The 20th anniversary of the Capital Food Fight fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen took place November 7th at The Anthem. Guests enjoyed bites from local eateries and cooking competitions included celebrity chef Carla Hall and former Washington National Ryan Zimmerman. Courtesy of Fredo Vasquez

By Melissa Silverman 

On November 7, celebrity chefs, local foodies and philanthropists crowded The Anthem for the 20th anniversary of the Capital Food Fight, a fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen. 

From their home in Buzzard Point, DC Central Kitchen is a nonprofit social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation, including hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment. DC Central Kitchen serves healthy, fresh meals in DC schools, delivers affordable produce to neighborhood corner stores, and operates a fast-casual cafe. 

In support of DC Central Kitchen’s work, Food Fight attendees gathered to sample bites from more than 80 local restaurants, including many Southwest favorites, like Colada Shop, Del Mar, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Hen Quarter, Ilili, Limani, Moonraker, Phillipe by Phillipe Chow and The Point D.C. 

Partner at The Point D.C. Corey Arnez Griffin, also a Southwest neighbor, said “This is such an important event to raise money for DC Central Kitchen. Over the years, we’ve partnered with DCCK and seen the amazing work that they do. I’m excited to be here and the food is amazing.”

On the main stage, four top local chefs competed in a culinary battle, providing the crowd a live version of their favorite cooking competition television shows. The competition was hosted and judged by celebrity chefs including Carla Hall, Spike Mendelsohn and Andrew Zimmern, and special guest Ryan Zimmerman, the former Washington Nationals stalwart. 

“I just think this event is so fun every year,” attendee Melissa Ford said. “It’s such a wonderful time, we get to have such delicious foods from local establishments that I really love.”

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