Capitol File - 2014 - Issue 3 - Summer

CAPITOL FILE速 2014, ISSUE 3 SUMMER PETER MAX

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All Art © Peter Max 2014

AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT OUR OTHER CITIES’ COVER ARTWORK BY PETER MAX

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LIVE AMONGST ART WITH CAPITOL FILE MAGAZINE’S COMMISSIONED PETER MAX CUSTOM COVER ONE ORIGINAL PAINTING OF THE ARTWORK IS AVAILABLE ALL NET PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES VISIT CHARITYBUZZ.COM/NICHEMEDIA AND PLACE YOUR BID. AUCTION OPEN JUNE 3 — AUGUST 6.

The iconic artist Peter Max embraces the spirit of Washington D.C. to create a colorful cover reflecting a landscape in his vibrant, cosmic style. Through a special partnership between Capitol File magazine and Peter Max, one one-of-a-kind, original artwork of Capitol File’s Summer cover will be auctioned on Charitybuzz to benefit The Humane Society of the United States.

This unity celebrates Peter Max’s prolific contribution to the world of art spanning generations, and commemorates the 60th anniversary of The Humane Society of the United States.

This special, one-of-a-kind, 20” x 24” hand-embellished work on paper was commissioned exclusively for Capitol File magazine’s Summer cover.

In addition, with a $250 donation to The Humane Society of the United States, you can enjoy a limited-edition 18”x 24” poster of the Summer Capitol File cover, plate signed by Peter Max.

Only 25 limited-edition posters of the special, custom-created cover art are available on: www.humanesociety.org/petermaxart

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F ront Runners Escorted by her father, President Richard Nixon, Tricia Nixon descends the south portico staircase into the Rose Garden, where she wed Harvard Law student Edward Finch Cox on June 12, 1971.

White (House) Wedding ONE OF JUST 17 WHITE HOUSE BRIDES IN THE PAST 202 YEARS, TRICIA NIXON WAS WED IN AN OUTDOOR CEREMONY IN ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC AND CELEBRATED PLACES IN TOWN. BY AMY ELLIOTT

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARIS MATCH VIA GETTY IMAGES

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or Tricia Nixon and Ed Cox, the appeal of marrying in the White House Rose Garden was irresistibly romantic, and the American public was equally invested in the idea—even if it rained. (It did.) At around 4 PM, Nixon made the call to proceed as planned. The light drizzle must have seemed a minor inconvenience compared to the throngs—some 600 members—of a voracious press corps covering the event (including Life magazine’s Marcia Seligson, who called the 37th president’s daughter’s wedding “the biggest news event in the world” in her coverage).

Details on the wedding preparations had been trickling out in the media for months: the Alençon lace Priscilla of Boston gown (designer Priscilla Kidder was the Vera Wang of her day); the Lenox and Waterford pieces on the couple’s Martin’s bridal registry; and reports of a gargantuan, seven-tiered cake. Aside from subjecting guests to the elements (many grumbled about it to the press), the worst one might say about the Nixon-Cox wedding was that the cake, at 350 pounds and more than seven feet tall, was maybe a bit much. Everything else, by today’s standards, was as classic and charming as it gets. The groom and his groomsmen wore morning suits. The Nixons’ three dogs donned corsages. Heart-shaped petit fours were served at the reception. Today’s brides have their pick of Pinterestinspired wedding details, but Tricia Nixon’s choices prove that nothing tops the storybook chic of a June wedding held in a garden full of flowers at peak bloom—not even the rain. But may we suggest a backup tent just in case? CF

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Special exhibition Opening June 7 See the exquisite jewelry and luxury objects collected by and specially designed for Marjorie Merriweather Post, style icon and Cartier’s most important American client. #CartierMMP

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Summer 2014

6 Front Runners 20 From the Editor-in-Chief 22 From the Publisher 24 …Without Whom This Issue Would Not Have Been Possible 27 Invited 36 The List

People 39 Game, Set, Match This season Washington Kastles Coach Murphy Jensen aims to carry on his team’s wild success.

42 From Georgetown to Jersey Boys Mike Doyle’s film break comes this summer in Clint Eastwood’s Jersey Boys.

44 Flipping Out

46 Musician to Mogul Restaurateur and music man Eric Hilton highlights his favorite District haunts—old and new—and how the city has changed.

48 Dynamic Duet An activist couple plays it cool in Brookland.

50 Helping Heroes at Home This Fourth of July, the Bob Woodruff Foundation reminds us to honor and support military families.

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46 Musician to Mogul

Eric Hilton takes us through his top local hot spots, including one of his own venues, The Gibson.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELI MEIR KAPLAN

Travel blogger Barbara DeLollis is a worldwide jet-setter, but she balances work and play with adult gymnastics.

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INTO THE DREAM

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Summer 2014 66 Moving Full STEAM Ahead Lunchtime at Art and Soul sets the scene for a talk about the state of arts in the District.

Culture Wolf Trap is bringing top artists from the pop charts—including The Fray and Ben Folds—to DC’s premiere outdoor theater this summer.

56 Simply A-maze-ing Get lost—literally—in a sea of architecture navigating the National Building Museum’s life-size maze.

Taste 59 Bon Anniversaire!

After one year, Le Diplomate continues to wow Washington’s elite while boasting unprecedented success and profits.

62 Fabulous Alfresco Explore some of the top spots in the District for warm-weather dining.

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64 Wine Not? Experiment with unique summer wines at one of DC’s many summerfriendly establishments.

66 Moving Full STEAM Ahead Rachel Goslins and Rory Pullens discuss their commitment to advancing arts education over an alfresco lunch at Art and Soul.

Style 68 Gem Fatale Celebrating the 30th anniversary of his most iconic design, David Yurman dazzles DC with a limited-edition collection at Tysons Galleria.

70 On the Fringe Salvatore Ferragamo releases a DC-only handbag, while Hermès debuts a bespoke clothing program.

72 A Luxe Reopening Designer Yvette Freeman moves her unique home goods store, Foundry, to the bourgeoning H Street corridor.

76 Clear as Glass Reinvigorate a tired space with Wunder Around’s whimsical, colorful, one-of-a-kind objects.

78 Time for the Environment As Washington continues to be the epicenter for environmental organizations and foundations, watch brands are stepping in to lend a hand.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL BEDELL

54 Pop in the Park

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Summer 2014 80 Life to the Max

Features

Peter Max’s works of art are as vibrant and colorful as his brilliant life.

80 Life to the Max Artist Peter Max has captured everyone from the Dalai Lama to the Beatles in his psychedelic cosmic style. Here, he reveals his colorful stories—and the inspiration behind this issue’s cover.

By Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough

84 Curated Cartier Marjorie Merriweather Post’s glittering collection of gems from the famed French jeweler Cartier will shine this summer at The Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens.

By Stephanie Green

88 District of Cool With an exploding restaurant scene, a rising number of entrepreneurs, and a cadre of cultural gatekeepers committed to making DC its best, our nation’s capital is exciting, expanding, and very cool.

By Tracy Sefl and Elizabeth E. Thorp

96 All the Pretty Horses Chincoteague Island celebrates its 89th year of the historic pony swim.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC RYAN ANDERSON

By Meg Weaver

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Summer 2014

105 Modern Love

Waterfront properties on the Annapolis shoreline exude a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Haute Property 105 Modern Love Contemporary homes offer luxe waterfront sanctuaries on the historic Chesapeake Bay.

108 Let the Art Shine In DC area homes are the benchmark for properties that feature exquisite art collections.

Our staff escaped for a few days of luxury at four mid-Atlantic retreats and one stay further afield—and here’s what they found.

Freely Speaking 112 Confessions of a Hill Staffer

ON THE COVER: Cover art by Peter Max © 2014

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN SHANAHAN

110 Glamorous Getaways

While the cats are away, the mice will… race.

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ELIZABETH E. THORP Editor-in-Chief Senior Managing Editor DANINE ALATI Art Director ALLISON FLEMING Photo Editor REBECCA SAHN Associate Editor AMY MOELLER Entertainment and Bookings Editor JULIET IZON Associate Fashion Editor ALEXANDRIA GEISLER Copy Editor NICOLE LANCTOT Research Editor MURAT OZTASKIN

SUZY JACOBS Publisher Associate Publisher MEREDITH MERRILL Account Executive FENDY MESY Director of Event Marketing LAURA MULLEN Business Development Manager MARISA RANDALL Sales Assistant ELENA SENDOLO

NICHE MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC Senior Vice President and Editorial Director MANDI NORWOOD Vice President of Creative and Fashion ANN SONG Creative Director NICOLE A. WOLFSON NADBOY Executive Fashion Director SAMANTHA YANKS

ART AND PHOTO

Senior Art Director FRYDA LIDOR Associate Art Directors ANASTASIA TSIOUTAS CASALIGGI, ADRIANA GARCIA, JUAN PARRA, JESSICA SARRO Senior Designer NATALI SUASNAVAS Designers GIL FONTIMAYOR, SARAH LITZ Photo Director LISA ROSENTHAL BADER Photo Editors KATHERINE HAUSENBAUER-KOSTER, JODIE LOVE, SETH OLENICK, JENNIFER PAGAN Photo Producer KIMBERLY RIORDAN Senior Staff Photographer JEFFREY CRAWFORD Senior Digital Imaging Specialist JEFFREY SPITERY Digital Imaging Specialist JEREMY DEVERATURDA Digital Imaging Assistant HTET SAN

FASHION

Senior Fashion Editor LAUREN FINNEY Fashion Editor FAYE POWER Fashion Assistants CONNOR CHILDERS, LISA FERRANDINO

COPY AND RESEARCH

Copy and Research Manager WENDIE PECHARSKY Copy Editors DAVID FAIRHURST, DALENE ROVENSTINE, JULIA STEINER Research Editors LESLIE ALEXANDER, JUDY DEYOUNG, AVA WILLIAMS

EDITORIAL OPERATIONS

Director of Editorial Operations DEBORAH L. MARTIN Director of Editorial Relations MATTHEW STEWART Editorial Assistant CHRISTINA CLEMENTE Online Executive Editor CAITLIN ROHAN Online Editors ANNA BEN YEHUDA, TRICIA CARR Senior Managing Editors KEN RIVADENEIRA, JILL SIERACKI Managing Editors JENNIFER DEMERITT, KAREN ROSE, JOHN VILANOVA Shelter and Design Editor SUE HOSTETLER Timepiece Editor ROBERTA NAAS

ADVERTISING SALES

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing NORMAN M. MILLER Account Directors SUSAN ABRAMS, MICHELE ADDISON, TIFFANY CAREY, CLAIRE CARLIN, KATHLEEN FLEMING, KAREN LEVINE, NORMA MONTALVO, ELIZABETH MOORE, GRACE NAPOLITANO, JEFFREY NICHOLSON, DEBORAH O’BRIEN, SHANNON PASTUSZAK, VALERIE ROBLES Account Executives SUSANA ARAGON, JUDSON BARDWELL, MICHELLE CHALA, THOMAS CHILLEMI, MORGAN CLIFFORD, JANELLE DRISCOLL, ALICIA DRY, VINCE DUROCHER, DINA FRIEDMAN, SARAH HECKLER, VICTORIA HENRY, CATHERINE KUCHAR, MARY RUEGG, LAUREN SHAPIRO, JIM SMITH, CAROLINE SNECKENBERG, JACKIE VAN METER, JESSICA ZIVKOVITCH, GABRIELLA ZURROW National Sales Coordinator HOWARD COSTA Sales Support and Development EMMA BEHRINGER, ANA BLAGOJEVIC, EMILY BURDETT, CRISTINA CABIELLES, BRITTANY CORBETT, JAMIE HILDEBRANDT, DARA HIRSH, KELSEY MARRUJO, MICHELLE MASS, NICHOLE MAURER, RUE MCBRIDE, STEPHEN OSTROWSKI, ALEXANDRA WINTER

MARKETING, PROMOTIONS, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations LANA BERNSTEIN Vice President of Integrated Marketing EMILY MCLINTOCK Director of Integrated Marketing ROBIN KEARSE Integrated Marketing Manager JIMMY KONTOMANOLIS Director of Creative Services SCOTT ROBSON Promotions Art Designers DANIELLE MORRIS, CARLY RUSSELL Event Marketing Directors AMY FISCHER, HALEE HARCZYNSKI, MELINDA JAGGER, JOANNA TUCKER, KIMMY WILSON Event Marketing Managers ANTHONY ANGELICO, CHRISTIAMILDA CORREA, MONIKA KOWALCZYK, CRISTINA PARRA Event Marketing Coordinator BROOKE BIDDLE Event Marketing Assistant SHANA KAUFMAN

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION

Vice President of Manufacturing MARIA BLONDEAUX Director of Positioning and Planning SALLY LYON Positioning and Planning Manager TARA MCCRILLIS Assistant Production Director PAUL HUNTSBERRY Production Manager BLUE UYEDA Production Artists ALISHA DAVIS, MARISSA MAHERAS Distribution Manager MATT HEMMERLING Fulfillment Manager DORIS HOLLIFIELD Traffic Supervisor ESTEE WRIGHT Traffic Coordinators JEANNE GLEESON, MALLORIE SOMMERS Circulation Research Specialist CHAD HARWOOD

FINANCE

Controller DANIELLE BIXLER Finance Directors AUDREY CADY, LISA VASSEUR-MODICA Advertising Business Manager RICHARD YONG Director of Credit and Collections CHRISTOPHER BEST Senior Credit and Collections Analyst MYRNA ROSADO Senior Billing Coordinator CHARLES CAGLE Senior Accountant LILY WU Junior Accountants PONNIE FITZPATRICK, NEIL SHAH, NATASHA WARREN

ADMINISTRATION, DIGITAL, AND OPERATIONS

Director of Operations MICHAEL CAPACE Director of Human Resources STEPHANIE MITCHELL Executive Assistant ARLENE GONZALEZ Digital Media Developer MICHAEL KWAN Digital Producer ANTHONY PEARSON Facilities Coordinator JOUBERT GUILLAUME Chief Technology Officer JESSE TAYLOR Desktop Administrators ZACHARY CUMMO, EDGAR ROCHE

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

J.P. ANDERSON (Michigan Avenue), SPENCER BECK (Los Angeles Confidential), ANDREA BENNETT (Vegas), KATHY BLACKWELL (Austin Way), KRISTIN DETTERLINE (Philadelphia Style), ERIN LENTZ (Aspen Peak), LISA PIERPONT (Boston Common), CATHERINE SABINO (Gotham), JARED SHAPIRO (Ocean Drive), SAMANTHA YANKS (Hamptons)

PUBLISHERS

JOHN M. COLABELLI (Philadelphia Style), LOUIS F. DELONE (Austin Way), ALEXANDRA HALPERIN (Aspen Peak), DEBRA HALPERT (Hamptons), GLEN KELLEY (Boston Common), COURTLAND LANTAFF (Ocean Drive), ALISON MILLER (Los Angeles Confidential), KATHERINE NICHOLLS (Gotham), DAN USLAN (Michigan Avenue), JOSEF VANN (Vegas)

President and Chief Operating Officer KATHERINE NICHOLLS Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer JOHN P. KUSHNIR Chairman and Director of Photography JEFF GALE Copyright 2014 by Niche Media Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. Capitol File magazine is published six times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Capitol File magazine’s right to edit.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs, and drawings. To order a subscription, please call 866-891-3144. For customer service, please inquire at capitolfile@pubservice.com.

To distribute Capitol File at your business, please e-mail magazinerequest@nichemedia.net.

Capitol File magazine is published by Niche Media Holdings, LLC (Founder, Jason Binn), a company of The Greenspun Corporation.

CAPITOL FILE : 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 925, Washington, DC 20004 T: 202-293-8025 F: 202-293-8022 NICHE MEDIA HOLDINGS: 100 Church Street, Seventh Floor, New York, NY 10007 T: 646-835-5200 F: 212-780-0003 THE GREENSPUN CORPORATION: 2275 Corporate Circle, Suite 300, Henderson, NV 89074 T: 702-259-4023 F: 702-383-1089

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Exploring a lifelong fascination with windows Through November 30 The exhibition is made possible by Altria Group It is also supported by The Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Horowitz Foundation for the Arts Additional funding is provided by The Exhibition Circle of the National Gallery of Art

Degas/Cassatt

Celebrating the art of collaboration Through October 5 The exhibition is made possible by a generous grant from Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. in celebration of its 100th Anniversary The Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation is the foundation sponsor The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities

Exhibitions are organized by

National Gallery of Art

On the National Mall at Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue NW Admission is always free Monday–Saturday 10–5, Sunday 11–6 Phone 202-737-4215 TDD 202-842-6176 www.nga.gov Images top to bottom: Andrew Wyeth, Wind from the Sea, 1947, tempera on hardboard, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Charles H. Morgan, © Andrew Wyeth; Mary Cassatt, Little Girl in a Blue Armchair, 1878, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon

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Reservation #: Insertion date: SUMMER 2014 Size: 10" x 12" 4C MAG

Andrew Wyeth: Looking Out, Looking In

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Chatting with the cover star of our Spring issue, Robin Wright, at Capitol File’s White House Correspondents’ Association reception.

Having a laugh at the British ambassador’s residence with House of Cards’s Michael Kelly and Sakina Jaffrey.

ABOVE: With Chris Matthews, Steve McQueen, Ambassador Peter Westmacott, Valerie Jarrett, and Lady Susie Westmacott at the WHCA welcome reception.

LEFT: With Arianna Huffington, celebrating her new book, Thrive, at The Jefferson Hotel.

Correspondents’ Association dinner, and I’m exhilarated and exhausted.

The weekend is always a blur of parties, meetings, symposia, and cocktail receptions. This WHCA weekend was particularly weighty because Capitol File hosted a lovely party with Ambassador and Lady Westmacott at the British ambassador’s residence to honor recent cover star Robin Wright. The whole House of Cards cast (minus Kevin Spacey) was in attendance, and all were charming and delighted to be in DC. Cards aficionados, get this: “President” Walker and “Secretary of State” Catherine Durant are married in real life. And Doug Stamper (actor Michael Kelly) is not at all scary. In fact, he loves politics and is such a fan of former President Clinton that he named his son Clinton.

While I was a bit disheartened that Capitol File only received two seats to the actual dinner, my spirits soared when I meandered to table 180 in the hinterlands of the Hilton ballroom to find none other than Kid President, the YouTube sensation and pep-talker extraordinaire, sitting next to me. As mothers, publisher Suzy Jacobs (my date) Follow me on Twitter at and I kept engaging the fidgety fourth @poshbrood and visit grader to help him through the very long capitolfile-magazine.com night, but ultimately the little leader couldn’t keep his eyes open and slept across his brother-in-law’s lap. Kid President is, of course, adorable, but he also reminds kids and families to be compassionate and to love wholeheartedly. We’ll see more of him, no doubt.

Our stunning cover is of Washington, DC, through the lens of iconic pop artist Peter Max, and the art matches the spirit of our very hip capital city.

You can read more about Max on page 80 and all about the evolution of DC cool on page 88. I love a slower-paced summer DC, with all it has to offer: Washington Kastles tennis, alfresco dining, evenings at Wolf Trap, the Chincoteague Pony Swim, long weekends away, and the way DC is abandoned during August recess. Now, shall we open that bottle of rosé?

ELIZABETH E . THORP

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM FOLLIARD (KELLY, WRIGHT); KRIS CONNOR/GETTY IMAGES (MATTHEWS); BRUCE VARTAN BOYAJIAN (HUFFINGTON)

It’s the week after the White House

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Clint Wheeler, cochair of Operation Smile’s Grin Gala, and I at the US Chamber.

Enjoying Capitol File’s WHCA welcome reception at the British Ambassador’s residence with Stephanie Carter of ABS Capital Partners and House of Cards’s Sakina Jaffrey.

ABOVE: In honor of Skyler’s Gift Foundation, Tanya Snyder and I shopped the summer collections at C. Wonder. LEFT: Dahlia Neiss, Gina Adams, Lavern Chatman, and I celebrating our Women of Influence Dinner at STK.

down a little, we should all take the opportunity on a steamy afternoon or summer morning to experience what new exhibits abound in our city. Did you know that the National Gallery of Art owns the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the western hemisphere? And this summer, the gallery is showing the Degas/Cassatt exhibition until early October. This show promises to be captivating and is surely worth some of your time.

Follow me on Twitter at The Newseum, in partnership with the @jsejacobs and visit capitolfile-magazine.com Smithsonian Institution, presents “One Nation with News for All,” an exhibit that details how immigrants and minorities used the press to shape their American experience, which will be on view through the end of the year.

