For the 13th year, MetroCooking DC is being held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this weekend, Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2.
Attendees of the region’s largest culinary show will be able to shop among 200 specialty food exhibitors, experience live demos from James Beard honored chefs, participate in interactive home entertaining and cooking workshops, and attend book signings from authors from throughout the country.
Among the MetroCooking DC’s featured speakers will be celebrated chefs Emeril Lagasse and Jacques Pepin, lifestyle maven Bethenny Frankel, Emmy-award winning Lidia Bastianich, and TV host and cookbook author Carla Hall
Several interactive events during the show include a two-day Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden, with craft beer, specialty wines and spirits; and A Made in DC pavilion that will showcase local specialty food manufacturers. At the BBQ Bash on Saturday, Dec. 1, attendees will find the area’s top barbecue restaurants and pitmasters offering food samples and giving grilling tips and trends. And on Sunday, Dec. 2, more than 50 restaurants will serve up signature sweet and savory bites at the 6th annual Grand Tasting Pavilion benefiting SOME (So Others Might Eat).
New this year will be a Holiday Gingerbread House Competition at which local professional and amateur bakers will showcase their creations and vie for prizes including “People’s Choice”.
General admission tickets are priced at $21.50, which includes admission to the James Beard Cooking Stage and the Exhibitor Marketplace. Events such as the Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden; BBQ Bash; and the Grand Tasting are sold separately. VIP ticket packages are also available, which provide a backstage meet and greet with Emeril Lagasse, plus access to additional ticketed special events.
