Sunday, August 11 kicks off DC Beer Week 2013. Now in its fifth year, the event aims to educate people on good beer through various events and seminars.
The official kickoff event, Hop Chef takes place at Longview Gallery Sunday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. The popular beer-pairing competition brings out eight of the areas most talented chefs to pair a unique dish with a beer from Brewery Ommegang. The winner of the competition will receive the title of Hop Chef D.C.
The kickoff event is just one of eight flagship events and over 100 special events happening all week in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
“All the events are created and run by the individual venues,” says Mel Gold, Director of Communications & PR of DCBW. “This year there is such a diverse selection of events.”
Speaking of diverse events, on Wednesday, August 14 the Bier Baron Tavern is hosting a pinup contest with Fordham and Dominion. Bier Baron’s General Manager, Tad Dmuchowski is looking forward to having the annual contest hosted in D.C. this year.
“The winner of the pinup contest/pageant will be in the 2014 Fordham and Dominion calendar,” says Dmuchowski. “Registration starts at 8 p.m., followed by three rounds of judging.”
Owner of Hank’s Oyster Bar and lesbian chef, Jamie Leeds will be hosting the Schlafly Tap Specialty Take Over at Hank’s on the Hill on Thursday, August 15. Along with the restaurants usual craft beers, they will include one-time run brews exclusively for this happy hour.
Mel Gold with DCBW Founder Teddy Folkman (left) and 3 Stars Brewing Company’s co-founder Dave Coleman (right) – Photo by Elizabeth Parker Photographie
The organizers of DCBW are confident that this year’s festivities will have a different feel from last year’s festivities. According to Gold, many of the venues have “elevated their events this year.”
“There will be a real conversation about beer,” says Gold. “If you are a beer geek, there are many educational events you can attend, like the Beer101 class.”
Whether you’re a craft connoisseur, a beer lover or just curious about the craft beer movement, the week-long event has a little something for everyone.
Other events include Beers, Burgers & Baseball at National’s Park, DC Heritage Night Concert at Howard Theatre, Old Ebbit Grill’s Craft Brewhaha, and Penn Social’s Delaware Beer Night, just to name a few.
“I think it’s a fun celebration. The craft beer movement is growing and moving,” says Gold. “If you’re into beer and supporting local businesses, it’s a great thing to be a part of.”
DC Beer Week takes place Sunday, August 11 to Sunday, August 18 at various locations. For more information visit www.dcbeerweek.net.