And Hillwood museum will share some prized selections of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Cartier collection on display from June through December. Read more about this exhibition and Post’s stunning baubles in our feature on page 84.

I think we tend to take our museums for granted, but I ask that this summer you observe and experience the growth of the art scene throughout DC. For you collectors, there are also some amazing galleries here, such as DTR Modern and Long View, that just may have a piece or two that would make for a great addition to your home.

So take this summer to get caught up on the art scene around you. Also check out our cover story (p. 80) about famed artist Peter Max, who has specially designed our DC-inspired cover. He will leave an impression….

SUZY JACOBS PUBLISH ER

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALFREDO FLORES (WHEELER, WOMEN OF INFLUENCE); GEARSHIFT TV (WHCD RECEPTION); TONY BROWN (SNYDER)

Summer is a time to celebrate the arts in Washington, DC. During this season, when life slows

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FIVE STAR DINING I N WA S H I N G T O N, D C

Recently named the only five star restaurant in Washington, DC from Forbes, Plume at The Jefferson, Washington, DC serves as a discreet and elegant backdrop to the culinary artistry of our award-winning executive chef, Chris Jakubiec. Among our more than 1,300 wine labels are 50 vintages that Jefferson himself enjoyed in his time, as well as newer wines he might select were he alive today. Choose a cozy nook or a table by our inviting fireplace as you savor classic dishes crafted using traditional techniques and seasonal restaurant menus that are inspired by the harvest from Thomas Jefferson’s kitchen gardens at Monticello.

Plume at The Jefferson, Washington, DC 1200 16th St. NW | 202.448.3277 www.plumedc.com | plume@jeffersondc.com

...WITHOUT WHOM THIS ISSUE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE

Mika Brzezinski Cohost of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, TV personality, journalist, and best-selling author, Brzezinski has written three books. She and cohost Joe Scarborough interviewed artist Peter Max for our cover story (page 80).

What resonated with you most after interviewing Peter Max? I was delighted and shocked at how quickly he works and how he doesn’t think when he paints, but just goes. What words of wisdom do you have for women who are juggling career and family? Don’t forget to have kids; don’t forget love and marriage, because nothing is worth it without a family to share it with. What do you remember most fondly about growing up in the DC area? Riding my horse along Spring Hill Road and racing cars in the

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fields that are now developments full of McMansions. Sometimes it makes me sad to go back and see what has become of my hometown— and the fields and forests where I used to wander.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NBCUNIVERSAL (BRZEZINSKI); GREG POWERS (LAROSA); BRIAN MOOAR (COYNE); PAUL ZIMMERMAN/WIREIMAGE (WOODRUFF)

SUMMER 2014

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Michael LaRosa A producer for MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews and a national politics reporter for MSNBC.com, LaRosa wrote On the Town for this issue (page 66).

What did you take away from your lunch with Rory Pullens and Rachel Goslins? It was most interesting to see

both Rory and Rachel instantaneously connect. Their chemistry was evident, probably because of their mutual interest in the arts and humanities. What else did you learn? Listening to them describe the role and importance government can play in supporting the arts and humanities made sense to me. I had never considered the role government could play in this arena before talking to them, and it struck me.

Virginia Coyne Founder and managing editor of NewsPop.net, a daily news website for kids and teens, Coyne is a former television news producer with two decades of experience covering Washington politics. She penned Secret City (page 72).

What did you enjoy most about exploring Yvette Freeman’s Foundry? As much as I’d like to

keep the secret to myself, discovering the clothes in Foundry’s back room was a true highlight. I’ve loved shopping at vintage shops and picking through racks to find hidden gems since I was a child. Here, Yvette has done all the work for you.

Every piece is special.

Lee Woodruff Best-selling author and contributor to CBS This Morning, Woodruff is the cofounder of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which helps injured service members and their families as they return home. She wrote about why she and her husband, Bob, founded the foundation in Spirit of Generosity (page 50).

What’s been most gratifying about working with the foundation? Getting to know

many military families, veterans, and active duty members. They’ve given me an entirely new perspective on what it means to serve. What foundation events are you looking forward to? Our annual Stand UP for Heroes event in New York. We fly in almost 100 service members and their families to enjoy our fundraiser with top comedians and musical artists. People leave having been touched by seeing audience attendees in their uniforms.

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WASHINGTON’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS EVENTS AND SMARTEST PARTIES

Steve McQueen and Robin Wright at Capitol File’s WHCA welcome reception at the British Ambassador’s residence.

House Party PHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY/KRIS CONNOR

HOUSE OF CARDS STAR ROBIN WRIGHT AND ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR STEVE MCQUEEN CELEBRATE ONE OF THE DISTRICT’S MOST ICONIC ANNUAL EVENTS. BY LAURA MULLEN

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apitol File commemorated the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner with Robin Wright and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) at the private residence of British Ambassador Pete Westmacott and Lady Westmacott on May 2. The event was outfitted with custom USA and Great Britain– themed bars and décor from Syzygy Events. On offer to play were gaming consoles with FIFA 2014, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, and Forza 5 courtesy of ESA.

British-style beverages included Pimm’s Original provided by Diageo, and there was a luxury car display, along with transportation, from Bentley Tysons. Notable guests included Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen; House of Cards cast members Michael Gill, Michael Kelly, Sakina Jaffrey, Jayne Atkinson, Molly Parker, Sebastian Arcelus; Veep’s Anna Chlumsky, Gary Cole, Kevin Dunn, Matt Walsh, Timothy Simons, and Reid Scott; CNN’s Dana Bash, Gloria Borger, and Jake Tapper; continued on page 28 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM 27

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INVITED

Maximilian Oshalim, Timothy Lowery, and Zach Webber

Alan and Lawrence Behar

Katharine McPhee Sally and Mark Ein

Jennifer Tapper, Edie Emery, and Jake Tapper Rich Taylor and Gary Cole

Molly Parker, Sakina Jaffrey, Michael Kelly, Michael Gill, and Jayne Atkinson

continued from page 27 MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, Andrea Mitchell, and Thomas Roberts; Fox News’s Ed Henry and Greta Van Susteren; Katharine McPhee; Ambassador Capricia Marshall; Ambassador François Delattre; and Ambassador Claudio and Laura Bisogniero. DJ Christopher Sealey kept guests dancing into the night before they departed with gift bags courtesy of Apothia Los Angeles, Bentley Tysons, Blue Mercury, Ike Behar, Sterling & Burke, and Tanqueray.

Stephanie J. Block and Sebastian Arcelus

Marielle Shortell and Julie Shanklin

Ambassador Claudio and Laura Bisogniero

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Ambassador Peter Westmacott, Kevin Dunn, Susie Westmacott, Reid Scott, and Timothy Simons

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEARSHIFT.TV; GETTY/KRIS CONNOR

Spencer Garrett, Ed and Shirley Henry, Susanna Quinn, Dana Bash, and Marc Adelman

6/9/14 6:48 PM

INVITED

Garden Brunch

The 21st Annual Garden Brunch celebrating the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was held on May 3 at the BeallWashington House. This year’s event honored Blue Star Families, the nation’s largest chapter-based military families support organization, and Dog Tag Bakery, a new bakery and café opening in Georgetown that aids veterans with disabilities by providing job training and educational skills to help reassimilate into civilian life.

Hillary Rosen, Connie Milstein, Father Richard Curry, and Tammy Haddad

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Ronan Farrow

Lupita Nyong’o

Bret Baier, Tony Goldwyn, Darby Stanchfield, and Bellamy Young

Brandy Giddings, Rachel James, and Jocelyn Greenan

Leanne Myers

Leslie Pennington and Kris Carpenter

Katie Helmer and Rebecca Finlay

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHCINSIDER, TONY BROWN/ IMIJINATION PHOTOGRAPHY

C. Wonder Shop Party

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C. Wonder hosted an exclusive Mother’s Day shopping event with Capitol File on May 8 at its Tysons Corner store to benefit Skyler’s Gift Foundation. Shoppers browsed the colorful spring and summer collections while enjoying a refreshing cocktail made with Tanqueray, lemon verbena tea, and prosecco.

C. Wonder donated 10 percent of the day’s proceeds to Skyler’s Gift Foundation.

Guests were treated to C. Wonder cocktails with Tanqueray as they shopped.

Kierston Allen, Kendra Cofield, Tiffany Bowen, and Tanya Snyder

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Brynez Baxter and Kristen Lund

INVITED

Pamela Sorensen and Marybeth Coleman

Ashley Bronczek and Candace Ourisman

Joyce Thorpe and Vivian Morton

Mazza Gallerie Spring Fashion Luncheon

Carrington Tarr, Page Evans, and Beth Hague

Capitol File and Mazza Gallerie partnered for an intimate luncheon on April 24 to support the District-based nonprofit My Sister’s Place. Guests enjoyed a three-course lunch by Occasions Caterers as they viewed a fashion presentation of Michael Kors’s Spring 2014 and Summer 2014 collections courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

Ashley Bronczek, Page Evans, Kristen Lund, Andrea Rinaldi, and Pamela Sorensen hosted the exclusive event.

Dr. Katy Nelson, Lindsay Kin, Andrea Rinaldi, April Ivonne, and Megan Salvaggio

Reed Menefee, Rebecca McFarland, Laith Alnouri, and Anthony Hesselius

Julia Farr with Ed and Nell Shapiro

Ben Vinson, Yolanda Forthenberry, and Charles Barber

59th Annual Corcoran Ball

Carl Bedell and Sean Weppner

Reid Dunavant, Samira Farmer, and Tom Anderson 30

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Horace and Ivy Howells with Amb. Capricia and Dr. Robert Marshall

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOY ASICO, GABRIEL MELLAN

On April 25 the Corcoran Gallery of Art held its Corcoran Ball, the annual event of the Corcoran Women’s Committee, chaired by Ivy Howells. Guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner as they viewed important works from the gallery’s collection. Each room featured a distinctive theme boasting exclusive designs from Occasions Caterers, Jack H. Lucky Floral Designs, and Perfect Settings. Following the ball, the after-hours Club Corcoran commenced, inviting attendees to partake in craft cocktails, wine selections, and innovative brews from Bluejacket Brewery amid the dazzling décor late into the night.

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INVITED

Tracy Sefl and Chelsea Bollinger Dahlia Neiss and Gina Adams Deborah Lehr and Eun Yang

#WomenofInfluence Celebration

Capitol File celebrated its late spring “Women of Influence” issue with a dinner on May 12 at the new STK Washington DC. Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Thorp and Publisher Suzy Jacobs welcomed guests such as Ambassador Capricia Marshall, Gina Adams, Goldy Kamali, and Ellie Schafer—all of whom were featured in the issue—to enjoy cocktails and conversation. Other attendees included Rachel Pearson, Kelley McCormick, Eun Yang, Deborah Lehr, Jodie McLean, and Melanie Fonder Kaye. As the dinner concluded, special gifts were offered courtesy of Georgetown Optician and Hespera Jewelry.

Monica Spaller and Heather Rothenberg

Melanie Fonder Kaye and Goldy Kamali

Jill and Drew White

Jim and Tonya Laredo

Lavern Chatman

Andrea Roane

Mary Beth Savary and Anita Brikman

The Grin Gala

The US Chamber of Commerce hosted the Grin Gala on April 25 to celebrate the 200,000 life-changing surgeries provided by Operation Smile across the globe. Guests enjoyed rooftop cocktails, a formal dinner, and a silent auction that was followed by dessert and dancing. The event raised more than a half a million dollars for the organization and honored event chairman, Clint Wheeler, with the Inaugural Clinton F. Wheeler III Humanitarian Award.

Sarah and Mark Kimsey with Clint and Enily Wheeler

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALFREDO FLORES

Bethany Hotchkiss and Sharif Atkins with Bill and Kathy Magee

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INVITED Caption will Sitar Arts Center Spring Benefit go here tk.

Sitar Arts Center hosted its Spring Celebration and Benefit to the theme of the Yellow Brick Road and Emerald City, which included a wine and cocktail reception with a silent auction, on May 1 at the Mexican Cultural Institute. Guests enjoyed live music and raffle prizes while celebrating the renowned organization.

Carter Cafritz, Marguerite Thompson, and Lisa Cafritz

Lance Hayden, Lauren Sloat, and Tom Frank

Molly and Rick Rolandi with Maureen Dwyer

Clint Mann and Gregg Busch

John McCarthy and Angela Chiappetta

Daren Thomas with Ruth and Arnie Sorenson

Giovanna Gray Lockhart with Dannia and Maha Hakki

Matt Hagan and Steven Eliopoulos

Carl Ray, Jen Haber, and Rick Raines

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Capitol File Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Thorp and Publisher Suzy Jacobs welcomed friends and members of the media to ENO Wine Bar in Georgetown for a reception on April 8. Guests, including Giovanna Gray Lockhart, Todd Flournoy, and CNN’s Edie Emery, along with Four Seasons’s Dirk Burghartz and Liliana Baldassari, dined on gourmet offerings of local meats, cheeses, and chocolates with pours of wine and prosecco.

Mary Jo Klein, Dirk Burghartz, and Liliana Baldassari

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALFREDO FLORES

ENO Meet & Greet

6/9/14 6:49 PM

INVITED

Shamim Jawad, Tatiana Maxwell, Casilda Hevia, and Mariela Trager

Sam Waterston, Caroline Descombris, and Forest Whitaker

Jay Johnson and Sydney McNiff Johnson

Dory Clark, Amb. Yousef Al Otaiba, and Elizabeth Blalack

Refugees International Anniversary Dinner Matt Dillon, Eileen ShieldsWest, and Dr. Michel Gabaudan

Refugees International hosted its 35th Anniversary Dinner on April 30 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium honoring Academy Award–winning actor Forest Whitaker and chef José Andrés. In attendance were Refugees International Vice Chair Sam Waterston, fellow board member Matt Dillon, and Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba.

Msgr. John Enzler, Scott Brickman, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, and Patrice Brickman

Amb. Arturo Sarukhan, Patricia Fernandez de la Cruz, Veronica Valencia, and José Andrés

Karen and Chris Donatelli

Chris Matthews, Scott Pastrick, and Kathleen Matthews

Catholic Charities PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY BROWN, LIZZY DEMAREE; TONY POWELL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY BROWN (REFUGEES); TONY POWELL, ELIZABETH DEMARCE (CHARITIES)

Jennifer Vermillion, Raul Fernandez, and Jean-Marie Fernandez during the program.

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On April 12 more than 900 guests packed into the ballroom at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel to celebrate the 2014 Catholic Charities Gala, chaired by Scott and Patrice Brickman with Washington Archbishop Cardinal Donald Wuerl.

The event raised more than $1.7 million and treated guests to an evening of dinner and dancing to a live band.

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INVITED Geoff Tracy and Norah O’Donnell

Amy and Bret Baier

Children’s Ball

On April 11, supporters of Children’s National Health System gathered at The Ritz-Carlton for the 8th Annual Children’s Ball. Hosted by His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba and wife, Abeer Al Otaiba, with Fox News’s Bret Baier and wife, Amy Baier, the event raised more than $10 million for the organization supporting pediatric care and research. Guests dined on a gourmet meal prepared by world-renowned chefs Wolfgang Puck and Nobu Matsuhisa, and were delighted by a surprise appearance from award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson.

Lousie Gammell and Dieuwke Boven

Nobu Matsuhisa, Scott Drewno, and Wolfgang Puck

PHOTOGRAPHY BYALFREDO FLORES

John and Diane Sculley

Corcoran Gallery of Art •  Seventeenth Street, , Washington, ..  • () - • www.corcoran.org Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Le Repos, 1860, reworked c. 1865–1870, Oil on canvas, 22 ³/4 × 40 inches, William A. Clark Collection, 26.41

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INVITED

Amy Porter Stroh and Christian Zapatka

Coleman and Carter Brown with Andrew Law

Jonathon Taylor, Trish Yan, Elizabeth Powell, and Michael Rankin

Patrons’ Party

The annual Georgetown House Tour kicked off on April 23 at the home of Elizabeth and Jeffrey Powell. Event cochairs Leslie Maysak, Debbie Winsor, Amy Porter Stroh, and Leslie Kamrad invited guests to celebrate the 83rd year of the tour with proceeds from the event benefiting St. John’s ministries.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY BROWN

Kathleen Kennedy and Jim Bell

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Josh and Blair Bourne

Megan Paleologos, Rebecca McCabe, Dorothy Williams, and Susie King

6/10/14 10:49 AM

T he List Summer 2014

Amanda Downes

Alan Behar

Dan Hewitt

Jennifer Ngai

Bridgette Howard

James Blanchard

Emily Brimmer

Monica Harrington

Ty Michael Carter

Cheryl Maisel

Magid Abraham

Nick Schmit

George York

Steve Battista

Gio Gonzalez

Margaret Curran

Randy Wittman

Shizu Okusa

Dylan Jacobs

David Niroo

Andy Peters

Timothy Lowery

Ajay Kori

Lawrence Behar

Brandon Clay

James R. Walker

Adriana Wilson

Monica Boyd

James Harris

Maura Jeffords

Jon Pageler

Michael Rotolo

Kim Kingsley

Matthew M. Buchanan

Daniel J. Cuttica

Pierre Gilissen

Whitney Burns

Jonathan Thompson

Steven K. Neufeld

Eric Ruyak

Craig Cheifetz

Rich Taylor

Jeff Sheely

Omar Stwodah

Jodie McLean

Tammy Haddad

Elizabeth Galvin

Jeff Kesler

Clint Wheeler

Kimberly Casey

Kimball Stroud

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A S I N G L E C I T Y B L O C K . H I G H LY A D VA N C E D S T Y L E

On the Metro Red Line, Friendship Heights Station 5471-5481 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD • www.thecollectionatchevychase.com

We have deeply rooted philanthropic and cultural partnerships in each community and support the organizations that work to strengthen each city.

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2/3/14 5:56 PM

Superlatives PEOPLE, CULTURE, TASTE, TREASURES

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Game, Set, Match THIS SEASON WASHINGTON KASTLES COACH MURPHY JENSEN AIMS TO CARRY ON HIS TEAM’S WILD SUCCESS. BY ELIZABETH E. THORP

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY GREENAWALT

“W

e have a mission,” former tennis pro and grand slam champion Murphy Jensen says of his Washington Kastles. “We want to be the best team in the history of World TeamTennis.” Since winning the 1993 French Open (in doubles with his brother, Luke), his playing days are long over, but Jensen has found success as an on-screen personality and a coach of the Kastles. And though the techniques he teaches—from slice forehands to baseline footwork—can get complicated, he has a simple objective for the upcoming season: to win.

The Michigan native, who serves as director of tennis at Georgia’s luxurious Sea Island resort during the off-season, loves DC, he says, for the people, the museums, the Redskins, but most of all, for the Kastles, one of seven World TeamTennis franchises. Local entrepreneur and Washington Kastles owner Mark Ein handpicked Jensen to helm the team prior to the 2009 season.

“Behind all of the Kastles’ accomplishments and historic achievements over the last five years, Murphy really has been the glue that kept it all together,” Ein says. “He has a unique ability to get our players fired up when it’s needed, but also to keep them relaxed when that’s required.”

This season will be Jensen’s sixth as head coach, and his time in DC has been marked with continued on page 40

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VIEW FROM THE TOP

Murphy Jensen celebrates another win for the Washington Kastles.

LIVING LARGE Murphy Jensen serves and volleys a high-quality WTT product for players and fans alike. *on tennis in DC “The old stadium was on the river, with the evening breezes, the helicopters going by, the sunsets….

We’ve had some magical moments in that majestic atmosphere. Martina Hingis wanted to play for the Kastles for a long time. She loves the landscape of this beautiful city, and there is also a big equestrian community for her in our area when she’s not on the court.”

*on the business of the sport “The production value of what happens on game night is unsurpassed, in part because Mark Ein runs this business like it’s the biggest thing on the planet.”

*on the hectic schedule during the season “I’m so busy during Kastles season— I shaved my head to save time on haircuts.”

