Arts & Entertainment
Keep on truckin’
From pork to pizza, city’s mobile restaurants continue to dazzle
The first-ever Washington Blade Food Truck Rally was held last week as part of the High Heel Race and attracted seven of the city’s best food trucks. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
The food truck craze that began a few years ago remains in full force and with seven of the city’s top trucks gathered in a 17th Street church parking lot for the inaugural Washington Blade Food Truck Rally last week, it seemed a good time to review some of the offerings.
The rally was part of the 25th annual High Heel Race and drew a large, steady crowd throughout the night. Rather than watch the race, I spent the evening sampling various treats from the vendors.
Mojo Truck EXTRAordinary Sandwiches (@Mojotruck)
You have options at the Mojo Truck, with four basic sandwich choices and three different ways to get those sandwiches. I opted for the pork sandwich with the classic set of toppings, which includes tomato, mozzarella, fried egg and lettuce. (No lettuce for me, however, as I have great disdain for crunchy water.) Growing up Cuban, I always have high expectations for any pork-based sandwich, and the pork on this sandwich definitely held its own. Also, the bread was nice and crispy. The half melted and half un-melted mozzarella was a bit disappointing, though, and I couldn’t find my fried egg anywhere on the sandwich. I was really looking forward to that fried egg.
STIX Grilled Deliciousness (@eatstix)
The bacon-wrapped filet mignon was the first thing that caught my eye here, but I also find it hard to resist Tequila Lime Chicken, which was the second item on the list. Meanwhile, the hubby decided to try the Tomato Caprese with a Balsamic Reduction. And let me say, damn, that is some really good chicken on a stick. It was well-seasoned, well-cooked, and when you add a squirt of lime, that chicken just dances around your mouth, spreading joyful flavors everywhere. I tried some of the Tomato Caprese, something I have never eaten off a stick before, but with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes that explode in your mouth, and that delicious reduction, I would say this is a must try.
Rolling Ficelle (@TheFicelle, rollingficelle.com)
There were so many delicious options listed on this menu. These were definitely sandwiches with style. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and order The DeKooning Ficelle. The DeKooning has roast beef, provolone cheese, crushed cherry pepper relish and light horseradish mayo on fresh Lyon Bakery Bread. The roast beef was tender, there was a sweetness to the cherry pepper relish that matched amazingly well with the meat, and the horseradish mayo added a touch of heat that made me smile. I do love me some spicy! And the bread? Wow, that is some fresh, crispy, perfect bread.
How was I going to top that? Well, I moseyed on over to Porc to see what they had to offer.
Porc: Purveyors of Rolling Cuisine (@Porcmobile)
This food truck had a sense of humor. I especially liked the note that suggested the sign was “scratch-and-sniff,” and that you get half-off your meal if you are rocking drag. (I knew I should have put on some high heels!) I debated between the Pulled Pork Sandwich and the Smoked Angus Beef Sloppy Joe. But, since they are called Porc, it would be wrong if I didn’t get the pulled pork. So, I stepped up and ordered my second pork sandwich of the night with hot BBQ sauce. This sandwich was good, but not great. The pork was moist and tasty and the bread was soft and fresh, but the “hot” BBQ was not hot at all and left me wanting more flavor.
Next, it was time for pizza. I like to consider myself a pizza expert, being a New Yorker and all.
DC Slices (@DCSlices)
This truck has pretty much what you would expect – a few different slices and some rather tasty-looking fried food. The added bonus for me was the fried pickles on the menu. I love fried pickles. So, the husband and I ordered a cheese slice, a pepperoni slice, and an order of fried pickles. I couldn’t wait to taste the fried pickles. Then, moments later, disaster stuck: they were out of fried pickles. Disappointment rushed over me, but then I remembered I still had two slices of pizza to taste. I bit into the pepperoni slice, and was impressed. The crust was nice, the sauce-to-cheese ratio was correct, and the pepperoni was perfect. Overall, not quite up to New York City pizza standards but some of the best pizza I have had in D.C. The cheese slice was a little underdone, though, leaving the crust a bit soggy, but overall quite good.
Now, it was time for dessert. First stop? Dangerously Delicious Pies.
