Equinox Restaurant’s Summer Celebration with Food & Wine’s Best New Chef Karen Nicolas

“Cheers to female chefs making a name in D.C.!” That was the call that was heard loud and clear when the new Executive Chef for Todd Gray’s Equinox Restaurant, Karen Nicolas, won the prestigious title of Best New Chef 2012 by Food & Wine magazine.  And yes, Washingtonians, she’s HERE, a blink away from the White House, in one our favorite dining venues.

Ellen Kassoff Gray and Chef Karen Nicolas

Jason Kampf of CoVant (and Punch Paparazzo), Chef Todd Gray and photographer Michael Woestehoff

Just to show you how strongly folks feel about the movement of women chefs at the top of their field, and how many friends and supporters restauranteurs/power couple Ellen and Todd Gray have, the restaurant closed down late Sunday afternoon to host a private affair honoring Chef Karen.  The place was packed.  Had it not been 100+ temps with severe storm warnings (we lucked out and only had rain), we would have been eating, drinking and dancing in the street (sort of), but the hosts kindly kept us cool by holding the event within the glass enclosed dining room. Some dared to venture to the patio though (shout out to Carol Joynt!), sitting and enjoying platefuls of grilled Apricot Mustard and Rosemary Glazed Pork Belly Skewers, Vadouvan Spiced Flank Steak, BBQ Eberly Chicken and Fresh Lake Trout, with sides like Tomato Salad with Pickled Watermelon Rind & Fennel Vinaigrette, Skillet Baked Cheddar Cornbread, Grilled Toigo Peach Salad with Radicchio, Goat Cheese & Yuzu Vinaigrette, Proscuitto/Mozzarella Platter with Accoutrements, Mini Corn on the Cob with BBQ Spice, Lime, Chicharrone Crumbs and Fingerling Potato Salad with Shellbeans & Lemon Caraway Vinaigrette spilling over.

my first plate (went up for round two later!)

frosty cold brews and rose and white wines...and reds were enjoyed

We came back for seconds and thirds, while downing wines and cold beers and listening to the live performance of The Walkaways and catching up on past and future summer travels.  Then before it was too late, we were privy to some sweet endings like Brownies with Glazed Bing Cherries and Individual Fruit Pies.

The Walkaways

Gina Dakouni of Fujimar and Lima Restaurants and Danielle Tergis of The Tergis Group

Ellen brought Chef Karen around to make introductions.  She seemed sweet, shy, and humble, yet serious and ready to take on any challenge in the kitchen and at her new-found abode.

Equinox is located at 818 Connecticut Avenue, NW. For times, reservations, and menus, please go to http://equinoxrestaurant.com/.

More photos HERE & slideshow HERE.