The Georgetowner January 14, 2011 by The Georgetowner issue archives

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Volume 57, Number 8

2nd Annual

Photo Competition Anna Deavere Smith Arena Stage At Arean

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Vol. 57, No. 8

contents

Since 1954

“The Newspaper Whose Influence Far Exceeds Its Size” — Pierre Cardin

About the Cover

Publisher Sonya Bernhardt

4 — Web Exclusives 5 — Up and Coming

Managing Editor Ari Post

Feature Editor Gary Tischler

Marketing Director Charlene Louis Contributors Katherine Tallmadge Jack Evans Bill Starrels Jordan Wright Amos Gelb Kathy Corrigall John Blee Margaret Loewith Donna Evers Veena Trehan

Jody Kurash Linda Roth Conte Mary Bird Stacey Murphy David Post Robert Devaney Renee Garfinkel Dave Nyczepir Rebekah Richards Darrell Parsons

Photographers Yvonne Taylor Neshan Naltchayan Malek Naz Freidouni

Tom Wolff Jeff Malet Robert Devaney

Advertising Adra Williams Elle Fergusson Graphic Design Jen Merino Kelly Sullivan Counsel Juan Chardiet, Attorney

Published by Georgetown Media Group, Inc. 1054 Potomac St., N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 338-4833 Fax: (202) 338-3292 editorial@georgetowner.com www.georgetowner.com The Georgetowner is published every other Wednesday. The opinions of our writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect the editorial and corporate opinions of The Georgetowner newspaper. The Georgetowner accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. The Georgetowner reserves the right to edit, rewrite, or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions. Copyright, 2009.

The cover image is by photographer Jeff Kouri, winner of The Georgetowner’s 2nd annual photo competition. The photo, taken on the water, with a breathtaking view of the Georgetown University boathouse, offers a glimpse of the Key Bridge that most of us here don’t often get the opportunity to experience.

Lauretta McCoy

6-7 — Georgetown Observer 8 — Editorial/Opinion 9 — Politics 10 — Business 11—All Things Media/Mortgage

Page 18

Lauretta McCoy, our Creative Director for Fashion, has established a reputation for excellence in fashion, makeup artistry and creative direction in the fashion, film and television industries. Her credits include assignments for a long list of celebrities including Alicia Keys, Liya Kebede and Lacey Chabert. She studied at the Corcoran, where she developed and refined her skills for painting, illustration and design. Creating flawless skin with strokes of uninhibited color and fantasy through fashion has become her trademark.

12-13 — Real Estate Featured Property Real Estate Sales 14-15 — Arts Performance Art Wrap 16-17 — Cover Story 2nd Annual Photo Competition 18 — Haute & Cool 19 — In Country 22-24 — Food & Wine Cocktail of the Week Capital Wine Festival The Latest Dish

Linda Roth Conte Page 24

Linda Roth Conte, President of Linda Roth Associates, Inc., has been with the paper for nearly a decade. Over the years, her insider restaurant industry news and sharp insights have mapped a veritable timeline of the DC restaurant scene. Through her columns, we have traced the ins and outs of local culinary trends, and watched the rising, falling and sometimes resurrecting of the DC restaurant community. Her Latest Dish column is the very definition of “news you can use.”

Subscribe Enjoy The Downtowner in your home for only $36 per year! The Downtowner brings you the latest news from one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Washington. Now you can subscribe to The Downtowner – 26 issues for $36 per year – sent right to your mailbox. We promise to continue to entertain you with exciting downtown news about society, dining, fashion and more. You won’t want to miss a word. Join our remarkable subscribers, “the most influential audience in the world” and support a unique community newspaper today!

25 — Body & Soul Murphy’s Love Communication is Not the Key 27-30 — Social Scene Kennedy Center Honors Sweet 16: Sweet Charity Georgetowner Holiday Benefit and Bazaar DC Jazz Festival: Ladies in Jazz Washington Winter Show Verdura and Women of Style

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Global Africa: Nick Cave African American artist and professor Nick Cave creates Soundsuits recalling West African Masquerades and African talismans and rituals. 7:00-9:00 p.m. The National Museum of the American Indian, 4th St. and Independence Ave, SW. A Celebration of MLK Day The National Museum of African American History and Culture is hosting an event featuring contributors of the new anthology, “The Word: Black Writers Talk About the Transformative Power of Reading and Writing,” including Washington Post journalist, Wil Haygood. The event will be followed by a discussion a book signing. 7:00 p.m. National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. 14th St. and Constitution Ave.

Kennedy Center 50th Anniversary Celebration This star-studded evening opens the Kennedy Center’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. Special guests and performers, including the NSO, American Ballet Theater, and more, pay tribute to the lasting legacy made by our 35th president to the performing arts. Note: This event is sold out. Check the box office for last minute availability. 7:00 p.m. The Kennedy Center. The House of Yes

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Georgetown University’s Performing Arts Center will be performing Wendy McLeod’s acclaimed play. 8:00 p.m. The Davis Performing Arts Center, Gonda Theater.

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JANUARY 21

Sweet Honey in the Rock Children’s Concert

Tamara Laird at Cross Mackenzie Gallery

An annual tradition for children of all ages, Sweet Honey In The Rock’s Children’s Concert celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., with folk songs, spirituals, sing-alongs, and messages of wisdom, strength, and hope. Two performance times: 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. The People’s Congregational Church, 4704 13th St. NW

For their first exhibition in 2011, Cross Mackenzie Gallery chose Tamara Laird’s group of works titled “Paisley Monuments,” inspired by the artists extensive world travels and her interest in the connection between local culture and artistic development. On display through March 1st. Opening reception: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Cross Mackenzie Gallery, 1054 31st St.

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Program

JANUARY 23

The Anacostia Community Museum’s annual program honors the birthday and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year features FoxTV political analyst and Sunday News panelist, Juan Williams. The former White House correspondent will be interviewed by Essence Magazine’s Cynthia Gordy. 7:00 p.m. National Museum of National History, Baird Auditorium. Constitution Avenue at 10th Street NW

Amit Peled Concert

JANUARY 15-16

JANUARY 25

“90 Years of New” Celebration and Cake Competition

Behind the Scenes of Preservation at Dumbarton House

Celebrating both its 90th anniversary and the reopening of the original Phillips house, the Phillips collection is granting free admission Jan. 15-16. Featuring free tours, complimentary champagne, and a display of cakes by some of Washington’s finest pastry chefs. 11:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW.

A tour by the D.C. Preservation League, with museum curator S. Scott Scholz, will show guests how the staff accurately determines how to reflect the original condition of the Dumbarton House, as it was lived in by early residents. 6:00-8:00 p.m. Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St.

Known for his fiery playing and charismatic stage presence, Israeli cellist Amit Peled is acclaimed as one of the most exciting instrumentalists on the concert stage today. Peled will perform at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater with pianist Eli Kalman. 2:00 p.m. The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW

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ANC SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER THE GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS PLAN The Citizens Association of Georgetown has called a special meeting for Thursday, January 20, 6:30 p.m., Duke Ellington School of the Arts, 3500 R Street, NW. Community members are invited to a public meeting of the ANC 2E Committee of the Whole to discuss and consider the proposed 2010-2020 Campus Plan filed by Georgetown University on December 30, 2010. Members of the community in attendance, the Citizens Association of Georgetown, the Burleith Citizens Association, and the Georgetown University officials will participate in a discussion with ANC commissioners about the proposed campus plan and its impacts on the community. Community members are encouraged to comment on the plan by email to the ANC: atanc2e@dc.gov. The ANC anticipates adopting a resolution relating to the proposed campus plan at its regular public meeting on January 31, 2011. Details of the proposed campus plan as described by Georgetown University are available on the University website. CAG and BCA postitions on the plan are available at: www.CAGTown.org and www.Burleith.org.

GU CAMPUS PLAN FUELS NEIGHBORHOOD DISAPPROVAL Georgetown University’s 10-year campus plan, long negotiated and disputed among the Georgetown neighborhood, was unveiled on December 31 to criticism and disapproval. The official filing did omit particular issues taken up by Citizen’s Association of Georgetown in recent months: the University elimi-

OBSERVER

nated plans to create student housing on the 1789 block, which CAG opposed citing that it falls outside the defined campus area. It also as dropped the proposed extension of the University’s heating and cooling chimney. The biggest issue facing the plan is its lack of initiative in creating sufficient student housing within the University campus, which would have in turn bled less students into the surrounding Georgetown neighborhood. The University plans to increase enrollment by about 3,200 students from its 2009 level without providing much in the way of additional on-campus housing. Furthermore, there is distrust of the legitimacy of Georgetown’s proposed enrollment increase, citing that in 2000 GU told the community that they would enroll about 3,800 graduate students by 2010; their current count is 6,275. “It is clear that GU will continue to rely on existing homes in the surrounding neighborhoods to house a substantial portion of its ever expanding student population,” wrote CAG in a December newsletter. “GU can not continue to use the neighborhood for its residence halls… In Georgetown, over 113 houses have been turned from single family houses to group rentals and it is difficult and expensive to convert them back. Many of these residences are poorly maintained and house more people than legally allowed, often bringing both excessive trash and noise. This result has prompted residents to move out of the area.” CAG proposed that the University reinstate its goal from 1990 to house 100% of its undergraduates on campus and agree to reasonable caps on enrollment for graduate and undergraduate students. “The plan is disappointing in that it proposes no new student housing,” wrote CAG president Jennifer Altemus in a statement. “While the

omission of [other] initiatives is recognized, no progress has been made on the community’s principal demand that the University move a substantial number of students back on campus or house them in a satellite campus.” CAG will continue appealing to the D.C. Zoning Board with their suggestions for the plan. Councilmember Jack Evans has also criticized the plan. “I was disappointed to learn that the University’s proposed campus plan does not include any significant action to move more undergraduate students onto the main campus,” Evans stated in a press release. “While I do appreciate the University compromising on the 1789 block and the smokestack, clearly the most important issue to the neighborhood and the single issue not addressed by the plan, is relocating undergraduate students back to campus.” However, states Evans, “I will continue to work with the community to ensure that the University comes forth with a viable plan for

moving the majority of undergraduates back to the main campus.”

C&O CANAL’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY On January 8, 1971, President Nixon signed into law the creation of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, with a purpose of preserving the unique canal heritage area for present and future generations to enjoy. A press release from the C&O Canal Trust thanks the public for their support and enthusiasm in keeping the park alive, stating: “The C&O Canal Trust is working to perpetuate the vision and efforts of the canal’s advocates both past and present.” In conjunction with the 40th anniversary, the Trust and the park will be developing an internet-based guide to 40 points of interest in the park, “Canal Discoveries,” which will include popular destinations and “hidden gems.” In addition, their new website, set to launch in April, will contain information about recreational opportunities, items of historical significance, natural features, as well as maps and directions for each site. Here’s hoping for another 40 years.

CAPITAL BIKESHARE LAUNCHES “WINTER WEATHER WARRIOR” CONTEST Michael Kent’s “Mule”

To encourage bike riders to stay environmentally friendly, despite the environment being particularly unfriendly during these harsh winter months, Capital Bikeshare has launched a biking competition for annual and monthly members, to last from January 1 until the end of February. Members are invited to compete for who can take the most trips within the twomonth time frame. The winner will be crowned “Winter Weather Warrior” and will receive a

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free three-year extension of their membership, two free annual memberships to give out to friends or family, $100 to Hudson Trail Outfitters, and $25 to Starbucks. Capital Bikeshare will also be hosting a “Long Haul Rider” contest, which awards the contestant who has the most rides over three miles in distance. The “Most Saddle Time” contest awards the rider with the most time spent on a Capital Bikeshare bike. Several smaller contests will also be held throughout the two-month period at random, including prize drawings, which will be announced via Facebook and Twitter the day before the contest.

