Founding Farmers / Harvest Blog » Events & Outreach

Join Us for Dine Out for Farms: Oct. 16-22

Jenn — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:09:30 +0000

You know that Founding Farmers is committed to supporting the American Family Farmer. As part of that commitment, we’re taking part in the American Farmland Trust’s Dine Out for Farms — a national, weeklong event that brings together restaurants and consumers across the country to support a sustainable future for America’s farms. During the week of October 16-22, Founding Farmers and other participating restaurants will be educating diners about the importance of farms and raising funds to save the land that sustains us. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate delicious food and the farmers who grow it! Make your reservation today. And invite your friends to join you and help spread the AFT’s message: No Farms, No Food.

Announcing the Farmers & Warriors Program

Jenn — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:05:37 +0000

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, Founding Farmers is honored to team up with the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation to launch Farmers & Warriors as a way to give back to our fighting men and women. The PenFed Foundation supports the unmet needs of military personnel and their families through a range of financial and other assistance programs.

We’re helping out with PenFed’s TEXT2GIVE effort, and we’d like you to give us a hand: Starting on Memorial Day, May 30, text the word “DUTY” to 85944 and you’ll donate $10 to PenFed’s Military Heroes Fund, which provides wounded soldiers with services the Defense Department is unable to offer. This is just the start of what we hope will be an annual program to assist those who put themselves on the line to protect our borders, our values, and our freedoms.

Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo Shakes Up ‘Harold and Maude’ for ARTINI 2011

Jenn — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:01:42 +0000

Jon Arroyo's Harold & Maude cocktail

Come support Farmers & Fishers / Founding Farmers Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo as he serves up his inspired cocktail “Harold and Maude” influenced by Delacroix’s 1862 Tiger and Snake oil painting on canvas. Jon is a cheftestant in the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s annual ARTINI event, an exhibition of Washington’s top 12 mixologists, competing to craft premier cocktails inspired by a select work from the Corcoran collection.

At first glance, Jon “was stuck by the opposing forces portrayed in the painting” and was inspired by clash of a snake against a tiger, and their surprising and unconventional beauty when paired together. He then crafted what he calls “Harold and Maude”, a cocktail inspired off yet another unusual, mismatched couple featuring seemingly incompatible ingredients that become brilliant when shaken together.

This April 2, the ARTINI cocktail party celebrates its fourth year at the Corcoran Gallery of Art from 8:30pm to midnight and showcases the inspired cocktails of all 12 mixologists, with an open beer and wine bar, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, music, and dancing. The winning ARTINI will be announced during the evening. It’s not too late to cast your vote for “Harold and Maude” to support Jon!

Viewing Party: Founding Farmers on Food Network, March 14 at 10PM

Jenn — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:12:43 +0000

On Monday, March 14, Founding Farmers will be featured on Food Network’s Meat & Potatoes. In December, host and carnivore extraordinaire, Rahm Fama learned how we make our popular Yankee Pot Roast and Fried Green Tomatoes. Chef Al Nappo worked his magic in front of the camera, cooking up the slow-cooked beef chuck, roasted with root vegetables and served on top of our buttery homemade whippers. As if that is not enough, chef also dished out a side of his classic crispy Fried Green Tomatoes with creamy herbed goat cheese and Green Goddess dips.

Join us for a viewing party at the Founding Farmers bar on Monday, March 14 from 9:30 to 10:30 pm. Sample complimentary Bacon Lollis as they are dished out throughout the show and meet the man behind behind the magic, Chef Al!

Jon Arroyo Set to Compete in the Quill Cocktail Competition

Jenn — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:17:46 +0000

This Sunday, Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo will take on five other top Washington mixologists in a cocktail combat. Contestants will have 20 minutes to concoct a drink using Jefferson’s signature bourbon.

Battlegrounds are in the Jefferson Hotel Quill Lounge. Tickets to the event are $50 and include passed cocktails and snacks beginning at 2:00 pm. At 3:00 pm, the battle begins, guests will sample the goods, and only one mixologist will reign supreme. Good luck, Jon!