Dangerously Delicious Pies (@thepietruckdc, dangerouspiesdc.com)
Sweet and Savory pies, with so many options – what is a guy to do? We opted to try three pies, one savory – the “Hot Rod Potato” – and two sweet – the signature “Baltimore Bomb Pie” and the “Apple Cinnamon Chess.” The Hot Rod Potato pie was so rich, with layers of potatoes, cream, cheeses, onions, and (my favorite part) the hot sauce. There was no lack of flavor with this pie, and I was thrilled. The Baltimore Bomb pie was full of Berger cookies. The crunchy chocolaty top of this pie slid right into the rich filling that was lighter and fluffier than you would expect. Finally, the Apple Cinnamon Chess was the best apple pie I have ever tasted. I am bringing this one home to the family for Thanksgiving.
And why not add some ice cream to the pie in my stomach?
Sinplicity Ice Cream (@sinplicity1, sinplicityicecream.com)
I left this truck until last because I was a bit cold, and I didn’t really know what could be so special about ice cream. Then, I looked at the menu. While looking at the menu the lovely woman working the truck handed me a sample cup of hot chocolate, I sipped it, looked up, pondered it, and wondered why I have never had hot chocolate like this before. This hot chocolate with orange and cinnamon is so amazing, it will definitely make you stop for a moment after you taste it.
Then, I ordered my ice cream. I don’t usually like my food touching, let alone mixed together. So when I ordered the Chocolate Chili Pepper Ice Cream, my husband looked at me like I had lost my mind. But I was in love on the first bite: this is what ice cream should taste like. Rich and creamy chocolate with the warm flavors of the chili pepper – it was divine! I had a bite of ice cream and a sip of hot chocolate and repeated this as I walked down to the High Heel Race. I am sure there was chaos around me but I didn’t notice. I was completely enthralled by my ice cream!
Friday, March 27
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, March 28
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Monday, March 30
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
“Tea Time! A Local DC Drag Comedy Show” will be at 3 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a live drag comedy show where drag legends TrevHER & Tiara Missou Sidora host spill all the tea in the DMV. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 31
Visibili-TEA Party will be at 6 p.m. at Restoration Station. Guests are encouraged to come sip, celebrate, and shine together. This event is a Trans Day of Visibility celebration and a special collaboration between Auntie’s Home and Damien Ministries. This is a boozy tea party with intention and the dress code reflects the vibe. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 1
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, April 2
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Unconventional Diner will host “Cherry Blossom Drag Bingo Party” on Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Guests will be treated to an unforgettable night of drag performances, bingo, food and drink and prizes. Highlights of the evening include themed cocktails, drag performances and bingo prizes.
Tickets can be secured via Resy.
Sports
New IOC policy bans trans women from Olympics
New regulation to be in effect at 2028 summer games in Los Angeles
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday announced it will not allow transgender women from competing in female events at the Olympics.
“For all disciplines on the Sports Program of an IOC event, including individual and team sports, eligibility for any Female Category is limited to biological females,” reads the new policy.
The policy states “eligibility for the Female Category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY Gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY Gene.”
“On the basis of the scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the SRY (sex-determining Region Y) Gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced or will experience male sex development,” it reads. “Furthermore, the IOC considers that SRY Gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods. Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the Female Category.”
The policy states the test “will be a once-in-a-lifetime test” unless “there is reason to believe a negative reading is in error.”
The new regulation will be in place for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I understand that this a very sensitive topic,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry on Thursday in a video. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition.”
“The policy that we have announced is based on science and it has been led by medical experts with the best interests of athletes at its heart. The scientific evidence is very clear: male chromosomes give performance advances in sport that rely on strength, power, or endurance,” she added. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
(Video courtesy of the IOC)
Laurel Hubbard, a weightlifter from New Zealand, in 2021 became the first trans woman to compete at the Olympics.
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Khelif later sued JK Rowling and Elon Musk for cyberstalking after they questioned her gender identity.
Ellis Lundholm, a mogul skier from Sweden, this year became the first openly trans athlete to compete in any Winter Olympics when he participated in Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.
President Donald Trump in February 2025 issued an executive order that bans trans women and girls from female sports teams in the U.S.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee last July banned trans women from competing in female sporting events. Republican lawmakers have demanded the IOC ban trans athletes from women’s athletic competitions.
“I’m grateful the Olympics finally embraced the common sense policy that women’s sports are for women, not for men,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on X.
An IOC spokesperson on Thursday referred the Washington Blade to the press release that announced the new policy.
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