a&e features
Best of Gay D.C. 2020
Celebrating our resilience in a year like no other
The 19th annual Washington Blade Best Of awards arrive amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered so many of our perennial winners in this competition. Theater productions, cinemas, popular fundraising events remain shuttered; bars and restaurants operate at reduced capacity and struggle to remain afloat. COVID has upended our world in unprecedented ways. Just a year ago, the Blade was preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a gala party. Now such events are just a distant memory in the age of social distancing.
But amid the loss and heartbreak, there emerge stories of hope, heroism, and resilience. First responders, doctors, nurses and even grocery store clerks have stepped up and become heroes in 2020. Business owners got creative, moving to virtual operations, creating new products (face masks, hand sanitizer), and taking their business outside (restaurants, bars). Drag queens performed on Zoom and fitness instructors did the same. We adapted. The LGBTQ community has been through a pandemic before.
So here we celebrate the best of our LGBTQ community in Washington. We reduced our usual 100 categories to 40 given all the COVID closures and restrictions on nightlife and arts & entertainment events. About 4,000 nominations and 25,000 votes were cast in 40 categories for the 19th annual Best of awards. The Bladeās Stephen Rutgers coordinated the process. The photographers are credited throughout. This yearās contributing writers are Philip Van Slooten, Joey DiGuglielmo, and Kevin Naff. There will be no Best Of party this year, of course, but we will celebrate all the winners and nominees virtually in an online presentation at our website. We look forward to a raucous in-person celebration in 2021.
LOCAL HERO: RYAN MADDOCK
RUNNER UP: RUBY CORADO
In his first clinical role at Childrenās National Hospital, Ryan Maddock worked with kids with chronic kidney disease. In his current role in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, heās discussed organ donation with parents whose children are at deathās door.
So when Maddock saw his friend Paul Johnson, whom he met in 2011 through Stonewall Kickball, struggling with kidney disease, he wanted to help.
Johnson, whom Maddock says often looked āawful and sick,ā initially didnāt think Maddock was serious, but Maddock persisted.
He says giving the āgift of lifeā was not a hard decision.
āI understood the process,ā Maddock, a 39-year-old gay Eckington resident, says. āI believe in it with all my being and heart.ā
Johnson doesnāt have Maddockās kidney but his willingness to donate enabled Johnson to find a donor whom doctors thought would be a better match. A positive cross match between Maddock and Johnson meant Johnsonās body was more likely to reject Maddockās kidney, so a pairing program was entered at Medstar Georgetown and transplant coordinators worked to find the best donor/recipient for each pair. Maddock doesnāt know who ended up with his kidney but he hopes to someday.
Without Maddockās willingness do donate, it could have been years before Johnson would have been able to find a match, Maddock says.
āAt first he thought I was crazy and not serious. After we were both through the evaluation process we understood each other and have a trust and love for each other,ā Maddock says. āHe tells me all the time how thankful he is, but I am truly grateful to be able to give him this life off of dialysis.ā
The surgeries happened July 14 at Medstar Georgetown. Maddock has five laparoscopic scars and one longer scar (two-and-a-half inches) on his abdomen. He says it was not traumatic and he has no after effects. His only limitation because of the donation is he cannot take certain types of anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofin.
Although they donāt hang out as before because of the pandemic, Maddock says he and Johnson talk regularly and are both doing well. Maddock is back to work.
āI donāt have anyone else in my family with kidney disease and I knew that Paulās life on dialysis was awful and he deserved a second chance at life off of dialysis,ā Maddock says. JD
BEST DRAG QUEEN: DESIREE DIK
RUNNER UP: BOMBALICIOUS EKLAVER
Desire Dik says when the pandemic first hit she was āfreaking out like every other drag performerā about the loss of performance and income opportunity.
āBut after I shook it off, Red Bear still wanted to do virtual drag bingo and Extravaganza so we kept doing those ā safely, of course,ā Dik says.
With her āday jobā in teaching on hold, Dik was inspired by seeing drag performers around the country take their art online so she did the same. For now, Desiree Dikās Oddbalel and Slash Run are virtual. She got in touch with Oddball vets and have kept it going.
For her tenacity, Dik has been named this yearās Best of Gay D.C. Best Drag Queen, a title previously held by legends such as BaāNaka, Bombalicious Eklaver and Destiny B. Childs.
Sheās working now on a Halloween show. Extravaganza is on hiatus for now but in its place is āDrag-liveryā where drag queens pack takeout food for delivery. They go to homes and put on mini-drag shows while patrons eat their takeout.
George Marius was born in Falls Church, Va., but sent to Peru at 6 months old to be raised by his sister. He lived there until age 10, went back to live with parents in Falls Church and was kicked out at age 16 for being gay.
He got into drag on his 17th birthday at Freddieās Beach Bar and said it just āmade sense because I was a gay theater kid.ā He tried it again a year later at a Town competition and was hooked.
āItās been very crazy but at the end of the day, drag is what I love to do and see in others,ā Dik says. āIt just brings me joy.ā JD
BEST DRAG KING: MAJIC DYKE
RUNNER UP: JACKSON B NITE
Majic Dyke, a Nairobi native who came to the U.S. with their family at age 10, says a lifetime of confusion about their gender identity clicked into focus in 2017 when they started performing as a drag king and got āfully integratedā with the LGBT scene in Washington.
āThis is when things truly fell into place in my life,ā Majic wrote in a blog post on uniteuk1.com. āI finally had the vocabulary that affirmed what I had always felt, and I finally had people around me that loved and accepted me in all my forms.ā
Majic identifies as non-binary and pansexual and says all pronouns are OK.
Other monikers they favor are āgenderqueer,ā ādrag king,ā āgo-go dancer,ā āyour friendly neighborhood gay boiā and ā#beardsandtitties.ā
In a Facebook post during the nomination process, Majic campaigned openly for the award and said they were āhappy as fuck to be nominated alongside my sibs.ā
Look for Majic on social media to find out more about performances. JD
BEST TRANSGENDER PERFORMER: INDIA LARELLE HOUSTON
RUNNER UP: DYLAN DICKHERSON
India Larelle Houston has been performing since 2005, which is her full-time work.
āI got into the art form because I had a love for the performing arts and I found a way to express myself through drag,ā Houston says.
Sheās a cast member at Chanellieās Drag Brunch on Saturdays and a cast member at Perryās on Sundays. She also performs at Red Bear Brewing Company and other venues in Washington and beyond.
Like everyone, sheās been āgreatly affectedā by COVID-19 as both her drag brunches are on hiatus until Washington moves into phase three reopening. Several other venues have either closed or are not offering live entertainment. By now, her Sunday brunch is happening virtually. She had savings, which has helped stay afloat.
Houston did not campaign for this award but says, āIt feels absolutely wonderful to be loved and appreciated for what I do.ā
āIt is a great honor to be chosen Best of Gay D.C.,ā she says. āThe gods must have had a plan for me.ā JD
BEST VIRTUAL A&E EVENT: PRIDE IN THE CITY, CAPITAL PRIDE
EDITOR’S CHOICE: TIE: Shaw’s Tavern Virtual Drag Bingo! & Desiree Dikās: Oddball Virus
Pride in the City is a new web series that will introduce online viewers to some of Capital Pride staffās āfavorite people and placesā in Washington.
āFrom bars and restaurants to cultural treasures and small businesses to local heroes who make our community proud,ā Ryan Bos, Capital Pride executive director, said in an e-mail. āAlong the way weāll offer insider perspectives and the opportunity for viewers to participate in a variety of ways.ā
Two have been held so far: #stillweentertain on June 28 and #stillwelaugh on Aug. 9 and are available for viewing on YouTube. A third installment will be announced after the Out Brigade (a Pride motorcade through the District) on Oct. 10. One is planned before yearās end.
Find out more at capitalpride.org/pride-in-the-city. JD
BEST OUTDOOR DRINKING: TRADE
EDITORS’ CHOICE: DACHA BEER GARDEN
Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) opened in 2015 and quickly established itself as one of the cityās most popular newer gay bars.
