Food lovers around the DMV gathered at the Anthem on Thursday, July 13th for Washingtonian’s Best of Washington tasting event! This year’s disco themed event was bigger and better than ever, and guests celebrated the event’s return after a three year hiatus with incredibly delicious food and drinks, a dazzling dance party, and plenty of funky photo opps. Attendees enjoyed small bites from over 60 local restaurants, many of whom were recognized on Washingtonian’s Top 100 Best Restaurant 2023 list. Each restaurant showcased a signature item from their menu making this event a great opportunity for attendees to discover new restaurants to add to their DMV favorites list.
The Anthem marquee lit up for Best of WashingtonCrowd shot of the AnthemDisco stilt walker shinning with the disco ballsGuest posing in front of GEICO’s photo opp!President & CEO of Washingtonian Cathy Merrill, Embassy of Qatar’s Legend Brumbraugh and Ahmad Al-ShebaniAmerican Beverage Association’s custom marquee barThe Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States hosted a private party on the stage of the AnthemSuzanne Clark, Cathy MerrillDr. Navin Singh, Stephanie Singh, Alka Dhillon, Amar DhillonChef Danny Lee and Chef Angel Barreto of ANJURobb Micek, Crystal Bowyer, Meredith Hamme, Amy Brink
Guests in their best disco fits grooved on the dance floorDaughan Pitts, Britt Hogue, Ebony ThomasEmbassy of Qatar’s Hamad Al Muftah and President & CEO of Washingtonian Cathy Merrill
Guests enjoyed food from over 60 local restaurantsPresident and CEO of Washingtonian Cathy Merrill pulls the winner for the Turkish Airlines tickets with Manuel Fernandes, Turkish Airlines Regional Marketing ManagerMary Kane, Kellyanne Conway, John KaneJamon from Jaleo!Turkish Airlines loungeGuests posed in the Turkish Airlines 360 photo boothAgora DC served food in the Turkish Airlines loungePorsche brought in 3 cars which were displayed during the event
Caricature fashion artists sketched guests in the Porsche loungePorsche served custom Aperol Spritz’s throughout the eveningPenFed’s lounge area “Studio PenFed” had a studio 54 themePenFed also served custom disco ball cake pops in their lounge
Chefs served samples for the 2000 guests who attended Best of WashingtonGuests smiling in MGM National Harbor’s loungeMGM’s intimate and elegant lounge spacePresident & CEO of Washingtonian Cathy Merrill, Scott Nash and Erin Egan of METASusan Neely, Franklin DavisMax Castroparedes, Ahmad Alshebano, Paula D, Will Swanson, Jim Courtovich and guest
Stephan Kae, Annie King, Lauren Ivey, Caroline Colavita, David Jack, Sarah HahnMeredith M, Alicia Barahona, Kimberly Russo
View from the American Beverage partyOne of the many delicious bites served at BOWQuon from Quon’s Eyes styling a guest
Chef’s smiling as guests enjoy their offerings
Guests posting in front of the Anthem’s Best of Washington marquee