The bounty of the season surrounds us—farmers markets in full swing, backyard grills firing up, and picnic baskets practically packing themselves. This issue is your invitation to the table. 

From garden dinners to ice cream runs, we’ve gathered inspiration for how to savor summer: what to cook, where to go, who to know, and how to bring it all together in delicious, memorable ways. 

We’re endlessly inspired by the leaders in our local food scene—growers, chefs, bakers, and makers—who create space for abundance and remind us of the power we hold in the choices we make: where we shop, what we buy, and who we support. 

Food plays many roles in our lives. It nourishes, heals, and celebrates. It’s medicine for thesick, as we learn from the beautiful work of Food & Friends. Its history passed down through generations as we are taught by culinary historian Dr. Jessica Harris. And it’s joy—often best shared around a table. 

At Edible DC, we spend our days immersed in this vibrant food landscape, traversing the DMV to meet the people who grow, prepare, write about, and revel in food. Our work has opened doors to sit down with legends—like Chef Wolfgang Puck, and Dawn Padmore who leads the James Beard awards, and a long list of passionate local voices-to talk about food, community, and creativity.  

In this issue, we invite you to have some fun with us and get inspired: 

• Dine in the garden with local chefs 
• Try out delicious menu to freshen up your own backyard gatherings 
• Journey with us to coastal Italy—and back again to DC—capturing the spirit of summer through the clean, elegant cuisine of Ama.
• Come along on a road trip through Virginia’s charming historic villages each boasting its own world-class food moment.
• Make plans to visit some of our amazing farmers markets with our new guide 
• Chill out with some unique local ice cream

This is your season. Your chance to revel in the sensory joys of food grown close to home and shared with the people you love. 

Cheers! 

James