Like everyone else, the Trade team has had a long, slow haul back to some semblance of normalcy after moving to takeout only on March 15 (digital content was created by local performance artists), opening for limited outdoor service on May 29 and limited indoor service on June 22. Although some job descriptions āevolvedā due to COVID, no staff was laid off, says Aaron Riggins, marketing and programming manager (he also bartends and manages shifts).
Because of capacity restrictions, business is not what it was pre-pandemic but its outdoor space has been in high demand. Reservations are recommended but walk-up tables are sometimes available.
Titoās and Soda is the most popular drink. On tap, Bud Light and Stella are the most popular. Town is owned by John Guggenmos, Ed Bailey and Chachi Boyle, the team behind the now-closed Town Danceboutique.
In 2018, Trade won Best ABSOLUT Happy Hour and Best Neighborhood Bar in 2017.
Trade is popular, Riggins says, because itās āall about family.ā
āIt’s humbling how supportive and loyal our patrons, staff and performance artists have been,ā he says. āThe health and well-being of our family is very important to us and we are taking the social distancing measures very seriously. We are also incredibly lucky to have an immensely talented creative family that has been helping us produce digital content while we can’t have onsite entertainment. Look out for more of the efforts as we get closer to Halloween.ā JD
Trade
1410 14th St. N.W.
BEST CARRYOUT: DUPLEX DINER
EDITORS’ CHOICE: LE DIPLOMATE
Early on in the pandemic when dining inside was unheard of, Duplex Diner (2004 18th St., N.W.) got creative with takeout and curbside service.
Resident drag queen Goldie Grigio worked the window and customers paid online in advance.
The diner is known for its no-nonsense menu that features everything from broccolIni salad, meatloaf, reuben and chicken tenders to tasty cocktails like the Famous Lemon Squeeze.
Owners Mark Hunker and Jeff McCracken had been regulars there since the late ā90s and took over the Adams Morgan favorite in 2015.
Manager Kelly Laczko, whoās been at the diner for eight years, keeps things running smoothly.
āThings have been surprisingly good,ā Laczko said in a Blade interview earlier this year. āWeāve had so much love from the community and people have been amazing. Weāve gotten a lot of support so far. We are very lucky.ā JD
Duplex Diner
2004 18th St., N.W.
BEST COFFEESHOP: THREEFIFTY BAKERY AND COFFEE BAR
EDITORS’ CHOICE: COFFY CAFE
Business is almost back to pre-COVID levels at gay-owned ThreeFifty Bakery but owner Jimmy Hopper and his partner Michael Graham are concerned about the coming winter months.
āThings have been challenging during COVID,ā Graham says. āHowever, we worked early to develop the safest possible customer experience by utilizing the patio space for single customer ordering. We have also been extremely fortunate to have the full support of the neighborhood. ā¦ We are concerned about the fall and winter months with indoor spacing limitations.ā
Three Fifty, which opened in 2014, has 14 employees and says its customer base is about 30 percent LGBTQ. The most popular drink is a caramel latte and the most popular pastry is a tie between the quiche and apple zucchini bread.
āIt feels really great to win this honor and we are so proud to be an LGBT-owned business and to have the continued support from the neighborhood, LGBT community and the District,ā Graham says.
Three Fifty also won Best LGBT-owned Business in the Blade poll in 2017. This win is monumental ā Three Fifty dethrones Compass Coffee, which had four consecutive wins in this category through 2019.
ThreeFifty Bakery and Coffee Bar
1926 17th St. N.W.
BEST COVID QUARANTINE PROMOTION OR EVENT: GAY MENāS CHORUS OF WASHINGTON, DC āSUMMER SOIREEā WITH LESLIE JORDAN
EDITOR’S CHOICE: TAGGāS QUEERANTINECON
The Gay Menās Chorus of Washington wasnāt able to have its annual Spring Affair this year because of COVID, so instead, organizers held a Summer Soiree Aug. 15, which went off without any glitches or technical issues, had 679 registered attendees and raised about $125,000 for the organization and now wins this Blade readersā poll award. Not bad!
The Chorus performed virtually and performed bits; Leslie Jordan was the celebrity guest.
The Chorusās next event is āLosing My Mind: a Celebration of Sondheim,ā a virtual cabaret on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. This yearās holiday show is also online.
The Chorus and its ensembles are rehearsing entirely via Zoom. JD
BEST RESTAURANT: LOGAN TAVERN
EDITORS’ CHOICE: INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON
Perhaps in these uncertain times, we donāt want something fancy and boundary pushing. Logan Tavernās win here and its unpretentious charm ā upscale but never snooty ā seems to suit our 2020 sensibilities.
Logan Tavern is owned and operated by EatWell DC and combines friendly prices with a hip, laid-back atmosphere. Logan is a great go-to place for delicious, un-fussy food. Itās a place where you recognize the ingredients, the flavors and the dishes you are being served. The drinks are affordable and the service is excellent with friendly and accommodating staff.
Itās mostly hearty American fare. Dinner entrees like boneless southern fried chicken, crispy skin-on rockfish, crab-stuffed chile relleno and lemon ricotta gnocchi are popular staples.
Logan won Best Bloody Mary in these awards in 2018 and Best Date Restaurant in 2012. (JD)
Logan Tavern
1423 P St., N.W.
BEST LOCAL WEBSITE/BLOG: BRIGHTEST YOUNG THINGS
EDITORS’ CHOICE: FEED THE MALIK
Brightest Young Things was hit āincredibly hardā by COVID-19, says co-founder Svetlana Legetic, a straight ally. It required āa complete re-do of how we do things and earn our living,ā she says.
āThere was absolutely no plan B such as relying on investors or fairy godparents,ā she says.
BYT bills itself as an editorial and event platform for Washington, New York and Chicago. As the world has shifted to virtual events, at least for large gatherings, BYT has pivoted offering content such as āTips for Sober October,ā āLet Our Very Own Prya Konings Be Your World Vegetarian Day Sage,ā āItās OK You Are Not OKā and more at brightestyoungthings.com.
āObviously there are no physical events or festivals, but we have seen our online engagement rise exponentially and the virtual projects we have worked on whether independently or with partners like Smithsonian ā¦ confirmed to us that the community needs that positive, quality content because it makes them feel connected to each other, even when apart, and we can’t underestimate the value of that,ā Legetic says.
Pre-COVID there were 12 full-time staffers; there are now four and a team of freelance contributors. While not exclusively queer, BYT was conceived as being LGBT-inclusive from its inception. JD
BEST SALON/SPA: LOGAN 14
EDITORS’ CHOICE: VSL HAIR DESIGN
Temperatures are taken for anyone who comes in the building, payments are totally cashless, work stations have been spread out and sanitation continues at a high level. These are just some of the changes that have allowed Logan 14 Aveda Salon & Spa to stay open amid the pandemic.
āWhat hasnāt changed is what we do,ā says Katie Rose, general manager, who has been at the salon, which has 41 staffers, for five years. āWe service our guests and make people look and feel better about themselves.ā
The salon was closed from March 16-June 10 and upon reopening offered free services to health care workers nominated by customers and staff.
Rose says business is not up to pre-pandemic levels and a few staff members were laid off but she says slowly things are getting busier. She says their customers, about 75 percent of whom are LGBT she guesses, have ābeen amazing.ā
āItās been heartwarming to see the outpouring of love from our guests and how glad they are to come back in,ā Rose says.
This is Logan 14ās fifth consecutive win in this category, which Rose says āmeans the world to us.ā JD
Logan 14 Aveda Salon & Spa
1314 14th St., N.W.
BEST LOCAL TV/RADIO PERSONALITY: CHUCK BELL & WENDY RIEGER, NBC 4 (TIE)
RUNNER-UP: LARRY MILLER, WUSA9
Good oleā Chuck Bell, meteorologist at NBC4 since October 2004. He was runner-up last year (and also in 2015, 2016 and 2018). He also won this award in 2014 and 2012.
