The Tastemakers Food Hall opened up on April 21 in the Brookland neighborhood. This new venue features local eateries -- and cooking classes!
Want a new place to head to for a ton of food options in Washington, D.C.? Check out the newly opened Tastemakers Food Hall! This new venue features mini-restaurants from local eateries, a large commercial kitchen, and a cocktail bar. WHERE: 2800 10th St. NE, Washington, D.C., 20017 WHEN: Wed.–Thur: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Fri.–Sat.: 4 p.m.–12 a.m. According to founders Kirk and Juliann Francis, they are "building a neighborhood gathering space where taste testers, the area food lovers, can interact with our taste makers. We want this to be a place for engagement and education for anyone interested in learning culinary skills or trying out a hot new concept." Kirk and Juliann are not new to the Washington, D.C., food scene. The pair founded Captain Cookie, which will be joining the food hall. Other vendors include Bullfrog Bagel, D.C. Vegan, Ball or Nothing, D.C. Steakholders, Shrub District, Taqueria del Barrio, and Alchemist Coffee. This place will have food options for everyone! The restaurants rent the space for six months at a time, so there is an opportunity for a variety of restaurants to enter the arena. [caption id="attachment_8889" align="aligncenter" width="661"]
Courtesy of Bullfrog Bagels[/caption]
Benjamin's on Franklin will be open for cocktails and local brews Wednesdays and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Their menu features classics such as daiquiris and Moscow mules and original drinks such as the Junto -- with gin, aperol, shrub district pineapple allspice, simple syrup, and egg white. Their happy hour features $8 classic drinks and $5 drafts Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
In addition to providing food and drinks, the food hall will host classes for people who want to learn to cook themselves. Their next upcoming class will teach attendees how to cook a delicious French dinner. Tickets are $75 and include a cocktail, amuse bouche, and a wine or beer. The large communal kitchen makes it the perfect location for group classes as well as a space for the local restaurants to make their food.
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Courtesy of Tastemakers[/caption]
The founders spent $1.2 million to renovate the former mayonnaise factory into the newest foodie location. The building is equipped with modern, eco-friendly appliances such as Energy Star appliances, double-pane insulated windows, and underground insulation of the walk-in cooler. D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility reports that the eco-friendly measures will result in a lifetime energy cost savings of over $100,000 and save emissions equivalent to taking 173 cars off the road for a year. Tastemakers takes their environmental consciousness to the next level by composting their food waste, collecting rainwater, and using biodegradable corn-based cups.
“The DCSEU applauds Tastemakers for its sustainability efforts. Raising awareness for conscious consumption and enabling small food businesses to reduce their footprint is essential if we want to achieve the District’s larger environmental goals,” said Ted Trabue, Managing Director of the DCSEU.The founders hope to expand Tastemakers Food Hall even more in the future. They would even like to have a grocery section featuring products from Tastemaker members. What do you think? Going to check out the new food hall? Already been there? Let us know in the comments!