The aroma of oxtail spring rolls drizzled with a sauce similar to ketchup mixed with hot sauce made by Kitchen Cray from northeast D.C. wafted through the air, while several people devoured a sample of seafood gumbo from EllaRay’s Café of District Heights, Maryland.
The dishes were just a few of the dozens prepared by chefs and culinary entrepreneurs Monday during a Flavor of the DMV Showcase at FedEx Field in Landover. The Washington Football Team hosted the event, at which one of the 22 participants will be selected as an official game-day vendor for the team’s 2021 season.
“I really hope I’m one of the selected few,” said Cleavon “Clay” Morris, chef and owner of The Tropical Express based in Clinton.
“It’s motivational to be around these guys,” said Morris, who turns 30 later this month. “Just to be in this position where people tell me my food tastes good, I’m just happy.”
It’s unclear when a winner would be announced, but the Washington organization wanted to ensure a community vendor became part of the team’s eight home games starting with the season opener Sept. 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“It’s the first time the team has ever done anything like this,” said Joey Colby-Begovich, vice president of guest experience. “It’s part of our larger effort to bring more community elements into the stadium and the gameday experience.”
The Shell Shack Seafood, which operates a food truck with a patio in downtown Silver Spring, established its operation in April 2020. The company entered the competition about one hour before the deadline, thanks to a customer sending an Instagram link.
“Thank God for the customer,” said Nicole Watson, director of operations for The Shell Shack. “No two days are ever the same in our business, which makes it so very interesting.”
Some of the taste-testers included season-ticket holders, two executive chefs and former Washington players. Each person received six tokens to place in a box to help choose a particular vendor.
According to the judging rules, participants will be evaluated on food or product quality, including taste, appearance and texture, ease of prep and service, overall presentation, uniqueness of the product, and connections to the DMV.
In the event of a tie, the head chef for Levy Hospitality Group will be the tiebreaker.
A few vendors in attendance operate outside the D.C. region, including South Mountain Creamery in Middletown, Frederick County, which delivers its homemade ice cream and other products to various businesses in the area. Several people walked to the creamery’s table to guzzle some 12-ounce raspberry lemonade.
Former Washington tight end Rick “Doc” Walker didn’t speak for about 35 seconds after taking a bite of a plant-based sausage from Everything Legendary of Largo. He even swayed side to side while chewing.
“I stand by my product, man,” yelled Duane Cheers, president and CEO of Everything Legendary. “This food makes you dance.”