āItās very flattering,ā he said of a previous win. āIām pleasantly surprised that people are taking note.ā
Heās joined this year by his NBC4 colleague Wendy Rieger, the 2015 winner.
Rieger stumbled upon broadcast journalism when she was a college drop-out looking to make money as an actress. She found a job reading the news on camera in Norfolk, Va., and fell in love with the business.
Bell is gay; Rieger is an ally. JD
BEST ABSOLUT TO-GO COCKTAILS: NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
EDITORS’ CHOICE: Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse
Nellieās huge outdoor rooftop space has poised it well to survive COVID and this D.C. institution soldiers on.
āThings are good,ā says owner Doug Schantz. āWeāre missing the old normal like everybody else but things are better than expected.ā
Nellieās is following all the D.C. restrictions under phase 2 reopening and is following all the usual guidelines but has moved its āstreeteryā seating to its rooftop. A bus stop on U Street and limited space on 9th meant the rooftop was its best option. The two open areas and eight huge windows that allow ample air circulation have allowed the popular gay sports bar to stay busy and follow guidelines.
But itās still a struggle. Schantz says 50 percent capacity figures were estimated by standing patrons so with seating, itās more like 20 percent to remain compliant, but that, of course, is the new normal. There are currently 15 on staff, down from 40 pre-COVID.
To-go cocktails ā illegal pre-COVID ā have proven enormously popular. Pouches are decorated with two labels ā one says, āDrink your juice, Shelbyā and features flavors; the other is a parody of the Campbellās soup can but says Nellieās Soup instead. Other cocktails, wine or beer can be purchased in 14 oz. recyclable cups with lids. One food item (a cookie, tater tots, whatever) must be purchased with each to go alcoholic beverage. All the cups, lids and straws are recyclable.
Schantz says his clientele has stayed faithful and many come weekly. Weekend drag brunches are on hiatus. The huge site, which opened in 2007, has 37 TVs so itās a great place to watch the debates, Schantz says.
Nellieās is a perennial favorite in the Best of Gay D.C. Awards. It usually wins something every year. Last year it won Best Drag Show for its brunch, in 2018 it won Best Margarita and in 2016 it won Hottest Bar Staff. JD
Nellie’s Sports Bar
900 U St., N.W.
BEST OUTDOOR DINING: ANNIEāS PARAMOUNT STEAKHOUSE
EDITORS’ CHOICE: RED BEAR BREWING CO.
Annieās Paramount Steakhouse, a Washington institution since 1948, is now open for both dine-in and carry out and thanks to its outdoor patio, it has won Best Outdoor Dining, a new category for this yearās Best of Gay D.C. Awards.
In early 2019, Annieās received the James Beard Foundationās Americaās Classic Award, which honors restaurants with ātimeless appealā and that serve āquality food that reflects the character of their communities.ā Annieās was only the third D.C. restaurant to earn that distinction.
George Katinas and his family opened Paramount Steakhouse in 1948. Katinas hired his sister Anne āAnnieā Katinas Kaylor, to work the bar. Her popularity led to the restaurant changing its name to Annieās Paramount Steakhouse. She died in 2013.
In the early years of these awards, Anneās was a perennial favorite winning Best Overall Restaurant (2001, 2002), Tried & True (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006), Best Late Night (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012), Best Brunch (2005) and Best Steakhouse (2007, 2008). Kaylor was named Local Hero Female in 2001.
The menu is hearty American food with an array of burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads available for lunch. House specials like āBull in the Panā (sirloin tips), basil-pine nut pesto pasta and pot roast are staples of the dinner menu. JD
Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse
1609 17th St., N.W.
BEST STRAIGHT ALLY: PAMALA STANLEY
RUNNER-UP: REP. ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ
It was a busy year for singer Pamala Stanley, the ā80s disco star who has enjoyed a long and wildly popular residency in Rehoboth Beach, Del. In January, she announced plans to move her show from the Blue Moon to The Pines. Then the pandemic hit. Immediately, Stanley pivoted, staging virtual shows from home. Then she took the show to The Pines stage with a virtual audience of hundreds watching from the safety of home while Stanley danced and sang her heart out, taking requests online. She used the shows as fundraisers for Beebe Medical Foundation. Owners of The Pines announced Stanleyās first concert on April 26 was so successful that she would perform a virtual tea dance to benefit Beebe every Saturday until The Pines was allowed to reopen.
At that first benefit, Stanley dedicated one of her biggest hits, āComing Out of Hiding,ā to all her fans who were getting restless after weeks in quarantine: āThis is for everybody,ā she said, ābecause we have been in hiding for way too long, donāt you agree?ā
The four-week virtual fundraisers with Stanley, Mona Lotts, and Michael Solonski brought in $19,000 for Beebe Medical Foundation to help cover expenses incurred because of the pandemic.
Stanley has since resumed regular shows at The Pines, Thursday-Sunday nights while observing social distancing protocols in the large Pines venue. JD
BEST PRO ATHLETE: NATASHA CLOUD, WASHINGTON MYSTICS
RUNNER-UP: SEAN DOOLITTLE, WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Last year, Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud helped her team win its first WNBA championship. Sheās also a vocal and public supporter for causes she believes in like ending gun violence and supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement.
āJuneteenth is a day of celebration,ā Cloud said during a Wizards and Mystics peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality. āItās a day of liberation. Itās a day that we were finally freed from our bondage. We couldnāt think of a better day than today to come out here and come together, collectively and unified in solidarity with one another for a greater cause.ā
Though Cloud announced in June that she would sit out the 2020 season due to her concerns about systemic racism and the ongoing pandemic, voters recognized her excellence both on and off the court with a āBest Pro Athleteā award. PVS
In 2014, Bishop Allyson Abrams resigned as pastor of a small Detroit church after announcing that she had married her wife in Iowa. One year later, a Supreme Court ruling would legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S., but at the time she may have felt like she was risking everything to be with the woman she loved. She set up her ministry in the D.C. area and has remained a symbol of strength and courage ever since.
āPeople say itās amazing to hear a pastor say that God loves us the way we are,ā Abrams told the Blade back in 2014. āIām always going to make sure God knows them.ā
This year Allysonās community supported her with a āBest Clergyā award. PVS
BEST D.C. PUBLIC OFFICIAL: MAYOR MURIEL BOWSER
RUNNER-UP: U.S. REP. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON (D-D.C.)
In 2017, Mayor Bowser wore a bright yellow dress and a big smile while accepting her award for āBest D.C. Public Officialā at the Bladeās Best of Gay D.C. awards. Times have changed, particularly this year, marking her fifth in office.
Bowser assumed office as mayor in 2015 after previously representing Ward 4 on the D.C. City Council since 2007. A native of the region, she is the Districtās second female mayor.
This year, Bowser helmed the District through a deadly pandemic, its devastating economic fall out and desperate calls for racial justice. A long-time supporter of D.C.ās LGBTQ community, Bowser tweeted on June 15 in response to the Supreme Courtās landmark ruling protecting LGBTQ employees against workplace discrimination, āThereās more work to be done, but today we celebrate equality. Happy pride & keep fighting.ā
Today her smile represents the Districtās resilience and her bright yellow paint sent a message of solidarity seen around the world. PVS
BEST NON-PROFIT: SMYAL
EDITORSā CHOICE: CENTER FOR BLACK EQUITY
SMYAL has been working with LGBTQ youth for more than 35 years and its empowered leaders have been staffing tables and community organizing at events across the city.
This non-profit, now known for its after-school programs, youth counseling services, and educational and training programs for youth service providers working in schools, shelters, government agencies and hospitals, began in 1984 by local professionals and activists.
According to its website, SMYAL started with a conference organized to address urgent youth issues after an LGBTQ-identifying youth was hospitalized. Today SMYAL is a leader in providing support services and advocacy to youth in need of affirming care.