CAG PRESENTS GEORGETOWN ARTS 2011 The Citizen’s Association of Georgetown will bring the artistic endeavors of the neighborhood to the Shops at Georgetown Park for five days, January 27 – February 1, with an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on the 27th. The exhibition will be held in one of the larger store spaces on the Wisconsin Avenue level of the mall. CAG will display the work of over thirty Georgetown artists working in a variety of mediums, and much of which will be for sale. Saturday, January 29 will feature an artists’ talk. The call for artists is still open. To apply or volunteer to help the program, email Michele Banks, coordinator of the CAG art show, at CAGmail@CAGtown.org.

GRAY RESPONDS TO FIERY POSTAL PACKAGE On January 7 the Metropolitan Police Department responded to a flaring package at the United States Postal Service on V Street NE. Two similar packages had been opened the day before in Maryland state government facilities. No one was injured; however, the facility was

evacuated out of caution. Mayor Vincent Gray later stated, “Whoever committed this cowardly, dastardly act must be brought to justice quickly. Gray commended both the postal workers and the law enforcement units for their quick action and collaboration. Mailrooms across DC were then shut down to receive a full inspection by officials. Later the Protective Services Police Department requested that all suspicious packages and activity be reported immediately to officials due to recent events.

GRAY APPOINTS FOUR NEW DIRECTORS TO ADMINISTRATION Mayor Vincent Gray recently appointed four new directors to his administration. He emphasized that his new additions are, “Team players with extensive backgrounds and expertise in their fields.” Dr. Mohammad N. Akhter, named Director of the Department of Health, is currently a professor at the College o Medicine and Health Management Programs at Howard University. He was previously the Commissioner of Public Health for DC and the Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, and held senior positions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, see page 9.

DC WATER WANTS TO HELP CONGRESS CUT BUDGET John Boehner, new Speaker of the House, recently announced plans to cut the U.S. House of Representatives office budgets in hopes of helping reduce the U.S. budget deficit. After the announcement, D.C. Water announced its own plans to help. In the first quarter of 2010 alone, the House

spent $190,000 on bottled water. D.C. Water’s General Manager George S. Hawkins heard this and had ten sample reusable water bottles sent to Boehner’s office along with a letter of support and an offer to supply each Congressman with a reusable bottle. The letter advocated the elimination of bottled water for both financial and environmental reasons. The production and transportation of bottled water uses enough oil each year to fuel about 1.5 million cars, and nearly 2.5 millions tons of plastic bottles were thrown away in 2008, having a noticeably damaging impact upon the environment.

FIRST CAR CHARGING STATION OPENS IN THE DISTRICT The first residential car charging station in the District recently opened in the residences of 425 Mass, an apartment complex on Massachusetts Avenue. Electric cars allow for reduced fuel cost and lower fuel consumption, and support the idea of and energy-independent America. Many policymakers have become strong advocates of this new technology. They have been supporting the use of electric vehicles, offering tax credits and financial incentives to buyers. 425 Mass also partnered with Car Charging Group, Inc. to encourage the new technology.

BANGKOK BISTRO UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP, NOW MAI THAI Bangkok Bistro, Georgetown’s local Thai food haven on Prospect Street, is under new ownership with a new name. The restaurant, now Mai Thai, has been purchased by the owners of the local restaurant chain Thaiphoon, and another Mai Thai restaurant.

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EDITORIAL

OPINION

GUNS AND BATTLE CRIES: THE POLITICS OF SPEAKING UP

o, how’s that “reload” slogan workin’ out for you, Sarah? I know, I know, it seems like piling on. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Everyone on the left has pointed out that Sarah Palin, the patron saint of the Tea Party, had drawn up a map in which several Democratic districts were special targets for extra effort in last year’s election. She marked these districts on a map with rifle sights. One of them happened to be the Arizona district of Democratic moderate Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, up for a tough third term election. Giffords, as we well know now, is hanging on precariously for her life in the aftermath of a horrific shooting in front of a Tucson Safeway Store. Six people were killed, and numerous others were injured. The shooter, a disturbed young man named Jared Loughner, apparently targeted Giffords, using an automatic Glock pistol. Commentators and politicians are complaining that Palin and some of the more outspoken rhetoric dished out by Tea Party and conservative supporters contributed to an out-of-control atmosphere of confrontational politics in Washington and across the

country. I don’t mean to pick on Palin. All right, yes I do. In spite of her condolences, Palin has never owned up to the severity of her rhetoric and tactics or their possible consequences. It’s especially fair to single out Palin because, prophetically, Giffords herself did, calling her out for the “target” tactic. She insisted that Democrats and Republicans and political opponents had to work together to end the poisonous political and electoral climate. Giffords had voted for President Obama’s health care bill, for which she suffered the political consequence of a very close election victory. I doubt that Giffords, who is a popular moderate in Congress, would suggest that the shooting was Palin’s fault, nor am I suggesting this. But irrational people (with guns) operate in an environment that is full of hateful and enabling rhetoric, which as historians we have seen in the American past. That’s no excuse to tolerate such behavior now, or dismiss it as all in a day’s work, including President Obama’s “gun to the party” comment. We shouldn’t let Palin get away with it either. During the presidential election, her outrageous, stoke ‘em up rhetoric, did indeed stoke ‘em up – to the point where one man, referring to Obama,

shouted “kill him” during a rally. Palin said nothing. And that’s the problem. Until we have tragedies like this, nobody says anything. Maybe, if, for instance, the next time Bill Maher snides and snarks up about rednecks, we ought to deluge him with letters or e-mails. Maybe the next time another congressman calls the president a liar during a state of the union address, someone ought to yell “shut up,” and it would be good if it was a GOP leader. If we wring our hands now, and also let the National Rifle Association spokesmen scare the beejesus out of every elected official in the land, it’s a little late. People have died. Freedom of Speech? Sure. But it doesn’t mean we can’t call the speech ugly and dangerous. Don’t let the stink pass as something windblown and out of our control. Don’t keep spewing out hate until there are battles in the streets, or some other guy with a fast-loading gun feels entitled to use it. Comments? Please contact the Georgetowner at: editorial@georgetowner.com to share yourvoice in your community news.

‘NEW’ NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS By Veena Trehan

sk not what your city can do for you,” said DC Mayor Vincent Gray at his inauguration two weeks ago. “Ask what you can do for your city.” Gray’s reiterating of President Kennedy’s famous speech reminds us that 2011 cannot only motivate personal improvement, but also inspire contributions to our community. Adopt five New Year’s resolutions to do just that:

Donate Food Hunger is a huge problem in Washington. A down economy and high unemployment have left over 600,000 DC residents hungry, including an estimated 200,000 kids. The Capital Area Food Bank collects and delivers food to 700 partner agencies. “It’s life’s most basic need,” says communications manager Shamia Holloway. But for the primarily “working poor” population who struggle with child care,

transportation and rent expenses, “it’s the easiest budget item to cut.” Ironically Americans waste, on average, a half a pound of food daily. So donate produce or nonperishable items to the Capital Area Food Bank, SOME, or another worthy organization that serves the city’s hungry.

Volunteer in the Schools More than half of DC public schools’ third graders read below grade level. Mount Pleasant resident and Obama canvasser Mark D’Agostino saw this as a challenge. After the 2008 election, he and a few friends used their volunteer list and free weekends to start the Grassroots Education Project. About 60 volunteers help Tubman Elementary School students learn to read on Saturday mornings, often searching for books that target kids’ interests. “It’s really inspiring to see the initiative they show and how much they enjoy working with the kids,” says D’Agostino. It’s effective too; twice as many children in the program achieve grade-level reading compared to those not in it. DCPS certifies volunteers who want to work with kids and e-mails them opportunities, suggesting they then coordinate with local schools.

Green It Up Exposure to nature has been linked to stress reduction, a longer attention span and more creativity. But many in the US are getting out less. Residents in one of America’s greenest cities have no excuse not to visit and live off the land. Bike on the Rock Creek Park or go hiking at Great Falls. Sign up for a plot in one of over 50 community gardens in DC or the suburbs, or build a backyard vegetable garden. Compost. The benefits? Relaxation, fresh vegetables, camaraderie and, of course, keeping DC beautiful.

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Appreciate the Arts DC’s cultural scene is thriving on the whole, but some organizations are struggling. Fortunately, Washington will have especially compelling historical, political, cultural and literary offerings in 2011. Bring a friend to enjoy the city’s many scenes. Glance at Richard Avedon’s pictures of President Kennedy or immerse yourself in India during The Kennedy Center’s March festival. Watch the civil rights movement unfold at the National Museum of American History, or listen to indigenous voices speak about climate change at the National Museum of the American Indian. Laugh through the Folger’s “The Comedy of Errors,” or contemplate the cost of your iPhone at Woolly Mammoth’s upcoming production of Mike Daisey’s “The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs”. The result is a spiritual yet paradoxical reward: “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time,” said monk Thomas Merton.

Tip Well DC had the greatest income inequality of large cities, according to a DC Fiscal Policy Institute study that analyzed census data from 2000. Since then, the city has seen stock of low income housing drop and a tremendous influx of high-income neighborhoods, says DCFPI Director Ed Lazere. Help out by emulating New York, which has a culture of extensive and generous tipping. Tip staff members who keep you glamorous, fed, healthy and safe – and don’t forget the workers mostly behind the scenes. The benefits will accrue to overqualified staff, underemployed citizens and those otherwise struggling. Enrich others as well as our schools, theaters, museums and parks in 2011. Keeping DC growing and green will benefit both Washington and Washingtonians.

JACK EVANS

REPORT

appy New Year! After all the election events of last year, we are settling into the New Year at the John A. Wilson building and the beginning of Council Period 19. We have a new Mayor, Vince Gray, and a new Council Chairman, Kwame Brown. Everyone is eager to get to work on the challenges facing the city. Chief among these challenges is the need to live within our means while we preserve core government functions. For Council Period 19, I will continue on as Chairperson of the Committee on Finance and Revenue, which is responsible for matters relating to taxation and revenue, as well as general obligation bond acts, revenue anticipation notes, industrial revenue bonds, and new to the Committee, the Convention Center and Sports Authority. The committee has oversight over the following agencies: Office of the Chief Financial Officer Office of Financial Management Office of Financial Operations Office of Finance and Treasury Office of Tax and Revenue District of Columbia Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board Washington Convention and Sports Authority Board of Real Property Assessments and Appeals Destination DC (Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation) Multistate Tax Commission Joining me on the Committee will be Councilmembers David Catania, Michael Brown, Muriel Bowser and Marion Barry. I will also continue to serve as a Member of the Committee on Economic Development, the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. Other Committee assignments were made to various Councilmembers. In what is a once-a -ecade ritual, I will co-chair, along with Councilmember Michael Brown, the Council’s Subcommittee on Redistricting, which is responsible for developing a realignment and reapportionment of the District’s political subdivisions based on the 2010 Census. I’m excited and ready to get to work in Council Period 19. We have some important and tough decisions ahead, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to move our city forward.

