Flavor-Packed ‘Taste of Georgetown’ Satisfies Again

A beautiful Saturday added to the food, fun and crowds of the 19th Annual Taste of Georgetown, June 2, held along a section of pedestrian-only Wisconsin Avenue between M and South Streets. Presented by the Georgetown Business Improvement District, all proceeds from the Taste of Georgetown benefit the Georgetown Ministry Center’s services supporting the homeless, which is headquartered at nearby Grace Episcopal Church.

The signature event highlighted the cuisine, chefs and crews of some of Washington, D.C.’s best-known dining spots. Samples of dishes from 25 of Georgetown’s restaurants were offered along with music with Blues Alley musical ensembles on Georgetown University’s Taste of Music Stage and a Washington City Paper Pavilion on the Eagle Bank lot that featured more than 25 craft beers, and wine and specialty cocktail sampling. Crab cake BLT sliders, lobster rolls, pasta, falafel, cupcakes (of course) and pies. Old favorites were back, such as Martin’s Tavern. Newcomers made their debut, such as Shut Your Pie Hole, connected to the historic Copperthite Pie Baking Company, which is no really new. It plans to open a pie shop in Georgetown soon.

Judging the extensive samples were Mike Isabella of the newly opened Bandolero, Sam K of Hot 99.5 Radio, Jessica Sidman of the City Paper and Katie Aberbach of Washington Post Express.

The winners were:

= Best use of seasonal ingredients: Clyde’s (green gazpacho)

= Veg Friendly: Muncheez (falafel)

= Best way to satiate a sweet tooth: Café Bonaparte (crepes)

= Carnivore’s dream dish: Bodega (paella)

= Best Overall: Neyla (all dishes)