Samples from the Summer Fancy Food Show

Forget the food trucks, the pop-up restaurants, the European bakery and the tequila bar. What’s establishing D.C. as a non-second-tier city? The arrival of the Summer Fancy Food Show.

Okay. Maybe not. But it is coming nonetheless, July 10-12, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. And while there will be samples of more than 180,000 products, including cheeses, pâtés, salsas, biscuits, cookies, crackers and, really, anything else from around the world, local companies will shine as well.

Below you’ll find a few highlights of local vendors from a recent preview show. Unfortunately, the event is for food industry professionals only, but you can still seek out the goods.

Todd’s Dirt: Todd Courtney‘s “Crabby Dirt” variety takes aim at Old Bay’s crown as crab seasoning king. His slogan: “It’s always a good time to get dirty.” Consider him the Christina Aguilera of spices.  Severna Park, Md.

Bone Doctors’ BBQ Sauce: They make sauces, but get this, Dr. David Heilbronner and Dr. Bruce Wilhelmsen are both actually orthopedic surgeons (aka bone doctors). Charlottesville, Va.

Route 11 Potato Chips: You’ll recognize this brand offered at plenty of lunch counters in the area. But did you know this company started out of Tabard Inn? Mount Jackson, Va.

Photos by Stefanie Gans