POLITICS

WELCOME, MAYOR VINCENT GRAY By Gary Tischler

f you made it to the inauguration ceremonies for Mayor Vincent Gray at the Walter Washington Convention Center on a bitter cold Sunday, you might be forgiven if you got caught up in a strong, surface sense of Déjà vu. Four years isn’t all that long of a time after all; a lot of these same people were there for the inauguration of a triumphant new mayor named Adrian Fenty four years ago, especially on the dais. Up there, it was practically an instant, but slow-mo replay, except that somebody had subtly re-arranged the seats at the captain’s table. In fact, there was a new captain, and a new exec officer, which made all the difference. Fenty sat a little off to the side, along with other dignitaries like former mayor Anthony Williams, newly elected Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the Catholic Archbishop of Washington DC, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, incoming Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III and other civic and political dignitaries. All the council members who were up for re-election had returned, except that At Large Councilman Kwame Brown was now the new Chairman of the City Council, which temporarily left an empty seat, at least at the ceremonies. So the swearing in ceremonies, complete with an array of judges and council family members, very much resembled the same ceremonies four years ago, except that Ward 3 Council member Mary Cheh did not bring Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsberg to swear her in. Instead, District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle did the honors. Cheh, exuberant, wearing an arm cast

and accompanied by her family, gave the shortest speech of all those being sworn in, which perhaps allowed Gray to be sworn in as Mayor just under the noon deadline. The apparently ageless WUSA 9 reporter and anchor Bruce Johnson did the emcee honors again, contributing to the déjà vu all over again. So did the presence of many Gray supporters, excouncil members, ex-mayors and public officials who had not so far found themselves without a jobs as happens with a change in administrations. We ran into former council member Harold Brazil, an attorney who said he was glad for the new Mayor and keeping busy, “Trying to make a little money.” Williams, who served two successful if sometimes difficult terms as mayor, told us, “I’m optimistic. I think Vincent Gray has the opportunity and the ability to be a great mayor, a terrific leader.” Williams supported, if not outright endorsed, Fenty during the campaign because, as he explained on Mark Plotkin’s political hour on WTOP, where he appeared with former Mayors Sharon Kelly and Marion Barry, “I believe in supporting sitting mayors.” He acknowledged on the show that his support did not go unnoticed in his family, with his mother Virginia Williams being an ardent Gray supporter. “These are going to be tough times,” he told us. “But I think Vincent has the gifts to bring the city together to face the budget challenges that are already here. “ Williams looked fit and

THE NEW ROUND OF POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS By Gary Tischler

he at-large-city council seat left vacant by Kwame Brown’s election to the Council Chairman position will be filled permanently April 26 in a special election for which at least seven candidates have filed. One of them, Sekou Biddle, who has served on the State Board of Education, got a leg up recently when he was selected by the State Democratic Committee to temporarily fill the seat until the April election. Other candidates include Vincent Orange, who had challenged Brown for the chairmanship, served as Ward 7 Councilman, and ran unsuccessfully for mayor. Also running are Dorothy Douglas, another State Board of Education member, Kelvin Robinson who was former Mayor Anthony Williams’ chief of staff, Stanley Mayes, a former Columbia Heights ANC member, Saul Solorzano and Calvin Gurley. Biddle is director of Jumpstart for Young Children and was a program director for Teach for America, which will put him right into the middle of the ongoing debate over the future of school reform in the District. Meanwhile, Mayor Gray, since his inauguration and before, has filled a number of spots in his administration, most prominent among them the critical job of city administrator, for which he has tapped Allan Lew. Lew previously served as a very effective director of facili-

ties modernization for the DCPS. Other appointments include Eric Goulet, Deputy Chief and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Budget and Finance; Brian Flowers, General Counsel to the Mayor, who served in a similar role for the City Council; Cynthia Brock-Smith, Secretary of the District of Columbia; Janene Jackson, Director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs; Stephen Glaude, Director of the Office of Community Affairs; Roxana Olivas, Director of the Office of Latino Affairs; and Crystal Palmer, Director of the Office of Motion Picture and Television Development. The Mayor has also appointed Dr. Mohammad N. Akhter as Director of the Department of Health; Wayne Turnage, Director of the Department of Health Care Finance; Antonio Hunter, Director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development; and Dr. Linda Wharton Boyd, Director of Communication. Gray also ended speculation about the future of current District Police Chief Cathy Lanier, who will remain at her post in spite of some grumblings in the ranks. Gray has not yet made a decision on who will be Chancellor of the District of Columbia School District, where Kaya Henderson, top aide to former Chancellor Rhee, now serves as interim chancellor. Speculation and rumor has been rife, but so far Gray indicated that there was a process that had to be followed before a decision is made. By all accounts, including Gray’s, Henderson has done an effective job.

Mayor Vincent Gray (right), with Adrien Fenty, at his inauguration at Convention Center on January 3rd

comfortable, as if private sector life agrees with him. We ran into new City Administrator Allan Lew, who was appointed to the city’s number two position after what was generally seen as a very successful stint as Operations Officer for the DC School District. Robert Bobb, one of the former city administrators under Williams and once school board president (until the board was basically shunted into obscurity by Fenty’s mayoral takeover of the schools) was here. Bobb is currently heading the Detroit school system, but rumors haves been floating around about him being a possibility for the next chancellor. Bobb, it should be noted, still lives in Washington. Kaya Henderson, Michelle Rhee’s No. 2 person, remains the interim chancellor where by all accounts she has done a yeoman job. Still, Gray has remained mum about his choice. The inauguration was centered around the same theme that Gray used for a campaign slogan: “One City.” It is an ironic theme in some ways. The 2010 campaign, which resulted in a convincing victory for Gray, exposed deep fissures of race, class and economics that continue to exist. Gray swept the poorer and mostly black wards of the city where unemployment is abnormally high and development and jobs lag, while Fenty swept the city’s affluent and white wards. Gray struck the “One City” theme early and loudly, and with tremendous passion and conviction. If there is a man who could bring the city together in any sort of effective, lasting, and emotional way, it may be Gray. He rattled off the names of the city’s great neighborhoods as they are mirrored in the city’s divided whole, giving them the quality of unique and special places. “The next chapter in the city of the District of Columbia won’t be written by a single author, but with the pens of 600,000 residents from all eight wards and all walks of life committed to a vision of One City. Our City.” He spoke vehemently about statehood and how he would continue to fight for it on this day – at least before the usual realities about such an endeavor set in, he sounded like he was the man for the job. Gray, with his children and grandchildren in the audience, talked often about going to Dunbar High School, about attending George Washington University, about growing up in the struggling parts of this city. More than

anyone, he has the kind of roots to the city and its neighborhoods that make him a residentcitizen-neighbor kind of mayor, and one who is instantly recognizable in his passions and concerns. Still, many of the residents of the wards where he lost don’t really know him (made clear in a misguided, but solidly effective writein attempt for Fenty in the general election). It’s not clear whether a series of town hall meetings in every ward of the city made a dent into the perception of Gray as a mystery man. At the inauguration, he presented himself and showed himself to be the man of decency, grace and class that his supporters and his record have always indicated. At 68, he is the oldest mayor this city has ever had, and perhaps one of the more cautious. But he doesn’t lack passion or empathy for the city where we all live. Case in point: while all the re-elected candidates as well as the new chairman offered praise to various degrees of intensity, often in perfunctory fashion, Gray did a little more. He walked up to the man with whom he had engaged in an often-bitter campaign and embraced him in a bear hug after praising him profusely. From the dais, you could hear the noise of heart-felt rhetoric and the confetti of home grown relationships—Brown, Yvette Alexander of Ward 7, and Harry Thomas Jr. of Ward 5 are all Wilson High School Graduates, a fact which they all duly noted. Gray laughed and said, “That just shows you it takes only one Dunbar graduate to deal with three Wilson grads.” This is home grown stuff, warm and affectionate, like PTA talk and town meeting bragging rights. For now, Gray has the bragging rights. He’s the man. He’s the man who’s got to tackle an ever-growing budget crisis and a deficit that will be swelling to $400 million over the next three years. He’s the man who has to deal with the passionately high expectations—for jobs, for attention, for development—from the wards that elected him, without alienating the residents of the wards that didn’t. He’s the man who has to deal with a congress that is historically hostile to District needs and will be only more so under the new GOP stalwarts. He’s the man who will have to lead tough decisions on budget cuts and, as he indicated, possible tax increases. To quote Mayor Vincent Gray, it’s time to “get to work.”

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one-mile high stack of dollar bills is about $1.4 million. A billion dollars would be about 70 miles high. The first thing Congress did after the election was cut taxes by almost $900 billion. That stack of dollar bills would be 60,000 miles high – enough to go around the earth twice, and then go from Washington, DC to Moscow. And back. That was my best Christmas present: lower taxes for two years. PLUS a cut in social security taxes, which will make my paycheck go up about $150 per month this year. (Of course, if I don’t get a raise at the end of this year, my paycheck will go down next January.) Voters like tax cuts. And Congress loves to please the voters. Voters are also screaming for budget cuts. Congress knows how to talk the talk. But it hates the walk because taking money away pleases very few voters. Government math is hard to understand. Maybe big numbers are just hard to understand. The new Congress is now wrestling with budget cuts. The Republicans’ “Pledge to America” promised $100 billion in spending cuts. But after a week of facing the realities of the budget, they have reduced their target to $50 billion with some whispers that even $35 billion is going to be hard to reach. How much is $100 billion? A stack of dollar bills about 700 miles long – about the distance from Washington, DC to Chicago. The federal government spends about $275 billion per month and brings in about $175 billion per month, leaving a monthly deficit of $100 billion per month. So $100 billion in spending cuts would be the equivalent of the federal deficit for one month. These are huge numbers and the math is very difficult. It reminds me of a situation I was in about thirty years ago when a client of mine refinanced a $2 million loan. I took the $2 million check from the new lender to the bank and asked that it be deposited immediately so that we could write a check for $2 million to repay the old loan. The teller told me that we would have to wait three days. I asked for an exception. The teller talked to a vice president and we were able to repay the old loan immediately. The teller apologized and said, “I don’t handle $2 billion deposits that often.”

“That’s $2 Million,” I said, “Not $2 Billion.” The next thing I heard was the budget lesson of a lifetime: “Million, billion? What’s the difference?” Maybe that teller was right. Is there a difference? Can we understand what this is all about? Maybe this is the new math. Last month, Congress reduced revenues by almost $900 billion and this month, promised to cut spending by $100 billion, and now hopes to squeeze at least $35 billion out of budget expenses. Think about it this way: The next time your income goes down $9, tell your family that that you are going to reduce the family expenses by $1. Then actually cut expenses by 35 cents. That’s the new congress. Declare the family victorious for being fiscally responsible. That’s the new math. That’s the new Congress. David Post is the owner of a small business that was founded in Washington, DC and is on Inc. Magazines list of the fastest growing companies in the US. He was a professor at American University and Georgetown for 10 years. Contact him at: editorial@Georgetowner.com

ALL

THINGS

MEDIA

MORTGAGE

NPR: EYES ON THE PRIZE

MORTGAGE RULES IN 2011

t the height of the economic collapse the mortgage industry was at a bad extreme. There were too many abuses by the mortgage industry and some customers. There were too few restrictions on loan programs and lending overall. Basically things were too loose. Fast forward to 2011. Today, the mortgage industry is at a polar opposite from just a few short years ago. The industry has gone from loose to constrictive. Constrictive may be too light a word to describe how regulations have changed the basic dynamics of getting a mortgage loan in today’s market. Full documentation loans rule the day. What this means is everything has to be documented fully. Pay stubs, tax information, bank account information on every account used in the transaction. Almost any extraordinary deposit has to be documented as to where the money came from. This can be asked on very modest deposits, not just large deposits. If one submits tax returns for a loan, those returns have to be signed. Just a couple of years ago stock transcripts from the IRS would satisfy the underwriters. Gone are the days of low documentation loans. Long ago if one had excellent credit and a large amount of equity in their property, a bank would not have to document all the income or assets used for the loan. These days no matter how much equity one has on the property being refinanced everything has to be documented. Income has to be checked,

By Amos Gelb

here is a new level of irony in Juan-gate at NPR. Senior Vice President for News Ellen Weiss, who spent nearly three decades at NPR, recently “resigned” over the issue, and for CEO Vivian Schiller withholding her bonus. Journalist Juan Williams, whose mishandled firing led to these actions, built a career on brilliant journalism, including a nomination for a Pulitzer and his seminal work on civil rights in “Eyes on the Prize.” The irony is that his case has become a distraction from keeping the eyes on NPR’s true prize. Lost in the accusations and responses about a news organization gone awry is the bigger existential threat to NPR. Although NPR’s listeners are abundant and loyal (bigger than the combined nightly network broadcasts by some measures), and its endowment flush, we should remember that Vivian Schiller took over an organization with a business model that is fundamentally broken. Schiller’s task is nothing less than reinventing the NPR business. Here is the problem. NPR is not a broadcaster. For all its own fundraising and other undertakings, it relies heavily on local public radio stations to pay to air its programs. But NPR sees a major part of its future online. Yet if the “big money” broadcasts, such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered, are put live online,

then there is no reason for listeners to tune into local stations or their websites to hear them. Obviously, that would eat into the listener loyalty to, say, WAMU (DC’s public radio station) and effect how much listeners will feel compelled to send into the legendary pledge campaigns, which make up a sizable part of their annual budgets and ability to pay NPR’s fees. Furthermore, these local stations control NPR’s board, a development after the stations saved NPR from shutting down in bankruptcy in the 1980s. Schiller has a history of building new successful media business models, from CNN, to Discovery-Times documentary network, to leading the New York Times newspaper into its current online incarnation. But this is her biggest challenge yet. To be successful at NPR, she needs to find a way to reconcile seeming mutually irreconcilable needs and get the local stations to go along. Withholding her bonus and forcing management changes because of this one personnel issue doesn’t help in that crusade. NPR has long had a checkered past in its handling of human resource issues. But wherever one stands on Juan-gate, if you are in any way invested in NPR’s existence, there is a far bigger prize to be focused on today. Survival.