During an especially hard year for LGBTQ youth who often look to Pride as a means to connect with others and themselves, the community recognized SMYAL as the yearās āBest Non-profitā for its efforts to maintain a sense of connection for our youth. PVS
MOST COMMITTED ACTIVIST: SULTAN SHAKIR
RUNNER-UP: RAYCEEN PENDARVIS
Since taking the helm of SMYAL in 2014, Executive Director Sultan Shakir has been a tireless staple on social and traditional media outlets advocating for LGBTQ youth. However, during this summer of social unrest, Shakir used his platform to call for systemic change.
āSMYAL condemns the excessive use of force employed by the police towards peaceful protesters in Washington, D.C. and across the country, and we stand with the Black Lives Matter movement,ā he wrote in a statement tweeted June 9 by SMYAL. āOur hope is that by doubling down on our mission to empower young people, we will help create a society where Black people donāt have to ask for solidarity just to stay alive, a society in which our lives matter.ā
Shakirās dedication was celebrated by the community this year with Gay D.C.ās āMost Committed Activistā recognition for 2020. PVS
BEST CLERGY: BISHOP ALLYSON ABRAMS
RUNNER-UP: REV. DWAYNE JOHNSON
BEST LGBTQ SOCIAL GROUP: IMPERIAL COURT OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
EDITORSā CHOICE: IMPULSE DC
In June, āQueen of the Capital,ā an independent documentary film about D.C. drag artist Daniel Haysā quest as Muffy Blake Stephyns to be voted Empress of the Imperial Court of Washington in 2014, premiered at the Newseum and began the festival circuit.
Today the Imperial Court of Washington D.C., is one of many LGBTQ-affirming social groups across the country and in 2011 it joined the International Imperial Court System, which began in San Francisco in 1965.
This year, the community honored the Imperial Court of Washington D.C. with a āBest LGBTQ Social Groupā award. PVS
Imperial Court of Washington D.C.
P.O. Box 2616
Washington, DC 20013
BEST LOCAL TV/RADIO STATION: HOT 99.5
EDITORSā CHOICE: WTOP 103.5
This top D.C. radio station not only keeps the District current on the latest hits, its Facebook page covers the gamut from celebrity break ups, weddings and pregnancies to strangely interesting stories of Instagram influencers caught using fake private jets as sets for photo shoots.
During a time when everyone needed to just shut out the world and go 2015 again, Hot 99.5 earned another top spot from voters as the āBest Local TV/Radio Station.ā PVS
BEST BUSINESSPERSON: BRYAN VAN DEN OEVER, RED BEAR BREWING
RUNNER-UP: EBONE BELL, TAGG MAGAZINE
Back in April, when pandemic lockdowns and unemployment levels were at their worst, Red Bear Brewingās Bryan Van Den Oever told the Blade, āWeāll see what happens when the dust settles. Weāll fight like hell until then.ā
Throughout the crisis, Red Bear and other popular local LGBTQ businesses like Pitchers, A League of Her Own, JR.ās, Green Lantern and others continued to fight to be a vital connection to their staff and the community, both virtually and now on a limited in-person basis.
This year the community showed its appreciation for a continued dedication to beer, music and drag with a āBest Businesspersonā award to Van Den Oever and the rest of Red Bearās feisty, tenacious team for not just surviving the pandemic, but innovating and thriving, inspiring the rest of the small business community in the process. PVS
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M St., N.E.
BEST LGBTQ-OWNED BUSINESS: TRADE & NUMBER NINE
EDITORSā CHOICE: BITE THE FRUIT
D.C.ās popular LGBTQ-friendly night spots are an important part of the community, so TRADE tweeted on Sept. 24, āWinter is comingā¦and weāll be readyā followed by a promise to provide heaters and socially distanced comfort amid an ongoing pandemic crisis.
TRADE opened for business in 2015 and at the time co-owner John Guggenmos, also co-owner of Number Nine, planned for a new bar that included a dance floor and live DJs. Five years later TRADE, like other small businesses devastated by the pandemic, relies heavily on the community to keep its doors open.
Similarly, Number Nine updated its website to thank the community for its support during the pandemic. āWe wouldnāt be able to get through this without the support of our amazing patrons and staff. So, thank you.ā PVS
TRADE
1410 14th St., N.W.
NUMBER NINE
1435 P. St., N.W.
BEST VIRTUAL FITNESS CLASSES: VIDA
EDITORSā CHOICE: JASON LONG FITNESS
Vida is no stranger to winning this category, and staying afloat while innovating during the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges to this popular, perennial winner. They rose to that challenge, taking their award-winning fitness classes online and continuing to deliver results for clients. JD
Multiple D.C. locations
BEST MEDICAL PROVIDER: DR. ROBYN ZEIGER
EDITORSā CHOICE: WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
Dr. Robyn Zeiger has won this award several times for her work as a licensed clinical professional counselor.
āYou walk into a therapistās office and you know they are also LGBT so you donāt have to explain anything,ā she told the Blade upon winning this award in 2017. You donāt have to teach them. You can just be yourself and you donāt have to justify anything.ā
In addition to counseling, Zeiger has worked as an adjunct senior lecturer at University of Maryland. JD
Dr. Robyn Zeiger
BEST VETERINARIAN: FRIENDSHIP HOSPITAL FOR ANIMALS
EDITORSā CHOICE: DISTRICT VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Friendship Animal Hospital
4105 Brandywine St., N.W.
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT: MICHAEL MOORE, COMPASS
RUNNER-UP: STACEY WILLIAMS-ZEIGER, ZEIGER REALTY
Michael Moore won this category last year. Moore credits his success to consistent customer service, telling the Blade last year: āMy career began with first-time homebuyers. In time, first-time buyers become sellers and they buy another house and they tell their friends. Now my business is almost entirely referrals and repeats.
āIām a huge proponent of staging and doing what it takes to project the property in its best light,ā he says. āI try to create a situation that when a prospective buyer walks in the door, they love it, and think to themselves āwonāt my friends be jealous when they see me living here.āā JD
Michael Moore
Compass
1313 14th St., N.W.
BEST REAL ESTATE GROUP: JENN SMIRA TEAM, COMPASS
RUNNER-UP: MARIN HAGEN & SYLVIA BERGSTROM, COLDWELL BANKER
As one of the top five agent groups in all of D.C., The Jenn Smira Team brings more than 50 years of combined real estate experience to each transaction. Smira and her team have cultivated a loyal network of previous clients and referrals as they empower buyers and sellers to achieve their goals. A one-stop shop for all your real estate needs, Smiraās team offers an impressive range of in-house expertise ā from marketing and PR, to staging and listing guidance. Smira is a previous board member of the District of Columbia Association of Realtors (DCAR), DCAR Public Policy Committee, and currently on the board of DC WISE. JD
Jenn Smira Team
Compass
1313 14th St., N.W.
BEST LAWYER: AVA BENACH
RUNNER-UP: AMY NELSON
Ava Benach works as an immigration lawyer and is the founder and coach of DC Girls Baseball. She has written op-eds for the Blade, including a piece on the need to overcome baseballās sexist and homophobic traditions. Sheās not just a skilled professional, but an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality. JD
Benach Collopy LLP
4530 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
Rehoboth Beach
BEST REHOBOTH DRAG QUEEN: ROXY OVERBROOKE
RUNNER-UP: MONA LOTTS
It has been a triumphant year for Roxy Overbrooke (aka Charles Bounds). Bounds had a particularly nasty time with COVID-19, contracting the disease in March. He was sick for about a month and was hospitalized in the Rehoboth area for 15 days, an experience he calls āintense, scary and life changing.ā
āWith that said, though, everyone at Beebe Healthcare was amazing,ā he told the Blade earlier this year. āIām feeling much better now.ā Bounds grew up going to Rehoboth with family and loved it for its beaches and moved there full time about 10 years ago.
