
Some 500 guests are shelling out from $575 a seat to $25,000 a table to attend the black-tie event, benefiting the children’s health organization Five and Alive—and, presumably, to consume some exquisite grub. “The menu is still being worked out and probably won't be confirmed for about another month," said Inn marketing manager Rachel Hayden, adding that the selection will be from O'Connell's recipes, made possible with a joint effort from the Inn's kitchen staff and Design Cuisine Caterers.Hayden added that Andrea Mitchell, NBC's chief foreign affairs correspondent, will be the M.C., and that the entertainment will include a special performance from the Washington Ballet. Also, in keeping with the night of food appreciation, O’Connell will present his short film on 30 years of American cuisine, honoring such figures as Julia Child and James Beard.
Some 500 guests are shelling out from $575 a seat to $25,000 a table to attend the black-tie event, benefiting the children’s health organization Five and Alive—and, presumably, to consume some exquisite grub. “The menu is still being worked out and probably won't be confirmed for about another month," said Inn marketing manager Rachel Hayden, adding that the selection will be from O'Connell's recipes, made possible with a joint effort from the Inn's kitchen staff and Design Cuisine Caterers.Hayden added that Andrea Mitchell, NBC's chief foreign affairs correspondent, will be the M.C., and that the entertainment will include a special performance from the Washington Ballet. Also, in keeping with the night of food appreciation, O’Connell will present his short film on 30 years of American cuisine, honoring such figures as Julia Child and James Beard.