By the Gastronomes w/Michiko Yoon

As you can see, this isn’t a “standard” Dining Out column. We thought this space in the Thanksgiving issue would be the perfect spot to highlight those who put together and participate in the Annual Carpenter’s Shelter Cook-Off each year. These restaurants and the retail businesses that contribute their time, money, donations and efforts to pull this amazing annual event together each year deserve a special shout out.

The Old Town Crier is very happy to be part of the media sponsorship each year and hope that our help gets you readers there to do some tasting! We like getting the chance to check out new eateries and see what our advertisers are contributing and they never disappoint. Another special shout out to The Warehouse, Landini Brother’s and Union Street and we can’t forget to include Bastille’s GM, Juan Ramirez, agreeing to be a Celebrity Judge. Lots of new faces and tastes this year! We now have several new ideas for future Dining Out column subjects! We both agreed that they really should consider a “Best In Show” winner in the future. Rocklands BBQ hit it out of the ballpark with their whole roast porcine and all of the fixins display!

Many thanks to the Carpenter Shelter’s very capable Communications Specialist, Michiko Yoon, for her contribution below. She does a great job of getting the word out before and after the event each year.

If you are looking for local charities to donate some time and money to during this holiday season, put the Carpenter’s Shelter on your list. – The Gastronomes

The Carpenter’s Shelter hosted their signature fundraising event presented by Amazon, PCSI, Bryan and Mary White, Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 on Sunday, October 25th at The Birchmere.

Attendees sampled tastings from Aldo’s Italian Kitchen, Buzz Bakeshop, Carpenter’s Café, Common Hearth Bakery, Dishes of India, Firebirds Wood-Fired Grill, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Hard Times Cafe, Landini Brothers, Little Birdie, Union Street Public House, Rocklands Barbecue, Rustico Restaurant & Bar, Pop-Up Pastries, Sundara Indian Restaurant, Tequila & Taco, True Food Kitchen, The Warehouse and Misha’s Coffee.

Jonathan Wolcott, Carpenter’s Shelter Board Alum from Holland & Knight won the seventh Val Hawkins award which recognizes dedicated champions who work to further the mission and vision of Carpenter’s Shelter.  Neil Gillespie and Nancy DiPaolo served as Co-Chairs of the event.

The Celebrity Judges who chose the winners for Best Sweet and Savory Dishes were Jasmine Styles, News Anchor at WJLA-7, Juan Ramirez, General Manager of RAMMYS award-winning Bastille Brasserie & Bar, and Kamay Lafalaise, Master Chef Top Finalist.

Sundara Indian Restaurant took home the Best Savory Dish award for their butter chicken and masala, while Firebirds restaurant from the Franconia-Springfield Virginia location won Best Sweet Dish for their cheesecake with a crispy brûlée topping.

Adult attendees at Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 voted for their top restaurant, caterer or bakery, and Pop-Up Pastries won the People’s Choice award for their moist “cakettes” in different flavors of chocolate, vanilla, pineapple, and sweet potato. (Pop-Up Pastries also won Best Sweet and Kid’s Choice award in 2025.)

Children attendees made their voices heard by voting, and Buzz Bakeshop won Kid’s Choice Award with their Kremboo marshmallow ghost cookies, soft pumpkin cream cheese whoopie pies, and funfetti cookies.

About Carpenter’s Shelter:

Carpenter’s Shelter supports people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria to achieve sustainable independence through shelter, guidance, education, and advocacy. Each year, more than 1,080 children, women and men access Carpenter’s Shelter’s services. Carpenter’s Shelter’s ultimate goal is transitioning those they serve to permanent, sustainable housing.  To learn more about Carpenter’s Shelter’s impact in the community, please visit: CarpentersShelter.org.