Bounds entered a competition 12 years ago and ācaught the bug,ā for drag. Now itās his full-time work. Bounds performs as Roxy Overbrooke at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.), hosting bingo, karaoke, a drag show and celebrity impersonation shows. (Check bluemoonrehoboth.com for updated event schedules.) Fully recovered from COVID, Bounds continued to wow socially distanced crowds all summer with his booming voice and, of course, glittering gowns. A beautiful person inside and out, Bounds is a fighter and Roxy is a star performer.
BEST REHOBOTH OUTDOOR DINING: PURPLE PARROT
EDITORSā CHOICE: AQUA
The gay-owned Purple Parrot is a Rehoboth institution and when the pandemic hit, the bar/restaurant was well positioned for outdoor service with its popular Biergarten out back and sidewalk seating in front. It hasnāt been easy, but the indefatigable staff ā especially Chandler and Jamie ā maintained socially distant protocols all summer, keeping locals and tourists alike safe, fed, and happy.
Purple Parrot
134 Rehoboth Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
BEST REHOBOTH BARTENDER: HOLLY LANE
RUNNER-UP: JAMIE ROMANO
This is Holly Laneās third win as Best Rehoboth Bartender, taking the prize in 2014 and 2017. Normally behind the bar at Cafe Azafran with her trademark headset belting out tunes while making drinks, Lane went on hiatus for much of the year due to COVID closures. But Azafran ā and Lane ā are back, though not to full capacity, of course. Things are different, but Laneās infectious kindness and bartending and singing skills keep her loyal customers coming back, no matter what.
BEST REHOBOTH LIVE SHOW: CLIMAX WITH MAGNOLIA APPLEBOTTOM AT BLUE MOON
EDITORSā CHOICE: PAMALA STANLEY AT THE PINES
The multi-talented Magnolia Applebottom brings her sharp wit and singing skills to the Blue Moon stage for the popular Climax show. Last yearās Best Rehoboth Drag Queen winner, Magnolia wins this new category this year amid a town full of live entertainment competition.
BEST REHOBOTH COFFEESHOP: RISE UP
EDITORSā CHOICE: COFFEE MILL
Rise Up in Rehoboth is the 10th location in this regional chain, which operates in Annapolis, Cambridge, and Edgewater, among others. The cafe is located at the roundabout just as you enter town. You canāt miss the black-and-white building. Rise Up offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thereās even a full bar, a gorgeous live edge wood bar sits to the right of the coffee station. The 502 Bar and Rise Up offer outdoor seating and are pet friendly, a perfect option in these socially distanced times.
BEST REHOBOTH RESTAURANT: BLUE MOON
EDITORSā CHOICE: AZZURRO ITALIAN OVEN & BAR
The Blue Moon has won this award so many times that itās hard to count. The iconic Moon persevered through COVID, offering its flawless, high-end menu for takeout during the spring and reopening this summer with socially distanced tables inside. A COVID silver lining this summer: You could order the full menu on the bar side while being entertained by talented NYC pianist Nate Buccieri.
BEST REHOBOTH REAL ESTATE AGENT: LEE ANN WILKINSON
RUNNER-UP: JASON ABELA
This is Lee Ann Wilkinsonās third consecutive win in this category. The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group has ranked #1 in real estate sales in Sussex County, Del., for more than 20 years and ranks #3 nationally for the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices real estate network. In addition, she is a regular contributor to the Blade. Our readers know her through her informed articles on real estate trends at the Delaware beaches.
16698 Kings Hwy A.
Lewes, Del.
BEST REHOBOTH BUSINESS: DIEGOāS
EDITORSā CHOICE: BLUE MOON
It was a rough year for Joe Ciarlante-Zuber (right) and his husband and business partner Darryl Ciarlante-Zuber. Darryl contracted COVID-19 and spent 54 days in the hospital, 34 of those in the ICU. The two own the popular Diegoās, which has a large outdoor patio space. They converted it into a beach-themed bar, complete with truckloads of sand. Joe worked hard all season, ensuring customers stayed six feet apart and taking everyoneās temperature at the door. The dedication paid off, as Diegoās resumed as a busy fixture on the summer scene. Darrylās recovery and Joeās perseverance proved an inspiration to the entire community.
BEST REHOBOTH FITNESS INSTRUCTOR: ELI LYNN
RUNNER UP: TANNER HOLT
Eli Lynn is owner and head trainer at Elite Lifestyle Initiatives and trains clients in the comfort of their homes. Lynn, whoās straight, specializes in functioning training, strength and conditioning training and balance training.
As for his approach to new clients, he says, āFirst, I ask them what their goals are and if they have any previous injuries or surgeries. After one session you can tell what they need to work on and what needs to improve.ā
Lynn says COVID has forced him to train some clients through FaceTime, but the pandemic has also helped his business grow, ābecause no one wants to work out at a gym so me coming to their house and training them in their own home, everyone feels safer to work out that way.ā
As for his advice for those who have gained weight during COVID: āI tell them that everyone is in the same spot as them and what matters the most is youāre here and starting to work out. Everyone has different ways of dealing with COVID and you already took a huge step forward by hiring me and helping you get back in shape.ā
Eli Lynn
a&e features
He loves Annieās and will until the end
Mano continues to bring infectious passion to his job at iconic restaurant
It’s rare for a restaurant to thrive for more than 75 years. Rarer still is a restaurant whose history is so deeply intertwined with the growth and resilience of a minority community. Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse in Washington, D.C.ās Dupont Circle is one of those exceptional places ā a cornerstone not only for the city of Washington, but also for its vibrant queer community.
Several factors contribute to a restaurant like Annie’s becoming a foundational space of cultural and historical significance. Its welcoming atmosphere, fostered by a warm and inclusive staff goes beyond mere hospitality. The decor doesnāt just acknowledge Washington’s LGBTQ community ā it proudly celebrates it. And, of course, the award-winning food and drinks leave a lasting impression, making Annie’s a true icon in the nation’s capital.
When walking down 17th Street, where Annieās is located after 76 years (even after moving three blocks north of its original location on 17th in 1985), it becomes understandable how this stretch of street has always been the heart of the āgayborhood,ā regardless of season or political administration. The rainbow flags on nearly every light pole and stickers in nearly every window signal this place is not only a safe space for the LGBTQ community, but a place where being queer is worth celebrating.
Annieās Paramount Steakhouse has long been a beacon of unwavering support for the LGBTQ community, particularly during times when openly identifying as LGBTQ was met with societal stigma or worse. This dedication, which started back in 1948, has cemented Annieās as more than just a restaurant ā itās a queer haven and cultural landmark.
Georgia Katinas, the general manager of Annieās and granddaughter of Annieās founder George Katinas, told the Blade supporting the D.C. LGBTQ community is a key part of running Annieās.
āI see Annie’s as a pillar of the LGBTQ community, and it’s important to me to continue that legacy,ā said Katinas. āGetting involved in our community in many different facets, supporting LGBTQ nonprofits and organizations, hosting kickball brunches, hiring LGBTQ/queer members of the community ā all of that’s incredibly important to me, and it’s an honor. I take the family legacy very seriously, and I really am proud to continue it and to show up on behalf of my family and on behalf of the community and continue to be here.ā
One of Annie’s unique legacies is its connection to the High Heel Drag Race, a beloved LGBTQ event on the Tuesday before Halloween. It started as a race between Annieās and gay bar JR.ās in 1986, and has grown into a vibrant mini Pride celebration on 17th Street now managed by the mayorās office.
Although it takes a collective effort to transform Annieās into the James Beard Award-winning restaurant it is today, one server has stood out for decades. Since 1975, his infectious attitude and heartfelt care have made him a cornerstone of the Annieās experience, drawing loyal customers back time and again.
Mano, with his instantly recognizable horseshoe mustache and ever-present smile, has been a key part of the institution that is Annieās for as long as most regulars can remember. Hired as the first male staff member in 1975, Mano has remained a key face for the restaurant going back to when Annie herself served food on the dining room floor.Ā
āWe treat every customer like a member of our family,ā Mano told the Blade during a recent interview discussing his lengthy career in the restaurant. āNinety-nine percent of the people feel like regulars, and that 1 percent are on their way to becoming them.ā
For 49 years, Mano has been a beloved fixture at Annieās, his passion for the job evident to everyone around him ā from coworkers behind the bar to guests in the booths. Known for gestures like cutting steaks for diners, Manoās dedication once saw him working seven days a week, a testament to his love for being part of the Annieās team.