NPR has long had a checkered past in its handling of human resource issues.

By Bill Starrels

as does the asset information. If a homeowner is refinancing a loan for $500,000 against a value of $2 million there is equity of $1.5 million. Common sense would dictate that there is enough equity to allow for some relaxing of the documentation rules. In today’s banking world this loan too needs to be fully documented. The chances of a homeowner walking away from a home that has a loan for 25% of its value is very small. In a worst-case scenario if something unexpected happened and the financial institution ended up with the home, the institution would have property worth a lot more than the mortgage. For condominium mortgages the industry is now starting to ask for proof of walls in insurance to be in place. The logic is that in case of a fire, the industry wants to make sure that the condominium owner will restore the unit to its current condition. Credit criteria remain strict. On FHA loans, the minimum criteria on a basic loan requires a FICO score of 620. On conventional loans the requirements are higher. Credit scores on conventional loans will effect the overall pricing of the loan. No one expects the rules in the industry to relax anytime in the near future. Bill Starrels is a mortgage loan officer who lives in Georgetown. He specializes in purchase and refinance mortgage loans. He can be reached at 703 625 7355 or email bill.starrels@gmail.com

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PERFORMANCE

ANNA DEAVERE SMITH DOES NOT “LET DOWN”

By Gary Tischler

t the end of “Let Me Down Easy,” Anna Deavere Smith’s provocative, shattering play about health care in America now and the hour of our death, Smith stands alone on a stage littered with castoff costumes, clothing, food, props, bottles, pencils, lying on the floor. It looks like the aftermath of a party or a food fight—or an abandoned emergency room where a life-and-death struggle has just taken place. It’s all that remains of the 20 people portrayed by Smith during the course of an uninterrupted and rangy evening in which she explores, in her inimitable fashion, the arena of our health and bodies, and the pains we sometimes endure because of the way we deal with falling ill, and the moment when we come face to face with the finality of death. By a shift in vocal timbre, a way of walking or sitting, an accent, a laugh, a sprawl on a couch, a way of talking, outstretched arms, a tie, a coat, a cowboy hat, she explores and portrays the geography of our culture. Smith, an impressively talented, cogent and curious, woman functions as playwright, actress, writer and interviewer for “Let Me Down Easy,” a project somewhat similar to others she is well know for. There was “Fires in the Mirror,” which examined the aftermath of a race riot in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and “Twilight: Los Angeles,” which focused on the devastating and violent 1992 riots in Los Angeles. But while these previous works also saw Smith portraying dozens of real people alone on stage with remarkable dexterity and even-handedness, they were focused on specific, dramatic and explosive events. “Let Me Down Easy” is much broader in its scope and approach. While the massive national health care reform legislation, passed amid much bitterness last year, provides a framework for a large extent of what concerns the people in this play, there is a lot more going on than might be contained in even such a sweeping legislative effort.

14 January 12, 2011 GMG, Inc. 1

“Let Me Down Easy” is about specific people, many of them quite well known to most of us for one reason or another. Athletes, like the controversial American Tour de France bicyclist Lance Armstrong, who overcame cancer and rode to greater achievements. Sportswriter Sally Jenkins. A boxer. A rodeo bull rider. Model Lauren Hutton. Television movie critic Joel Siegel, dying on a couch of colon cancer. Playwright and performer Eve Ensler, of “The Vagina Monologues.” Former Texas Governor Ann Richards. There are doctors, medical academics, a musicologist, a choreographer and a physician at Charity Hospital in New Orleans who experiences the terrifying ravages of Hurricane Katrina. Such a diverse group of voices, of men and women from various walks of life expressing similar and differing concerns, at first produces an unformed, disconcerting narrative, like trying to grab Jell-O with your hands. But the effect, in time, is accumulative, and it arrives with shocking and powerful clarity, and with gentle but undeniable finality. It may not be a definitive destination, an over-arching theory or philosophy, or even ready-made solace, but it is a destination, an arrival, and an ending. There have been complaints that there are too many celebrities here and that the play is unfocused or mish-mish. Maybe so. Maybe it’s too big a subject to have a definitive story line or conclusion that you can take to the bank or to the church. And it’s fair to say that the betterknown people portrayed here add less to the total than those not so well known. While much of “Let Me Down Easy”—a theatrical blues riff with multiple meanings—concerns itself with terminal illnesses and how it is dealt with by hospitals, the medical community and patients, there are sections on the ailments and issues peculiar to athletes, as well as how society deals with women’s bodies and their functions (hence Ensler and Hutton). But many of the characters share a common plight against cancer, a battle, sometimes successful, sometimes not. And suddenly there is

very little distance between women like Richards, the sharp-tongued former governor of Texas dying of cancer, and Smith’s own aunt, Lorraine Coleman, a retired teacher. There is a surprising bit of laughter in the play—some as a result of Smith’s fabulous work as a mimic, mime and master of comic timing—but the constructed and performed production picks up power as it goes along. A kind of dread aching to be relieved ensues somewhere in there. Smith gives us Kiersta Kurz-Burke, a physician at the New Orleans charity hospital who has been ignored and abandoned for days during Katrina; Eduardo Bruera, of the Anderson Cancer Center, talking about “Existential Sadness”; Joel Siegel, only in his fifties, flat on his back, the face projected dramatically on a wall, dying of colon cancer; and Trudy Howell, the director of a South African orphanage where children deal with the loss of parents and their own impending deaths, entitled appropriately, “Don’t Leave Them In The Dark.” “Let Me Down Easy” has a restless feel to it, but it also has the sure touch and magic of Smith’s abilities as an actress, that gift of playing many parts convincingly with minimal props. Over and above the identifying tricks of such props, or the brilliant use of her voice and inflections of accents, tone and vocal speed, there is something else that convinces us like a punch to the heart. True, Smith is a terrific actress—you’ve all seen her in films and as a national security adviser on the defunct “West Wing” series—but that’s technique. What makes her work soar is her own empathy toward the people she’s put on stage; it’s as if she’s caught souls in a glass jar. She’s not a chameleon. Some recognizable part of her is always there. It’s not as if she somehow disappears into a person. It’s more like she joins

with them. “Let Me Down Easy” doesn’t function so much as drama; rather the people that we come to know as they swagger, suffer, snack, snort, laugh and dream are a kind of self-portrait of us. What we often hear are sentences we’ve heard, or what we will ultimately say ourselves sooner or later. We’re left with a salve, like fresh water, And Smith stands alone in a bow, the stage littered with the debris, the left behind stuff of human beings. We’re left with a salve, like fresh water, Smith alone in a bow, the stage littered with the debris, the left behind stuff of human beings. “Let Me Down Easy,” written and performed by Anna Deavere Smith and directed by Leonard Foglia, will be performed at Arena Stage through February 13. For more information visit ArenaStage.org.

ART

WRAP

CURATING FOR A CAUSE & JACKIE CANTWELL By John Blee

ackie Cantwell is a courageous young dynamo in the DC art world who has created Curating for a Cause, an organization that benefits non-profits through promoting DC artists. She spoke to us about her unique organization and her life.

JB: Where are you from? JC: I was born and bred in good ol’ Reston. My Dad is a painter and professor of computer art and animation at Montgomery County College. He also frequents my auctions as the Auctioneer and it known for hamming it up. I grew up in a house stacked high with artwork. One early memory I have is being perched on my Dad’s hip, with him asking me why each painting had a good composition. My Dad and I used to draw a cartoon called “Fuzzy Bunny” every night before I went to bed, about the adventures of an excitable male rabbit looking for love. Later I majored in painting and printmaking at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. My Mom has done it all: she got her BFA in photography and worked for NASA. JB: Who are you favorite artists? JC: I admire people who do what makes them happy, no matter the stakes. I would include films by Wes Anderson and David Lynch. I also love the graphic nature of Jenny Seville’s paintings. Pablo Picasso is an oldie but goodie. JB: What got you into connecting artists to auction their work for charity? JC: Last year I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a local non-profit called Dreams for Kids. With no budget and very little experience, I planned their first arts fundraiser in the form of an art show and auction. I wanted to create arts events that were accessible to everyone. I was sick of stuffy, expensive, quiet events where everyone whispered and went home early. I created Curating For A Cause, an organization that not only benefits non-profits monetarily, but also provides a platform for people to access good art, promote artistic talent, and connect with various networks, thus creating marketing opportunities for all parties involved. Our events are accessible to a diverse group of audiences and truly benefit all participants. These are charity events where there are real people, and good music, and there just happens to be high quality art that you might fall in love with, all to benefit a great cause. JB: What is your connection with Philippa P.B. Hughes? JC: I was looking for advice and wanted to see if Dreams For Kids could work with the Pink Line Project in some way. After putting on a show of work at Paolo’s in Georgetown I was looking for my next venture. Philippa told me to keep doing what I was doing and that I would find my way. She asked me if I wanted to write for the Pink Line Project and now I do. I learned from Philippa that you must be true to your own voice. JB: Who have been your mentors? JC: Adam Lister, from the Adam Lister Gallery in Fairfax, has been a great mentor on all accounts. I admire Adam and how he provides free art activities for children. Also Andrew Horn, the executive director of Dreams For Kids in DC, has been there for every second of the growth of my organization. His energy and outlook are truly inspiring. JB: What’s been the biggest surprise for you in Curating for a Cause? JC: The biggest surprise is what a great artist community DC really has. I have also been surprised by the willingness and genuine interest the artists have shown in working with me. JB: Do you enjoy teaching, and what does it bring you? JC: I love teaching kids. Watching a kid realize that blue and yellow make green: that’s it for me!

GMG, Inc. January 12, 2011 15

2nd Annual Photo Competition

2. 16 January 12, 2011 gmg, Inc.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Clockwise from left 1. Jeff Kouri 2. Aaro Keipi 3. Elizabeth Watkins 4. Roberto Jose Coquis 5. Natasha Mbabazi Visit Georgetowner.com for the select gallery of photos

Top five photos of Georgetown

4. gmg, Inc. January 12, 2011 17

Prêtàporter Yvonne Taylor, Fashion Editor Lauretta J. McCoy, Creative Director For Fashion Ope Majek, Stylist

Go to Georgetowner.com for more haute looks

Jacket by SUNO $295 Dress by Martin Grant $1295 Eye glasses Chloe $295 Bracelet by Beth Orduna $1015 @ Hu’s Wear Georgetown Shoes by BCBG BCBGeneration $110 Dress by Alexander McQueen $495 Necklace by KMJ Design $68 both @ Ella – Rue, Georgetown Bracelet, WAM Bands by Whitney Marbach $125

18 January 12, 2011 gmg, Inc.

country

A Beginner’s Guide to Loudon Wine Country 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

By Ari Post

oudon, VA is home to the wineries nearest Washington. The wine culture is not as old

as those further west in Middleburg and the Plains, but Loudon’s vineyards are surprisingly plentiful and diverse, with over twenty wineries that produce different varieties of grapes and wines. The wineries in the area are organized by five regions or ‘clusters,’ Here we will look at the Loudon Heights Cluster and the Waterford Cluster. Whether craving some award-winning wine or a weekend getaway to wine country, here’s a first look at the wineries of Loudon. Loudon Heights Cluster

Hillsborough Vineyards’ estate was once owned by George William Fairfax, a childhood friend of George Washington. Their gardens are framed by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Breaux Vineyards can be described as a tranquil “Mediterranean-meets-Napa” style estate. It has placed an emphasis in Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as unique varieties made into Nebbiolo, Syrah and Viognier. Notaviva Vineyards’s name combines the Italian nota meaning “music note,” and viva meaning “with life,” and their wines are named using musical terminology, such as their award-winning “Cantabile” Cabernet Franc.

