For Immediate Release
May 20, 2009

Destination DC Teams Up with Bon Appétit and Epitourean.com
to Create Ultimate Foodie Weekend in Washington, DC

Hip & Hungry Getaway showcases award-winning chefs, local fare and international flavors in
food-filled weekend, Sept. 24-27

WASHINGTON, DC – This fall, food and wine lovers will discover why DC’s dining scene has captured the attention of world-famous chefs, restaurant critics and even the new First Family during an exclusive weekend experience.  Developed and launched by Bon Appétit magazine, culinary tour operator Epitourean and Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the nation’s capital, the Hip & Hungry Getaway—Washington, DC showcases the city’s most inspiring foodie moments, from cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes with celebrity chefs to farm-to-table tasting dinners. The four-day, three-night tour, which includes distinctive overnight accommodations at the Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C., is offered Sept. 24-27, 2009 and is available exclusively through culinary tour operator Epitourean.com.

“Washington, DC is an exciting place to be right now and has one of the most diverse culinary experiences in the country. DC is a perfect match with Bon Appétit readers and a powerful city to launch our branded epicurean tours here in the U.S.,” said Paul Jowdy, Vice President & Publisher for Bon Appétit magazine.

“Foodies are watching a new First Family that dines out in DC restaurants and keeps a garden on the grounds of the White House, and that shines the spotlight on how much DC is evolving as a culinary destination,” said Victoria Isley, Sr. VP, Marketing, Destination DC. “Partnering with a strong culinary brand like Bon Appétit to share this DC foodie experience gives us even more credibility with food-focused travelers.” 

The Hip and Hungry Getaway brings together some of DC’s finest foodie experiences, including:
• An opening reception at Zola Wine & Kitchen featuring Bon Appétit Magazine Editor and Iron Chef Judge Andrew Knowlton and Certified Sommelier Elli Benchimol.  Chef Bryan Moscatello will provide bountiful displays and entertaining cooking demonstrations. Proceeds from the reception benefit DC Central Kitchen, a restaurant-driven charity that fights hunger and provides food service job training.
• A hands-on soul food cooking demonstration with DC’s own Top Chef finalist Carla Hall.
• Cooking demonstrations and decadent tasting dinners with award-winning DC chefs, including CityZen’s Eric Ziebold and culinary innovator José Andrés.
• A neighborhood walking tour of DC insider favorites, from Ben’s Chili Bowl to Teaism, plus curator-led tours of Julia Child’s Kitchen at the National Museum of American History and the U.S. Botanic Garden.
• A tour of the Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market with co-founder and co-director Ann Yonkers, and lunch with Nora Pouillon who made DC the home of the first certified organic restaurant in the U.S.

The tour will be marketed extensively to Bon Appétit’s 6.1 million readers through in-book advertising, online and email vehicles, as well as through Bon Appétit’s Travel Board. Destination DC and Epitourean will also use electronic and web marketing channels to promote the weekend getaway.
 
“With an increasing number of people looking for culinary experiences when traveling, it was our desire to provide an extraordinary epicurean adventure that would create memories for a lifetime,” said David Loy, CEO, Epitourean.com.  “Washington, DC is rising as one of the most popular foodie destinations in the country due to its international flavor.” 

For more information about the Hip & Hungry Culinary Getaway – Washington DC, please visit www.washington.org/hipandhungry, www.bonappetitnow.com, and www.epitourean.com/hipandhungry.

ABOUT BON APPÉTIT MAGAZINE
Bon Appétit magazine, a Condé Nast Publication, celebrates the world of great food and the pleasure of sharing it with others.  Every issue engages nearly six million readers in a hands-on experience regarding all aspects of the epicurean lifestyle – cooking, dining out, wine and spirits, travel, entertaining, shopping and kitchen design.  Both creative inspiration and practical guide, Bon Appétit magazine delivers that just-right mix of sophistication and accessibility, indulgence and simplicity, and quality.  Please visit www.bonappetit.com 

ABOUT DESTINATION DC
Destination DC serves as the lead organization to successfully manage and market Washington, DC as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination, with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historical communities.  By developing and executing centralized and cohesive sales and marketing strategies, Destination DC generates economic development for the city through tourism and meetings.  For more information, please visit www.destinationdc.com.  

ABOUT EPITOUREAN, LLC
Epitourean is a leading online travel marketplace, strategically focused on culinary travel, one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry.  Through the development of premium food and wine getaways, Epitourean provides travelers with high value, focused epicurean experiences throughout the United States – giving culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to learn, and potentially develop lasting connections with people, places and events.  Please visit us at www.epitourean.com

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PRESS CONTACTS:
 
FOR BON APPÉTIT:
Frederika Brookfield
212-286-3508
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FOR DESTINATION DC:
Rebecca Pawlowski
202-789-7099
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FOR EPITOUREAN, LLC:
PJ Inc.
Pamela Johnston
212-629-8445
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