*on neighborhood haunts “The Kastles love Georgetown for restaurants (Indian for Leander, chocolate for ‘Swiss Miss’ Martina Hingis), and Tysons Corner for shopping.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK SNYDER (JENSEN CELEBRATING); ANDREW RIDDLE (KIDS CLINIC); FRED MULLANE (WILLIAMS)

continued from page 39 unparalleled and historic success. Under his leadership, the Kastles have won four Mylan WTT championships in the past five years, boasted undefeated seasons in 2011 and 2012, and have broken the major US pro sports record for longest winning streak (34 matches). In 2013, Jensen was awarded his third successive Mylan WTT Coach of the Year award. His coaching style and charisma are credited for luring marquee tennis names to the tour, including Serena and Venus Williams, Martina Hingis, and Anna Kournikova. “Murphy brings a ton of energy and has his own coaching style that the team responds really well to,” says Hingis, the two-time defending WTT Female MVP. On Jensen’s website, a recurring theme is “dream big.” “All I ever wanted was to live a life that I would never forget,” he says. In his 45 years he’s certainly done that. The six-foot-four lefty and his ambidextrous brother, Luke, launched what they called “rock ’n’ roll tennis” in the 1990s, winning four Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) titles and making waves by their unforgettable run at Paris’s Stade Roland Garros in 1993.

Jensen is quite gregarious—in person and even on the phone, his big personality and energy is evident. So it’s no surprise that he’s dabbled in showbiz, hosting a Tennis Channel show, living in LA, writing screenplays, meeting and starting a family with actress Robin Givens, and even landing a role in a feature film, Wimbledon, with Kirsten Dunst. His son, 14, lives most of the time with Givens in the LA area but comes to DC to cheer on Dad and the Kastles during the season, along with Murphy’s new wife, Kate Rennemo —the two FROM BELOW: married earlier this year. “Our games are an absolute tennis party, man!”

Jensen coaches Serena Williams he says. You can practically hear him grinning. in a 2011 “I’m honored and fired up to coach some of the greatest players in front TeamTennis match; he also of the greatest fans in the world,” Jensen says. “Martina is in the Hall of teaches at the Fame, Venus and Leander [Paes] are on their way, Kids Clinic. and there’s nobody in World TeamTennis like Bobby [Reynolds]. We’re going to have Venus and Martina on the same court playing doubles, which is a heck of a lineup.”

The Kastles kick off the season Monday, July 7, against the Boston Lobsters in Massachusetts.

Their first home match will be on Wednesday, July 9, against the Lobsters as well. For the full schedule, visit washingtonkastles.com. CF

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6/6/14 5:05 PM

TALENT PATROL Clint Eastwood cast Georgetown alumnus Mike Doyle in Jersey Boys after seeing only one audition tape.

As a kid in Connecticut, however, Doyle’s passions lay elsewhere. “I had aspirations to do something that people perked up for,” he shares. He was active in his high school’s drama club and was a catalogue model for department stores like Macy’s. “I was a perfect boys’ size 18,” he laughs.

“But because I was a good student, everyone said, ‘You can do acting on the side.’”

By his junior year in college, however, he began performing in plays at Georgetown and in commercials during school breaks.

Favorite haunts: “We used to go By graduation, his mind was set: The life of to Au Pied de an economist was not for him. “I came to Cochon all the New York to try this full time,” he says. “I was time to study, accepted to Juilliard, and the rest is history.” drink, and hang While Doyle may be best known for his turn out. And 1789 is where you took as forensics tech Ryan O’Halloran on Law & your parents.”

Order: SVU, this summer he’ll be thrust furTheater scene: ther into the limelight as Bob Crewe in Clint “My best friend is Eastwood’s adaptation of the wildly popular a DC actor named Broadway musical Jersey Boys. “Bob was this Tom Story, so I sort of larger-than-life, flamboyant record come down three producer and collaborator,” Doyle says of his or four times a year to see him at character, a longtime producer and writer for the Shakespeare Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Theatre Company Clint Eastwood saw the spark of the charor the Studio acter in Doyle: The director hired him after Theatre.” seeing just one tape of his audition. “He’s very confident in his choices,” Doyle says of Eastwood. “He’s got this well-oiled machine of a crew that he’s been working with for the last 35 to 40 years. It creates this incredible space of freedom, and everybody operates at a top-notch level because you feel looked out for by him.” And in his early 80s, Eastwood was still full of surprises for the cast. “In between takes you would hear this beautiful piano music,” Doyle remembers. “And someone would say, ‘Oh, it’s Clint playing the piano.’”

Costumes, which document the late 1950s to 1990, were designed by Deborah Hopper, a frequent Eastwood collaborator. Hair and prosthetic makeup meant as much as MIKE DOYLE’S FILM BREAK COMES THIS SUMMER IN CLINT six hours of preparation before shooting began: “Every day EASTWOOD’S JERSEY BOYS. BY JULIET IZON I’d show up and say, ‘What are we doing today?’” Doyle says, wide-eyed. There was, however, one aspect of filming that even Doyle’s training couldn’t help him with: dancing. t’s hard to imagine Mike Doyle—with his bewitching smile and model “I said, ‘I’m going to sell it from the waist up because my feet have no idea what build—pursuing any career other than charming audiences in front of the they’re doing right now,’” he laughs. “You can make up a lot with enthusiasm.”

Regardless of the long days, the filming has certainly been transformative camera. But the Georgetown grad was once on a decidedly different path: an economics major who interned on the Hill. “The world of politics for this actor: “Working with Clint was a big dream come true,” Doyle says. always intrigued me,” Doyle says. “I loved the fact that Georgetown was in “We’ve been wrapped for months, and I’m still floating because it was such an incredible experience.” CF DC, a city I had only read about and hadn’t experienced firsthand.”

From Georgetown to Jersey Boys

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGG DELMAN; GROOMING BY KRISTAN SERAFINO FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS USING MALIN + GOETZ

INSIGHT

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WEEKEND WARRIOR

Flipping Out TRAVEL BLOGGER BARBARA DELOLLIS IS A WORLDWIDE JET-SETTER, BUT SHE BALANCES WORK AND PLAY WITH ADULT GYMNASTICS. BY AMY MOELLER

O

n Saturday mornings at 9 AM, Barbara DeLollis could literally be anywhere. But the journalist-turned-business-travel-expert and social media maven, who launched her blog, Travel Update with Barb DeLollis, in May, is usually practicing a hobby many adults may wish they hadn’t grown out of—gymnastics.

“I would drool over the equipment [during her child’s classes] and sneak a little dip on the balance beam. I had been shooed out of another gym for doing that,” she laughs, admitting that her passion for aerials, back-bends, and dismounts was rekindled after taking her child to a class seven years ago. Her interests engaged, and she bugged the director to give her the chance to create a routine. They eventually started an adult class through the University of Maryland’s Gymkana troupe. “[As a kid] I was upside down all the time. Lots of cartwheels, headstands,” she explains, admitting that she jumped at the chance to get back on the mat. As an adult, she had stayed in shape at the gym and with yoga, Pilates, and Zumba, but this level of fitness required rocketing endurance and a redefined skill set.

“I’ve accomplished so much on the trampoline and on the floor,” she says, citing her recently perfected back walkover. “In yoga, I could do a backbend, but I hadn’t been able to kick my legs over. It’s this beautiful moment where you step away from your fear, you listen to an instruction, and then —  your body follows.”

An adventurous soul, DeLollis has skydived yet struggled mentally with the vault. “Something I love about this class: It’s all about overcoming mental blocks,” she says. “I have almost none, except for the vault…. But little by little you make progress.”

She glows the entire time she talks about gymnastics, explaining that it has symbolized the changes, improvements, and risks in her lifestyle.

“When I’m 85 and I fall, I’m going to get up and go like this,” she says, coming up from the motion of a tumble to take a bow.

After an 11-year stint as USA Today’s business travel expert and her past post as marketing director for ReviewPro, she launched Travel Update with Barb DeLollis as an outlet for her worldview. “You get this momentum and you have no choice: You have to go for it,” she says about her risks and adventures. “Your arms are up past your ears, your eyes are at the ceiling, and you have no choice. You’re going for it. And it’s a beautiful thing.” barbdelollis.com CF

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN MOCK-BUNTING

“It’s all about overcoming mental blocks.”

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6/9/14 6:00 PM

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Musician E to Mogul RESTAURATEUR AND MUSIC MAN ERIC HILTON HIGHLIGHTS HIS FAVORITE DISTRICT HAUNTS—OLD AND NEW—AND HOW THE CITY HAS CHANGED. BY AMY MOELLER

ric Hilton—one half of the Grammynominated DJ duo Thievery Corporation and owner of nearly a dozen DC bars and restaurants—has made a career of investing in barely-there DC neighborhoods. With a keen eye for evolution, his team’s modus operandi is to take over abandoned buildings in emerging areas. “If you’ve lived here long enough,” he says, “you can feel where the energy is going to go.”

Growing up in Rockville, Maryland, Hilton had a typical suburban upbringing. But his call to music—and to DC—came early. Since he first hopped on the T2 bus to come into the city and check out Olsson’s Books and Records on Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown (where Ralph Lauren is now), Hilton has been hooked on the local culture.

As a kid in the District, he spent a lot of time in record shops like that one—Commander Salamander, also since defunct, was another of his favorites. Back home in the ’burbs, it was all new wave and punk music on his boom box and playing guitar in grunge-garage bands with neighborhood friends. At age 17, Hilton discovered bossa nova music, which would not only become a major musical influence but

would also lead him to musical partner Rob Garza—the other half of Thievery Corporation.

Their first track as a band, “The Glass Bead Game”—a “simple, ambient trip-hop song”— became the ninth song on their 1997 debut LP Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi. Hilton and Garza are currently on tour promoting their most recent album, Saudade.

Along the way, Hilton’s worked all over the city. From a deejaying stint at Fifth Column to throwing warehouse parties for some 2,000 attendees, to setting up a nightclub in a basement deli near Connecticut and K Street, he’s kept a finger on the pulse. In fact, Hilton recalls hanging out at State of the Union on U Street in the late ’80s when it wasn’t an area everyone was comfortable in. Now it’s thriving—and speckled with Hilton establishments (of the 10 businesses he currently co-owns, nine are on or near U Street). As his interests evolve, his roots remain strong.

“DC’s story is kind of the American urban story, but on steroids. You have this natural trend of people moving into the city for convenience, excitement, and culture. [And] of course, in DC, with more jobs being created by

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELI MEIR KAPLAN (HILTON); DOUGLAS SONDERS (9:30)

NATIVE

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FROM OPPOSITE:

Eric Hilton, half of the Thievery Corporation duo, likes to unwind at his cocktail bar, The Gibson; he’s a fan of frequenting (and performing at) the 9:30 Club; he favors GoodWood for home goods; and he says one of the best vantage points in town is from the corner of 13th and Clifton NW.

DC PLAYLIST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL BEDELL (CORNER)

Eric Hilton’s top spots in town.

the government, it fuels that fire.

In terms of restaurants, places like KAPNOS have it right, because the food is generally healthy. They cater very well to sort of an emerging, lighter, healthier food trend.

I’m also very fascinated with the lower 14th area like LE DIPLOMATE and GHIBELLINA because when I go into those places I feel I’m actually one of the younger people. It’s strange, you see people that clearly could be grandparents, and they’re hanging out. That’s normal in other cities around the world, but I don’t see that in the US that often.

There’s this big trend of empty nesters moving back into the city.

Unfortunately, the music scene has never been that great in DC. There are good bands here, but for whatever reason they’re not getting the recognition, and the chips aren’t really falling in the right place for them. However, the 9:30 CLUB is a great place. We’ve probably played there 20 times. We have opportunities to play other places, and we just never enjoy playing anywhere but 9:30. After playing at the 9:30 Club I like to go to THE GIBSON; it’s quiet.

ROOM 11 is a regular stop for me for great

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locally sourced food, the patio, cocktails, and punch program. DAIKAYA is a place for inventive dishes and perfect ramen, with a unique interior design by Lauren Winter and Brian Miller from Edit Lab. And HOTEL TABARD INN is a true DC classic, with a relaxed atmosphere and a phenomenal patio.

I shop exclusively at YES! ORGANIC MARKET because produce is mostly organic and 100 percent GMO-free, and it’s locally owned.

Also, I don’t overlook places like Petworth and neighborhoods outside of NW DC. I’d also go to the Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market on Sunday, but I’m never up in time. GOODWOOD is my favorite DC shop. [Owners] Dan and Anna [Kahoe]have an amazing eye, and I make a stop there once a week.

My favorite walk is the nature trail from Calvert Street, past Dumbarton Oaks, all the way to Wisconsin and Whitehaven. I saw 10 deer grazing at noon last week. It makes for a nice 30-minute break from the city. And 13th and Clifton NW is my favorite view in DC— hands down.” Thievery Corporation plays July 26 at the Believe in Music Festival, Cockeysville, Maryland; thieverycorporation.com CF

9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, 202-265-0930; 930.com Daykia, 705 6th St. NW, 202-589-1600; daikaya.com Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St. NW, 202-332-3333; lediplomatedc.com Ghibellina, 1610 14th St. NW, 202-803-2389; ghibellina.com The Gibson, 2009 14th St. NW, 202-232-2156; thegibsondc.com GoodWood, 1428 U St., NW, 202986-3640; goodwooddc.com Kapnos, 2201 14th St. NW, 202-234-5000; kapnosdc.com Room 11, 3234 11th St.NW, 202-332-3234; room11dc.com Tabard Inn, 1739 N St.NW, 202-331-8528; tabardinn.com Yes! Organic Market, 410 8th St. SE, 202-546-4325; 4100 Georgia Ave. NW, 202- 291-5790; yesorganicmarket.com

6/9/14 6:04 PM

THE COUPLE

Dynamic Duet AN ACTIVIST COUPLE PLAYS IT COOL IN BROOKLAND.

W

hen Serra Sippel met David Grosso 21 years ago, they were both volunteers at Visitation House, a Catholic women’s shelter in San Antonio, Texas. Grosso remembers them going to a bar most nights to “have a pitcher of beer and get to know each other.” Five years later, they married. Today, the Washington couple live in their home in Brookland. Sippel, 45, is the president of the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), a DC-based education and advocacy group that monitors US policy and aid to ensure the most effective approach to women’s health, welfare, and women’s rights worldwide.

After six years on the city council and two on the Hill, Grosso, 43, was recently elected at-large councilman in DC, making him one of four councilmen who represent the entire District.

His interests are local and hers global. But, Grosso says, he and his wife decided they were going to do something to make the world a better place. In his case, it means pressing for DC education reform, for more transparent governance, and making the city council independent of congressional supervision— one frustration, he explains, is that Congress still has to approve the council’s budget.

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Sippel’s mission covers a more daunting international landscape. Since becoming president of CHANGE seven years ago, she has begun mobilizing NGOs to urge President Obama to clarify or repeal the Helms amendment that bars foreign recipients of US aid from performing abortions “as a method of family planning.” The change would allow abortions for rape victims in conflict situations. In the strife-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo, rape is a form of combat, and 48 women between the ages of 15 and 49 are raped every hour, she says.

After 20-plus years working in advocacy—fighting with the religious right over family planning as the international program director of Catholics for Choice; then, lobbying as the head of CHANGE—Sippel still radiates optimism and has no interest in doing anything else. Neither does her husband, who will stand for reelection in 2016.

A late bloomer, he did not attend college after high school, but was persuaded to go by his wife and eventually earned a Georgetown law degree.

She pushed him again when deciding to run for the council. That, she says, was her contribution to bringing better government to DC. CF

Women’s rights advocate Serra Sippel and DC councilman David Grosso have channeled their idealism into action.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG POWERS

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

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6/6/14 5:12 PM

THE CONVERTIBLES OF SUMMER AND A FEW COUPES.

2014 Vanquish Volante MSRP $322,780 Silver Blonde/Creme Truffle A truly stunning combination

2014 DB9 Volante MSRP $215,617 Midnight Blue/Creme Truffle Special “Q” features

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2014 Vanquish Volante MSRP $323,435 AML Carbon Black/Winter Wheat 565 Horsepower, all carbon fiber body

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OVER 40 ASTON MARTINS IN STOCK OR ON ORDER.

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SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY

Helping Heroes at Home THIS FOURTH OF JULY, THE BOB WOODRUFF FOUNDATION REMINDS US TO HONOR AND SUPPORT MILITARY FAMILIES. BY LEE WOODRUFF

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For civilians, it can be confusing to know how to contribute and make a s the wife of a war correspondent, my biggest fears involved only death. Disability never even entered my mind, as naive as that difference. There are more than 40,000 nonprofits assisting veterans, and may sound. I certainly hadn’t imagined living with someone who they are not all created equal. We take pride in navigating that landscape—in finding, funding, shaping, and investing in those goldhad survived a bullet to the head, was blinded, brainstandard programs that are stretching dollars to the injured, or transformed by trauma. One phone call in right places and making the most impact.

2006 changed all of that. When my husband, ABC Immediately following Bob’s injury, during our fiveWorld News Tonight anchor Bob Woodruff, was injured week stay on Bethesda Naval Hospital’s traumatic brain by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq, we injury ward, we met remarkable military families waitjoined thousands of families who belong to a club of ing for loved ones to emerge from a coma or comforting which no one wants to be a member. That same year, —LEE WOODRUFF them as they grappled with injury and extreme pain. we founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation to assist We family members were all connected by the common post-9/11 injured service members, veterans, and their families. To date we have invested more than $20 million in solutions that language of caregiver: fear, grief, uncertainty, pure hope, and uttered prayer.

We witnessed young men and women quietly cycling through the military focus on rehabilitation and recovery, education, and quality of life. As we currently plan our summer fundraising events that will take place in the hospitals in shocking numbers, while the rest of us—the beneficiaries of their service—were going about our civilian lives. It was a point in the war DC area, we ask each American to consider how he or she might help. continue on page 52

FROM LEFT: Lee Woodruff credits her solid family and four loving children with helping her husband, Bob Woodruff, recover from debilitating injury after serving in Iraq, shown here in July 2009.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHRINE WHITE/CATHRINEWHITEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM (FAMILY); STEFAN RADTKE (IRAQ)

“We were all connected by the common language of caregiver.”

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THE CONVERTIBLES OF SUMMER AND A FEW SEDANS.

2014 Continental GTC Speed MSRP $251,140 Thunder/Newmarket Tan Mulliner package, Fully Optioned Lease for $2500 per month*

2012 Continental GTC W12 MSRP $248,770 Executive Demonstrator/Mulliner package Very Special savings Lease for $2500 per month*

2014 Continental GTC W12 MSRP $236,265 White Sand/Linen/Madrona A Stunning GTC with neck warmer Lease for $2500 per month*

2014 Continental GTC V8 MSRP $212,035 Dark Sapphire/Dark Bourbon Sport Exhaust, Special lease pricing Lease for $2400 per month*

2014 Continental GTC W12 MSRP $242,515 Onyx/Magnolia/Tamo Ash Mulliner Package, Extended Driving SpeciďŹ cation Lease for $2400 per month*

2014 Continental GTC V8 MSRP $227,290 Dragon Red/Linen Absolutely Stunning, Fully Optioned Lease for $2400 per month*

2014 Flying Spur W12 MSRP $250, 210 Dark Cashmere/Linen, Mulliner package Rear Seat Entertainment, Special Pricing Lease for $2900 per month*

2014 Flying Spur W12 MSRP $238,830 Wedgewood Blue/Linen Bentley Bespoke Color/Fine Line/Piping Lease for $2900 per month*

2014 Flying Spur W12 MSRP $235,190 Dark Sapphire/Linen Piping, 4 Place Seating Lease for $2900 per month*

*Lease payments are based on a capital cost reduction of $10,000 and are plus state taxes, tags, motor vehicle fees, a dealer processing fee of $495 and a lease acquisition fee of $995. The payments are for 36 months based on Tier 1 credit approval with 2,500 miles per year. Disposition fee at lease end is $500.

OVER 60 BENTLEYS IN STOCK OR ON ORDER.

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SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY

Charity Regist er continue from page 50 where no one had yet begun to talk openly about the hidden injuries from head wounds or multiple concussions from roadside bombs. It would take even more time for our nation to add to that list post-traumatic and combat stress, depression, suicide, broken marriages and relationships—and the other insidious ways that the cost of war can change lives.

I was privileged to encounter dedicated and incredible families, many of whom were forced to make difficult choices between keeping a job and flying to the bedside to support their family member. Why weren’t we hearing these stories in the outside world, I thought? What happened to these families after they left acute care and were transferred to the long stages of rehabilitation?

Our story ends well for many reasons, not the least of which is just a flat-out miracle. We had a strong marriage and four children who motivated Bob every step of his recovery. We have remarkable families and a community of dedicated friends. We called upon our faith and a healthy sense of humor, and we slowly moved from basic survival to learning how to thrive again. But the service members we would meet were never far from our minds. Through our foundation, we resolved to shine a spotlight on those who had volunteered to serve and had come home injured. They deserved every opportunity to recover and thrive back on the home front.