These wineries surround Hillsboro, one of the Bluemont Vineyards is an extension of the smallest historic towns in Virginia. With only 200-acre Great Country Farms, a popular famaround 100 residents, Hillsboro is fittingly ily attraction and CSA farm outside the village named after the hills that surround it. The winof Bluemont. They grow Norton grapes, the eries in this area share in common the breathonly grape native to the region. taking scenery of the Hillsboro countryside. Doukénie Winery, nestled on 500 acres at the Waterford Cluster base of Short Hill Mountain. Their 2009 CharGeorgetowner.01.13.10:Layout 1/11/10 4:46 PM Page 1 donnay was awarded the Bronze Medal1in the The wineries here lie just outside the historic

The Fall Harvest at Sunset Hills Vineyard, on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

village of Waterford, which was founded by the Quakers in 1733 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Loudon Valley Vineyards is led by Bree Ann, a native to Sonoma County, CA. Bree handcrafts her award-winning wines and evolves her winemaking style to best highlight the results of each year’s growing condition. Sunset Hills Vineyard is positioned on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just north of Purcellville. The property’s 140-year-old barn and springhouse have been restored, with its charmed, rustic elegance maintained. Great for visiting. Hiddencroft Vineyards is committed to show-

casing the best of what is local, having cultivated six acres of grape varietals that excel in Virginia’s climate and soil. They also handcraft small quantities of award-winning artisan wine. Corcoran Vineyards is run by Lori and Jim Corcoran, engaging conversationalists who invite guests into their quaint restored log cabin tasting room, offering sensory classes to learn how to decipher what you smell and taste in a wine. Village Winery and Vineyards is where you want to go for truly handmade wines. Owner Kent Marrs does all the winemaking himself, crafting each wine entirely by hand to preserver the true character and flavor of the variety.

P R O P E RT I E S I N V I R G I N I A H U N T C O U N T RY PELHAM

MORNING CALM HILL

CATOCTIN CREEK

GLEN DEVON

Beautiful 5 Bedroom, brick Victorian home (circa 1878) on 52 acres near Middleburg with 12’ ceilings �Heart-of-Pine Floors throughout �7 Marble Fireplaces �A great 6 Stall Center-Aisle Stable with an Apartment and special Tack Room �Riding Ring with weather-proof footing �5 Paddocks �Stone walls �Run-In Sheds and other Out Buildings �Great views and more �Piedmont Hunt Territory. $4,250,000

Extraordinary 22 acre estate on beautifully landscaped grounds with spectacular mountain views �Impressive pillars and a tree-lined drive mark the entrance to this gracious 3 level all brick colonial with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and spacious rooms �Completely updated with new floor plan, gourmet Kitchen and luxurious Baths �Ideal for the equestrian enthusiast �Pool, terrace and decks are ideal for entertaining. $1,950,000

Stunning 18 room brick colonial beautifully sited on 13+ acres overlooking a spring fed pond and rolling countryside �Over 9,000 square feet of spectacular living space with high ceilings, gleaming wood floors, and 3 Fireplaces �Home Theatre �Mirrored Fitness Room �Gorgeous Paneled Library �Gourmet Country Kitchen �Fabulous Master Suite �Recreation Room with bar �Absolutely every amenity in this exquisite residence! $1,875,000

Extraordinary all brick colonial on 10+ secluded acres �Fabulous Stable, Riding Ring and board-fenced Paddocks, all in a gorgeous setting at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains �Property is pristine with brilliant Gardens �Brick-Walled Terrace �Towering trees offering total privacy �3 finished levels in the residence are impeccable �Completely updated with newer gourmet Kitchen and Baths. $1,795,000

Please see over 100 of our fine estates and exclusive country properties on the world wide web by visiting

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THOMAS -TALBOT.com

MELMORE HOUSE

Middleburg Hunt �Lovely 3 Bedroom, 3 1/2 Bath Brick Middleburg �Only ½ mile from town �Completely Lincoln �Early Quaker 2 Bedroom Stone House Historic 1836 Brick home �Quality renovation includes 2 home on 15.8 acres near Lincoln �Wood Floors Throughout renovated 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Dutch Colonial home in �Beautifully and carefully restored with original Floors, story Great Room with Fireplace, 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Melmore �New windows, gleaming hardwood floors, Woodwork, and Stonework throughout �4 wood burning �Large Sunroom �6 Fireplaces �Elegant Dining and Living charming Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and Rooms �Large Master Bedroom �Office �Recreation Room freshly painted interior and more �Formal Dining Room, Fireplaces �Broad mahogany porch overlooks story book beautiful Corian counters �Wrap-around porch �2 level on Lower Level �Detached 3 Car Garage with Apartment Living Room and Family Room �Large Finished Walk-Out setting of Pond and mature Gardens �Adorable detached Garage �Lovely 4.43 landscaped acres with large tranquil Basement �Attached 3-Car Garage with room above for frame Studio �Private almost 15 acres of board-fenced �Ideal for equestrians �5 Stall Barn with Wash Stall �Tack pond and stream �Surrounded by large farms and estates Room �Machine Shed �Paddocks �Run-in Sheds �Great Office/Fitness Room �Mature hardwoods, sweeping front pasture and woods �4 Stall Barn �Ideal horse property or a �Just minutes to The Plains and Route 66. $899,000 Ride-out. $1,050,000 lawn and lush meadow behind the house. $865,000 quiet tucked away country weekend retreat. $1,285,000 Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdraw without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS

Telephone (540) 687-6500 � Metro (703) 478-8180 P.O. Box 500 � 2 South Madison Street Middleburg �Virginia 20117

gmg, Inc. January 12, 2011 19

Your Dining Guide to Washington DC’s Finest

1789 RESTAURANT 1226 36th St, NW With the ambiance of an elegant country inn, 1789 features classically based American cuisine – the finest regional game, fish and produce available. Open seven nights a week. Jackets required. Complimentary valet parking. www.1789restaurant.com

BANGKOK JOE’S

BISTRO FRANCAIS

3251Prospect St, NW

3000 K St NW

3124-28 M St NW

Come and enjoy contemporary Thai cuisine & Sushi bar deliciously prepared at Bangkok Bistro. The restaurant’s decor matches its peppery cuisine, vibrant in both color and flavor. Enthusiasts say we offer professional, prompt and friendly service. Experience outdoor sidewalk dining in the heart of Georgetown.

(One block from Georgetown Lowe’s theatres)

A friendly French Bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown since 1975. Executive chef and owner Gerard Cabrol came to Washington, D.C. 32 years ago, bringing with him home recipes from southwestern France. Our specialties include our famous Poulet Bistro (tarragon rotisserie chicken); Minute steak Maitre d’Hotel (steak and pomme frit¬es); Steak Tartare, freshly pre¬pared seafood, veal, lamb and duck dishes; and the best Eggs Benedict in town. In addition to varying daily specials, www.bistrofrancaisdc.com

BANGKOK BISTRO

Open for lunch and dinner. Sun.-Thurs.11:30am - 10:30pm Fri.-Sat. 11:30am - 11:30pm

Georgetown introduces Washington’s first “Dumpling Bar” featuring more than 12 varieties. Come and enjoy the new exotic Thai cuisine inspired by French cooking techniques. Bangkok Joe’s is upscale, colorful and refined. Absolutely the perfect place for lunch or dinner or just a private gathering. www.bangkokjoes.com

www.bangkokbistrodc.com (202) 965-1789

CAFE BONAPARTE 1522 Wisconsin Ave Captivating customers since 2003 Café Bonaparte has been dubbed the “quintessential” European café featuring award winning crepes & arguably the “best” coffee in D.C! Located in sophisticated Georgetown, our café brings a touch of Paris “je ne sais quoi” to the neighborhood making it an ideal romantic destination. Other can’t miss attributes are; the famous weekend brunch every Sat and Sun until 3pm, our late night weekend hours serving sweet & savory crepes until 1 am Fri-Sat evenings & the alluring sounds of the Syssi & Marc jazz duo every other Wed. at 7:30. We look forward to calling you a “regular” soon!

www.cafebonaparte.com (202) 333-8830

CITRONELLE (The Latham Hotel) 3000 M St, NW Internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Michel Richard creates magic with fresh and innovative American-French Cuisine, an exceptional wine list and stylish ambiance.

(202) 337-2424

(202) 333-4422

CAFÉ LA RUCHE

CAFE MILANO

1039 31st Street, NW Take a stroll down memory lane. Serving Georgetown for more than 35 years - Since 1974 Chef Jean-Claude Cauderlier A bit of Paris on the Potomac. Great Selection of Fine Wines Fresh Meat, Seafood & Poultry Chicken Cordon-Bleu *Duck Salmon, & Steaks

Voted Best Dessert-Pastry in town, The Washingtonian Magazine FULL BAR Open Daily from 11:30 a.m. Open Late ‘til 1 am on Friday & Saturday night Now Offering Happy Hours Mon-Fri 4-7PM Happy hour appetizers and Specialty Drinks www.cafelaruche.com (202) 965-2684

CLYDE’S OF GEORGETOWN 3236 M St, NW This animated tavern, in the heart of Georgetown, popularized saloon food and practically invented Sunday brunch.

Open for Dinner.

Clyde’s is the People’s Choice for bacon cheeseburgers, steaks, fresh seafood, grilled chicken salads, fresh pastas and desserts.

Valet parking.

www.clydes.com

www.citronelledc.com

(202) 625-2150

20 January 12, 2011 GMG, Inc.

(202) 333-9180

3251 Prospect St. NW

(202) 338-3830

CHADWICKS

3205 K St, NW (est.1967)

Cafe Milano specializes in setting up your private party in our exclusive dining rooms. Our detail-oriented staff also will cater your corporate meetings & special events at your office, home or other locations. Check out our website for booking information or call 202-965-8990, ext. 135. Cafe Milano is high on the restaurant critics’ charts with excellent Italian cuisine & attention to service. Fresh pastas, steaks, fish dishes, & authentic Italian specialties. Lunch & dinner. Late night dining & bar service.