āI feel every day better than the day before,ā he said. āI love the people more than the day before. I look forward to loving them more. I can’t predict the future. The past is experience. Right now, at the moment, I am enjoying it.ā
Despite his glowing appreciation for Annieās, Mano has had to cut back from working at the restaurant as much as he once did. As he has grown older, Mano has slowly taken a day or two off from his work schedule.Ā
Katinas became emotional when reflecting on Manoās history with the restaurant.
āHe wants the guests to have the perfect experience,ā Katinas said. āHe takes training very seriously. He has his own systems for how he counts money and uses the computer. He’s very particular but always so kind about it. When I watch him train new people now, I remember when he trained me. It’s very intentional and intense in moments because he cares so much.ā
Manoās presence and unwavering commitment to delivering impeccable service at Annieās elevates him above many in the food service industry. His contributions also reinforce Annieās cornerstone role in Washingtonās queer history. When asked what sets his legacyāand by extension, Annieās legacy within the LGBTQ communityāapart from that of a server at any other restaurant, one word stood out in his response: respect.Ā
āGive yourself some respect,ā Mano said. āGive them [the customers] all the respect you want for yourself. If you cannot respect yourself, you cannot respect anyone else. I am a mirror reflecting you. When you are sitting at the table, I am a mirror reflecting you.ā
Katinas explained Manoās passion for Annieās is infectious and has helped shape the culture of the restaurant. She also explained that his passion reflects how Annie ran the restaurant in years prior, with caring about people at its center. Ā
āHe takes young servers under his wing,ā Katinas explained. āHe takes busboys who don’t speak the shared language, and he treats them with such compassion and generosity. Annie was someone who would always sit and talk with you. She would put her hand on your shoulder and really listen. And Mano does that too.ā
āWe’re all busy, we’re all running around, but Mano really will sit and take the time to get to know you and to listen to your troubles or happy moments, anything,ā Katinas added. āHe makes sure, even if he’s across the restaurant and someone walks in the door, he’ll yell āWelcome in!ā The sense of hospitality is in his blood.ā
Not only is he one of the most passionate people in Annieās at any given moment, but Katinas also highlighted that he cares about the people and history of Annieās in a truly unique way.
āHeās like the lighthouse captain,ā she said, tearing up and smiling. āHe has to be tethered to the building. He doesn’t get too far from it and is like, āNo, no, I’m going to be at my post.ā He’s always there in the front, and everyone knows to expect him there.ā
āHeās got a heart bigger than his entire body,ā bar manager Scott Paxton chimed in. āHe would do anything for just about anybody. He’s the first one to get here, he’s the last one to leave. He’s the most dedicated out of all of them. He’s always offering to help.ā
āFor a lot of us, heās the first person that we met,ā Paxton added. āThis place has been here for a long time with a long legacy, but he is a big part of that legacy. And so you wander in here for the first time and he’s the person that you meet first.ā
āYou don’t know where to sit or who’s who, but you probably end up sitting with Mano in his section and so it sort of becomes like your home base,ā he said. āThere are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people that come through here and that’s their first contact with anyone and people that request him. And 40 years later, they come in on Wednesday night and they want to see him.ā
Manoās final thoughts about the restaurant reflected what multiple staff and guests have made clear ā he loves Annieās and will until the end.Ā
āI wish them the best success,ā Mano said pointing to Katinas, Paxton, and other staff working at the bar. āAnd they’re going to have it thanks to everybody, all these years of support for this place.ā
a&e features
Local LGBTQ chefs share favorite Thanksgiving recipes
Happy holidays from Jamie Leeds, Patrick OāConnell, Mr. Bake and more
Delightful dishes and cool cocktails are at least one guaranteed way to bring joy to Thanksgiving when the season may look challenging. This year, we asked prominent local LGBTQ chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, and restaurateurs to offer recipes and suggestions for Thanksgiving.Ā
Jamie Leeds, Hankās Oyster Bar
This recipe is the ultimate ode to Chesapeake Bay oysters, using both the oyster and its juice (known as the liquor) to season the stuffing. Leeds is a pioneer in the restaurant industry in Washington, D.C., and was also a a former Washington Blade Most Eligible Single.
Chesapeake Oyster Stuffing
(8 servings)
1 pint (approx. 24) Shucked Chesapeake oysters with liquor
1 cup Celery, small dice
1 cup Yellow onion, small dice
1 stick Butter
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/8 tsp Tarragon, fresh
1/8 tsp Thyme, fresh
1/2 tsp Lemon juice
4 Cups Bread, day old, 1ācubes
3 Tbsp Parsley, fresh, chopped
2 Each Eggs, beaten with 2 T water
Steps:
Strain oysters, reserving their liquid. Place oysters in a large mixing bowl with the cubed bread. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat the inside of a 2-quart (or slightly larger) baking dish with cooking spray.
In a 10-inch sautƩ pan, melt the butter and add celery and onions. Cook on medium heat until vegetables are tender, about five minutes. Add salt, thyme, tarragon and Old Bay seasoning, stir to incorporate. Add reserved oyster liquor and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Once cool pour over oysters and bread. Mix gently until moistened.
Gently fold in the eggs, lemon juice and parsley until fully incorporated. Transfer to the baking dish, cover and bake for about 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until top is browned. Can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and kept refrigerated before baking. Tip: If you do not have day-old bread, place cubed bread on a baking sheet and put in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes until the bread is crusty on the outside. Let cool completely before adding oysters.
Mr. Bakeās Award-Winning Banana Pudding
Kareem āMr. Bakeā Queeman is famous for not only his fabulous presence on social media and reality TV, but also his Banana Pudding, which is the perfect addition to your holiday table. In this recipe, the James Beard semifinalist baker and owner of Mr. Bake Sweets shares his award-winning banana pudding recipe that helped Kareem win his first-ever competition as a baker (the first of many!), and showcase it on the āKelly Clarkson Showā this past Easter. This is Kareemās variation on a Southern family recipe passed down by his late aunt Janet Wills.
This holiday dessert is a delicious combination of easy to find and affordable grocery store ingredients, and even includes an option to use store-bought pudding mix if youāre in a time crunch (just make sure to save time to put your pudding in the fridge). Just keep in mind that youāll need to chilled a bowl in advance and a standard mixer to make sure you get that perfect fluffy texture in the pudding. If youāre feeling extra ambitious, you can make a homemade whipped topping or spring for store-bought in a pinch to add as a final topping on your pudding. Serve in bowls or eat it straight out of the bowl (we wonāt judge) this pudding is sure to impress all season long.
Technique Tip:
ā Make sure you chill your bowl and mixer attachments before whipping your
heavy cream into cream. This helps ensure the heavy cream whips up nice
and high, and wonāt take as much time.
ā Make sure the bowl isnāt touching the water when placing your custard bowl
over the double boiler. Youāre using just the steam to cook, dissolve and
double your custard in volume.
ā Temper your eggs into the cream make sure you add about a cup of the hot
into the egg mixture. This helps make sure you donāt cook and scramble eggs.
Swap Option:
ā You can use all heavy cream or whole milk for Half and Half. (Half and Half is
equal parts heavy cream and whole milk)
ā You can use Cool Whip if you donāt have heavy cream to make whipped cream
(use about 3 to 4 cups of Cool Whip)
Serving Size: Serves 12 to 15 people
Yield: Makes about 5 to 6 cups of custard.
Prep Time: Custard 6-8 minutes for cook and prep, 2 hour- overnight for chilling
3-6 minutes to whip and blend in custard into the sweeten whipped cream
6-10 minutes to assemble
30 min chill time in the fridge once everything is layered
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
Serve and keep chilled and enjoy.
