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A private VIP table offers up cuisine from Chef Jason Alley
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Drag queens Dolly Curlycup, Felicia Beefeater and Hilda Seaview pose for a photo
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A specialty cake from Penny Keras and Hello Cupcake
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Takoma Park, Md., restaurant Republic serves up pomegranate, pickled shallots, pistachios and mint.
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Richmond's Chef Peter Chang of Peter Chang China Cafe
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Chef Peter Chang's eggplant skewers, prepared traditional Szechuan-style
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A ticket to ride
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Chef Mike Isabella of Richmond's newly opened Graffiato
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Chef Mike Isabella's signature octopus dish
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Richmond's Chef Jason Alley supporting equality while he works
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Guests fill The Ritz-Carlton, sampling bites from celebrity chefs
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D.C.'s Iron Gate Restaurant serves up oak-roasted baby carrots
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Richmond's Chef Jason Alley of Comfort and Pasture serves the hungry crowd
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Commonwealth Gin representing Virginia at the 2014 Chefs for Equality
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A bite of butternut squash with lobster
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Kelly Muccio, Jonathan Staples and Hilda Staples smile for the camera
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Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe addresses the crowd
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A sample of savory pecan with giblet, sage bread pudding, cranberry and orange salsa
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Cakes for equality
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Roger White, Zach Webber and Kevin Ford smile bright
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Shake Shack slings frosty shakes
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Liz Martinez, Anna Ma, Aimee Mavragis and Jenn Smira enjoy the evening
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Foie gras tart from West End Bistro
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Cake, we dare say, is also for lovers
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Grayson cheese croquette and lardo from 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church, Va.
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Amanda McClements, Elaine Mazanec and Sally Irmer delight in an evening for equality
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House-smoked salmon, everything aioli and double-baked rye from D.C.'s DGS Delicatessen
Marriage equality never tasted so sweet. The Human Rights Campaign's third annual Chefs for Equality event was a smashing success last night at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C. The big star and LGBT champion of the sold-out event was none other than Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who could be heard saying, "As long as I'm governor, you have a friend in the capital" between bouts of roaring applause. Over 500 attendees had the chance to participate in a silent auction as they navigated a maze of Virginia-D.C.-Maryland restaurant, bakery and bar stations offering up an endless supply of miniature nibbles, all in support of marriage equality.
The night had a distinctly Virginia focus, featuring chefs and distilleries including chef Jason Alley of Comfort and Pasture, chef Mike Isabella of Richmond's newly opened Graffiato, chef Peter Chang of Peter Chang China Café, and Rappahannock River Oysters, which had its sea fare in four booths. Richmond's very own James River Distillery also served drinks infused with their Commonwealth Gin.
Now in his third year of participating in Chefs for Equality, Isabella looked delighted and at ease while VIPs enjoyed his signature slow-cooked octopus dish. Isabella noted that many of the chefs participating are good friends, so this annual event really is "the community coming together to support a good cause."