A Georgetown tradition for over 40 years, this friendly neighborhood restaurant/saloon features fresh seafood, burgers, award-winning ribs, & specialty salads & sandwiches. Casual dining & a lively bar. Daily lunch & dinner specials. Late night dining (until midnight Sun.Thu., 1A.M. Fri-Sat) Champagne brunch served Sat. & Sun. until 4P.M. Open Mon-Thu 11:30A.M.-2A.M. Fri-Sat 11:30A.M.-3A.M.Sun 11A.M.-2A.M.Kids’ Menu Available. Located ½ block from the Georgetown movie theatres, overlooking the new Georgetown Waterfront Park

www.CafeMilano.net

ChadwicksRestaurants.com

(202) 333-6183

(202) 333.2565

DAILY GRILL

FILOMENA RISTORANTE

1310 Wisconsin Ave., NW Reminiscent of the classic American Grills, Daily Grill is best known for its large portions of fresh seasonal fare including Steaks & Chops, Cobb Salad, Meatloaf and Warm Berry Cobbler. Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.Visit our other locations at 18th & M Sts NW and Tysons Corner. www.dailygrill.com

(202) 337-4900

1063 Wisconsin Ave., NW One of Washington’s most celebrated restaurants, Filomena is a Georgetown landmark that has endured the test of time for almost a quarter of a century. Our oldworld cooking styles & recipes brought to America by the early Italian immigrants, alongside the culinary cutting edge creations of Italy’s foods of today, executed by our award winning Italian Chef. Try our spectacular Lunch buffet on Fri. & Saturdays or our Sunday Brunch, Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner. www.filomena.com (202) 338-8800

BISTROT LEPIC & WINE BAR 1736 Wisconsin Ave., NW Come and see for yourself why Bistrot Lepic, with its classical, regional and contemporary cuisine, has been voted best bistro in D.C. by the Zagat Guide. And now with its Wine bar, you can enjoy “appeteasers”, full bar service, complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday and a new Private Room. The regular menu is always available. Open everyday. Lunch & dinner. Reservations suggested. www.bistrotlepic.com (202) 333-0111

CIRCLE BISTRO One Washington Circle, NW Washington, DC 22037 Circle Bistro presents artful favorites that reflect our adventurous and sophisticated kitchen. Featuring Happy Hour weekdays from 5pm-7pm, live music every Saturday from 8pm-12midnight, and an a la carte Sunday Brunch from 11:30am-2:30pm. Open dailyfor breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.circlebistro.com

(202) 293-5390

FAHRENHEIT Georgetown 3100 South St, NW Restaurant & Degrees Bar & Lounge The Ritz-Carlton, As featured on the cover of December 2007’s Washingtonian magazine, Degrees Bar and Lounge is Georgetown’s hidden hot spot. Warm up by the wood burning fireplace with our signature “Fahrenheit 5” cocktail, ignite your business lunch with a $25.00 four-course express lunch, or make your special occasion memorable with an epicurean delight with the fire inspired American regional cuisine. www.fahrenheitdc.com (202) 912-4110

3003 M Street N.W., Washington, DC 20007 Celebrating over 31 years of keeping bellies full with good food and thirsts quenched with tasty beverages. · Fantastic Happy Hour · Free WiFi Internet · Buck Hunter · Trivia Night Tuesdays Including: Terrace Dining Upstairs www.garrettsdc.com (202) 333-1033

LA CHAUMIERE 2813 M St. Northwest, Washington, DC 20007

M | STREET BAR & GRILL & the 21 M Lounge 2033 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-3305

SEA CATCH 1054 31st St, NW

3251 Prospect St. NW

Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 10:30pm Friday: 11:30am - 12:00am Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00am Sunday: 9:00am - 10:30pm

Washington’s best genuine barbeque, smoked over red oak and hickory, served with traditional sides. Since 1990, Rocklands has been serving delectable chopped pork, smoky ribs and barbequed beef to our community and Presidents alike. Open every day, in Glover Park, Arlington, Alexandria and Rockville; delivery and full-service catering too. Sign up for e-news and get the latest dish at www.rocklands.com.

Lovers of seafood can always find something to tempt the palette at the Sea Catch Restaurant & Raw Bar. Sea Catch offers fresh seafood “simply prepared” in a relaxed atmosphere. Overlooking the historic C&O Canal, we offer seasonal fireside and outdoor dining. Private party space available for 15 - 300 Complimentary parking Lunch Monday - Saturday 11:30am - 3:00pm Dinner Monday - Saturday 5:30pm - 10:00pm Closed on Sunday Happy Hour Specials at the Bar Monday - Friday 5:00pm -7:00pm www.seacatchrestaurant.com

(202) 625-2740

(202) 333-2558

(202) 337-8855

SMITH POINT 1338 Wisconsin Ave., NW (corner of Wisconsin & O St.) Smith Point has quickly become a favorite of Georgetowners. The Washington Post Magazine calls Smith Point “an underground success” with “unusually good cooking at fair prices.” Chef Francis Kane’s Nantucket style fare changes weekly, featuring fresh combinations of seafood, meats, and farmers market produce. Open for dinner Thurs- Sat from 6:30 pm-11pm. www.smithpointdc.com (202) 333-9003

ROCKLANDS Barbeque and Grilling Company 2418 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

SETTE OSTERIA 1666 Conn. Ave at R St. NW (Dupont Circle) Edgy. Witty. Casual. THE patio near Dupont Circle for peoplewatching. Pizza masters bake delicious Neapolitan thincrust pizzas in a wood-fire oven. Menu favorites include pastas, salads, lasagnas, Italian specialty meats and cheeses, and lowcarb choices. Daily specials, Lunch & dinner. Late night dining & bar service.

scampi you have spectacular views of a great meal and making you feel at booths, infused with a “clubby, old the Potomac River, Kennedy Center, home each and every time. Come try money” atmosphere. The menu Washington Monument, Roosevelt one of our seasonal offerings and find showcases “intelligently” prepared 202-944-4545 | www.tonyandjoes.com Island, and the Key Bridge. Visit us out for yourself what the Washingfish dishes that “recall an earlier onHarbour Sundays for our award winning Post dubbed DC the “Talk of Glover time of elegant” dining. What’s Washington | 3000 K Street NW | ton Washington, brunch buffet. Come for the view, Park”Make a reservation online today more, “nothing” is snobbish here. stay for the food! at www.townhalldc.com Sunday thruand Thursday: -10PM@tonyandjoes Lunch: Mon-Fri- 11:30am -5:00pm Tony Joe’s 11AM | Friday & Saturday: 11AM - Midnight Serving Dinner Daily5PM-10:30pm Dinner: Mon-Thur 5-10pm. Fri & Beverage Service until 1:30AM Brunch Sat & Sun 11:30AM-5PM Sat 5-11pm. Sun-5-9pm. every night Free Parking available www.theoceanaire.com VISITwww.tonyandjoes.com OUR FAMILY OF DC RESTAURANTS (202) 333-5640 (202) 347-2277 (202) 944-4545

(202) 293-7760

SEQUOIA 3000 K St NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20007 Eclectic American cuisine, Coupled with enchanting views of the Potomac River make Sequoia a one of a kind dining experience. Offering a dynamic atmosphere featuring a mesquite wood fire grill, sensational drinks, and renowned River Bar. No matter the occasion, Sequoia will provide an unforgettable dining experience.

ZED’S 1201 28TH St, N.W. ETHIOPIAN IN GEORGETOWN Award Winning Seafood | Poultry | Beef Vegetarian Dishes also available 100 Very Best Restaurants Award 100 Very Best Bargains Award Also, visit Zed’s “New” Gainesville, Virginia location (571) 261-5993 At the Corner of M & 28th Streets 1201 28th Street, N.W. Email: zeds@zeds.net (202) 333-4710

GMG, Inc. January 12, 2011 21

Dancing CRAB The

thedancingcrab.com

Dining Room Monday - Friday: 11:30am-11:00pm Saturday: 5:00pm-11:00pm Bar Hours Mon.-Thursday: 11:30am-11:00pm Friday: 11:30am- 2:00am Saturday: 5:00pm- 2:00am

(202) 944-4200

TONY AND JOE’S TOWN HALL SEAFOOD PLACE 2218 Wisconsin Ave NW Dive into Tony3000 andKJoe’s Seafood Place this summer St, NW If you’re in the mood for fresh delica- Town Hall is a neighborhood favorite Ranked one of the most popular and enjoy the best seafood dining has of to Glover Park, offering cies from the sea, dive into Tony Georgetown and in the heart seafood restaurants in , DC, “this Joe’s Seafood Place at the George- a classic neighborhood restaurant and cosmopolitan”send-up of a vinoffer. Make your reservation and mention this town Waterfront. While today enjoying bar with contemporary charm. Whethtage supper club that’s styled after tempting dishes such as Maryland er its your 1st, 2nd or 99th time in the a ‘40’s-era ocean liner is appointed be entered to lobster win a FREE Brunch forwe’re Two!committed to serving you fresh and shrimp door, with cherry wood and red leatherad tocrabcakes,

nicksriversidegrille.com

Tapas – Specialty Drinks Martini’s Citrus - Cosmopolitan - Sour Apple - Blue Berry Summer Patio – Open Now! Coming Soon. “New” Tyson’s Corner Location Open NOW!

(202)483-3070

1201 F St, NW

’S NICKERSIDE E RIV GRILL

1725 DeSales St NW

www.arkrestaurants.com /sequoia_dc.html

THE OCEANAIRE

PANACHE RESTAURANT

www.SetteOsteria.com

The tremendous popularity of The Peacock Happy Day Brunch in Washington DC is legendary. The breakfast and brunch selections offer wonderful variety and there is a new selection of fresh, spectacular desserts everyday. The Peacock Café in Georgetown, DC - a fabulous menu for the entire family.

3050 K St. NW Washington, DC 20007

Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a business lunch, enjoy wonderM Street Bar & Grill, in the St. GregNick’s Riverside Grille is a famful Boudin Blanc, Fresh Dover ily-owned waterfront restaurant ory Hotel has a new Brunch menu serving great American fare, fine Sole Meunière, Cassoulet or Pike by Chef Christopher Williams Feasteaks, authentic pasta dishes and Quenelles by the fireplace in this turing Live Jazz, Champagne, Mithe freshest seafood! Our Georgeunique “Country Inn”. Chef Patmosas and Bellini’s. For Entertaintown waterfront dining room has rick Orange serves his Award ing, small groups of 12 to 25 people spectacular views of the Potomac Winning Cuisine in a rustic atmowishing a dining room experience River, Kennedy Center, Washingsphere, where locals and celebrities we are featuring Prix Fixe Menus: ton Monument, Roosevelt Island, alike gather. La Chaumiere also of$27.00 Lunch and $34.00 Dinner. the AKey Bridge, the surrounding SEAFOOD WITH VIEW fers 2 private dining rooms with aDELICIOUS Washington, DC area, plus our spaLunch and dinner specials daily. cious outdoor terrace is a great dinprix-fixe menu and an affordable ing spot to take in all the waterfront wine list. www.mstreetbarandgrill.com scenery! Washingtonian’s Best 100 restaurant 28 years in a row. www.lachaumieredc.com www.nicksriversidegrille.com (202) 530-3621 (202) 342-3535 (202) 338-1784

PEACOCK CAFE Established in 1991, Peacock Cafe is a tradition in Georgetown life.

NICK’S RIVERSIDE GRILLE

GARRETT’S GEORGETOWN

cabanasdc.com

C O C K TA I L O F T H E W E E K

YULE GLÖGG

for a drink with a lower alcoholic content. One immediate difference I notice in Derek’s Danish glögg, compared to other mulled wines I’ve tried, is the inclusion of raisins and almonds in the bottom of the glass. These gems provided a delectable finish. “Have a beautiful, warm mulled wine with raisins and almonds that have been soaked in alcohol,” Derek says. “ If you aren’t warm after you have your first glass, you will be by the time you eat the raisins and almonds.”

