A Taste of the Future 2026

On March 29, 2026, A Taste of the Future will convene some of Washington, DC’s most acclaimed chefs at Moon Rabbit (#17 on North America's Top 50 Restaurants) for a one-night-only, multi-course dinner inspired by the creativity of the next generation.

Hosted by Moon Rabbit's Chef Kevin Tien, the evening benefits the. This competition, which will celebrate its 15th year in 2027, challenges middle and high school students from across the DMV to design delicious, plant-based meals for their peers that meet the same cost and nutrition standards as school food professionals.

Chef Kevin Tien, the Event Chair of the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge, will lead the dinner alongside:

• Chef Paolo Dungca
• Chef Jamie Leeds
• Chef Amy Brandwein
• Rahul Vinod
• Chef Robbie Reyes
• Sydney Ide

Together, they will reimagine winning student recipes from past Culinary Challenges, showing how youth-driven innovation can inspire chefs at the highest level.

Since 2012, the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge has given middle and high school students the chance to step into the role of school nutrition professionals. They design delicious, healthy meals that reflect the diverse culinary traditions of our communities, while meeting the strict nutrition and cost requirements of the National School Meal Program.

It remains the only competition where students see their recipes adapted and served in school cafeterias across the Greater Metropolitan Region.

Funds raised at this dinner will directly support the 2027 Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge, expanding mentorship, career exposure, and the student-led push to transform school food. To make a direct tax-deductible donation, please visit https://www.realfoodforkids.org/donateculinarychallenge.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026

Location: Moon Rabbit · 927 F Street NW · Washington, DC 20004

Public parking garages are available nearby, and Moon Rabbit is conveniently metro-accessible.

Schedule:

• 5:30–6:30 p.m. · VIP Reception
• 6:30 p.m. · Dinner Guest Arrival
• 7:00 p.m. · Dinner Begins

Dress Code: Sunday Best

Beverages: A cash bar will be available throughout the evening

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VIP – $240
Includes a 5:30–6:30 p.m. reception with a signature cocktail, small bites inspired by past Culinary Challenge recipes, and early access to mingle with the chefs and former Culinary Challenge participants.

Dinner Guest – $170
Seated multi-course dinner. Guests should arrive at 6:30.

Tickets are limited. Reserve your seat today.

Info: Includes a signature cocktail, small bites inspired by Culinary Challenge recipes, and early access to mingle with the chefs and former Culinary Challenge student participants.

Info: Seated Multi-Course Dinner begins.

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