Viewing Party: Founding Farmers on Food Network, Jan 3 at 10PM

Jenn — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 12:00:43 +0000

On Monday, January 3, Chef Robert Irvine will showcase Founding Farmers’ Devil-ish Eggs Combo for The Best Thing I Ever Ate reinvented classics episode. Chef Irvine sampled the decadent snacks while visiting Washington, DC.

In June, a Food Network crew spent the afternoon at Founding Farmers capturing the preparation process from peeling to plating. Executive Chef Al Nappo revealed his tricks for reinventing this classic family dish by adding fresh lobster, crab, smoked salmon and a few secret ingredients that make the filling so unforgettable.

Join us for a viewing party at the Founding Farmers bar on Monday, January 3 from 10:00 to 11:00 pm. The episode begins at 10:00 pm, so pull up a bar stool and sample one of the complimentary Devil-ish Eggs we’ll be dishing out throughout the show.

Founding Farmers serves up over 1,000 cage-free Devil-ish Eggs each month. From the classic to the three seafood varieties, these gourmet bar snacks are in high demand. We hope you’ll join us on January 3 to enjoy this reinvented classic dish.

Washington’s Best Food and Cocktail Pairings at Spirit of the Festival

Jenn — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:04:53 +0000

Herb-crusted rotisserie chicken paired with the Dolores Dulces cocktail, a soon-to-be menu feature

Founding Farmers is one of just five restaurants to be showcased at the inaugural prelude event to the International Wine & Food Festival in February. On November 30, Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo and Executive Chef Al Nappo will team up at Spirit of the Festival and use Patron XO Café to create a unique cocktail and food pairing. This week, the duo gave DC food journalists and bloggers a first taste of the pairing.

The Dolores Dulces cocktail features Patron XO Café, cognac, cherry brandy, egg white and a garnish of fresh grated nutmeg. The rich and delicious concoction pairs nicely with Chef’s herb-crusted rotisserie chicken with Maryland kale, cabbage and pears sautéed in Patron XO Café. Founding Farmers will feature the Dolores Dulces for a limited time after the competition.

A Food Fight for DC Central Kitchen

Jenn — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:39:14 +0000

This Thursday at 6:00 pm, Founding Farmers will join dozens of Washington’s most popular restaurants at the Capital Food Fight, a unique and exclusive fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen. Chef Al Nappo will dish out seasonal butternut squash and mascarpone cheese ravioli with sage butter sauce.

The evening is sure to pack an exciting punch as celebrity chefs, Anthony Bourdain, Tom Colicchio, Michael Mina, Eric Ripert and José Andrés host and judge this epic food fight.

Chef Nappo Joins Signature Chefs at March of Dimes Auction

Jenn — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:33:50 +0000

On October 26, Chef Nappo will join 20 of Washington’s top chefs at the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction. He will serve Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli to auction guests at the Ritz-Carlton.

Chef Al Nappo works hard preparing one of the most popular dishes of the night. Photo Credit: DC on Heels

Chef Nappo's Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli was a huge hit at Tuesday's event. Photo Credit: DC on Heels

Founding Farmers is also donating an auction item – “Dessert the Farmers Way,” including a dining certificate, a freshly-baked cake and two bottles of Wasmund’s Rye Whiskey, handcrafted exclusively for Founding Farmers. This dessert package, among other dining certificates and getaways, will be auctioned throughout the evening.

Founding Farmers Serves Key to the Cure Fundraiser

Jenn — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:09:18 +0000

On Thursday, Founding Farmers and sister restaurant Farmers & Fishers will support Suburban Hospital’s Key to the Cure fundraiser at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase. Executive Chef Al Nappo will serve Founding Farmers housemade potato chips with shmears, and chocolate-covered bacon lollis from Farmers & Fishers. Eighteen other participating restaurants will also serve tasty treats to philanthropic shoppers from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.