By Miss Dixie

s a new year begins, many Washingtonians are still recovering from a holiday hangover. We make resolutions to diet following a season of rich foods. We give ourselves financial restrictions when our December credit card bills arrive, and we vow to cut back on drinking after indulging during too many holiday soirees. But the lucky folks who attended the Museum of the American Cocktail’s (MOTAC) holiday seminar are looking forward to enjoying a

where healthy meals meets delicious taste Open Daily from 10am to 10pm 1211 Potomac Strret NW Washington, DC 20007 202.333.9338

stretch of delightful winter cocktails. The event, held at PS7 in Chinatown, featured numerous cocktails guaranteed to warm up the long, cold season ahead. Guests were treated to potables mixed by PS7’s Gina Chersevani, Mr-Booze-com’s Jerry Lenoir and the MOTAC founding member Phil Greene. Derek Brown, of the Columbia Room, which was named by GQ magazine as one of the 25 Best Cocktail Bars in America, started the party with his recipe for glögg, a Scandinavian mulled wine. Mulled wine, popular in Europe, is made from usually red wine infused with spices and fruit flavors and served warm. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas. Derek first tried glögg during a December visit to Demark where he was invited to a traditional Danish Christmas lunch. While a midday meal may sound harmless, Derek said these gatherings can turn into marathon drinking events, lasting over 10 hours. “They start out with glögg,” he says, “followed by Aquavit (a traditional Danish liqueur, fla-

YULE GLÖGG vored with caraway), Tuborg beer, then back to Aquavit and so on.” Impressed with the flavorful mulled wine he was served, Derek asked for the recipe from the 96-year-old lady who made the glögg. She declined his request, telling him it was a family secret. But after about seven shots of Aquavit, Derek said she was willing to share the classified information. He extracted the recipe from her with the help of an interpreter. While Derek’s recipe is simple to prepare, it does take time. After completing all the steps he recommends storing the mixture in the refrigerator overnight, before reheating it the next day. The flavors will continue to infuse and it will give the glögg a fuller flavor. In addition to wine and spices, Derek adds aquavit to his glögg to give it a rich spicy flavor. If you prefer, you may also add plain vodka for a less herbaceous version or omit the additional liquor

westchester restaurant &

catering

banquets

private parties

receptions

chef hakki muslu

specializing in international cuisine

lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm sundays noon - 9:00 pm 4000 Cathedral Avenue NW Washington DC 20016 202 - 331 - 1882

22 January 12, 2011 GMG, Inc.

Open Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 10:30pm Friday: 11:30am - 12:00am Saturday: 9:00am -12:00am Sunday: 9:00am - 10:30pm

1 1/2 bottles of full-bodied red wine (Derek used a nice, inexpensive Tempranillo) 1 cup Aquavit 1 tsp. crushed cardamom seeds 2 tsp. cloves ½ tsp. freshly grated ginger 2 tsp. freshly grated orange zest 4 cinnamon sticks 1 cup almonds – blanched 1 cup seedless raisins 1/2 cup brown sugar Bring wine to boil. Tie spices and zest in to a cheesecloth bag. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add in almonds, sugar and raisins; cook for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add in Aquavit. Stir and remove spices. Serve hot. Ingredients to make glögg may be purchased at Dixie Liquor, located at 3429 M Street in Georgetown. For more information about upcoming events visit: MuseumOfTheAmericanCocktail.org or Better-Drinking.com.

FOOD & WINE

LENDING WINE A VOICE

THE CAPITAL WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO DC

Chef Daniel Bruce, creator, director, and head chef of the Capital Wine Festival

By Ari Post

hen Chef Daniel Bruce created the Boston Wine Festival over twenty years ago, it was hardly driven by divine inspiration. “The initial reason for the wine festival is that it was a slow year,” he says with a chuckle. Since then, however, Bruce’s wine festivals have been steadily growing, spreading like gospel throughout the country. This will be the second year that Bruce brings his wine festival to the District, hosted again by The Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row. Calling the event a festival is a loose way to say it; the Capital Wine Festival is a series of wine dinners, in which each meal is constructed around a specific region or style of wine. Bruce brings in the winemakers and proprietors of each participating winery to discuss the wines and terroir of their particular regions, affording guests a uniquely intimate experience with their wine and food, and putting a distinct twist on the farm-to-table experience. In order to be true to the wine he selects, Bruce goes about planning the dinners in a way that most chefs would never consider. He does not choose the wine to complement the food, but

tailors the cuisine around the flavors of the individual wines. “There’s nothing worse than the wine coming off bad because the food wasn’t prepared right to go with it,” he says. “Working with the wine makers has changed the nature of how I work,” he says, revealing a sincere and personal devotion to Cuisine, which he defines as a seamless blend of wine and food. “In a lot of ways, the winemakers are like chefs, bringing out the best flavors the grapes and the land have to offer.” Bruce’s personal history with wine began around 30 years ago, while he was working abroad in Tuscany and France. “Wine there is part of the table,” he says. “Wine is just such a part of their culture. Just as regular as a food source.” Growing up in the United States, where wine is not part of the culture, Bruce found the commonality of table wine in Europe to be a revelatory experience. The wine, almost always local, greased the evening conversation, drew out the night, and helped form bonds among friends and family. Table wine also affected the flavor of the local food offerings. While it may not always have

been perfectly constructed or balanced (though being Tuscan, it was probably damn close), the flavors of the land were so richly engrained within the wine that they complemented the surrounding cuisine like nothing Bruce had ever tasted. When he returned to the States, Bruce went to more formal tastings, which opened his eyes to the potential and diversity of wine to complement different cuisines. He began pairing food and wine at dinner tastings for winemakers in the basement of Manhattan’s Club 21, working with the sommelier to choose the wines. Only after meeting and befriending the winemakers did he begin constructing his plans to showcase distinct regional wine varieties with tailor-made foods. 23 years ago, Bruce founded the Boston Wine Festival. He now has four around the country, including the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, the Capital Wine Festival, and the Berkeley Wine Festival, which he kicked off in 2010. Tasting the wine is Bruce’s first priority in putting together a dinner. It may sound like a welldressed excuse to knock back some good vino, but it’s really no joke. He samples 3,000 wines a year, taking careful notes on each bottle. “My wine notes tend to be chef-driven,” he says. “Not wine driven. I might write down, ‘Belon oysters,’ next to a Chardonnay, or something that invokes food ingredients.” He then chooses the winemakers based on a theme or a group that shows a spectrum of styles. The process falls somewhere in the infinitely coextending parameters of art and science. “I try to strike a balance,” he says simply, deceiving the complexity of this job. “It’s a matter of recalling the structure of the wine. I’ll find something that uses contrasting, parallel or compatible flavors. I use the flavor of the wine as a departing point for the food.”

Wines with higher acidity are easy to pair, he admits. That’s why Pinot Noir and Barolo are so often recommended at restaurants. When the wine is less acidic, he says, you have to be a little more careful with what you cook or you might overwhelm the plate. “Having tasted the wine, I know how far I’ll go with the intensity and flavors of the dish.” He particularly likes cooking for Pinot Noir because, as he explains, it is a wine that is true to the terroir that it comes from, “Which, as a chef, gives me more options.” “I do a dish created only for that wine,” Bruce says of his cooking philosophy. “There are subtle differences to all the wines. So why shouldn’t I honor that tradition by creating individual dishes?” Bruce uses the wines he selects in the cooking process as well, from using syrups made from the varietal, to a marinade or glaze or herb reduction for meat and vegetables. Again, he only cooks with the wines he decides to feature, further displaying the versatility and flavors of each selection. Bringing together winemakers and wine enthusiasts, the Capital Wine Festival celebrates great wine from around the globe. Prior to each dinner, guests will enjoy a reception or seminar before being seated for an evening of food and wine pairings. “When people get to meet the person behind the wine, it’s a great thing for them. They can go back and tell their friends, and they have a story. There is always a story behind a bottle of wine, and now they can be a part of it.” Once a week, beginning on January 20, the Capital Wine Festival will host wine dinners at the Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row, to run through the end of March. For ticket purchases please visit www.capitalwinefestival.com. Call 202-736-1453. Dinners are limited to 60 guests

GMG, Inc. January 12, 2011 23

FOOD

WINE

THE LATEST DISH By Linda Roth Conte

heater was always a part of Jose Andres’ aura. Now he has a presence at the newly renovated Arena Stage on DC’s southwest waterfront. NEXT STAGE by José Andrés offers eclectic soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees, some even themed to currently running shows. The café is located on a balcony facing Arena Stage’s glass-fronted entrance. More lobster: Michael Landrum, owner/operator of RAY’S THE STEAKS and assorted other Ray’s-themed restaurants, will open The Lobster Pot, a seafood restaurant at 1650 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn. From the folks who brought you Grapeseed in Bethesda, comes a new lobster concept called FREDDIE’S LOBSTER. Lobster is not as expensive as it used to be, which may account for the new lobster outlets, from trucks to carryout. This is one white meat you cannot say tastes like chicken. The BRICKSKELLER is planning a facelift and has changed its name to BIER BARON. Don’t worry, they will still serve more beers (1200) than any other place in town, as it always has. New owners Megan Merrifield and her husband are operators. They also own Windsor Inn, Embassy Inn and District Hotel. The reopening is planned for the early part of the new year. THE ROOKERY, owned by Bo Blair, has re-opened as BAYOU, a New Orleans-style restaurant at 2519 Pennsylvania Ave., NW with Chef Rusty Holman at the helm. Look for New Orleans favorites -- Po Boys, gumbo, shrimp and grits and live jazz during dinner. Chef and Executive Update - MATCHBOX Chinatown has named Cliff Wharton as executive chef. Wharton once a striving rockstar, joins matchbox from Ten Penh, where he became a culinary star. Tom Meyer has been named president of CLYDE’S RESTAURANT GROUP. Tom had been executive vice president for CRG since 2002. Natalie Vella has been named general manager

of RIS, a promotion from her position as assistant GM. Ramón Narváez is returning to Robert Wiedmaier’s restaurant empire (Brasserie Beck, Brabo, Mussel Bar by RW, Marcel’s) as wine and beverage director. Starting at Marcel’s in 2002, he left in 2008 to become the sommelier at Adour located at the St. Regis Hotel. STELLA RESTAURANT is coming to the Traville Shopping Center in North Potomac where The Vyne Restaurant was, this month. Owners and brothers George and Stratton Liapis have owned and operated The Lunch Box Carry-Out Shoppes in downtown D.C. and Bullfeather’s of Capital Hill. Ray Niederhausen, a graduate of Stratford University, will be the executive chef. Stella will offer steakhouse steaks, chops, organic chicken, as well as full bar service, including a diverse wine list featuring wines from California, Italy, France, Argentina and Greece. TERASOL, a French bistro with an artistic mix of food and artwork, has newly reopened at 5010 Connecticut Ave, NW after a nearly two-year hiatus. Owners Sabrina Ousmaal and Alan Moin offer a 400-square-foot art gallery with art, jewelry and pottery for sale, and a 1350-square-foot restaurant serving French cuisine. SALT & PEPPER, a new breakfast spot, is slated to open in the Palisades neighborhood on the second floor of 5101 MacArthur Blvd, NW, above Bambu. Owners Sue Chen and Robert Golfman call it a modern twist on diner classics. They also plan to offer alcoholic beverages in addition to the diner menu. Yes, it’s true. KEMBLE PARK TAVERN has closed.

RAY’S THE STEAKS

Linda Roth Conte is president of Linda Roth Associates, Inc (LRA) specializing in making creative connections through media relations, marketing initiatives, community outreach and special events for the hospitality industry. Contact Linda at 703-417-2700 or linda@lindarothpr.com or visit her web site at www.lindarothpr.com

BRICKSKELLER 24 January 12, 2011 GMG, Inc.

MATCHBOX

CLYDE’S

BODY

MURPHY’S LOVE:

Advice on Intimacy and Relationships

SOUL

COMMUNICATION IS NOT THE KEY

By Stacy Notaras Murphy Dear Naysayer, Dear Stacy: I have been dating the same woman for two years. We’re both about to turn 30 and it seems that everyone expects me to propose to her in the New Year. I do care about her. I even love many of the qualities she has. But I’m not sexually attracted to her at all. I know how horrible that sounds, but it’s true. She’s just not my type. Before we dated I had many failed relationships with women I found more beautiful. When we started dating I knew I didn’t find her physically attractive. I just knew that she was kind and generous, and that I wanted to see if the other stuff was less important as long as we had a deeper emotional connection. Now we’re two years in and, though I feel strongly for her as a best friend, I’m still not interested in being with her physically. I feel like telling her the truth is the best answer, but I also don’t want to be labeled a jerk. I just don’t know if I can stick it out for a lifetime. -Label-Resistant in DC Dear Label-Resistant, Your sentiment is admirable – you don’t want to saddle her with the memory that your relationship ended because of something she really cannot control. But at the same time, you are letting this drag out in a way that will inevitably cause her to think it was her hair/eyes/dress-size that led you to break it off, regardless of the reason you give for ending the relationship. This is not to say that you should stay in a relationship when you don’t feel sexually attracted to the person. That essential piece of couplehood is hard to overlook. Yes, the fierce magnetism found during those early relationship stages does fade over time, but visual stimuli is central to our biological method of connecting with others. That doesn’t change as we age, and you would be doing her a disservice by forcing yourself to just “stick it out for a lifetime.” To go for the sexist cliché, women are intuitive, and it’s quite likely she already knows you aren’t super-excited by her. There is someone out there, I swear, who does find her attractive. She has the right to find her match, and so do you. So if you are hemming and hawing about the “right” thing to say when you are breaking up, my advice is to say as little as possible, unless she asks. Then offer her as much information as she requests (NOTE: This is different from telling her “as much as you think she should know…” Please let her regulate the amount of detail), steering clear of anything crass, reactive or outright hurtful. Then give her the space to process it, and don’t expect her to be your movie buddy or part of your emotional support network anytime soon. Distance is painful but necessary, and much kinder than prolonging a false relationship.