Due to advancements in battlefield medicine, transportation, and body armor, 90 percent of our service members are surviving their combat injuries—some of which would have been fatal in previous wars. We are welcoming home a nation of wounded not only with physical injuries but also silent injuries—one in five service members suffers from major depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Even after our veterans return to the love and support of their families and towns, many will struggle. Physical and hidden injuries are challenging enough on their own. Sometimes these issues can lead to a cascade of other troubles—unemployment, substance abuse, and even suicide. These families face exceptional challenges that require innovative solutions in their communities, whether it’s counseling, job retraining, or simply ways to find new meaning and purpose as they start their life after injury.

Bob and I are honored to have used our own story to illuminate this cause.

It’s an issue that touches every American, no matter your politics. Fellow citizens volunteered to go when their country asked. And when they come home in need of help, it’s our duty to shoulder that weight.

This July Fourth, amid the barbecues and the parades, let’s make sure that appreciation lasts beyond the holiday weekend. Let us look for ways to put our words into action and do more than just wave flags and sparklers on the sidelines. bobwoodrufffoundation.org CF

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OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE.

AN EXCEPTIONAL EVENING WITH PHILIP GLASS

The cause: FRESHFARM Markets strives to build, promote, and strengthen the sustainable and local food movement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed by operating producer-only farmers markets in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Cofounders: Ann Harvey Yonkers and Bernadine Prince How to help: Support the FRESHFARM Markets’ Matching Dollars program by taking in an evening of music, conversation, and gourmet dining on July 10 with a solo piano performance

by Philip Glass, a post-performance Q&A with author Samuel Fromartz, and a four-course dinner at Proof restaurant.

Purchase dinner tickets for $600 and receive VIP seating for the performance and parking. 202-362-8889; freshfarmmarkets.org

K9S FOR WARRIORS INAUGURAL GALA

The cause: K9s for Warriors provides military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress with trained service dogs that were rescued from shelters.

President: Shari Duval

How to help: Celebrate the organization’s inaugural gala paying tribute to military members, veterans, and their dogs on June 28 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

Sponsor a Warrior for $300, which allows a member to attend the event with his/her dog, or purchase a $500 ticket to gain VIP access. All donations support the PTSD and TBI recovery programs. k9sforwarriors.org

BREW AT THE ZOO

The cause: Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) provide support and raise essential funds, averaging $3 million per year, for the National Zoo. Chair of the board: John F. Ring How to help: Toast with friends on July 17 at the annual summer fundraiser featuring beer from more than 60 craft and microbreweries along with food tastings by local restaurants and food trucks. Enjoy full pours of beer and animal demonstrations, rain or shine, when you purchase a VIP ticket. 202-633-3045; nationalzoo.si.edu

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRYAN BEDDER/GETTY IMAGES FOR NEW YORK COMEDY FESTIVAL

Lee (SECOND FROM LEFT) and Bob Woodruff (FOURTH FROM RIGHT) with wounded warrior Shane Parsons (FRONT LEFT), along with other foundation members, attended The New York Comedy Festival and the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s 7th annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit at Madison Square Garden in New York last November.

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6/9/14 10:10 AM

The Fleisher Group W/LONG &

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The main level boasts a dramatic entertaining foyer, formal living and dining rooms, sensational gourmet kitchen, fabulous family room, handsome library, private office and gorgeous guest suite. Historic elements including 10’+ ceilings, custom millwork and exotic heart of pine floors join forces with today’s most modern amenities reflecting the use of unparalleled materials and expert craftsmanship. Further enhancing the homes’ appeal are expansive wrap around porches overlooking an extraordinary double lot featuring exquisite landscaping by Fritz and Gignoux Landscape Architects. A detached and fully renovated carriage house with two car garage complements this incredible home. Offered at $ 4,995,000.

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Sara Bareilles

Jim Gaffigan

The stars of the American Idol Live! Tour

The Fray

Ben Folds

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Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band

Acts this summer may perform for capacity crowds of 15,000 at Wolf Trap.

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6/6/14 5:34 PM

Culture

HOTTEST TICKET

Pop in the Park WOLF TRAP IS BRINGING TOP ARTISTS FROM THE POP CHARTS— INCLUDING THE FRAY AND BEN FOLDS—TO DC’S PREMIERE OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE VENUE THIS SUMMER. BY SOPHIE PYLE

T PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL DRINKWATER NBC/NBCU PHOTO BANK VIA GETTY IMAGES (BAREILLES); THEO WARGO/WIREIMAGE (GAFFIGAN); ROB SHANAHAN 2014 (STARR); JACK VARTOOGIAN/GETTY IMAGES (REINEKE); COURTESY OF WOLF TRAP (AMERICAN IDOL); ROBERT LLEWELLYN (CROWD); MIKE LAWRIE/GETTY IMAGES (FOLDS)

Music Director Steven Reineke conducts the New York Pops Orchestra.

he summer concert season is underway, and one of the best places to catch a show in the area is sitting outside on a cozy blanket under the stars at the beautiful Filene Center at Wolf Trap.

Each year, the park hosts a wide range of acts, and this summer is no exception—comedian Jim Gaffigan, former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, and this season’s top-10 American Idol finalists are among the performers slated to take the stage.

Wolf Trap is also hosting some unique pop acts this season. Perhaps the most well-known performer will be Ben Folds, the front man for Ben Folds Five, who will play a new piano concerto and orchestral arrangements of pop hits with the National Symphony Orchestra.

And Steven Reineke, principal pops conductor for the NSO, will lead the orchestra through such Folds hits as “The Luckiest,” “Army,” and “Battle of Who Could Care Less.”

His appearance at Wolf Trap is the latest stop on Folds’s global symphonic tour, which includes collaborations with other world-class orchestras, including the San Francisco Symphony and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Wednesday, June 25, 8:15 PM The cool and melodic Sara Bareilles is bringing her piano and pop hits to Wolf Trap in mid-July. The fivetime Grammy-nominated singer first came on the scene with her 2007 breakthrough single “Love Song,” which she’ll perform, along with “Brave” and her powerful love song “I Choose You.” Bareilles will touch on music from her new album, The Blessed Unrest, whose songs are familiar to radio listeners the world over.

Monday, July 14, 8 PM Two nights after Bareilles plays Wolf Trap, the poprock group The Fray, a band from Denver best known

for dreamy and passionate tunes like “How to Save a Life” and “Over My Head (Cable Car),” will serenade the crowd. In late February the four-time Grammynominated group released its fourth album, Helios, which includes the single “Love Don’t Die.” Wednesday, July 16, 7 PM. CF

Can’t-Miss Shows

This summer Wolf Trap features an array of talent to suit a range of musical tastes.

Saturday, June 28: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, The Philadelphia Orchestra Sunday, June 29: Diana Ross Thursday, July 3: Crosby, Stills & Nash Saturday, July 5: Counting Crows Sunday, July 6: American Idol Live!

Monday, July 21 & Tuesday, July 22: Lionel Richie with special guest CeeLo Green Saturday, August 2: Yo-Yo Ma, National Symphony Orchestra Friday, August 8: Pink Floyd performing Dark Side of the Moon Saturday, August 16: ABBA The Concert Tuesday, August 19 & Wednesday, August 20: Josh Groban with the Wolf Trap Orchestra For a full lineup and to purchase tickets, visit wolftrap.org/filene_center.

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6/9/14 10:12 AM

ART FULL FROM LEFT: A rendering of the National Building Museum’s interactive “BIG Maze” exhibit—July 4 to September 1—which was inspired by 18th-century hedge mazes, such as this one at Hampton Court Palace in England.

Simply A-maze-ing T

his summer, visitors to the National Building Museum will be puzzled by an unprecedented installation—a massive maze that will inspire museumgoers to think about space and architecture from a larger-than-life perspective. Towering 18 feet high and measuring 61 by 61 feet around, the “BIG Maze” will occupy the museum’s vast atrium and invite visitors to traverse its twists and turns, through September 1.

Designed by Danish architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the maze—made entirely of Baltic birch plywood—alludes to ancient labyrinths, garden and hedge mazes of 17th- and 18th-century Europe, and modern American corn mazes, says BIG partner Kai-Uwe Bergmann. “The Cretan labyrinth is the oldest known maze,” he says. “Mazes have been built with walls and rooms, with hedges, mirrors, turf, hay bales, books, paving stones of contrasting colors and designs—or even in fields of crops. All of these historical references have inspired us in designing our contemporary maze.”

Bjarke Ingels and his design team inverted the traditional design strategy to create a modern maze. As opposed to becoming more complicated toward the heart of the labyrinth, the pathway instead offers clarity and visual insights along the way, says Bergmann.

By the time a visitor arrives at the center, the walls will only be a few feet high—exposing the overall design as one moves deeper into the maze. “It’s as if we used a giant ice cream scoop to remove the middle. Our purpose in

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doing this was to peel back the layers, to help people understand the construction of the structure as they tour it,” says Cathy Frankel, vice president of exhibitions and collections. While the museum and design teams were tight-lipped on particulars of the epicenter of the mysterious maze, the “grand reveal” promises to be enlightening—“a 360-degree look at where you came from and where you’ll go,” says Bergmann.

Internationally recognized for innovation, BIG’s philosophy aligned with the goal of making the maze user-friendly. Architecture is not an elitist activity, says Bergmann, adding, “The maze allows everyone to actively become participant, purveyor, and guide on the journey through its shifting paths.”

The maze is BIG’s inaugural DC commission and the museum’s first large-scale building installation in more than 25 years. It acts as a preview for “amBIGuity,” opening in November. The exhibition will take a behindthe-scenes look at the firm’s unconventional and humancentric design processes that have come to define the architecture firm since it was founded in 2005.

Part of the National Building Museum’s annual Summer Block Party, with a slate of programming, exhibitions, concerts, late nights, and a popup of Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue on the West Lawn, the BIG Maze is on view July 4 through September 1 at the National Building Museum.

401 F St. NW, 202-272-2448; nbm.org CF

RENDERING COURTESY OF BIG-BJARKE INGELS GROUP; DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGES (HAMPTON COURT)

GET LOST—LITERALLY—IN A SEA OF ARCHITECTURE NAVIGATING THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM’S LIFE-SIZE MAZE. BY KRISTIN GUITER

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6/6/14 5:31 PM

BEACH LIVING REDEFINED. Enjoy the luxuries at The Residences at Lighthouse Cove Dewey Beach. Located on the Rehoboth Bay and just one block to world class Delaware beaches, this resortstyle beach community offers 16 penthouse homes with the finest finishes and abundant lifestyle amenities from entertainment and dining to water activities. This is a new way to live at the beach. Priced from the mid $600s.

ONLY 5 HOMES REMAIN IN PHASE 1

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IT STARTS WITH

A WISH IT CAN END WITH A CURE

Marcia Cross Stand Up To Cancer Ambassador

1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. When you choose this limited-edition bag, you’re supporting vital research to help fnd a cure. Available at your local Safeway stores during the month of June, while supplies last.

Stand Up To Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. $2 from the sale of the $2.99 reusable bag will beneft prostate cancer research.

Photo by Randall Slavin

To help The Safeway Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer, and to get the facts about prostate cancer, go to SafewayFoundation.org.

THIS ISSUE: OUTDOOR SPACES

Bon Anniversaire!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG POWERS

AFTER ONE YEAR, LE DIPLOMATE CONTINUES TO WOW WASHINGTON’S ELITE WHILE BOASTING UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS AND PROFITS. BY NEVIN MARTELL FROM TOP: Guests covet the outdoor tables at Le Diplomate; Executive Chef Michael Abt brings classical French training to the diverse brasserie menu.

T

he joyous clamor of the dining room is the first thing that hits you when you walk into Le Diplomate on a Saturday night.

It’s ecstatic, engaged, and electrifying. Over the course of the evening, Stephen Starr’s high-energy bistro at the heart of the white-hot 14th Street corridor serves classic French fare to more than 800 diners. That’s after more than 1,100 others have enjoyed brunch and midday meals over the course of the day. A “quiet” Monday night still

finds approximately 600 people sitting down to consume towering seafood platters, spot-on steak frites, and slathers of buttery foie gras parfait on golden Texas toast–size triangles of brioche. “We expected it to be busy,” says general manager William Washington. “We didn’t expect it to be this busy.”

To call Le Dip—as its fans have dubbed it—one of the most successful restaurants in the city continued on page 60

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TASTE FROM BELOW LEFT:

Hors d’oeuvres like the radish crudité with fresh butter and sea salt complement pre-dinner cocktails.

HOT SEATS Scoring a seat at Le Dip can involve a lot of redialing or refreshing your web browser.

Reservations are taken beginning 30 days out—often the 7 and 8 PM slots are gone within mere minutes. (The reservationist’s most used response is, “I’m sorry, I can only offer you a table at 5:15 or 10:30 PM that evening.”) When you do get through, here are the tables to request.

—WILLIAM WASHINGTON

continued from page 59 almost feels like an understatement. By its one-year anniversary in early April, the en vogue eatery earned more than $16 million and had been nominated for a much-coveted “New Restaurant of the Year” RAMMY Award from the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. The corner crowd-pleaser has become a go-to destination for foodies, Francophiles, and DC heavy hitters, such as First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President and Dr. Biden, and Secretary Kerry, making it one of the most desirable reservations in town. “We thought business would taper off six to eight weeks after we opened,” admits Washington, “but that hasn’t happened.”

The original plan was for the restaurant to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but its popularity has precluded that from happening. To keep up with just the dinnertime and brunch crushes, the restaurant team works around the clock. On Saturday mornings, bread baking begins around the corner at 4 AM (the on-site facilities couldn’t accommodate the demand, so they had to expand), the first chef comes in at 6 AM, service begins at 10 AM, and the kitchen staff swells to 70 at the peak of service. The last chef doesn’t go home until 3 AM on Sunday morning. “One of our biggest challenges was staffing,” says Executive Chef Michael Abt. “It was tough getting people accustomed to the number of covers we are doing and finding people willing to work hard in a very, very fast-paced environment.”

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Keeping the pantry stocked has proven equally challenging. The amount of ingredients the kitchen uses is staggering. They run through 4,500 pounds of potatoes and 800 hanger steaks a week.

The bar requires 1,500 pounds of ice—per day.

Best sellers span the spectrum of French faves—mushroom tarts, onion soup gratinée, and trout amandine. The breakout success of the steak tartare was a surprise for Abt, who transplanted to the District from Starr’s French-focused Parc in Philadelphia. “The average DC diner is more adventurous than a Philly diner,” he says. “I didn’t expect that particular dish to go over so well.”

Abt’s in-depth knowledge of French cuisine helped shape this blockbuster menu, as did a “filling” research trip to Paris over a year ago.

“At the end of the day, I’d roll back to the hotel room,” he says with a chuckle.

Balance was the team’s overall guiding principle. “A brasserie is a neighborhood restaurant,” says Washington, “so we want the menu to have a broad appeal.”

There’s no doubt that Le Dip has the power to please diners of every persuasion. Washington is still wowed by the positive feedback he receives from customers. “It’s so wonderful to be so warmly embraced by the city,” he says. “We couldn’t have asked for a better reception.” Here’s to many more years of well-earned success. 1601 14th St. NW, 202-332-3333; lediplomatedc.com CF

SEE AND BE SEEN Table 112 or 113. These red leather banquettes are perched just inside the front door on the Q Street side. Warning: “We get a hundred requests a night for those tables,” says Washington.

PARTY POSSE Tables 33, 34, 43, or 44.

Comfortably seating eight, these banquettes are situated in the middle of the salon— and the action.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG POWERS

“A brasserie is a neighborhood restaurant, so we want the menu to have a broad appeal.”

FIRST DATE Any outside table. The quietest part of the restaurant along Q Street is perfect for couples that want to get to know each other better. “When you sit there, it’s like you’re escaping into the city,” says Washington.

Outdoor seating along Q Street.

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Fabulous Alfresco EXPLORE SOME OF THE TOP VENUES IN THE DISTRICT FOR WARM-WEATHER DINING.

BY NEVIN MARTELL

WHERE THE ALFRESCO PARTY NEVER STOPS Enjoy a new perspective at P.O.V. Roof Terrace.

Up to 200 patrons can pack onto Brixton (901 U St. NW; 202-560-5045; brixtondc.com), a year-round roof deck with two bars and a booming DJ booth.

The British accented bistro-bar offers views of the buzzy U Street corridor and Washington Monument. Executive Chef Wylie Ballinger serves continental classics—cheddar-topped burgers and beer-battered fried haddock—and Middle Eastern–minded sandwiches of freshly sliced lamb or piquillo pepper hummus. “In London, there are vans that go to club areas late at night selling pita sandwiches,” Ballinger explains, “so we thought we’d emulate that.”

THE BUSTLE OF BARRACKS ROW

Whether seated on the roof or at a sidewalk table, Cava Mezze (527 8th St. SE, 202-543-9090; cavamezze.com) offers a vantage point of Barracks Row. “After my shift I head outside to have a drink, talk to customers, and unwind,” says chef and cofounder Dimitri Moshovitis, who serves up summery Grecian classics, such as a colorful mélange of watermelon, cantaloupe, and feta, and a crimson and yellow beet salad with slices of fennel and an ouzo dressing.

Sunlight streams into Fiola Mare.

Scoring a spot at Fiola Mare (3050 K St. NW, 202-628-0065; fiolamaredc.com), the hottest new restaurant in Georgetown, is easier in the summer because there are more than 90 extra seats outside, all of which overlook the Potomac.

“For two minutes every day, I stop to enjoy the view,” says chef-owner Fabio Trabocchi, who also helms Fiola (601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-6282888; fioladc.com) and Casa Luca (1099 New York Ave. NW, 202-628-1099; casalucadc.com). “Then everything makes sense, and I go back to work.” Fresh seasonal fare includes lobster rolls, shucked oysters, and fritto misto.

NEW MENU IN THE SKY

The draw to the rooftop at Jack Rose Saloon (2007 18th St. NW, 202-5887388; jackrosediningsaloon.com) is threefold: an open-air terrace, tiki bar, and private dining room. Guests can partake in a terrace menu from recently installed Executive Chef Russell Jones, an alum of Restaurant Eve (110 S. Pitt St., Alexandria, 703-706-0450; restauranteve.com) and Vinoteca (1940 11th St. NW, 202-332-9463; vinotecadc.com). Most of the cooking is done on an oakand hickory-fired grill. “It’s the food you crave in the summertime,” says Jones.

SWEEPING VIEWS OF THE DISTRICT

The rooftop bars at the Brixton are bustling year-round.

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Perched atop the W hotel, the 120-seat P.O.V. Roof Terrace (515 15th St. NW, 202-661-2400; pointofviewdc.com) affords glimpses of the White House and the Washington Monument. Guests seated at low-slung tables enjoy panglobal favorites—rice-cracker-crusted tuna, tempura-battered sea bass, and chili-rubbed beef skewers. “We wanted light, small plates that are easy to share,” says Executive Chef Philippe Reininger. For something heartier, try the pizzas, truffled grilled cheese sandwich, or blue ribbon cheeseburger. CF

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DANIEL BEDELL (P.O.V., BRIXTON); GREG POWERS (FIOLA MARE)

SEAFOOD-CENTRIC STANDOUT

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CBMOVE.COM | COLDWELLBANKERPREVIEWS.COM Africa North America Central America South America Asia Australia Caribbean Europe Middle East South Pacifc © 2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International, the Previews International logo and “Dedicated to Luxury Real Estate” are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verifcation. Any affliation by you with the Company is intended to be that of an independent contractor licensed real estate sales associate.

CHEERS

Wine Not? EXPERIMENT WITH CRISP SEASONAL WINES AT DC’S SUMMER-FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENTS.

BY KAYLEIGH KULP

P

airing any summer ritual with wine makes it even better—like enjoying a glass of bubbly on one of DC’s patios and popup sidewalk bistros, which come alive during the warmer months. Our friends at Eno Wine Bar (2810 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-295-2826; enowinerooms.com) agree that bubbly—for any occassion or none at all—is the perfect way to kick off the summer.

Along with sparkling wines, the Eno pros tell us that Washingtonians can expect new trends this summer, including an abundance of orange wine, made with white grapes that macerate with their skins, orange peel, or both. “In the summer heat, it’s all about something cold and acidic,” adds wine director Brent Kroll, who loves sipping on Riesling, Basque cider, or a dry Lambrusco while admiring the fig tree and centuryold wisteria on the historic patio of Iron Gate (1734 N St. NW, 202-524-5202; irongaterestaurantdc.com), where he curates the vino list in addition to his other work at the new Partisan (709 D St. NW, 202-524-5322; thepartisandc.com). The often overlooked varietals pair well with favorite summer spreads like cured meats, seafood, and cheeses.

