By Robert R. Bernstein
"Think Global. Taste Local." The theme of the first annual Food and Wine Festival at National Harbor this weekend invited visitors to share in a gastronomic extravaganza. As this was the debut event at the new county-based development along the Potomac waterfront, many eyes - and tastebuds - were centered on numerous activities and delicacies, and they were not disappointed.
Participants sampled edibles and beverages from local and international chefs and caterers. New restaurants expected to establish locations within the Harbor were also represented, offering a taste and a glimpse of things to come.
Cakelove, a high-end bakery from the Baltimore and DC area offered a medley of cakes including delicious carrot cake, strawberry shortcake and nine different variations on the traditional chocolate cake. They will have a presence on the National Harbor grounds.
Photo courtesy: National Harbor
Theo Chocolate, from Seattle ,Washington, a producer of organic chocolate using Fair Trade cocoa beans offered their 3400 Phinney chocolate bar in both a milk and dark chocolate that will be available in local gourmet markets such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.
Showcasing their line of roasted coffee beans, Bluebird Artisanal Coffee Roasters, of Baltimore, Maryland, were there offering visitors a taste that is a step above the coffees from that very visible national chain.
King Arthur Flour, from Vermont, were on hand with baked goods made with their gourmet flour. Their baking products and kitchen aids are available on their website and will soon be available in our area at Whole Foods.
The chef from McCormick & Schmicks offered a spicy jambalaya.
Bangkok Joe's presented Thai Hom Mali rice, a variety of rice only available in Thailand. The rice was presented in a variety of Thai chicken dishes.
Timothy Dean's staff was nearby creating buzz plugging his jazz bistro as the spot for jazz lovers visiting the Harbor.
For the wine enthusiast, this was a playground of sensory pleasure as varietals from California, other domestic wine producers, and of course, popular worldwide vintages took centerstage.
Local markets and farms were well represented with many agricultural produce to sample. Some of the most popular stops for visitors included those with samples of cheeses, breads and sauces. The beverage possibilities included excellent apple ciders, intriguing coffees and new bottled teas with a botanical lift from a company called Tizane. Not to be outdone were the gift shops whose merchants displayed a variety of wonderfully unique items for birthdays, Father's Day and graduations.
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