Outdoor dinner parties are something to look forward to throughout the warmer months. Everyone gets a few extra hours to watch the sun drop over the horizon as guests mingle, eat and drink without a worry that chilly nighttime air will push the party indoors. That’s just one of the reasons George Washington’s Mount Vernon is hosting its Spring Garden Party on Saturday, June 15.
The soiree gathers visitors to the grounds to browse the colorful, seasonal blooms throughout the gardens, while sipping wine and treating themselves to hors d’oeuvres, created by Nicholas Stefanelli, Michelin-star chef, James Beard Award nominee and owner of DC’s Masseria and Officina by Nicholas Stefanelli at The Wharf. The menu includes fried oysters, sea island shrimp, roasted cauliflower and nasturtium salad (a brightly colored edible flower).
Hors d’oeuvres will be paired with wine from AldenAlli of California, the winery co-owned by the family of Emeril Lagasse. Stefanelli and Dan Kosta, co-owners of AldenAlli, will be in attendance to mingle with guests in the garden throughout the evening.
Guests will also enjoy live colonial music, as well as visits from George Washington and his friends throughout the night. Select performances will be held from Cato, the late president’s favorite play from the 1800s.
For more information, visit mountvernon.org/// 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; June 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; $175 for members, $200 for non-members
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