Wine lovers can also look for other options on tap. Although kegged wines have made a strong showing the last few years, imbibers now have access to more exclusive choices, such as a Dusted Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington State ($5 during weekday happy hours at Eno) or a Hermann J. Wiemer Gewürztraminer-Riesling blend, from New York, at the Partisan. “Keg wine is a new approach. It’s less expensive and better for the environment, and the wine stays fresh at a good temperature,” says Kroll.

Kegged or not, now’s the time to try something you’ve never heard of. “If I have it by the glass, I want to make sure you’d have to hunt pretty hard to find it,” says Chris McNeal, the beverage director for 701 Restaurant (701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-393-0701; 701restaurant.com). That’s why you’ll see offerings such as Szigeti sparkling rosé from Burgenland, Austria, on the menu. It took him two months to find a Sancerre he liked as much as the C. Lauverjat Sauvignon Blanc, which he sells by the glass. It tastes citrusy, floral, and fresh, and when you’ve got your shades on, a little bit like heaven, too. CF

Eno Wine Bar serves up a refreshing summer cocktail.

Serves 1 1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 oz. cherry simple syrup (simmer 1 cup water, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup ripe, pitted cherries until dissolved) 1.5 oz. dry sherry 5 oz. cava Sprig of fresh basil Stir all ingredients together in a jar. Garnish with the fresh basil.

On-trend orange wine refreshes the palette on a summer night.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KUBAIS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

SWEET & SOUR SHERRY SPARKLER

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ON THE TOWN CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW:

Rory Pullens and Rachel Goslins enjoy drinks on the outside deck at Art and Soul; Pullens dined on a signature dish of “Earth n Eats” baby lettuce salad with smoked blue cheese, nuts, cranberries, and cider vinaigrette; table décor reflects seasonal accents.

INSIGHT Where: Art and Soul, 415 New Jersey Ave. NW, 202-393-7777; artandsouldc.com When: Monday through Thursday, 6:30 AM–10:30 PM; Friday, 6:30 AM–11 PM; Saturday, 7:30 AM–11 PM; Sunday, 7:30 AM–10 PM

Moving Full STEAM Ahead R

achel Goslins and Rory Pullens were drawn to Washington, DC, out of a sense of duty. The head of Washington’s famous Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Pullens had always felt the importance of promoting the value and effects of arts education. Goslins was a documentary film director and producer before President Obama appointed her executive director of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. She became responsible for advancing support of the arts throughout the US. Today, they are both fierce advocates with a mission to change the perception of arts education and to push government to do more. The two have a shared affection for Washington, the city they call home, and their energy and common purpose are evident through an animated conversation over an alfresco lunch on a gorgeous spring day at Art and Soul—just steps from the US Senate.

What looks good on the menu?

Rory Pullens: I admit it was a busy morning; I missed breakfast, and I’m

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starving for good food! I love seafood so the pan roasted snapper caught my eye. But I think I’ll start with the “Earth n Eats” baby lettuce salad and then have the cast-iron-seared hanger steak with seasoned fries.

While we wait, let’s talk about arts education. Why do you think the arts are often first to be cut in budgets?

RP: There is this fallacy in the thinking of some people—that the arts don’t contribute to education. There is a perception that education should be taxing, grueling, and unenjoyable. “You can’t have fun and be in an educational environment at the same time,” they say. There is also a swing toward highstakes testing and assessments that [add tunnel vision to] the education process. Sometimes people want to cut out everything that doesn’t contribute directly to this high-stakes testing. Finally, there is a misconception that you can’t make a living out of the arts. At Duke Ellington, 77 percent of all alumni are engaged in the arts or entertainment as a profession.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL BEDELL

RACHEL GOSLINS AND RORY PULLENS DISCUSS THEIR SHARED INTEREST AND COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING ARTS EDUCATION OVER AN ALFRESCO LUNCH AT ART AND SOUL. BY MICHAEL LAROSA

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FROM RIGHT: Art and Soul offers an ideal venue for a springtime lunch alfresco; the foyer of the restaurant features quaint hanging chalkboards.

“Most people think of DC only as a political town and overlook the robust artistic community that exists here.”

—RORY PULLENS

Rachel Goslins: It’s odd to me that we’re cutting arts education at the same time we’re worried about the high school dropout rate. Cutting what keeps students interested, engaged, and excited doesn’t make sense.

How can government promote integrating arts in education?

RG: Ultimately, the best thing government can do is be a megaphone and spotlight to show what is working. Government can lead the way as thought leaders in talking about the ways arts education can help some of the education problems we’re grappling with in our schools. They can also prevent roadblocks to state funding for local public schools.

RP: The more the federal government can keep this issue on the national radar, the easier it is for state and local governments to move forward. We tend to follow the priorities of the federal government [and the current administration]. Government can lend credibility and value.

RG: The STEAM Caucus is a great example of leadership at the federal level.

[STEAM is a movement to integrate the arts into education curricula that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math.] Congress made this issue a priority, and now we’re able to generate energy, attention, and conversation around the intersection of the arts and STEM subjects. That’s huge.

STEAM is a powerful and important way to tell the story of arts in school.

Rachel, what’s it like to go from producing to politics?

RG: Everything I’ve done so far helps me do this job. Critical thinking skills I developed as a copyright attorney during the Clinton administration apply to policy. And [filmmaking] taught me about storytelling… so much of what we do is telling stories. We take a tapestry of work across the country and see the value it’s creating for students, then turn it into a story that’s compelling.

Rory, what brought you to DC? RP: I’m committed to providing young artists this opportunity to achieve their dream. The mission I’ve been engaged in at the Duke Ellington School keeps me here. Most people think of DC as a political town and overlook the robust artistic community that exists here. Growing up in Southern California, I value all of the diverse experiences, the talent, and academic institutions that DC offers.

How do you like to spend the summer in Washington?

RP: I love bike riding in the early mornings along the Potomac. And I find myself spending entire Sundays walking around Eastern Market.

RG: My girls are at the age when they really enjoying hiking, and we’ve been taking them along the Billy Goat Trail. We also love taking canoes and kayaks out on the river right off the Georgetown waterfront.

How are you enjoying your meals?

RP: This steak was prepared just as I ordered it and is exquisitely presented. I love the ambience. Sitting on the patio on such a beautiful day at lunch time really lets me enjoy the city setting, which makes for perfect conversation.

RG: I like that they have a bar set up on the patio! And I loved my salad to pieces. I’d definitely eat here again.

RP: The patio is just the right size, climate, and tone to make us feel that we are part of our own environment, but still a part of the city. The atmosphere is just perfect—great meal and amazing company. It doesn’t get much better than that! And the Wester Ross salmon looks so delicious. I must get back to Art and Soul to try the dinner menu. CF

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The limited-edition Renaissance bracelet, rendered in hunter green, amber, and champagne gems, pays homage to the classic design’s 30th anniversary.

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reasures TASTEMAKER

Gem Fatale CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS MOST ICONIC DESIGN, DAVID YURMAN DAZZLES DC WITH A LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTION AT TYSONS GALLERIA. BY LAURIE BROOKINS

H

ow many cable bracelets has David Yurman sold over the years?

Due to its continuing popularity it’s hard to know exactly—Yurman says the answer tops 25,000—but suffice it to say, the number unquestionably justifies a proper celebration.

It’s been nearly four decades since Yurman, an artist and sculptor, crafted a few pieces of jewelry for his then-girlfriend, Sybil. He used the methods and materials he favored for his art—a process of heating, melting, and twisting long metal rods to create new forms. It’s now the stuff of industry legend that Sybil wore the jewelry to an art show, where it attracted the attention of an interested buyer, who inquired if it was for sale. David said no, while at the same time Sybil said yes. And just like that, David Yurman was a jewelry designer. And he and Sybil will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary this year.

But there’s another anniversary that’s also top of mind. Not long after that seminal moment, Yurman crafted a cufflike piece—an open-ended, twisted helix of cables with finial ends adorned with gemstones—and he christened it the Renaissance bracelet. How quickly was it a success? “Fortunately, right at the very beginning,” says Yurman. Over the years, he has created hundreds of variations of his Renaissance bracelet using different combinations

of metals and stones, with his ever-growing fan base always eager for the latest design. Fittingly, Yurman’s iconic Renaissance bracelet ranks among the most-collected pieces of jewelry still in active rotation.

Now celebrating the bracelet’s 30th anniversary, Yurman and his son, Evan (named chief design director for the label in October), are revealing “30 Years of Cable: A Celebration of Inspiration and Innovation,” an aweinspiring, limited-edition collection dedicated to the iconic design.

Available at the jeweler’s Tysons Galleria shop, bracelets come in vibrant tones like hunter green, amber, and champagne. “The saturated colors have the feeling and fun of pop art and are a nod to fashion,” Yurman notes.

Other commemorative designs feel decidedly “Washington,” like the timeless sterling silver style and the polished 18k yellow-gold iterations topped with colored gemstones. Still, the most striking design is a three-of-a-kind Renaissance cable bracelet crafted in 18k white gold. Completely pavéd in 28 carats of white diamonds, the glittering bracelet is irrefutably stunning.

All of which is to say, 30 years later, David Yurman is far from out of ideas. “Cable has been and will continue to be a constant,” he says. “It’s the river that runs through everything I create.” Tysons Galleria, 703-245-3515; davidyurman.com CF

The jeweler’s shop at Tysons Galleria; David Yurman selects gemstones at his workshop.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL WESCHLER (YURMAN)

FROM FAR LEFT:

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STYLE SPOTLIGHT Mini Fiamma handbag, Salvatore Ferragamo ($2,950).

The Finer Prints Hermès’s beloved silk scarves find new appeal as the fashion house introduces an exclusive bespoke program.

Vividly colored, airy, and versatile, the printed silk scarves by Hermès are the quintessential summer accessories. With a growing number of new styles each year, designs range from abstract, geometric prints to horse bits and other riding motifs—a nod to the luxury brand’s sophisticated equestrian heritage. Now, just in time for summer, the French label is reinvigorating its treasured foulards with the “Maille à Soie” project, a bespoke program in just a few select cities, including DC. Created by Bali Barret, the women’s universe artistic director, Technicolor scarves are woven into knitted women’s separates, including dresses, short-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, cardigans, and tops. At Hermès’s Tysons Corner boutique, clients can select their scarf print from a choice of eight and the color from a list of 15, then pick their preferred item of clothing to create a one-of-a-kind design.

Signature prints, including the riding strap Cavalcadour and the four-horse Quadrige, are among the eight available designs, though the red, white, and blue Ex-Libris pattern would make the ultimate fashion accoutrement this Independence Day. The Shops at Fairfax Square, 703-5064546; hermes.com

Custom silk twillaine shirt, Hermès (price on request).

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On The Fringe IN AN EYE-CATCHING CHERRY-RED-AND-BROWN CHECK, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO’S DC-ONLY HANDBAG IS THE ACCESSORY TO CHERISH THIS SEASON—AND BEYOND. BY ALEXANDRIA GEISLER IN CELEBRATION OF THE ITALIAN LUXURY house’s brand-new Fiamma collection, Salvatore Ferragamo’s local boutique is debuting an unusual— albeit sophisticated—style exclusive to Washington, DC. Featuring a uniquely checked, leather fringe body and glistening gold hardware, the top-handle tote is rendered in timeless shades of cherry red and rich espresso, making it an elevated choice for summer, as well as for fall. The bag is one of the many new Fiamma styles that pay tribute to Ferragamo’s eldest daughter, the head designer of the label’s leather accessories and footwear divisions for nearly 40 years. Striking solid iterations in blush and black are also available. A golden lock enclosure on the tote’s front side draws inspiration from the house’s circular Gancio icon. Other on-point options include tweed mini styles embellished with Swarovski crystals.

Tysons Galleria, 703-748-7620; ferragamo.com CF

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SECRET WASHINGTON

A Luxe Reopening DESIGNER YVETTE FREEMAN MOVES HER UNIQUE HOME GOODS STORE, FOUNDRY, TO THE BOURGEONING H STREET CORRIDOR. BY VIRGINIA COYNE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WARREN

W

hen you round the bend off hip and bustling H Street NE toward the historic alley that houses Foundry, a part of you will feel like you’ve randomly discovered Yvette Freeman’s Paris flea market – inspired boutique completely on your own. The other part of you will feel deeply in the know.

An interior designer, real estate developer, and personal stylist, Freeman recently relocated her distinctive furniture and home goods shop from U Street—where it had been since opening in 2011—to a charming carriage house in the Atlas District.

Up a staircase, framed by an exposed brick wall, lays an eclectic yet elegant mix of vintage and modern pieces, many painstakingly refinished, painted, or reupholstered by Freeman herself. continued on page 74

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Today’s video games are changing the way students learn Video games are providing future innovators with the critical STEM skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven workforce and bolster our country’s competitiveness. The Entertainment Software Association proudly uses games and game design to engage students on STEM subjects through programs including the National STEM Video Game Challenge and the ESA LOFT Innovation Fellowship.

To learn more about these programs and how video games are enhancing education, go to www.theESA.com.

SECRET WASHINGTON Foundry (BELOW), the unique home goods shop opened by Yvette Freeman (RIGHT), is a hidden gem off H Street NE .

“My goal is to offer unique, quality pieces that are not massproduced, but attainable.”

continued from page 72 After combing the world for her distinctive wares, Freeman then brings them back to her 2,500-square-foot studio space directly below the store, where she refurbishes them before putting them on retail display.

However, some pieces never actually make it upstairs, says Freeman. Instead, they’re snatched up by designers who pop by her studio to see what she has in the pipeline on the days when the store is closed.

The shop is often restaged, and remaining pieces are rotated in and out on a weekly basis, so no two visits are the same. On the day we took our excursion, we spied an elegant antique French armchair upholstered in a old army blanket ($1,350), a nearly flawless Chesterfield leather chair ($1,140) that we wanted to curl up in with a nice Scotch and a good book, and a dinged yet extremely cool metal pub table ($290) that the entire family could dine around in style. Scattered throughout the space are carefully selected new pieces, such as fanciful platters, buttery leather-bound journals, and a Philippe Starck Ghost chair reproduction.

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As a child growing up near Williamsburg, Virginia, Freeman would accompany her father, a builder and furniture refinisher, to barn sales. That’s where she fell in love with the act of discovering and collecting pieces that may have seen better days. She taught herself how to give them a second life, and she put herself through college and graduate school by repainting and customizing old furniture.

Although her shop may leave you yearning to have the entire inventory moved into your row house, Freeman believes homeowners should carefully curate their interiors, buying “one special item at a time” that reflects their personal style. She says her goal is to help Washingtonians find “unique, quality pieces that are not mass-produced, but attainable.”

Her philosophy extends to clothing, and—fortunately for us—her new shop houses a not-to-miss wearable goods boutique in the back room.

It’s here you’ll find exquisite vintage Gucci silk skirts, Pucci-esque dresses, and delicately beaded Prada shoes. For the fellows, there are military jackets and James Bond–inspired garb, including mint-condition Burberry dress coats.

Freeman hosts private styling sessions for DC socialites and politicos looking for unique pieces to wear to black-tie dinners, weddings, or simply around town. She won’t name her clients, but shares that they’ll put on some music, pop open a bottle of wine, and spend an afternoon giddy from trying on her treasures. We sense she turns all her customers into friends.

Foundry is open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 AM to 6 PM, or by appointment. 1129 Atlas Court NE, 571-277-5245; foundrybyfreeman.com CF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WARREN

—YVETTE FREEMAN

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Visit to learn more: Open 24/7 365 days

LOCAL TREASURES

Lemon and lime duo bowl, Wunder Around ($100).

Clear as Glass REINVIGORATE A TIRED SPACE WITH WUNDER AROUND’S WHIMSICAL, COLORFUL, ONE-OF-A-KIND OBJECTS. BY ALEXANDRIA GEISLER

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rtfully curved and vivid in color, Beth Hess’s handblown glass designs are elegant conversation pieces for the home. “I grew up in a family of makers, so I’ve been making things by hand since I was little,” explains Hess, the designer of Wunder Around. “No two pieces are alike. They’re perfect if you are looking for something colorful, unique, and handmade.”

Sculpted vases, paperweights, bowls, and glassware come in striking color combinations of pomegranate, lemon-lime, sea foam, and sapphire.

“DC can be a bit more conservative, so my work adds some extra color and texture to a space,” Hess says. “I’m often inspired by what I see around me.

Summer means more greens, blues, and yellows

[in my designs], but maybe with a new texture inspired from shells at the beach.”

Most popular is Wunder Around’s Threads collection featuring vases with asymmetrical, Pollocklike streaks of color, though the newest, dichromatic Duos designs are also exquisite.

“For Duos pieces, I combine two pieces of color, and I never know how they’ll turn out, which makes them both a challenge and a joy to make,” says Hess. “The melding of color creates patterns that can never be duplicated.” This season, the line’s vibrant fruit bowls are especially noteworthy. To make an appointment to visit Hess’s studio in Hyattsville, Maryland, e-mail beth@wunder around.com. wunderaround.com CF

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TIME HONORED

Time for the Environment AS WASHINGTON CONTINUES TO BE THE EPICENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS, WATCH BRANDS ARE STEPPING IN TO LEND A HAND. BY ROBERTA NAAS

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ith companies and organizations such as National Geographic and Conservation International based in and around the District, it is natural for Washingtonians to be highly aware of environmental concerns. Now many top-notch watch brands are supporting wildlife preservation, nature and water conservation, and other environmental causes—from creating watches whose proceeds go to support these organizations to directly financing eco-friendly projects.

Since 1976, Rolex has bestowed the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, which celebrate entrepreneurial individuals who take on major challenges to improve quality of life or protect the planet. Each year, Rolex Laureates are awarded support to pursue their goals, with many projects brought to fruition. One current project has laureates developing new tracking technologies, which provide powerful resources in the race to save endangered species.

Another watchmaker taking steps to aid environmental causes is Audemars Piguet, which works to reforest parts of the world via the

Audemars Piguet Foundation. Created in 1992 to safeguard forests and similar environments, the foundation thus far has supported 80 endeavors, including a current project aiding farming in the Cerrado, Brazil, where it is financing the creation of nurseries and training young farmers. This is part of a larger program to recreate biodiversity in the area and help inhabitants escape poverty.

TAG Heuer has defended environmental endeavors in support of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Through its relationship with brand ambassador and passionate environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio, TAG Heuer works with the organization, which has been safeguarding people, animals, and the environment for more than 40 years. This collaboration with DiCaprio has yielded a specially designed, limited-edition TAG Heuer with automatic chronograph movement; royalties from these 1,000 watches will benefit NRDC. For more watch features and expanded coverage go to capitofile-magazine.com/watches. CF

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer watch ($6,550) is crafted in stainless steel and is a COSC-certified chronometer. Tiny Jewel Box, 1147 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-393-2747; rolex.com. Designed with celebrity environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio, this TAG Heuer Link Special Edition NRDC Chronograph ($4,450) features a custom blue dial and signature caseback. Tiny Jewel Box, SEE ABOVE; tagheuer.com. From Audemars Piguet, this Royal Oak Chronograph ($24,300) is crafted in steel and features a Grand Tapisserie–patterned dial. Lenkersdorfer Fine Jewelers, Tysons Corner, 703-506-6712; audemarspiguet.com FROM LEFT:

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF CRAWFORD; STYLING BY TERRY LEWIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF CRAWFORD

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MAX O

ne of the most prolific artists working today, Peter Max is widely known for his “cosmic style,” with creations that have been seen everywhere from the Corcoran Gallery in DC to a Continental Airlines Boeing 777 fuselage and the massive stages of the 1999 Woodstock music festival. His mixed-media works can be found in the collections of six past US presidents, while his art—recognizable for its energetic brushstrokes of primary colors and psychedelic panoramas of stars, planets, profiles, and icons from Lady Liberty to Marilyn Monroe—has been used to represent five Super Bowls, the World Cup, the World Series, the US Open, the Grammys, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “I’m just very happy to be in the middle of all this,” Max says of his many noteworthy accomplishments.

