30+ of the D.C. region’s top chefs and mixologists to serve gourmet tastings and cocktails to support mission to deliver free, medically tailored meals throughout the DMV
WASHINGTON (April 10, 2025) – Food & Friends will host the 32nd Annual Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction, the premier culinary event of the season, bringing together the region’s top chefs, mixologists, and community leaders to advance the organization’s mission to support individuals living with chronic illnesses by providing medically tailored meals and groceries.
The event will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis DC.
Chef’s Best will feature gourmet tastings and signature cocktails from over 30 of the D.C. region’s top chefs and mixologists. The evening will culminate in a live auction, with the opportunity to bid on exclusive experiences and items, raising nearly $1 million in support of Food & Friends’ delivering 1.7 million medically tailored meals this year.
Chef Chair Yuan Tang, owner/culinary director of Rooster & Owl, will lead the culinary efforts, bringing his experience from Michelin-starred restaurants to the event. The emcee of the event will be Emmy-nominated reporter Erin Como of Fox 5 DC, known for her series “Cooking With Como” and her dedication to the local food scene.
“Chef’s Best is not only a celebration of the culinary gems in the region — it is a powerful demonstration of our community’s commitment to supporting our neighbors facing life-challenging illnesses,” said Carrie Stoltzfus, Food & Friends executive director. “Every bite, every bid, and every act of generosity helps ensure that our clients receive the nourishment and care they need to heal and thrive.”
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 32nd Annual Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction are available now. To learn more and secure spots, visit foodandfriends.org/engage/chefs-best/.
About Food & Friends
Food & Friends is the Washington region’s leading authority on “Food is Medicine” and the only community-based organization delivering medically tailored meals and medical nutrition therapy to neighbors living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses. Food & Friends’ services are free of charge to recipients who qualify solely based on their health status and nutritional needs, including for their dependents and caregivers. Monday-Saturday, staff and volunteers deliver to 6,172 square miles including the District of Columbia, nine counties in Maryland, and seven counties and six independent cities in Virginia. Since 1988, Food & Friends has delivered more than 30 million meals to 47,000 individuals. The organization is accredited by the national Food is Medicine Coalition.
For more information, visit FoodAndFriends.org or on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Cameron Whitaker
Director of Communications
cwhitaker@foodandfriends.org
O: 202-269-6875; C: 281-635-7418