Chef Devin E. Johnson, Embassy of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and judge Tim Carmen, food reporter for The Washington Post. Photo by Don Tanguilig

Perhaps nothing exemplifies a nation’s identity and culture more than its traditional cuisine. Among the highlights of Washington DC are the many cultures represented among its host of communities, international organizations and embassies (more than any other city in the world).

Unbeknownst to most of us, hidden talents are creating culinary masterpieces behind the walls of Washington’s embassies. These embassy chefs are themselves cultural ambassadors, sharing their national dishes for state dinners and other events, without the media attention or fanfare of other top restaurant chefs.

The 4th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge, sponsored by local non-profit Cultural Tourism DC, culminated in a fun and flavorful fundraising event Thursday night at the Ronald Reagan Building. Cultural Tourism DC promotes the cultural treaures of Washington through a host of events, neighborhood heritage trails, culture events for kids, the month-long international festival Passport DC and more.
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