Stacy Notaras Murphy is a licensed professional counselor and certified Imago Relationship therapist practicing at the Imago Center of DC in Georgetown. Her website is www.therapygeorgetown.com. This column is meant for entertainment only, and should not be considered a substitute for professional counseling. Please send relationship questions to stacy@georgetowner.com.

Ari Post

Dear Stacy: It’s the time of year to be thinking about New Year’s resolutions, something I’ve never been successful at maintaining. All my coworkers want us to post our resolutions on the kitchen bulletin board and then help each other along – a pretty good idea, but is it worth it for me to say “I’m going to finally find a boyfriend this year,” and then fail in front of everyone? I don’t get the point. -Office Naysayer

I agree with you that New Year’s resolutions often launch with a lot of promise, only to fizzle before the snow melts in March. For some it can be a motivating push to do something healthier, but for others it becomes an annual tradition of punishing, self-fulfilling prophesy. Which is why I suggest you be gentler to yourself and choose something you’ve already started doing (just resolve to do more of it) in the New Year. Big-ticket items like massive weight loss, cold-turkey smoking cessation, and boyfriend-collection are tough to achieve when you’re being watched (or monitored, competitively, via the lunchroom bulletin board). Why swear off sugar entirely, when you have a niece who sells you Girl Scout cookies every February? Why throw out your cigarettes January 1 if you tried doing it that way last March 3, August 21 and September 20, only to relapse the next week? Or why promise your officemates that you will find a boyfriend, if you have been trolling eHarmony and Match.com for the last year without luck? There is definitely something to be said for public accountability when making big life changes – if that’s your reason for joining the office pastime, then go forth. But inviting all eyes on you as you put yourself out there in one of the most vulnerable ways possible – dating in Washington, DC – is a sure-fire way to tank your self-esteem and start 2011 with a whimper. Be better to yourself than that. Maybe make self-care your resolution. I promise you will feel better about this New Year come next December if you do.

By Dr. Dorree Lynn

es, you read that correctly! People always say communication is the key to improving your relationship, but clearly, that’s not true. We’re already always communicating. Yelling is communicating, abuse is communicating, the raised eyebrows of countless unsaid criticisms are communicating, unfulfilled sex is communicating, and bickering over who didn’t put the top on the peanut butter jar or why the toothpaste was squeezed the wrong way is communicating. And we can probably agree that little of any of that helps to improve relationships, feel close, or have great sex. The real key is honest, positive communication that renders your relationship better for both of you, so that you feel more understood, appreciated, connected, bonded, trusting, and/ or turned-on. However, honest, positive communication does not always mean being nice. It does mean learning how to be truthful about your own needs without purposely being hurtful, and actively listening to what your partner has to say without getting wounded every time he or she tells you something you would rather not hear. Truth and authenticity are never easy to achieve--they require a fairly good understanding of yourself and the courage to reveal your inner workings. Everyone wants to feel understood, especially by his or her lover. But since few of us understand ourselves all of the time, how do we learn to help our partners understand us, no less learn how to better understand them? It is a process that requires practice and possibly help. If this were something you could learn in ten easy steps, everyone would be doing it overnight. The truth is that honest, positive communication takes much skill, awareness, effort, and sometimes also the help of a good counselor or therapist; most new learning takes some guidance.

GMG, Inc. January 12, 2011 25

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EDUCATION/TUTOR TUTOR Creative, supportive, results-oriented AP English Teacher seeking clients needing help getting organized, writing essays, studying for exams or the AP Test. Georgetown University/ BA English, Hunter, CUNY/ MA Education. 85.00 per hour. Great References. Jennifer: 917-991-1735.

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LANGUAGEONE 202-328-0099 Free Language Evaluation Class Offering onversatonal English and foreign language instruction and speacializing in Advanced Discussion Groups, Private, Semi-Private and Small Group Language instruction Including: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese. No Registration Fee. Classes forming all of the time. Email us at classes@languageone.com

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26 January 12, 2011 GMG, Inc.

Bookkeeper/Assistant needed, two mornings per week. References required. Salary based on experience. Location at The Colonnade, New Mexico Ave, N.W. Contact 202 483 -033.

MOVING GULLIVER’S MOVING & STORAGE Licensed & Insured Local/Long distance, packing, pianos, & antiques. Swift and gentle relocations. 202-483-9579 or 703-838-7645 www.gulliversmovers.com

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Printer/Copier/Fax Repair

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Laserprinters, Fax and Printers Serving the Metro Area for over 25 years

Dependable Business Systems

Ted Hill Technical Specialist 202-640-9768

SOCIAL SCENE

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

Liz and George Stevens Jr. with Carol Channing at their Kennedy Center Honors Brunch in DC for the Kennedy Center Honors weekend Dec. 5, 2010

Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

2010 KC Honoree Oprah Winfrey , Gayle King and Stedman Graham

2010 Kennedy Center Honoree, Paul McCartney and girlfriend Nancy Shevell

SWEET 16: SWEET CHARITY

Photo credit: Dave Phillipich

Last night, R&B star Ginuwine and his wife, previous rapper Sole (Tonya Lumpkin), hosted their daughter Cypress Lee’s Sweet 16 at Eden in Washington, D.C. to benefit the Somaly Mam Foundation (www.somaly.org). This was no spoiled-celebrity-children-Sweet-16 as Cypress’ guests were asked to donate money at the door in lieu of gifts, raising over $2,000 for the charity that aims to end modern-day human trafficking. And who sings “Happy Birthday” in this R&B family? Of course Dad Ginuwine performed an a cappella Happy Birthday song for his daughter before she blew out her 16 candles. Paul Wharton of Bravo’s Real Housewives of DC also joined the fun, and 14-year-old sensation DJ Young Music provided the beats while guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Cafe Asia and cupcakes from Frosting: A Cupcakery.

Paul Wharton, Cypress, Tonya Lumpkin, and Ginuwine

Paul Wharton, Tamika Gamble, Dr Ayman Hakki, Ginuwine

DJ Young Music

GMG, Inc. January 12, 2011 27

SOCIAL

SCENE

THE GEORGETOWNER HOLIDAY BENEFIT & BAZAAR

Katherine Tallmage and Santa Clause

Victoria Michael, Aidah Fontenot, Valerie Carrasquillo

Santa Clause, Mary Ellen Conway, Michele Conley

Latasha Nelson

28 January 12, 2011 GMG, Inc.

Louis Everard and Jennifer Nygard

Chandra Anderson

Sarah Meyer-Walsh

CSM Rocky Shapla and wife.

Cyndi Bapst

Jamila Carr

SOCIAL

SCENE

DC JAZZ FESTIVAL DC jazz festival “ladies in jazz” event at bohemian caverns.

Linda Sonnenreich, and H.E. Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador of Singapore

Jazz vocalist Jane Monheit performs

Coca Cola’s Conor Woulfe, Lauren Pomponio, and Charles Fishman

Paul Wolfowitz, DCJF Chairman Michael Sonnenreich, Michael Chertoff

yvonne taylor Photography Patty Perkins Andringa, DCJF Board Members Tony Haywood and Michelle Galler

MeMories

Dr & Mrs John Bruno. Dr & Mrs Hans Black

Portrait

Kathy & Jim Vance, DCJF Executive Director Sunny Sumter

society

tel. 703.752.1097 dripbook.com/lightspeak GMG, Inc. January 12, 2011 29

SOCIAL

SCENE

WASHINGTON WINTER SHOW “Georgetown: Over 200 Years of Style” was the theme of the first Washington Winter Show. The entrance to the show held at the Katzen Arts Center Jan. 7-9 featured a loan exhibit, “Six Generations of Style,” from historic Tudor Place, presenting a range of objects and archival material amassed by the Peter family. Georgetowners Debbie Winsor and Kate Chartener co-chaired the 2011 Committee. British Ambassador Nigel Elton Sheinwald and Lady Sheinwald were Honorary Chairmen at the opening night party. PNC Bank was the Presenting Sponsor. 45 premier American and European dealers participated. On Saturday evening, designer and “Georgetowner extraordinaire” Frank Babb Randolph led a group to showcase his favorite things. Proceeds will benefit the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, Starlight MidAtlantic, THEARC and The Founders Board of St. John’s Community Service, charities serving the educational and health needs of children and families in our area. -Mary Bird Honorary Chairmen Ambassador of the United Kingdom Nigel Elton Sheinwald and Lady Sheinwald, John Peters Irelan

Designers Frank Babb Randolph and Michael Roberson

Carrie and David Marriott, Paulette Peden of Dawn Hill Antiques

Felicia Stidham, Leon Weiss of Gemini Antiques Ltd.

Show Co-chair Kate Chartener, designer Frank Babb Randolph

VERDURA AND WOMEN OF STYLE

Cynné Simpson of ABC 7 News had the pleasant task of introducing Ward Landrigan, CEO of Verdura, at the Washington Winter Show’s Eye on Design Lecture and Buffet Luncheon on January 7. Mr. Landrigan used glamorous photographs to complement intriguing insights into the enduring designs which Duke Fulco di Verdura created for Coco Chanel in the 1920s before opening his Fifth Avenue boutique in 1939 with the backing of Cole Porter and Vincent Astor. His jewels were worn by royalty, theatrical headliners and social style-setters including Washingtonians Marjorie Merriweather Post and Oatsie Charles. Mr. Landrigan and his son assumed the helm of Verdura in l984 without realizing the breadth of inventory which encompassed nearly 10,000 watercolor designs. He shared stories of time spent with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton awaiting transfer of insurance coverage as well as Jerry Hall’s ”dog house jewelry” offered by a straying Mick Jagger. -Mary Bird Neiman Marcus models wearing spring looks by designer Norman Ambrose with Verdura CEO

Charlotte Buxton, Ingola Hodges, Anne Sargent

Ward Landrigan

Luncheon Co-chair Sweet Pupuy, Verdura CEO Ward Landrigan

30 January 12, 2011 GMG, Inc.

Ann Nitze, Leslie Buhler of Tudor Place

Nina Pillsbury, Show Co-chair Deborah Winsor,

Show Co-chair Kate Chartener, Liberty Jones of Neiman Marcus

The Georgetowner 2nd Annual Photo Competiton Please join us for a reception to launch The Georgetowner's first issue of the year and to announce the Winner of the Georgetowner's 2011 Photo competition

Farmers & Fishers

Washington Harbour / Georgetown Waterfront 3000 K Street, NW / fountain level

Tuesday January 18th, 2011 6-8pm *Hors D'oeuvres / Cash Bar

RSVP: Photography@Georgetowner.com Space is Limited/ RSVP Mandatory

GMG, Inc. January 12, 2011 31

Thank You!

SOLD

Offered at $5,750,000 SOLD

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To all of our clients for making Washington Fine Properties Georgetown’s top performing real estate firm in 2010

Offered at $4,200,000

Highest Sales Volume & Properties Sold

SOLD

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by more than 2 times our nearest competitor!*

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When you select any one of our agents, you get all 100 of us! Offered at $1,995,000

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202-944-5000

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wfp.com

* Source - Regional MRIS Sold Properties in 2010. Properties shown are only a sampling of our 70 Georgetown transactions in 2010.

Offered at $1,575,000

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SOLD

Offered at $1,499,500

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Offered at $779,000

Offered at $699,000

32 January 12, 2011 gmg, Inc.