London's Calling
Landmark DC restaurant Marcel's hosted an exclusive dinner for 60 to preview chef Robert Wiedmaier's specialty menu before he heads to London on Monday. The US Embassy in London chose Robert as the American chef catering the reception welcoming Matthew Barzun, the newest US Ambassador to the UK. The chef will also work with Michelin-starred chef Simon Hulstone during a weeklong pop-up.
Friday's dinner allowed guests to sample a seven-course meal, paired with 12 Virginia wines—eight of which will go on to London. The gastronomic feast began with an amuse bouche of roulade of Scottish salmon, Maine crab and pickled radishes with crème fraiche and steel head caviar. The second course (pictured) consisted of a pan-seared scallop with wild mushroom, salsify, and Virginia Ham essence.
We snapped Rachel Martin of family-owned Boxwood Estate Winery (she brought her Rosé and Pinot Noir), sommelier and the night’s emcee Jason Tesauro of the Modern Gentleman, and chef Robert’s wife Polly Wiedmaier.