Hand mixer/stand mixer
Banana Pudding Trifle (From Scratch)
ā 8 large egg yolks
ā Ā½ cup granulated sugar
ā 6 tablespoons cornstarch
ā Ā½ teaspoon kosher salt
ā 3 cups half & half
ā 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
ā 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
ā 14 oz can condensed milk
ā 2 cups heavy cream
ā 3 tablespoon confectioners sugar
ā Vanilla wafer cookies 3 to 5 standard boxes (Nabisco preferred)
ā 4-5 large bananas, sliced
ā Optional: Whipped cream for topping
Preparation:
1. In a large heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch and
salt until well blended. The mixture will be thick and pale in color. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the half & half to a rolling boil (do not actually
boil). Remove pot from the heat.
3. Whisk 1 cup of the half and half into the egg-yolk mixture. Mix until
combined, then whisk in the rest of the half and half.
4. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the
bowl doesnāt touch the water in the pot). Cook and whisk constantly, until the
mixture has thickened, 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in vanilla until combined. Let the
mixture sit and cool, 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Whisk in the butter until it is melted and the pudding is smooth and silky.
7. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding and let cool to
room temperature, about 30 minutes to an hour.
8. Whisk in the condensed milk and chill for 2 hours or overnight.
9. In the bowl of a standard mixer, use the whisk attachment to whip the heavy
cream on medium speed until it starts to thicken. Add the sugar and beat
until the cream holds stiff peaks. (Whipped cream should stand straight up
and stand in place when you remove your attachments.
10. Add the chilled pudding custard to the sweetened whipped cream, gently
folding it into each other.
11. To assemble the trifle, spoon 1/3 of the pudding into a glass trifle bowl. Top
with sliced bananas then wafer cookies. Repeat this process ending with
custard at the top, then add fresh sliced bananas, crushed wafer cookies and
fresh whipped cream (optional) as dƩcor.
Executive Chef Harley Peet, Bas Rouge
As a longtime resident of the Eastern Shore and an avid waterman, seafood naturally takes center stage in Peetās dishes. Holidays conjure warmth, and the very essence of comfort food is the pot pie. On the Eastern Shore, where salty air mingles with generations of watermen’s tales, the choice was clear. Sweet, tender lobster and delicate sea scallops elevate this timeless classic, where rustic tradition meets refined flavor and presentation in a dish that captures a sense of place.
Scallop and Lobster Pot Pie on a Scallop Shell
Yield: 4 servings
ā¢ 1 sheet puff pastry, cut into quarter-size circles
ā¢ 1 each egg
ā¢ 1 tablespoon milk
ā¢ 5 slices smokey bacon, cut into half-inch pieces
ā¢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
ā¢ 1/2 cup celery, small diced
ā¢ 1/2 cup onion, small diced
ā¢ 1/2 cup carrots, small diced
ā¢ 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
ā¢ 1 quart heavy whipping cream, cold
ā¢ To taste pepper, freshly ground
ā¢ To taste lemon, juiced
ā¢ 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
ā¢ 1 each lemon, sliced into wedges
ā¢ Salt to taste
ā¢ 4 each large sea scallops, raw and sliced into quarters [ask for scallop shells]
ā¢ 2 each [2.5 lbs.] steamed lobster, diced into half inch pieces
ā¢ Parmesan cheese, grated, to taste
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg and add the milk to create an egg wash. Place the quarter-size circles of puff pastry on a baking sheet and brush the puff pastry with the egg wash. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Set the puff pastry aside.
Brown the bacon in a heavy-bottom Dutch oven or saucepan, such as Le Creuset or Staub. Once the bacon is browned, remove it from the Dutch oven and set it aside. Do not discard the bacon fat. Add the butter to the bacon fat in the Dutch oven. Add the celery, onion, and carrot to the pot, and sweat out the vegetables until they are translucent and soft. Take the Dutch oven with the vegetables off of the heat and sprinkle the flour over the vegetables to make a roux. Return the Dutch oven with the roux to the stove over medium heat. Add the cold heavy whipping cream and whisk to remove roux balls. Season the mixture with freshly ground pepper, to taste, and a squeeze of lemon juice, to taste, for a bit of acidity. Simmer the mixture until it gets thick. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat. Fold in the scallops and lobster into the mixture. Grate the Parmesan cheese into the mixture and stir to incorporate all ingredients. Set the mixture aside, and let it cool in the refrigerator. To note ā the mixture can be made up to a couple of days in advance and kept in the refrigerator. (Add the seafood after to extend the lifetime of the mixture or use it immediately.)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the scallop shell on a flat baking tray. If needed, arrange with some salt or oven-safe ware to hold the shells upright, in order to keep them from tipping over and losing the topping mixture [they will not fall or warp]. Scoop a [generous] tablespoon of the cold mixture into a scallop shell and top it with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, or approximately 6-8 minutes. Top each stuffed scallop shell with a pre-baked puff pastry round. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.
Chef Patrick OāConnell, Inn at Little Washington
Chef Patrick O’Connell, renowned for his three Michelin stars at The Inn at Little Washington, is excited to share one of his beloved recipes for the holiday season.
For nearly four decades, a shot of this soup was served as the first course on The Inn at Little Washingtonās tasting menu during the winter months. This beloved classic from Chef Patrick OāConnell found a new life at Patty Oās CafĆ© and has been touted as āThe worldās most refined version of bean soup.ā Pureeing the beans and adding a touch of cream makes for a delicate soup, but all the hearty flavors remain intact. The best of both worlds, and a perfect beginning for a fall or cold weather dinner.
White Bean Soup with Virginia Country Ham
Ingredients (serves 8)
ā¢ 1/2 pound dried Cannellini or Great Northern Beans
ā¢ 5 strips of bacon
ā¢ 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
ā¢ 5 leeks, chopped and thoroughly cleaned
ā¢ 1 cup chopped celery
ā¢ 4 bay leaves
ā¢ 4 quarts chicken stock, preferably homemade
ā¢ 1 ham bone (optional)
ā¢ 2 cups heavy cream
ā¢ Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
ā¢ Optional garnishes: shaved country ham; fresh cream, whipped; cracked black pepper; minced chives
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, cover the beans with cool water and soak overnight.
2. In an 8 quart stock pot, cook the bacon over medium high heat until browned. Add the onion, leeks, celery, and bay leaves and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain and rinse the beans and add them to the stock pot along with the heated stock and ham bone (if using). Simmer until the beans are very soft, about 1 hour.
4. Remove the ham bone and bay leaves from the soup. Puree the soup in small batches in a blender or food processor and strain.
5. Return the soup to the heat and add the cream. If the soup is too thick, add more stock or cream. Season with salt and cayenne.
6. At Patty Oās CafĆ©, we pour the soup tableside over a bed of shaved local Virginia ham, and garnish with fresh cream whipped with cracked black pepper and fresh chives.
Jonathan Dearden, KNEAD Corporate Chef
KNEAD, one of the largest D.C.-based restaurant groups, is owned by gay couple Jason Berry and Michael Reginbogin.
Chef Deardenās favorite recipe from the Succotash Prime menu that is perfect for Thanksgiving: “Gochujang Brussels Sprouts on our Succotash Prime menu is one of my favorite unique Thanksgiving sides. At the restaurant we fry in the deep fryer. This recipe has been adjusted to use an Air Fryer.”
Air Fried Gochujang Brussels Sprouts
Gochujang Vinaigrette
ā¢ 380g gochujang (hot)
ā¢ 150g orange juice
ā¢ 20g garlic, minced
ā¢ 30g ginger, minced
ā¢ 20g Fresno chilies, finely chopped
ā¢ 100g lime juice
ā¢ 100g rice wine vinegar
ā¢ 10g salt
ā¢ 750g canola or vegetable oil (approx. 1 quart)
In a blender or food processor, combine gochujang, orange juice, garlic, ginger, Fresno chilies, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, and salt. Blend until smooth.
