Thousands Attend Food and Wine Fest

2nd annual Food and Wine Festival attracts thousands.

— More than 5,000 people attended the second annual Alexandria Food and Wine Festival June 22, which was held in the Carlyle District of Alexandria.

The festival featured entertainment by Duende Camaron and Flamenco while local artisans displayed their wares and arts and crafts activities were provided in the Children's Corner.

The Westin Hotel's Trademark Restaurant won Best Appetizer for its Bacon Candy; Walker's Grille won Main course with a Scallop Dish; and Desert was won by Alexandria Cupcake.

Other participating restaurants included La Tasca, Clyde's at Mark Center, San Antonio Bar & Grille, Rita's Ice, Theismann's Restaurant and Bar, Whole Foods, Crepe Deli and Railstop Gastro Pub.

This year's judge panel included ABC7/WJLA Good Morning Washington News Anchor Scott Thuman, 94.7 Fresh FM Kelly Collis from The Tommy Show, Lisa Shapiro from Dining in DC, and Molly Ahern from DC foodie site The List Are You On It.

The Wine Garden featured samples from 14 wineries with all profits being donated to ALIVE!

β€œIt's a little hot but I'm having fun,” said 10-year-old Kathryn Ouimet, who was visiting from Valley Forge, Pa., with her family. β€œI'm glad we came.”