The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority today announced its partnership with Cultural Tourism DC's Passport DC 2016 for the 8th annual Embassy Chef Challenge. The Embassy Chef Challenge — which will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. — will host eighteen embassy chefs presenting signature epicurean delights to compete for the “Judge’s Choice” and “People's Choice” awards. At this year’s event, Dulles International will provide menus highlighting the diverse mix of international fare found at the region’s international airport. Reagan National is proud to announce that the head chef of its Kapnos Taverna location, Chef Manuel Rodriguez, will act as a judge on this year’s panel. Rodriguez won both awards in the 2015 challenge on behalf of the Embassy of Venezuela. His winning dish was one he titled “Back to Life,” a seafood and shellfish ceviche in tomato sauce and his version of “summer on a plate.” 

“Reagan National and Dulles International airports connect the nation’s capital to the world, and we especially wanted the dining options at Dulles to reflect its role as the region’s international gateway,” said Steve Baker, the Airports Authority’s vice president for customer and concessions development. “With the exceptional quality of dining options from chefs like Manuel Rodriguez, for international and domestic travelers alike, the journey truly begins with us.”

Highlights from the Dulles International menu include: Lamb Sausage Skewers at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Steak Frites at Bistro Atelier and Huevos Rancheros at Bracket Room.

Reagan National and Dulles International, in partnership with the Embassy Chef Challenge, conducted a social media promotion for two (2) pairs of tickets to experience the Embassy Chef Challenge competition in person. Entries were collected from the @Reagan_Airport and @Dulles_Airport Twitter feeds.

Passport DC 2016 is a month-long journey around the world highlighting D.C.'s thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. Celebrated annually in May, which is International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington, Passport DC is 31 days of programming by 70 embassies and more than 40 of D.C.'s very best cultural institutions. Tickets and more information on the Embassy Chef Challenge can be found at www.EmbassyChefChallenge.org.

About the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority:

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, the Dulles Airport Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road and also manages construction of the Silver Line project, a 23-mile extension of the Washington region’s Metrorail public transit system through Fairfax County and into Loudoun County, Virginia. More than 44 million passengers a year pass through the two airports. The Airports Authority generates more than 387,000 jobs in the National Capital Region.

About Cultural Tourism DC:

Cultural Tourism DC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to deliver memorable experiences and learning opportunities in the areas of heritage, international exchange, and humanities. Working in partnership with local government, business, and tourism agencies, the organization envisions Washington, D.C. as a city rich with diverse culture and heritage that generates civic pride and economic prosperity in neighborhoods. Through its five celebrated signature programs, Cultural Tourism DC works to broaden, deepen, and diversify audiences for the arts in D.C.; audiences whose participation enriches the creative economy of the city