Every year, the Washington City Paper gives us all a chance to vote on our favorites of all things DC as part of their widely popular “Best of DC” competition. From best overall restaurant to guacamole, restaurants and shops are pushing out all they have to offer in hopes of being named the “best of…”

IMG_4124 IMG_4130

After voting for several of our favorite places a couple months back, Al and I decided to head over to the Carnegie Library for the event which took place on April 9th. From the moment we walked up the red carpet and into the main hall, we knew it was going to be a night to remember. We started off by grabbing a cocktail sitting right in front of us, from an Old Town Alexandria favorite, PX bar, and a snack from Red Velvet Cupcakery around the corner.

893 892

As for my favorite cocktails of the night, I’ve come to the realization that if it says “Gibson” I’m going to love it.  So when we tried the different cocktails that they had crafted for the night, it was no surprise they were the favorites. For the best bite, we have to go with the burgers from STK DC, which have already had us counting down the days until we can try them out in DC.

891 IMG_4132

Other places that really caught our attention were the shredded pork bites from El Centro D.F., Carmines (meatballs), Hanks Oyster Bar (oysters), Georgia Browns (gumbo), and the sandwiches from Taylor Gourmet. The other cocktails that we really enjoyed were crafted by Bar Dupont – they are now on our list to check out the next time we’re in town.

896 897

The place was packed, and by 8:30 many of the restaurants were already out of their food and drink selections. Fortunately, we were there right at 7 and were able to get around to all of the spots on our list. There was live music, and a dance floor that we very much enjoyed, though we were too full to bust a proper move.  We’ve already determined that next year we will take the following day off, and not eat for a week leading up to the event.

IMG_4104 IMG_4105

It was a wonderful time, and Al was thrilled about not only the red carpet, but her first opportunity with a “step and repeat”.  I think she could get used to it…

IMG_4159

Hands down, an amazing and thoroughly enjoyable evening with all of the best DC has to offer.

Cheers!

Scott