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NBC’s Chuck Todd to be judge at the Taste of Del Ray

By James Cullum
Chuck Todd is going to be a judge at the upcoming Taste of Del Ray, June 1, 2025 (via Facebook)

Chuck Todd, NBC News chief political analyst, will be the judge at the 16th annual Taste of Del Ray on June 1.

The former Meet the Press host has a long history with Alexandria, and he’ll decide on the top dishes between 14 restaurants at the ticketed event, which will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields (2701 Commonwealth Avenue).

According to Visit Del Ray:

For nearly a decade, you spent every Sunday morning with him — now, we’re excited to announce that former Meet the Press host Chuck Todd will be the judge for the 16th Annual Taste of Del Ray on Sunday, June 1!
Chuck’s Del Ray roots run deep. He got his start in political journalism at The Hotline, National Journal’s daily briefing on politics; their offices were located on Mount Vernon Avenue in the late ’90s. Back then, a few new local spots — first St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, then Evening Star Cafe, and Taqueria Poblano Del Ray — started popping up, and these restaurant owners helped transform the neighborhood into the vibrant community that Del Ray is now.

Tickets cost $10 for kids 12 and under and $25 for adults. For $75 a ticket, a VIP wine tasting event will be held nearby at Del Ray Artisans (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

According to DRBA, only 500 general admission and 100 VIP tickets will be sold, and the event has sold out in the past.

“Ticket holders will enjoy a wide range of tastes from top Del Ray restaurants and can cast their votes for the People’s Choice award,” according to DRBA.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.