Tuesday, May 8, 2018

World Central Kitchen's Efforts in Puerto Rico to Take Center Stage at Dine-N-Dash


From our friends at World Central Kitchen...

"Puerto Rico House" Pop-Up Will Celebrate the Strength, Food, and Culture of the Island

On Wednesday, June 6, 36 of DC’s best restaurants will participate in José Andrés’ annual summer culinary event, Dine-N-Dash, benefiting World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit of chefs creating smart solutions to hunger and poverty across the globe. For one night, guests can leave their wallets at home and enjoy endless food and drink in the dine-worthy Penn Quarter and 14th Street neighborhoods.

Founded by Andrés in 2010, World Central Kitchen has paved the way among chefs for philanthropic endeavors first offering aid following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti; and later in 2017, assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, then immediately following with its largest relief effort to date, feeding over 3.5 million victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.


Since arriving to the devastated island in September 2017, World Central Kitchen became the largest hot-meal emergency feeding operation on the island, with the help of dozens of chefs and over 20,000 volunteers under the #ChefsForPuertoRico movement.

World Central Kitchen will be celebrating these efforts during the Puerto Rico House pop-up at the National Union Building (918 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004.) The pop-up will feature cuisine from the #ChefsForPuertoRico (hashtag created to highlight this life-saving work) team, including Jose Enrique and Wilo Benet, live music, and other activations celebrating the generosity and resiliency of the people of Puerto Rico.

“I am excited to welcome my friends from #ChefsForPuertoRico to Dine-N-Dash to celebrate and recognize their leadership,” Andrés said. “This night will celebrate the strength and generosity of the people of Puerto Rico and show that this island is stronger than ever before.”

WHEN:
Wednesday, June 6th, 2018

WHAT:
Dine-N-Dash Red Carpet Arrivals and VIP Reception 'Puerto Rico House'
5:30 - 7:00 PM
Located at National Union Building (918 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004.)
* Invite-only guests/media and VIP ticket holders

Dine-N-Dash General Admission:
6:00 - 10:00 PM
Guests may then dash to any of the 36 participating restaurants in the dine-worthy Penn Quarter and 14th Street neighborhoods for unlimited food and drink until last call.

After-Party:
10:00 PM
Studio Theatre
Located at 1501 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Sponsored by MGM National Harbor

TICKETS:
GA: $150, VIP: $400 - available now: https://dinendash.info.

This year’s event, hosted by WCK founder José Andrés, will feature guest Puerto Rican chefs Wilo Benet and Jose Enrique, on-site at Puerto Rico House, Dine-N-Dash official pop-up restaurant dedicated to the island’s culture.

About Chef Wilo Benet:
Chef Wilo Benet is an author, television host and owner of the restaurant Pikayo, located in San Juan. He has been an integral participant in the partnership relief effort on the island lending personal support to Andres.

About Chef Jose Enrique:
Chef Jose Enrique is the owner of Jose Enrique Restaurant, which garnered a nod from Conde Nast Traveler on its international list of best new restaurants shortly after its opening in 2007. He was chosen as a Semifinalist for the 2013 James Beard Foundation award in the category of "Best Chef South", marking the first time in history a Puerto Rican chef has participated in this award. Enrique has, likewise, been a keystone of the rebuilding projects across the island working side by side to achieve stunning benchmarks of support on the still-ravaged island.

About World Central Kitchen:
World Central Kitchen is a network of chefs creating smart solutions to hunger and poverty. Its mission, to empower people to be part of the solution, with a focus on health, education, jobs, and social enterprise. Since its inception, WCK work has affected communities in Brazil, Cambodia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nicaragua, Zambia, and the United States - continuing to have a global impact on those it serves.

About José Andrés:
Recently honored with the James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year award and named of one TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, José Andrés continues to make his mark on humanity as an internationally-recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, humanitarian, and chef and owner of ThinkFoodGroup. He is a committed advocate of food and hunger issues and is known for championing the role of chefs in the national debate on food policy. This work has earned him awards and distinctions such as Outstanding American by Choice, awarded by President Barack Obama and the McCall-Pierpaoli humanitarian award, among many others. For more information, please visit www.joseandres.com.

About MGM National Harbor:
MGM National Harbor is the premiere entertainment destination located on the banks of the Potomac just outside of Washington, DC. Featuring a 3,000 seat Theater, 308 luxurious hotel rooms, restaurants from acclaimed chefs and a gaming floor bigger than the White House, MGM National Harbor delivers monumental experiences daily.