With the blender running, slowly stream in the canola or vegetable oil to emulsify. Adjust seasoning if needed.
For Plate-Up
ā¢ 500g Brussels sprouts (about 1 pint)
ā¢ 50g gochujang vinaigrette
ā¢ 15g garlic chili crunch
ā¢ 3g sesame seeds (white and black, mixed)
ā¢ 3g scallions, sliced
ā¢ Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preheat air fryer to 400Ā°F (200Ā°C).
Toss the Brussels sprouts with a small amount of oil (just enough to lightly coat them) and season with a pinch of salt.
Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sprouts are golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the air-fried Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. Drizzle with 50g of the gochujang vinaigrette, tossing lightly to coat but keeping them crispy. Season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Plate the Brussels sprouts in a serving bowl and garnish with garlic chili crunch, sesame seeds, and sliced scallions.
Anthony Aligo, Barkada Wine Bar
Aligo Aligo and business partners Nicholas Guglietta and Nathan Fisher, all gay men, founded their cozy wine bar in late 2020. They are offering two recipes this season: mushroom stuffing and a cranberry royale drink.
Mushroom Stuffing
This savory and earthy dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, featuring tender mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and hearty bread. Itās an excellent alternative or complement to traditional stuffing, especially for vegetarians or mushroom lovers. The dish balances rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a great side that pairs well with other Thanksgiving favorites like turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce. With its umami depth and seasonal ingredients, this stuffing brings warmth and variety to the holiday table.
Mushroom Stuffing
Ingredients
ā¢ 12 cups of one-inch dried bread cubes or dried stuffing mix
ā¢ 1/2 cup salted butter
ā¢ 2 onions
ā¢1 cup celery
ā¢1 clove garlic
ā¢1/2 lb of your favorite mushrooms
ā¢ 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
ā¢1/3 cup fresh parsley
ā¢ 2 tsp fresh rosemary
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms, onions, celery and minced garlic. Cook until tender. Pour in chicken/turkey stock. Add minced parsley and rosemary and salt and pepper to your liking. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Add bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour the mixture in a bowl and mix. Stuffing should be moist but not mushy. If not moist enough, add water.
Grease a 2-quart baking dish. Add stuffing. Bake for 40-50 minutes at 375 until stuffing is slightly browned on top.
Cranberry Royale
This drink is a festive and refreshing cocktail, perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. With a blend of tart cranberry juice, a hint of orange, and a splash of dry Lambrusco, it offers a beautiful balance of flavors and a light, sparkling finish. The cranberry brings a seasonal twist, while the Lambrusco adds effervescence, making it an ideal aperitif to start the holiday. Its bright red hue adds a festive touch to the Thanksgiving table, celebrating the flavors and colors of the season.
ā¢ 0.5 oz Vodka
ā¢ 0.5 oz Orange Juice
ā¢ 1.5 oz Cranberry Juice
ā¢ 3.0 oz Lambrusco (dry)
Shake the cranberry, orange, and vodka with ice, and strain into a flute or coupe. Top with Lambrusco and garnish with orange peel.
a&e features
Should gay snowbirds cancel Florida amid anti-LGBTQ attacks?
The ethics of soaking up the sun while DeSantis targets our own
The sunny state of Florida has long been a draw for many members of the LGBTQ community, particularly those from cold Northeast states who flock there in winter.
With temperatures cooling off, the annual migration is underway, despite Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his agenda attacking queer rights. Floridaās hostile environment has a long history, including the failed attempt by Anita Bryant to keep gay teachers out of the Miami school district some 40 years ago.
That homophobic tradition continues. In addition to the current administrationās draconian āDonāt Say Gayā law, and DeSantisās threats to Disney World in Orlando, the LGBTQ section was recently removed from the Visit Florida website.
Travel is perhaps the most important industry for much of Florida, especially the Southeast and many gay couples decide to retire to the land of eternal summer permanently. Then there are those who flock to āwinterā in the state.
Tony Adams is a journalist, editor, playwright, and former contributor to the South Florida Gay News. In 2016, he published a book, āEnding Anita: How Two Key West Bartenders Won Gay Marriage for Florida.ā He and his husband spend time there every winter. But he finally had enough.
āI didnāt like paying taxes to the DeSantis administration,ā he said. āI sold my place in Fort Lauderdale.ā
But he cautions against an all out boycott of the state.
āIf we desert Florida now, we are depriving our LGBTQ+ businesses of the revenue they need to stay alive,ā he said. āFor that reason, I still visit Florida whenever I can, especially Key West and stay at the Island House. ā¦ Florida has a long tradition of homophobia in politics. In my book I assembled timelines of hatred going back to the 1977 campaign of Anita Bryant against gay teachers in public schools. Floridians get angry and then come to their senses, but maybe it’s just the flatness of the Florida terrain that allows that pendulum to swing more violently than in other states.ā
The Blade reached out to several gay snowbirds from the Northeast for comment for this story; all declined to comment.
Ed Salvato, a leader in LGBTQ marketing and education for the tourism and hospitality industry, weighed in on the deletion of the LGBTQ tourism page.
āThe removal felt like erasure, it also felt gratuitous,ā Salvato said. āWhat harm was that information doing to anyone? I speak to many tourism and hospitality professionals as well as frequent travelers, almost all of whom were dismayed and angered by these actions.ā
Anecdotally, Salvato said he has heard from friends who are fed up and want to move out. Those who visit frequently are rethinking their upcoming visit to the Sunshine State, he said.
āRecently, I spoke to a woman in Florida very active in hospitality and the diversity, equity, and inclusion space who said she just heard from a large conference of mostly African Americans from Historic Black Colleges and Universities who are canceling their big annual conference there,ā Salvato said. āSince they feel that these anti-LGBTQ actions as well as others feel racist. Like the attack on ācritical race theoryā teaching and attacks on DEI create an unsafe environment for their constituents. This is not good for the economy or reputation of Visit Florida.ā He added, this will ātake a long time to repair.ā
On those like Adams who sold their property but still visit, Salvato notes, āIn fact that actually feels like a better reaction than friends who are boycotting the state entirely. To me that makes no sense. The folks in the capital will still draw their salary whether or not you visit your favorite gay guesthouse in Florida. However, the gay owners of that guesthouse or the queer staff will suffer so your boycott hurts the very community who you wish to protect.ā
The sheer number of queer people, especially young gay men often escaping hostile families when they graduate high school or before, who find work in the nightlife industry is staggering. Each June, throngs of these young men arrive hoping to find a welcoming community, a job, and a sunny beach.
āIn the instance you cite,ā meaning snowbirds who may wish to sell property and visit long-term, āthis shifts the benefits around the state so thatās better than a boycott but I think the best thing we can do is to go and support those destinations and suppliers that are daring to continue to reach out to LGBTQ travelers despite the signals sent out by the conservative state government.ā
Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, took a similar stance as Salvato. How much money does the state earn from the āgay dollar?ā She said ābillions.ā
āThe state not only disrespects a significant contributor to its tourism economy but also sends a dangerous and exclusionary message,ā Smith said. āThis wasnāt just a petty move ā it’s part of a calculated campaign to push LGBTQ people out of public life in Florida. When questioned about why they did this, Visit Florida officials confirmed that this removal was done to align with DeSantis’s hostile policies and rhetoric toward the LGBTQ community.ā
Like Salvato, Smith and Equality Florida recommend spending your dollars at LGBTQ-friendly businesses.
āResidents and visitors can also channel their economic influence toward companies that align with their values, sending a strong message that equality and inclusivity matter to them,ā Smith said. āEquality Florida is a proud partner of Open To All, a growing coalition of businesses large and small that pledge to be welcoming and inclusive. Customers can search āopen to allā businesses on YELP,Ā empowering us to vote with our dollars and support businesses that prioritize and actively advocate for LGBTQ rights.Ā
āIn Fort Lauderdale,ā she added, āVisitLauderdale.com launched a new social media campaign, āNo End to the Rainbows,ā to reaffirm their commitment to promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.ā
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