By photographer Michael Kandel for DCist

Once a year, Taste of D.C. shuts down Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 15th Streets to showcase the District’s culinary offerings. While it was cloudy, cold, and wet, which might have hampered attendance, the weather could not curtail the potent aromas of a menu that otherwise would only exist in your dreams – including deep fried Oreos, barbecue ribs, lobster rolls drenched in butter, and more. The food was great, beer was plentiful, and there was plenty to drool over.