Born in Berlin and raised in Shanghai, Max and his family moved around the globe—each destination influencing his art. Eventually, Max settled in New York, where, at age 76, he continues to produce a dizzying array of works, such as the cover of this edition of Capitol File—one of a collection of 10 covers created exclusively for Niche Media publications, which also include

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF GALE (COVER); ERIC RYAN ANDERSON (BRUSH). OPPOSITE PAGE: JEFF GALE (MAX)

PETER MAX

ARTIST HAS CAPTURED EVERYONE FROM THE DALAI LAMA TO THE BEATLES IN HIS PSYCHEDELIC COSMIC STYLE. IN THIS CAPIT0L FILE EXCLUSIVE, THE HOSTS OF MSNBC’S MORNING JOE, MIKA BRZEZINSKI AND JOE SCARBOROUGH, DISCOVER THE COLORFUL STORIES—AND THE MAN—BEHIND THE MASTERPIECES AND THIS MONTH’S COVER.

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Peter Max created artwork as covers for 10 Niche publications, including Capitol File, and the original paintings will be auctioned on Charitybuzz to benefit The Humane Society of the US.

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Peter Max in 1971, sketching at a gallery show surrounded by some of his work.

pal Ringo Starr; rows of Lucite sculptures from his “Angel” series; a painted guitar made for Bon Jovi; and portraits of everyone from Marilyn Monroe to John F. Kennedy, all done in his distinctive style.

“I’ve been honored to paint for six US Presidents and to have been a guest at the White House on several occasions,” he recalls. “My Statue of Liberty and American Flag paintings are in several presidential libraries.”

He adds, “When you’re a singer, it’s not like you create a voice—it’s just there.

My art is just there. I put the brush on paper and don’t even know what I’m doing, but I know it’s going to come out great; 24/7 creativity, creativity, creativity—it’s all I do. I draw on airplanes, in limousines; I draw when I wake up in the morning and in taxicabs.”

Beyond the studio, Max is a longtime vegetarian and practices yoga and meditation daily. He also gives freely of his time, money, and art to benefit animal charities such as The Humane Society of the US and the equine rescue organization Wild for Life Foundation. By his side in all of it is his wife of 17 years, Mary Max, whom the artist calls one of his greatest inspirations. “When I met her, it fueled me, and she still fuels me today,” he says of his wife, whom he spotted one day while out for coffee and declared he would marry. “We donate money, we host events, and we have six rescue animals at the house.”

At present, Max also has seven feature film and animation projects in the works, including one for the estate of Frank Sinatra. Here, in celebration of Max’s 50 years of commercial success and his collection of city renderings exclusively for Niche Media, the artist opens up to MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski about his career, spirituality, and philanthropy, and the famous friends who have helped influence his work.

BEHIND THE BRUSHSTROKES

“MY COVER ART FOR CAPITOL FILE FEATURES ICONIC LANDMARKS OF OUR CAPITAL CITY, WHICH BRING ME LOVE AND PRIDE IN MY COUNTRY.”—PETER MAX Aspen Peak, Boston Common, Gotham, Hamptons, Los Angeles Confidential, Michigan Avenue, Ocean Drive, Philadelphia Style, and Vegas. The original paintings are being auctioned on Charitybuzz through August 6 to benefit The Humane Society of the US. My cover art for Capitol File features iconic landmarks of our capital city: The Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and United States Capitol, all of which bring me love and pride in my country,” says Max. “Washington, DC, is a ‘Park of Democracy’ to me. The city is so beautifully designed with parks, monuments, and the gift of the cherry blossoms on the National Mall and Tidal Basin. The monuments of DC are regal and soft—not harsh—and bring me such a sense of love for my country. I always daydreamed about America as a child growing up in Shanghai—America, the land of the free, the home of the brave, and the most creative country on the planet.”

In his New York loft studio Max has galleries’ worth of his work: a towering portrait of the Statue of Liberty he painted on the White House lawn for President Ronald Reagan in 1981; a multicolored Baldwin piano signed by his

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Many artists agree that it’s a struggle to gain recognition, but to have it last 50 years is staggering. What is the key to your success?

It’s just being present, letting creativity come through. I’m lucky because we live in an age of media. When I was on the cover of Life 45 years ago, there were only three magazines—Time, Life, and Fortune. My art got to be on two of those covers. Today there are thousands of magazines out there, and my work has been on 2,000 to 3,000 covers.

Early in your career, you studied a lot of the masters, from Rembrandt to Sargent. So how did you develop your cosmic style?

I used to draw, never even thinking it’s something you could do [as a career]. In China, I studied with the daughter of a street artist. In Israel, my mother hooked me up with a famous art professor from Austria. After we moved to Paris, my mother signed me up for classes at the Louvre. When we came to America, I found a private teacher, Frank Reilly [at the Art Students League of New York]; after high school, I’d go into the city to study with him. Reilly went to that school 30 years earlier, and Norman Rockwell sat beside him. So Rockwell became Rockwell; Reilly became Peter Max’s teacher. Then I hooked up with some people with art schools who were very design-oriented.

For someone who studied realism, your style is not exactly realistic…

No, I’m kind of impressionistic. Realism gave me the skill to paint, but my eye was more into design-erish art.

The Art Students League has produced some famous alumni—Jackson Pollock and Cy Twombly. Ever have any celebrity encounters?

I once met Marilyn Monroe. I saw this girl walking by, and I did a double take.

As she’s walking by, she turns to me and says, “I like your pants”—I had a lot of paint on my pants—and then she kept on walking. She was so stunning; all her features were just perfect.

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OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY COPYRIGHT PETER MAX 2014; THIS PAGE: COPYRIGHT PETER MAX 2014 (MAX); EVAN AGOSTINI/GETTY IMAGES (KING)

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS What do you think is your most defining piece?

There are so many defining pieces. Painting the Statue of Liberty was a big thing because it’s an emblem; it got so much [attention]. Then I’ve painted so many unbelievable people, like the Dalai Lama, John F. Kennedy—close to 800 portraits.

You’ve also painted portraits of all of the Beatles, who this year celebrated their arrival in America 50 years ago. What’s your relationship with the band?

I met John [Lennon] way, way back, and I was best friends with Yoko Ono. One day I read in the paper that my little friend Yoko was going out with John. I knew John, I knew Yoko; I could have introduced them. We used to go to Central Park. We’d walk around, talk, and sing songs.

Here in your studio, you have a colorful piano that’s signed “To Peter, Love Ringo….”

I did a Baldwin piano for Ringo Starr, and he loved it. Then Baldwin called me and said, “We love it so much, we’re going to send you a piano.”

Two days later, they deliver it, the guys assemble it, and I rolled out my paints and started painting the piano beautiful colors. Just as I was finishing, Ringo came by. He had been uptown and wanted to say thanks; instead he said, “I like yours better!” and I said, “No, Ringo, yours is the first; it’s the nicest.” He asked if I had paints, and I said, “Do I have paints?” We rolled out a cart of paints, and he wrote, “To Peter, Love Ringo,” followed by a star.

There’s a photo on top of it of you and Ringo. Was it another famous Beatle, Paul McCartney, who turned you on to vegetarianism?

Paul and I became vegetarians at the same time. I’ve been a vegetarian now for over 40 years. I’ve had everybody up here in the studio—from Mick Jagger to Ringo to Paul McCartney. They’re all my friends. I’ve been very lucky.

Is it true that you also have a DJ who works here in your studio?

Yes—Joe. He plays all good contemporary music—jazz, bebop, fusion jazz, rock ’n’ roll. When I start painting, the music is on; I’m in the groove.

Music inspires my whole will to paint, the will to be creative—it fuels the creativity.

You worked with George Harrison on the Integral Yoga Institute, a yoga center and ashram in New York based on the teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda. Did George introduce you to the Swami?

No, George was involved with the Maharishi out of England. George and I talked about my Satchidananda and his Maharishi, and we introduced each other to the other guy. The institute teaches how to go into meditation, get your mind focused, do stretching, become a vegan—a lot of health, behavioral, and mental benefits that have changed my whole life.

How did you first meet Swami Satchidananda?

Conrad Rooks, who was the heir of Avon cosmetics, invited me to Paris to

ABOVE: Larry King and Max in front of his artwork at King’s 50 years of broadcasting celebration in 2007. LEFT: Peter Max in his studio circa 1968.

help him with the colors on a film he was making. So I went to Paris.

Conrad picked me up from the airport, and we were in the hotel restaurant when in came the Swami— long beard, beautiful long black hair, gorgeous eyes—and Conrad introduced me to him. After spending a day with the Swami, I knew I had to bring him to New York. All my hippie buddies were taking LSD, and I was thinking, This is the man we need to be with, not this other stuff. I brought him to America [in 1966], and I opened yoga centers for him.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME Over your career, you’ve accomplished so much. What is something you have yet to tackle?

I’ve been listening to music intensely my whole life—especially lately because I’ve been collecting music for films and animations. Characters and stories—I have so many; the only thing I hadn’t collected was music, so I called my friends—Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Bon Jovi. Out of 200,000 pieces of music, I selected about 3,000 or 4,000 that I adore.

Have you ever thought about retiring?

I’ve been retired since I was 20. [Laughs] Retiring is getting to do completely what you love, right? It’s not like sitting in a chair somewhere. This is a nice life—it’s creative, colors, music, and people. I love it. CF

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CURATED

CARTIER BE DAZZLED THIS SUMMER WITH MARJORIE MERRIWEATHER POST’S GLITTERING COLLECTION OF GEMS FROM THE FAMED FRENCH JEWELER CARTIER AT HILLWOOD ESTATE, MUSEUM AND GARDENS. By Stephanie Green

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lizabeth Taylor was fond of saying, “Big girls need big diamonds.” The late Marjorie Merriweather Post, the mistress of Northwest’s Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, followed the same philosophy. Her granddaughter, Ellen Charles, who lives in Georgetown, recalls as a young girl taking her first trip to Europe with Post. Where did they stop for souvenirs? Hermès, of course. Not for postcards, but jewels. Charles picked out a single feather pin, but, she says, “Grandmother thought I needed two. She never liked small jewelry.”

The Post cereal heiress’s baubles and objets d’art solidified her reputation as the grandest of all grandes dames. And starting this summer, much of her collection will be on display as

Hillwood—nestled in the wooded quietude of Rock Creek Park—celebrates her love of bling with “Cartier: Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Dazzling Gems.”

“She was passionate about jewelry,” says the show’s curator, Liana Paredes. “It is very clear from the records that Cartier was the firm she frequented the most.” Paredes and her team culled more than 60 pieces from Hillwood’s collection, the Smithsonian, and from Cartier’s archives. The assortment will be on display through December.

Recently at the Grand Palais in Paris, the show “Cartier: Style and History”—in which several of Hillwood’s pieces were presented along with Cartier favorites from the collections of Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor, and Princess Grace of

Monaco—dazzled the City of Light, but Hillwood offers an American twist. “There have been plenty of Cartier retrospectives, and I could not compete with Cartier. I wanted a theme that would be Marjorie’s own,” Paredes says. “Post was the most important American Cartier patron. It’s fascinating to focus on her evolution, the change of times, her role as a woman and a hostess in society, and how she adapted.”

Post was born in Springfield, Illinois in 1887, the only child of C.W. Post and Ella Merriweather Post. When her father died, in 1914, she took over his business, the predecessor to General Foods, and in her mid-20s became one of the wealthiest women in the world, radiating a sort of Oprah-like generosity and grandeur.

In 1917 she settled in New York with her first

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“Post was passionate about jewelry. It is very clear that Cartier was the firm she frequented the most.”

—LIANA PAREDES

This exquisite Cartier necklace and earrings set— comprised of amethyst, turquoise, diamonds, gold, and platinum—is part of the collection of Marjorie Merriweather Post (OPPOSITE) that is on view at Hillwood Estate this summer.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

A portrait by painter Giulio de Blaas of Post with her daughter, Dina, in which the heiress is wearing her Indian emerald brooch; Post was also an avid collector of Russian imperial items, including this enameled Fabergé music box with gold, diamonds, and rubies; objects like this vintage tobacco jar from Cartier are on view at this summer’s exhibition; Post hosted high-profile women, including Lady Bird Johnson.

husband, Edward Bennett Close, and wanted to carve out a place for herself on the New York social scene. She needed to dress to impress. How? “Cartier was the logical choice,” says Paredes.

By the time Pierre Cartier had opened his New York shop in 1909, his family name was already synonymous with luxury and style, thanks to his success on the rue de la Paix. “By 1910,” Paredes says, “Cartier had become the go-to place for important Americans. They had contemporary designs. It was different and alluring.”

Post’s budding interest in Cartier was also fueled by her ardent Francophilia. She was especially taken with Marie Antoinette, the legendary spoiled wife of Louis XVI. Indeed, she had a thing for most royal divas: a larger-than-life portrait of Catherine the Great greets guests on the main floor of Hillwood. Post bought a chandelier

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from a palace of Catherine the Great’s, which now hangs in the Hillwood Breakfast Room, as well as earrings set with diamonds believed to have once belonged to Antoinette, which are in the Smithsonian. Her bedroom, dripping with pink neoclassical French style and a canopied bed, looks just like something from the set of Sofia Coppola’s film about the ill-fated queen. Post channeled Marie Antoinette’s imperiously glamorous style, as seen in a photo in the exhibition showing Post wearing a Cartier pearl and diamond bodice ornament for a Palm Beach gala.

Cecil Beaton told Vanity Fair in 1919 that her likeness to Marie Antoinette was “unsurpassable.” It wasn’t uncommon for high society doyennes, including Post contemporary Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, to be infatuated with the French queen, even dressing up like her.

“[Antoinette] had many attractions as a woman, style setter, and patron of the arts,” says Paredes. “She represented big balls, big expenditures before the French Revolution.” By contrast, Post was attuned to the zeitgeist during the Great Depression, distancing herself from the flamboyance of the flapper era with quieter Cartier jewels, especially when she accompanied her third husband, Washington lawyer Joseph Davies, to the Soviet Union, where he served as ambassador.

“She knew she couldn’t offend the Soviets,” Paredes says of Post. “Her jewelry was noticeable but not flamboyant, it had a certain restraint, and it was very practical—things that could serve her in a myriad of situations.”

Post’s time with Davies in Russia stirred her affinity for Russian imperial art, and she became a keen collector of Russian treasures.

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Dina, ector onds, mer’s

This 250-carat Indian emerald brooch is a standout piece of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Cartier collection.

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y 1955, when Post and Davies divorced and she bought and moved to Hillwood, she was well on her way to amassing the largest collection of Russian imperial art, including a dazzling assortment of Fabergé items, outside of Russia.

She maintained three homes: Hillwood; her winter house in Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, which is now owned by Donald Trump; and her summer camp retreat in the Adirondacks. She shuttled among the three, allowing ambassadors, politicians, and fellow jet-setters to tag along in the air or by sea on her yacht, Sea Cloud.

Naturally, curiosity grew around her presence, and invitations to her Cartier- and Fabergécrammed residences were highly coveted. She used her homes and fortune to fund great charities, including starting the annual Red Cross Ball in Palm Beach. The French government awarded her the Legion of Honour for her funding of a World War I hospital in France, but she was equally proud of her Silver Fawn Award from the Boy Scouts of America.

Rose Kennedy and every first lady from Mamie Eisenhower to Pat Nixon maintained cordial relationships with Post. They looked to Post as the final arbiter on matters of entertaining and style, if not as a woman ahead of her time—she was a corporate leader before women had the right to vote, divorced four husbands, and took back her family name after splitting with her last.

Post donated some of her most prized possessions to the Smithsonian in 1964, several years before her death in 1973. Among them is the companion emerald necklace to one of Cartier’s most impressive gems: a brooch made from seven carved Indian emeralds that Post wore to her 1929 presentation to the Court of St. James’s.

The Indian emeralds are from the 17th century and weigh around 250 carats, while the necklace boasts 24 baroque-cut emerald drops. It returns to Hillwood for the show along with the famous Maximillian emerald ring.

Post was a believer in jewelry being adaptable.

She asked Cartier to fuse two diamond and sapphire bracelets to create a necklace. The anchor

of the piece is an imposing sapphire surrounded by diamonds, which could also be worn as a brooch. An arrow-shaped brooch was used as a clasp for her endless strands of pearls, and her necklaces and earrings were made of amethysts, turquoises, diamonds, and platinum.

Post didn’t stop at jewelry. Picture frames, tobacco jars, and even a dressing table set with her personal monogram were also delivered by Cartier. As a Christian Scientist, she drank sparingly and never smoked, but she wanted her guests, especially her male ones, to do so in style.

The exhibition features a section dedicated to Post’s tobacco accoutrements.

Today, Post’s affinity for arts and entertaining lives on. In 2010, her daughter, actress Dina Merrill Hartley of Butterfield 8, The Love Boat, and more than a hundred other movies and television shows, continued her mother’s philanthropic legacy by donating a gift to fund all film programs at Hillwood, including Divas Outdoors, where, since 2007, Washington families and children have enjoyed the cinema, a favorite Post family pastime. Each June, Hillwood, inspired by its founder, hosts hundreds of patrons and special guests at its annual gala, held in a tent on Post’s Lunar Lawn, one of her favorite places to host or entertain her friends. The Merriweather Post Pavilion greets thousands of music lovers a month in Columbia, Maryland, just 25 miles from downtown Washington.

In contrast with today’s celebutantes flashing gaudy iPhone cases and bejeweled sunglasses, Paredes hopes the exhibition will demonstrate that jewelry is “more than ornamentation; it’s about beautiful design. Most people disperse their collections to family members, but Marjorie bequeathed her jewelry for the public to enjoy.”

While preparing for the exhibition, Paredes said she indulged in a little dress-up, trying on Post’s Cartier bracelets. “They’re so malleable,” she says.

“Even wearing gloves, I could sense what the feeling on your skin [must be like]. It’s delicious.”

“Cartier: Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Dazzling Gems” is on display June 7 to December 31, Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, 202-686-5807; hillwoodmuseum.org CF

Post donated her most prized possessions to the Smithsonian… among them, the companion necklace to this brooch made from seven carved Indian emeralds.

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The Capitol Riverfront has been called “DC’s best kept secret,” as it’s one of the coolest spots in the city.

Having hit TV shows like House of Cards filmed in DC has added to our city’s appeal.

In addition to a top seafood menu, Eat the Rich offers patrons another hip Shaw bar scene.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TK; ILLUSTRATION BY TK

The vibe at Southern Efficiency attracts an edgy, young set to the already popular Shaw area.

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District of

Cool

photography by scott shuman (southern efficiency, cocktails); courtesy of netflix (cards); alfrendo images/getty (riverfront)

By Tracy Sefl and Elizabeth E. THorp Photography by abby greenawalt

Staying au courant in an evolving Washington is a full-time job. There’s the exploding restaurant scene, a rising number of entrepreneurs, and a cadre of cultural gatekeepers committed to making DC its best. To imagine that only 19 years ago the District of Columbia was facing insolvency and was in receivership is shocking. With the Hollywood stylings of House of Cards, Scandal, and Veep, our nation’s capital is vibrant, exciting, expanding, and—dare we brag—even very cool.

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o better understand the evolution of this beloved city, Capitol File scoured the census data, read industry reports, pored over national best-of lists—we even consulted five handpicked women and men who are lauded by their peers and have witnessed our city’s progression over the past few decades.

We’re calling them our “ambassadors of cool” (and you can read more about what they think in our sidebars here). In all of this research, one thing is clear: The evolution of cool in Washington is tangible and ongoing. It might even surprise you.

In a recent article in The Washington Post, it was said that millennials have been flocking to the city in record numbers over the past decade. They’re

coming from all over the country for the jobs and opportunities available for young people—and for a livable, walkable city with fantastic public transportation and a lower cost of living than, say, New York or San Francisco. With this influx of new citizens, the physical and demographic landscape of the District has palpably changed from largely governmental to include an impressive population of entrepreneurial residents.

“Washington, DC, is emerging as a world-class city,” says Jodie McLean, president of EDENS, a developer that owns and operates communityoriented shopping places focused on enriching the communities they serve. EDENS is behind the Mosaic District in Fairfax and Union Market in Northeast

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“THE CITY IS NO LONGER JUST ABOUT POLITICS, BUT A PLACE WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN— ECONOMICALLY AND CULTURALLY.” —JODIE MCLEAN

Nathan Anda has seen DC’s explosion in food and restaurants in the past 10 years.

CULINARY KING Nathan Anda Chef and founder of Red Apron Butcher, Nathan Anda moved to DC in December 2001 when the DC culinary scene had few big-name chefs and an up-and-coming network of young kitchen staff. He’s a Swatch collector, pug lover, and has zero tattoos.

What’s the local culinary scene like today? How many different styles of restaurants opened last year in DC? 100? DC has developed itself into being a really cool restaurant city. In 2001, it wasn’t compared to New York or Philadelphia as much.

