Drink for Dogs at the 11th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair, Feb 1
Here’s one yappy hour we can get behind: notable Washington bartenders and chefs will come together at the Reagan building on Wednesday, February 1 from 6–9 PM for the 11th annual Sugar & Champagne Affair to benefit the Washington Humane Society and its four-legged friends.
But there’s more to this event than just sparkling wine – expect libations from some of the best mixologists in the biz, including Gina Chersevani from PS 7’s, Alex Strange from Shab Row Bistro and Wine Bar, Simo Ahmadi from Watershed, Clinton Terry from Restaurant Eve, Taha Ismail from Graffiato and Sam Babcock from Bandolero, the forthcoming second solo venture from Top Chef Mike Isabella.
We recently were treated to a preview tasting of some of those drinks, and they’re worth getting excited about. Bandolero’s “City of Gold” cocktail features Milagro Reposado tequila, St. Germain, lemon juice, Cardamaro and a five-spice simple syrup. If that’s up your alley, make a note to check out the restaurant when it opens this spring; Babcock says the bar will feature a full array of margaritas (with multiple varieties of salt) as well as classic cocktails reinvented with tequila and mezcal.
Another one to seek out at Sugar & Champage is Graffiato’s “The Kingdom Come,” which Ismail whips up with Bluecoat gin, Green Chartreuse, passion fruit puree, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and Swedish herbs, all topped off with brandy cherries and cinnamon. “I’m originally from Morocco,” explains Ismail, who grew up making non-alcoholic punches with his mother. “We like to use spices and herbs.”
Of course, there will also be plenty of sweet eats to complement the liquid menu. Expect chocolate peanut butter pie with caramel corn from Founding Farmers, cupcakes from Sticky Fingers and an array of treats both sweet and savory from host restaurants Equinox, Watershed and Muse as well as other eateries including Acqua Al 2, Citronelle, Zentan and more. And don’t forget to bring Fido – leashed dogs are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Event Date: 02/01
Event Time: 6–9 PM
Location: Reagan Building
Price: $90
Website: support.washhumane.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=100861