Big name chefs from those cities are coming to put restaurants in DC. So many people from around the country and world—with awesome palates—want to go out to eat and try new things. This is definitely a thriving market.

What’s the coolest change you’ve noticed among your customers? In the last 10 years, more people want to know what they’re eating, where it’s from, how it was raised. We source all our pork from animal welfare farms. I have our farmers on speed dial. Ten years ago you’d go to a steakhouse, and the menu said “beef.” Now you go and they tell you the breed and where it’s from.

Where do you eat? I love the Shaw area—Eat the Rich, Mockingbird Hill, Southern Efficiency—a good amount of chefs filter through there. All Souls is a great spot. And in Penn Quarter, if I get out of work in time to eat, it’s The Source, Proof, or Del Campo.

What do you want to see DC do better? I want people to love DC. I want them not to compare it to where they’re from, but to embrace it and be excited about all that’s going on here.

What should DC folks be eating more of? Breakfast. Red Apron Butcher, 1309 5th St. NE, 202-524-6807; 709 D St. NW, 202-524-5244; 8298 Glass Alley, Fairfax, VA, 703-676-3550; redapronbutchery.com

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DC, among many other new shopping venues in the region. “The city is no longer just about politics, but a place where great things happen—economically, culturally, and in the community. The District is home to more than 750,000 STEM jobs [careers in science, technology, engineering, and math], which is one of the highest concentrations in the nation, and we have the highest number of [venture-funded] start-ups per capita,” explains McLean. “If we add Maryland and Northern Virginia into this, the statistics are even more impressive. But the point is, this is an economic engine that drives a community of like-minded people in pursuit of a higher quality of life.”

“I grew up in and around the city, and DC has definitely changed,” says Jimmy Gardner, a tech entrepreneur who’s married with two children from a previous marriage. “I moved from the suburbs into the city about six years ago, and we raise two young ladies part-time in the city. It’s such a benefit to them and their growth as it relates to community and culture. Having neighborhoods like Dupont Circle, Shaw, and Logan Circle—where we feel open and safe to walk with them to a new dinner spot or local store—is a fantastic way for them to experience urban life. At the same time, having such great cultural institutions, like the Smithsonian, only lends itself to expanding their horizons and gives them a glimpse out onto the larger world.”

DC’s dining scene has certainly exploded in the past decade. According to the Restaurant

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Victoria Lai says the U Street corridor is a new cool area in DC.

ICE CREAM QUEEN Victoria Lai

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TK; ILLUSTRATION BY TK

A campaign staffer turned corporate attorney turned ice-cream entrepreneur, Victoria Lai opens her shop, Ice Cream Jubilee, in the Yards Park development this summer near Nationals Park.

What makes DC “cool”? It’s an amazing place—a city of tradition and core beliefs, but also a city of invention. People from around the world come to share ideas and make an impact. Our parks and museums attract millions of visitors; these spaces are our playgrounds for festivals, concerts, and picnics. Washington is internationally unique, and we can call it home.

What changes have you noticed? The U Street corridor is the hot spot; it’s an area I didn’t enjoy walking through when I first came here.

What made the Navy Yard a hip spot for your shop? I discovered Yards Park last August. When I visited, everything about the landscape announced, “The weekend is here!” It feels like a getaway. I jumped at the opportunity to build my business with the community of Southeast DC. Not long ago, it wasn’t a popular neighborhood. [In a year] I’ve seen Yards Park bloom as DC becomes more familiar with it as the next great neighborhood. If I hadn’t just bought a place [in Adams Morgan], I’d move in a second. The Capitol Riverfront is DC’s best-kept secret. In the next few years the Yards and the waterfront will go from this hidden gem to the spot to be in.

What draws entrepreneurs here? DC attracts motivated, opinionated people who are excited about new experiences. I love talking to my friends about their “side hustle,” a passion project that they devote their creative energy to.

Washingtonians have become more enthusiastic about their side hustles, which cultivates a more welcoming environment for those debating whether to embrace their creative side.

What’s cool in food and drink in DC? Washingtonians are looking for experiences that delight our creativity, tickle our senses, and elate our aesthetics. It’s no longer good enough to have just local food or just tasty food—it has to be both. Ice Cream Jubilee, 301 Water St. SE; icecreamjubilee.com

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Fugazi member Brendan Canty goes to Comet and Backstage at the Black Cat to hear good music.

MUSIC MAN Brendan Canty Soundtrack artist, producer, and one-fourth of the influential DC group Fugazi, Brendan Canty is working alongside Academy Award– nominated filmmaker Sam Green on a documentary of Guinness World Record holders and is continuing his long-standing film collaborations with the band Wilco. He’s a father of four and a lover of pie.

How have you seen DC evolve? The last 10 years have been insane… people coming into DC and investing. The rate of change, people moving back in droves—it’s a city that has a lot of diversity and a lot of opportunity. We’ve played second fiddle to NYC and LA. Now DC looks relatively good. It’s an international city, like Paris and London. For people buying real estate on a global market, it’s very cheap here, comparatively.

What’s cool about the District now? The music scene is enormous. Growing up here, we had no restaurants, no bars, no clubs. We had to lobby to get the club scene to open to all ages. I go to Comet; it’s quaint. I end up at Backstage at Black Cat a lot. I also love the whole roots-music thing in DC. I go to JV’s off Route 50—mellow, free cover, great food. It’s the last of the great bar-band scenes. Also, the new Gypsy Sally’s in Georgetown.

What are your go-to spots? What keeps me in this neighborhood is the Connecticut Avenue NW strip off Nebraska—Politics & Prose and Buck’s. Little Red Fox has the best apple pie. The wilds of upper northwest DC are quickly becoming populated with hipper places.

What effect does this town have on your artistry? It’s a place of extreme haves and have-not; communicating this drives me. Fugazi spent time trying to bridge that gap. You want to use your tools; get on a loud microphone and tell people about it. No matter how affluent this city gets, there will always be a profound need to fill that hole and to help people.

Some people say DC is stuffy. It’s important to live your life at night in DC. It’s quiet, cool, and beautiful in the night air. There’s stuff to do every night of the week. It’s all accessible, in every way…. We’ve been in Northwest DC for 17 years, and it’s just gotten better and better.

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Association of Metropolitan Washington, there were 1,400 restaurants in the greater DC area in 2001, almost 2,000 in 2010, and currently there are north of 2100. Called “one of the most exciting restaurant cities on the Eastern Seaboard”

by Travel + Leisure, DC has become known for culinary distinctions that include James Beard Award– winning chefs, such José Andrés ( Jaleo, minibar) and Johnny Monis (Komi), a AAA Five Diamond restaurant in CityZen, and restaurants like Del Campo, Casa Luca, and Daikaya, which are included on Esquire and GQ’s 2013 and 2014 best US restaurants lists.

According to a new report from Cushman & Wakefield retail services, food and beverage sales in the 14th Street/Logan Circle area totaled more than $68 million in 2013. In fact, these emerging culinary neighborhoods brought in more dining dollars than the traditional DC culinary hubs of Georgetown ($61.6 million) or Dupont Circle ($37.7 million).

Continuing the revitalization of Washington is CityCenterDC. The once-bleak tract of downtown Washington east of the White House has undergone a remarkable transformation.

By the time CityCenter broke ground in 2011, $10.6 billion had already been invested in more than 150 real estate projects in the area. Where people were fleeing the District in droves 20 years ago, the population in DC increased 7.4 percent from April 2010 to July 2013.

CityCenterDC is Downtown’s signature neighborhood, where an unmatched mix of shops and restaurants, apartments, condominiums, office buildings, and common areas blend for a vibrant urban experience. It encompasses 2.5 million square feet and covers more than five city blocks. The $950 million development began construction with Phase I in spring 2011, and Phase II should be completed by the third quarter of 2016. CityCenter has been described as “a modern-day Rockefeller Center” by the New York Times. Reported CityCenter retailers include such luxury brands as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Paul Stuart, Salvatore Ferragamo, Zadig & Voltaire, Burberry, Hugo Boss, and Kate Spade, among others. That sets the cool bar pretty high. We’re looking forward to seeing what “cool” pops up next.

Here’s to continued glamorous growth in our fair city. CF

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Will Byrne is focused on bringing affordable, clean energy to homes and nonprofits. On his days off, he takes in live music shows and enjoys brews at Dacha Beer Garden (PICTURED).

SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS CEO Will Byrne

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TK; ILLUSTRATION BY TK

Opting to innovate in the burgeoning social enterprise space armed only with an English degree and a passion, Will Byrne founded the nonprofit Groundswell. Today, the organization—whose mission is to bring the clean energy economy to the community level—is a team of 17 with offices in downtown DC, where visitors are greeted with a framed photograph of Byrne and President Bill Clinton.

Could you have launched Groundswell somewhere besides DC? Less than five years ago, I started Groundswell with a few others, and we’ve figured out a way to basically bundle households or nonprofits—charter schools, faith organizations, health clinics—into group purchasers so they have leverage. The outcome is that communities are getting capital in the form of savings and more clean energy resources. San Francisco is a hotbed as well as New York and Portland. But the level of interest in start-ups and entrepreneurship has transformed DC. I’m very excited and hopeful. Now it’s much more a part of the fabric of the city, a place that’s really excited about entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. And a place where starting your own venture is seen as not just legit, but also cool.

Having this growing entrepreneur community— especially one that is focused on social issues—in the backyard of Congress can only be a good thing for the country.

What is the best scene in town? All Souls—a cool, cool place. There’s so much happening that is really cool. Friday evenings near Dupont, they have free entry to all the galleries, and you get wine. The artists are there, very unpretentious and welcoming. People talk about how the arts scene isn’t super strong, but it’s there; you just have to look. I love E Street Cinema, and the history of the jazz scene here is really cool.

Dacha Beer Garden: I lived in Berlin and can attest that it’s legit. And I’m a huge music guy.

The 9:30 Club—I don’t know that people realize we have the most esteemed rock venue in the country. groundswell.org

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Gert Barkovic is excited about all of the new creative businesses coming to DC.

DESIGNING MIND Gert Barkovic Founder of menswear collective Mutiny, Gert Barkovic is a sculptor by training, and her workroom reflects her artistic talents. It’s small (less than 500 square feet), inviting, and stylish with a distinctive smoky and woodsy fragrance.

What’s cool about this space? 52 O Street NW is so cool. This collective space has been here for about a decade. I moved in here in September. This is one of the most unique buildings in the city; one of the few places for artists.

There are lots of designers in the building and great creative energy.

What evolution do you see happening in town? DC is in a huge renaissance. You look at the skyline, and it’s crane after crane. The creative spirit based on the development has fabricated this different mood. Things are more viable for those who want to seek a creative profession. The art presence is becoming larger.

The nation’s capital should be the coolest town in the whole damn country. It should be the best in green spaces, with more places where people can congregate. DC could be even more open to independent businesses, too, because they make the city as unique as it can be.

Why is 14th Street the place to be? In nine years, I’ve seen a huge change. We have beautiful businesses coming in. I hope, as the development slows down, the city can foster the independent spirit more. I love my neighborhood; I want to be able to walk out my door and hang out at a little bookshop or a coffee place. I hope for more of these alternative lifestyle spaces.

I think that’ll happen. Stores like Redeem and the Muléh are really valuable to neighborhood life.

Where do those in the know like to go out? Etto is everything I love. My husband and I spend Sunday mornings at Le Diplomate.

There’s Et Voila on MacArthur Boulevard, a tiny Belgian restaurant with the best burger.

And the bar at the Jefferson Hotel—we love hanging out there; some of the conversations are outrageously fun to listen to. We need more speakeasies and quiet little places, too. Mutiny, 52 O St. NW, 202-500-8680; mutinydc.com

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The hot list OF COOL THESE TOP LOCAL SPOTS SIMPLY OOZE COOL. 9:30 Club, DC’s all-ages rock venue since 1980. 815 V St. NW, 202-265-0930; 930.com All Souls Bar, A standout star in ever-evolving Shaw.

725 T St. NW, 202-733-5929; allsoulsbar.com Barber of Hell’s Bottom, Offering the modern District gentleman the perfect cut and straight razor-shave. 818 Rhode Island Ave. NW, 202-332-0200; barberofhellsbottom.com Bluejacket, Transformed from manufacturing complex to restaurant, brewery, and bar serving a rotation of 20 beers and five cask ales. 300 Tingey St. SE, 202-5244862; bluejacketdc.com Busboys and Poets, Vegan, book snob, carnivore, activist, poet, student—you’re all welcome here.

2021 14th St. NW, 202-387-7638; busboysandpoets.com Daikaya, Prepare yourself to fall truly, madly, deeply in love with a bowl of ramen noodles. 705 6th St. NW, 202-589-1600; daikaya.com Design Army, Thinking way outside the box—and making visual dreams come true. 510 H St. NE, 202-797-1018; designarmy.com DTR Modern Galleries, Looking for your next Warhol?

2820 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202338-0625; dtrmodern.com Eat the Rich, Indulge in a locally sourced and Chesapeake Bay–centric menu from chef Julien Shapiro. Don’t forget the mini beer back with your oyster shooter.

1839 7th St. NW, 202-316-9396; etrbar.com

Echostage, The District’s venue to catch EDM titan Tiësto or the UK’s soulful crooner Sam Smith.

2135 Queens Chapel Road NE, 202503-2330; echostage.com Hank’s Oyster Bar, Oysters on the half shell rule the ice bar at this Dupont eatery. Or try the sake oyster shooter. 1624 Q St. NW, 202-462-4265; hanksoysterbar.com Heist, Stay late into the early morning at this subterranean club and party to the sets of DJs they’ve just flown in. 1802 Jefferson Pl. NW, 202-450-2126; heistdc.com Jack Rose Dining Saloon, Home to a hand-selected whiskey collection of 1,600-plus bottles.

2007 18th St. NW, 202-5887388; jackrosediningsaloon.com Little Red Fox, Gourmet market plus coffee shop plus to-go prepared foods equals a neighborhood foodie nirvana.

5035 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202248-6346; littleredfoxdc.com Long View Gallery, Doubled in size after a recent renovation to now hold 600 guests, this gallery supports local and national artists, and serves as a versatile event venue. 1234 9th St. NW, 202232-4788; longviewgallerydc.com Major, The spot for on-trend sneakers, headwear, and apparel.

1426 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202625-6732; majordc.com Palace 5ive, Skaters flock to this den of all things skateboard-related.

2220 14th St. NW, 202-299-9008; palace5ive.com Peregrine Espresso, The coffee is sure to change your morning

routine. 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 202-629-4381; peregrineespresso.com

the drive-in movies throughout the summer. 1309 5th St. NE; unionmarketdc.com

PX, Do you know the password?

You’ll need it to gain access to this 1920s-style speakeasy. 728 King St., Alexandria, 703-299-8385; eamonnsdublinchipper.com/visit/px

Vace, This authentic Italian deli is a top local source for homemade pastas, sauces, and specialty foods. 3315 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-363-1999; vaceitaliandeli.com

Red Light, The search for the perfect nightcap is over. Check out this little cocktail-and-desserts-only establishment. 1401 R St. NW, 202234-0400; redlightbardc.com Redeem, Offering select items by up-and-coming designers for image-conscious Washingtonians.

1810 14th St. NW, 202-332-7447; redeemus.com SAX, Celebrate an event at this opulent venue with shows nightly and a lively burlesque brunch on Sundays. 734 11th St. NW, 202737-0101; saxwdc.com

Vinoteca, Try a cheese flight or small plates from the locally sourced menu at this wine-centric eatery. 1940 11th St. NW, 202332-9463; vinotecadc.com Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Bringing new and innovative plays for its 34th season.

641 D St. NW, 202-289-2443; woollymammoth.net Have a spot that’s #DCCool?

Share with us on Instagram and Twitter @capitolfilemag.

Sushiko, Serving DC denizens sushi since 1976. 5455 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-961-1644; sushikorestaurants.com Thai X-ing, A townhouseturned-restaurant serving traditional Thai cuisine gives new meaning to a home-cooked meal.

515 Florida Ave. NW, 202-3324322; thaix-ing.com Treasury, Curated clothing mixing vintage pieces and modern styles for those striving for responsible consumerism. 1843 14th St. NW, 202-332-9499; shoptreasury.com Union Market, Artisans abound offering the best meats, cheese, breads, teas, home essentials, and more. Don’t miss

Sample the freshest seafood on the bustling patio at Hank’s Oyster Bar.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTOGRAPHY MEDFORD TAYLOR/GETTY

BY TK; ILLUSTRATION IMAGES BY TK

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All the

PRETTY HORSES PHOTOGRAPHY BY TK; ILLUSTRATION BY TK

Chincoteague Island celebrates its 89th year of the historic pony swim.

By Meg Weaver

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ess than a 200-mile drive southeast of DC, Chincoteague Island—a fishing village of 4,000 residents—is shielded in its eponymous bay from the Atlantic Ocean by Assateague Island. Each year, the 37-mile barrier island of Assateague becomes home to some 65 new foals born to the wild ponies that roam it. And while those ponies serve as a major attraction to the Chincoteague and Assateague visitors, their population requires maintaining. In doing so, a rich annual tradition of swimming them across the bay, then auctioning them off to great fanfare continues.

Famed “Saltwater Cowboys”—expert horseman, many of whom are part of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company (CVFC), who manage and care for the Virginia ponies—round up the herd and lead them across the channel to Chincoteague, where they’re auctioned off. Those two components, the swim and the auction, make up the

highly anticipated annual Pony Penning. This year—the 89th—some 40,000 visitors are expected.

“Pony Penning week is many things to many people,” says Lin Mazza of Miss Molly’s Inn. “Those who come every year are very serious about the ponies, know all their names, who sired them, and who the dam is. [Others] come with their very excited children… to bid at the auction for their favorite foal.”

The Algonquin Gingo-Teague tribe likely first inhabited the island and lent it its name. The British then settled in Chincoteague in 1671. During these early days, penning was the method by which livestock owners would claim, harness, or brand their herds. The first description of Chincoteague pony penning dates to 1835, by which time eating, drinking, and socializing had become aspects of the ritual. After fires in the early 20th century destroyed large sections of the island,

Chincoteague pony penning dates to 1835, by which time eating, drinking, and socializing had become aspects of the ritual.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK WILSON/GETTY IMAGES (PONIES HERDED, PARADE, ON-LOOKERS); JASON O. WATSON (COWBOY, SWIM); CHRIS HACKETT/GETTY IMAGES (PENNED PONIES)

The ponies are first herded into the Assateague Channel.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Saltwater

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TK; ILLUSTRATION BY TK

Cowboys are charged with wrangling the ponies before they begin their swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague; some spectators stand bayside awaiting for the annual event; after swimming across the bay, horses rest at the park before being paraded down Main Street.

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The exact time of the swim will be announced closer to the day at the nightly carnival (3648 Main St.); it is usually held on a Wednesday between 7 AM and 1 PM. The ponies swim across Assateague Channel, roughly the length of a football field, to an area south of Memorial Park. The best spot to watch the swim is on a boat or a kayak; call ahead to charter one. It’s free to watch the swim, though parking at Memorial Park is handicap-only.

Park at the Combined School and catch the free shuttle to the park.

Greg Descheemaeker, a photographer who has covered the event for the Eastern Shore News, suggests that “bikes are a great way to get around.” Barbara Huffman, who’s lived on Chincoteague most of her life, recommends Pony Swim Lane as a perfect roost from which to watch the swim. chincoteague.com/ pony_swim_guide

Spectactors inch into the water to get closer to the action.

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villagers organized a carnival during pony penning to raise funds for the CVFC. In 1925, more than 15 colts were sold. By 1947, when Marguerite Henry’s beloved Misty of Chincoteague was published, the fire company had transferred its ponies to the uninhabited Assateague Island, where the government allowed publicly owned herds to graze on the newly established Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

The ponies—bay to buckskin, palomino to pinto—have lived in the area for hundreds of years. Some say they are descendants of ponies let loose by mainlanders to avoid taxes. Others believe they are survivors of the Spanish galleon La Galga, which wrecked offshore in 1750.

Assateague’s harsh environment and limited diet of saltwater cordgrass give the ponies, a registered breed since 1994, their stockiness and bloated bellies.

Each year, the CVFC renews its permit with the National Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain the ponies. The National Park Service cares for the ponies on Assateague’s Maryland side. To keep

their herd at no more than 150, CVFC must auction off foals and yearlings. The Saltwater Cowboys round up the ponies on Assateague the week prior to the swim. Edwin Taylor, who’s been a Saltwater Cowboy for some 30 years, says many of the cowboys are “father-and-son deals.” Be at the beach around 6 AM that Monday to watch the Saltwater Cowboys escort the ponies from the north corral along the beach to join those in the south corral.

The pony swim, the highlight of the festivities, takes place on Wednesday, at slack tide (30 minutes between high and low tides), when there is little current. Before departing, veterinarians pull from the herd those too young, old, or infirm to make the swim. Denise Bowden, CVFC president, says they’ve “never lost one pony in 88 years.” The first foal to swim ashore is crowned King or Queen Neptune and is given away at a raffle. After resting at the park, the ponies are paraded down Main Street by the Saltwater Cowboys to the carnival grounds, where the auction is held on Thursday at 8 AM. Be there early to bid. Last year, 54 ponies were sold, with an average cost of nearly $2,200. More than $110,000 was raised, which supports the fire company and provides year-round veterinary care for the herd and hay during severe weather. On Friday, the ponies swim back to Assateague. Some locals recommend catching this return swim, which is a much more mellow event, without the crowds of the first swim. Lifelong resident Barbara Huffman says, “The swim back is just as, if not more, exciting.”

Most ponies sold become children’s pets, says the Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director Evelyn Shotwell. Bowden says that they halter easily and are good with kids, thanks to their stature.

Mazza says the carnival is “straight out of the ’50s with funnel cake and cotton candy, so typical of Chincoteague.” Clam and oyster fritters are popular offerings. If headed to the pony penning, be ready to get dirty. The Fire Company says pony penning is not a “black-tie affair.” It’s precisely this “marsh mud between one’s toes,” as is said of locals, coupled with the history behind the events, that make pony penning unique. CF

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON O. WATSON (PONY); MEDFORD TAYLOR/GETTY IMAGES (COWBOY);

Those in the know recommend how best to enjoy the Pony Swim

If headed to the pony penning, be ready to get dirty.

The Fire Company says pony penning is not a “black-tie affair.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK WILSON/GETTY IMAGES

PONY UP

Excited ocal children look for crabs while waiting for the ponies to arrive; most of the Saltwater Cowboys are volunteer firefighters and expert horsemen; they help round up the herd of veterinarian-approved ponies, as only healthy horses make the swim.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON O. WATSON (PONY); MEDFORD TAYLOR/GETTY IMAGES (COWBOY); BONNIE JO MOUNT/THE WASHINGTON POST VIA GETTY IMAGES (CHILDREN)

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

SEE, STAY, AND EAT

For those making the trip to Chincoteague, overnight accommodations and dining options abound.

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or visitors seeking to stay the night (or more), Chincoteague offers a variety of accommodations. Miss Molly’s Inn (4141 Main St., Chincoteague Island, Virginia, 757-336-6686; missmollys-inn.com), where Marguerite Henry stayed while writing her Newberry Award–winning book, is a sevenroom Victorian B&B on Main Street.

The Refuge Inn (7058 Maddox Blvd., Chincoteague Island, 757-336-5511; refuge inn.com), just moments from the Assateague

Island bridge, offers casual rooms and suites, a pool, and its own Chincoteague ponies.

Campers in tents or vehicles will enjoy Tom’s Cove Park campground (8128 Beebe Road, Chincoteague Island, 757-336-6498; tomscovepark.com), which has wooded and waterfront sites, fishing piers, general store, and club house.

Most dining choices on Chincoteague revolve around seafood: The day’s catch at AJ’s on the Creek (6585 Maddox Blvd.,

Chincoteague Island, 757-336-5888; ajsonthe creek.com) is hand-delivered by the owner’s captain husband.

Etta’s Channel Side Restaurant (7452 East Side Road, Chincoteague Island, 757-3365644; ettaschannelside.com) overlooks the Assateague lighthouse and serves founder Etta’s famous crab cakes. And Mister Whippy (6201 Maddox Blvd., Chincoteague Island, 757-336-5122; misterwhippy.com) is a popular spot for an ice cream overdose.

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Haute Property NEWS, STARS, AND TRENDS IN REAL ESTATE

The expansive property at 203 President Street exudes the feeling of a peaceful vacation home.

Modern Love CONTEMPORARY ANNAPOLIS HOMES OFFER LUXE ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE HISTORIC CHESAPEAKE BAY. BY JAMES SERVIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN SHANAHAN

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here there is buildable land on the Chesapeake Bay, modern homes bring new life and sleek architectural styles to shores dotted with shingled cottages and Victorian and Georgian residences (according to Historic Annapolis Foundation, the city has more 18th-century buildings than anywhere else in the country). “In the past 10 to 15 years, new home owners on the Chesapeake Bay have been moving toward modern-contemporary styles,” says Dawn Lednum, owner of Chesapeake Bay Real Estate Plus in St. Michaels, Maryland (410-745-6702; cbreplus.com).

Amenities like “smart house” technology (remote control of temperature, lighting, shades, sound system, hot tubs) and oversize windows for optimal water views are prime draws.

One spacious manse—set like a crisp, white sail on a cove in Annapolis— offers perfectly proportioned, light-filled rooms, charming views, and an honorable history in its relatively short life on the waterfront. Built in 1993 near an estuary off the bay, the 5,200-square-foot, four-bedroom property

has been a sanctuary for a couple with strong ties to the US Naval Academy.

“They are like surrogate parents to midshipmen, who have stayed with them through the years,” says Michael Moore (202-262-7762; sothebysrealty.com), the Sotheby’s International agent representing the home, for sale at $4.5 million.

Working with Joseph Boggs of Boggs & Partners Architects (410-268-3797; boggspartners.com), the couple created a structure of graceful lines and sculptural spaces—an airy foyer, sweeping living and dining areas on the ground floor, and cozy guest bedrooms on the second floor, one of which has been converted into a gym. In a third-floor loft hideaway, the owners have enjoyed reading books or playing musical instruments while looking out at the views.

Bleached white oak floors, soft, clean lines, banks of windows angled to catch the sun, and gallery-style recessed ceiling lighting contribute to the property’s uplifting feel. “There’s a sense of peace, contentment, and bliss in this home,” says Sotheby’s International’s Melanie Hayes (202-549-7373; sothebys continued on page 106

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continued from page 105 realty.com), a co-lister of the home at 203 President Street. “It’s like the feeling you get when you’re on vacation—when everything is in order, the temperature’s perfect, and everything’s just right. It’s so calming to look outside and see the water.”

Proximity to water is what brought the original owners here; it’s a prime selling point of the property, says Moore, who points out the nautical extras, such as a 100-foot dock and four slips.

“The dock runs the whole length of the property,” he says. Here, the owners kept a Mariah powerboat and a Hobie sailboat; the two additional slips could be used by guests. The property, totaling 1.01 acres, has two subdivided areas where two additional houses could be built by the new owners or sold to a developer.

“The permits are already in place, which is a nice attribute to the property,” says Hayes.

Another glamorous, Europeanstyle four-bedroom, built in 2007, with dramatic wraparound porches, double-height rooms, and elegant, unobstructed views exudes a similarly modern aesthetic at 3779 Margits Lane in Trappe, Maryland (Lacaze Meredith Real Estate, 410-2282050). Other features include an outdoor kitchen, a waterside pool, and dockage. The home is listed for $2.449 million.

A stunning glass-fronted white structured estate at 125 Twin Cove Road (Coldwell Banker Waterman Realty, 410-643-5005) in Stevensville, Maryland, is set on a whopping 18 acres on the

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Chesapeake Bay. Among other selling points of this contemporary six-bedroom, 8,462-squarefoot home—priced at $3.975 million and built in 1992—are a balcony off the master suite, an outdoor tennis court, attached and detached garages, and a movie-star-ready indoor pool.

The comparatively coziest of this lot of modern waterfront properties is a four-bedroom in Annapolis with South River water views, at 974 Melvin Road. The $2.395 million, mid-century modern two story house (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 410-263-8686) has a rustic exterior and a wraparound, screened porch.

Nestled amid lush landscaping on two acres, it has a tree -house quality. The sleek, modern interiors feature warm wood floors and skylights, while a large artist’s studio, an art gallery, and a private pier add to the allure of the property. CF

TOP TRENDS Buyers seek open plans and high-tech amenities at their fingertips.

Lighter, brighter, streamlined, and smart are key qualities of modern and contemporary properties that are trending in the Annapolis area, say local realtors. “People want homes with lots of glass if they’re facing the water, interiors with lighter woods—bamboo instead of the traditional oak,” notes Dawn Lednum, of Chesapeake Bay Real Estate Plus.

Interiors and exteriors are becoming as sleek and efficient as the technology that now guides nearly every domestic function.

“Everyone wants a ‘smart house’ that can be worked from an iPad— heat, security, lights, pool, and hot tub,” says Lednum.

Today’s homes maximize the luxury potential of every square foot. “All space is usable,” says Annette Winters, associate broker of the McNelis Group Real Estate Services (410-394-0990; mcnelisgroup.com).

“There are no living rooms that are just for the holidays like a ranch house would have in the 1950s.”

Instead, money is poured into upgrading master bathrooms and kitchens, says Charlie Buckley of Long & Foster Real Estate (410-2666880; waterfronthomes.org). “People are so busy that they don’t have time to go to a spa, so they’ll invest in rain showerheads and machines that turn a shower into a steam room.”

Equally trendy are deluxe kitchens with big open floor plans, where living and dining areas flow.

“Kitchens are not hidden anymore,” says Buckley. “They’re display areas with nice tile, stone countertops, undercounter wine coolers, and two dishwashers. It’s all about making a home easy and enjoyable, good for entertaining and families.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN SHANAHAN (203 PRESIDENT)

The interiors of the two-story President Street property boasts a modern aesthetic while offering a homey vibe.

The European-style home on Margits Lane (BOTTOM) features two stories of elegant, wraparound porches.

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ESTATEMENTS

Let the Art Shine In T

he Washington area luxury housing market has bounced from strength to strength over the past few years. A recent report by the brokerage Redfin shows that while sales for upper-middle-, middle- and lower-price tiers have decreased slightly compared to 2013, sales for the top 1 percent of the market have grown by 2.4 percent.

Within this return to popularity there comes an increased diversity of preferences—one being family-size homes and another being a fabulous venue to display art.

ABOVE: With tall walls and expansive Of course, developers must space, this Bethesda home at 9000 Fernwood Road affords ample areas for devise creative ways to accommo- art displays. RIGHT: The designer of the date these two competing needs home at 541 7th St. SE created a logical flow of floor plans in order to for the same space. A newly accommodate artwork. renovated Capitol Hill home (541 7th St. SE, $2,495,000; Pam Wye, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, 202-239-3344; pam wye.com) found a solution with the help of prominent DC designer Darryl Carter. Developer Martin Ditto of Ditto Residential (2217 14th St. NW, 202-905-2729; dittodc.com) says Carter and his team helped configure a new flow to the rooms so that there were dramatic spaces for art without giving it a museum feel. “In a gallery space, you want long walls so you can put the pieces of art next to each other,” said Ditto. “But in a house, you don’t necessarily want to put art in a row, because the artworks in your peripheral vision distract from the art right in front of you.”

Another example of the right way to showcase an art collection is the lavish home called Fidelio

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(Christopher Ritzert and Christie Weiss, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, 202333-1212, ttrsir.com). This 61-acre estate made national news when it came on the market, as it had been transformed by the art collectors George and Ursula Andreas over the course of several years. Now offered at $15 million, each room of the 12,000-square-foot main villa can house several pieces of art so that none of them are exposed to direct sunlight and they can be appreciated from nearly every position within the space.

Sculpture collectors often encounter the greatest challenge when trying to find a home since their pieces generally need more room to accommodate a quality display.

A rambler-style home for sale in Bethesda (9000 Fernwood Road, $2,295,000; Jane Fairweather, Coldwell Banker, 240The massive Fidelio estate (BELOW) has housed noteworthy 223-4663; janefairweather art collectors, who have .com), demonstrates how to transformed the living room (LEFT) into a gallery-like space. design a home for freestanding items with a light-filled atrium consisting of several platforms, resting above a rock garden. As the main focal point of the five-bedroom, eight-and-a-half-bath home, its layout allows for each sculpture to benefit from the natural light without competing for attention with other pieces.

To live amid art is a luxury, and a space that lets individual pieces look their best can be as important as the art itself. As Martin Ditto sums up, “Ultimately, the house is the frame for the art. It is the context in which it lives.” CF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN SHANAHAN (FIDELIO LIVING ROOM); LEE T. ANDERSON (FIDELIO EXTERIOR); PIERS AT HOMEVISIT (541 7TH ST.); COLDWELL BANKER (9000 FERNWOOD)

DC AREA HOMES ARE THE BENCHMARK FOR PROPERTIES THAT FEATURE EXQUISITE ART COLLECTIONS. BY AMY ROSE DOBSON

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LONG WEEKEND

Glamorous Getaways OUR STAFF ESCAPED FOR A FEW DAYS OF LUXURY AT FOUR MID-ATLANTIC RETREATS AND ONE STAY FURTHER AFIELD—AND HERE’S WHAT THEY FOUND.

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chool’s out for summer, which means it’s time to pack the sunscreen and head out of town for some R&R. Whether you’re traveling en famille or enjoying a romantic escape, these five luxe destinations are sure to satisfy your wanderlust.

SALAMANDER RESORT, Associate Editor Amy Moeller

It’s not quite over the river and through the woods, but the horses would surely lead the way to this 340-acre equestrian oasis, 40-some miles west of DC. Inside the 168-room estate, inspired by owner Sheila Johnson’s own home, the warm atmosphere features homey décor, with much of the art from her personal collection. The floors were installed with a unique suspension to make them feel historic, and equestrian touches abound. Despite the accolades of the resort’s luxurious indoor-outdoor spa with private retreats, its two restaurants (try the gourmet cooking classes), and handy car service

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to visit nearby vineyards, the real attraction is the equestrian center. Riders of all levels can enjoy the draw with beginner sessions, trail rides, and even yoga classes on horseback—and on-site boarding makes Salamander the perfect accommodation for foxhunters and enthusiasts who prefer their own ride. Rooms start at $275 per night for nonpeak months. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, VA, 540-687-3600; salamanderresort.com FOUR SEASONS BALTIMORE, Marketing Director Laura Mullen

An hour from downtown DC, the Four Seasons Baltimore sits among the bustling circle of Harbor East—a destination in itself at the city’s Inner Harbor.

Surrounded by boutiques and museums, the luxury hotel doesn’t disappoint with shopping, dining, and relaxation. But the real treasure of the Four Seasons is the expansive 10,200-square-foot spa with 11 treatment rooms. We recommend treating yourself to a day of skin, body, and nail services, including

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN KRIEL; COURTESY OF THE INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON (BEETS); COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BALTIMORE

Set on a 340-acre expanse, Salamander Resort offers 168 well-appointed rooms and activities for equestrians of all levels.

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Guests at the Four Seasons Baltimore enjoy cocktails on the waterfront patio.

Critics have called the fare at the Inn at Little Washington “so good it makes you cry.” the ultradecadent two-and-a-half-hour Quench body treatment, followed by the Heat Experience room, and then head to the waterfront patio and relax on the sofas with a refreshing cocktail. As the sun sets, end your night with a satisfying meal at one of two on-site gourmet restaurants—Michael Mina’s Wit & Wisdom and the Japanese-inspired Pabu. Room rates start at $479. 200 International Dr., Baltimore, 410-576-5800; fourseasons.com/Baltimore NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT, Publisher Suzy Jacobs

To beat the heat, head north to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Situated three hours from DC on 2,000 acres in the Laurel Highlands region of the Allegheny Mountains, Nemacolin offers a plethora of activities. Go hunting, fishing, golfing, off-roading in a Jeep Rubicon, or fly-fishing in the Youghiogheny River; or take a safari tour (they have a zoo on property). Nemacolin’s Lautrec is one of only a handful restaurants in the world to hold both Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond awards. The resort has six lodging options, including a French château, a glam boutique hotel whose design was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, and family-friendly

townhouses. Be pampered in the luxurious Woodlands Spa with 40 treatment rooms. And don’t worry about the kids; put them in Kidz Klub, and they may cry when you pick them up to leave. Rooms start at $395 mid-week in the summer. 1001 Lafayette Dr., Farmington, PA, 724-329-8555; nemacolin.com INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON, Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth E. Thorp

Book the babysitter. The Inn at Little Washington is the romantic adult getaway you’ve been meaning to take for years. A 90-minute drive from DC, the 18-room Relais & Châteaux property is a sumptuous hideaway nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in historic Washington, Virginia. Every detail at the extravagant inn is thoughtfully executed by Joyce Evans, a London stage and set designer. Star chef and owner Patrick O’Connell, a James Beard Award winner, makes the Inn a destination for gourmet connoisseurs worldwide. In addition to having one of the most memorable meals of your life—critics have called the fare “so good it makes you cry”—enjoy the quaint town’s stores and art galleries, bicycling, afternoon tea, daily breakfast, and a kitchen tour. Rooms begin at $460 a night. 309 Main St., Washington, VA, 540-675-3800; theinnatlittlewashington.com FURTHER AFIELD… LONGVIEW MANOR ON ROUND HILL

Hop a three-and-a-half-hour flight from DC to luxury Jamaican villas. Poised within the gates of posh Round Hill resort and around the bend from Ralph Lauren’s compound, Longview Manor offers acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and sweeping views of the Caribbean.

The stunning villa sleeps 14, and with a doting staff of six—including a butler and a cook—it might be your most relaxing getaway ever. After enjoying a made-to-order breakfast on the terrace, use the private tennis court, lounge around the pool, go for a walk, or take Longview’s golf cart down to glamorous Round Hill Hotel. There, head to the spa, drop off the children at Kids’ Club, take in afternoon tea, go for a sail, or hit the beach bar for some rum punch. Summer This beet salad is rates are $1,785 a night for up to four bedpart of James Beard Award–winning chef rooms and $2,500 a night for seven bedrooms.

Patrick O’Connell’s John Pringle Drive, Montego Bay, Jamaica, jamaica menu at the Inn at Little Washington. villas.com/villa/longview-manor-at-round-hill CF

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F reely Speaking!

Confessions of a Hill Staffer WHILE THE CATS ARE AWAY, THE MICE WILL... RACE.

BY MARGARET CARRAWAY

ILLUSTRATION BY DANIEL O’LEARY

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t’s July 31 on Capitol Hill. The last vote series has been called. The last cosponsor requests have been submitted. And suddenly, after a mass exodus to DCA, stillness falls over the Hill. It’s August recess.

The Congressional summer recess has been officially practiced since 1970 (and traditionally since 1791). If you’ve ever experienced DC weather in August, you know better than to blame members of Congress and their staff for skipping town and going, well, anywhere else.

As members head back to their districts to either tout what they’ve been doing all summer or complain about what the other side has (or hasn’t) done, the remaining staff who haven’t evacuated man the offices, producing dozens of editorial board memos, town hall talking points, and ribbon-cutting speeches for the boss’s travels.

But for all the work that’s still being done, August recess is a godsend. The pace is slower, the meetings are less frequent, the dress code is casual (i.e., no heels), and lunches are eaten properly and leisurely—with real silverware—instead of hunched over a desk, with a half of a sandwich competing for space with a keyboard.

If you can recall the “December to Remember”—the 2011 episode in which three staffers were promptly fired following a series of injudicious tweets that documented even more injudicious behavior in an effort to party out the end of the session—it’s not hard to imagine the kind of shenanigans that go down when a gaggle of 20-somethings work together in a room the size of a generous cardboard box.

While that kind of scandal is not the norm, staffers do like to break out of their type-A workaholism to blow off steam, and August is the perfect time to do it. I can’t say I’ve never heard of a chair race down the marble corridors of Cannon during August, or of traveling staffers returning to find their desks covered in Post-its and/or all of their drawers jammed shut. And, of course, visits to Capitol Lounge are a must (although I’d like it to be noted that the recent lack of shuffleboard hasn’t gone unnoticed).

On rare occasions, the fates align and throw us a real opportunity to enjoy the recess. Fire drills are as sweet as they are short. And let us not forget Earthquake Day 2011. Exiled from our offices—allowing inspection of the House Office Buildings’ structural integrity—the next logical place to be on a sunny August day was the Lounge. My belated apologies to the bartender whose day off was ruined when he was called in to handle the unexpected swarm of suddenly liberated staffers.

It’s true—there’s not a staffer on the Hill who doesn’t spend the summer anticipating August recess. Office pranks and dive bars may not sound like things to live for, but in this town of political nerds and policy wonks, you can’t expect miracles. CF

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