The Downtowner

THE

DOWNTOWNER

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 26

All the News you can use!

MARCH 23 - APRIL 5 2011

Honoring Japan

DreamHome 2011 Jewel Tones of Design

The Making of a Vineyard -Food & Wine

Mike Daisey at Woolly Mammoth -Performance

Wesley Heights

Georgetown

Georgetown

Observatory Circle

Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344 Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344

Russell Firestone 202.271.1701

Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344

Completely renovated, expanded Tudor mansion with main house & 2 BR, 3 bath guest house with 12,500 +/- interior sf. 1/2 acre +. 7 BR, 7.5 baths, expansive kitchen, huge atrium-like family room, FDR, incredible library, MBR suite w/2 fully separate baths, dressing rooms & closets.

Home theater, home gym, full staff quarters.

Large deck, pool, 2 att gars for 3 cars & exterior parking for at least 9 more cars. $8,995,000.

Complete top-to-bottom renovation. 4,100 sf on four finished levels, 6 BR, 5.5 baths, luxurious features, gorgeous wood floors, thick crown molding, sunken LR & family rm each w / fplcs, top-of-the-line kit w/ marble counters, SubZero and Viking, baths w / Waterworks fixtures and tiled in marble. The large private back yard with 8’ x 41’ lap pool. 1 car garage. $4,100,000.

Sun-drenched semi-detached East Village residence featuring huge (nearly 500 sf) living room plus separate dining room, 11’ ceilings, hardwood floors and privatet deep garden. 3 BR, 3.5 baths up. Full basement with bedroom, bath and separate kitchen. Includes parking. 1st time on the market in over 30 years. A truly special opportunity. $1,895,000.

Large 6 BR, 4.5 bath stucco and shingle detached Victorian-esque home with inviting front porch. Steps from the National Cathedral.

High ceilings, wood floors, wood-burning fireplace, eat-in table space kitchen, sun room, 5 BR, 3 baths plus den on upper floors. Lower level in-law suite w/second kitchen, BR, bath.

Lovely rear garden/yard & detached garage. $1,575,000.

Join us on May 15, 2011 for the Washington Luxury Home Tour benefiting the Trust for the National Mall

Dupont Circle

Welcome to Swann Street, one of the prettiest & most sought after blocks in DC. Contemporary 3 BR, 2.5 bath spans 2,600+ sf features some the finest finishes available Including Waterworks baths, crown molding, eat-in kit w /KitchenAid and Jenn-Air appliances & gorgeous granite counters, Completing the package is a spacious 1 BR rental unit on the lower level. $1,449,000.

An exclusive look at some of the region’s most exceptional homes and gardens to support restoration of the National Mall, America’s front lawn.

Georgetown

Stunning end unit townhouse designed for elegant entertaining and causal living. Formal living room with fireplace & three sets of French doors lead to a private rear garden/terrace with fountain. Formal DR, renovated Viking, SubZero kitchen. Lower level has custom office, full bath and family room w/ fireplace. 3 BR, 3.5 baths. Custom finishes and detail throughout.

Private off street parking space. $1,390,000.

www.WashingtonLuxuryTour.com

Brent Jackson 202.263.9200 Robert Sanders 202.744.6463

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

Georgetown

Georgetown

Georgetown

Georgetown

Michelle Galler 703.217.9405

Julia Diaz-Asper 202.256.1887

Alex & Paul Group Yale Scott 202.412.2221

Michael Brennan Jr. 202.330.7808

Darling Federal on a quiet one-way street.

Lovely period architectural character includes fireplace, crown molding. Separate dining room with French doors leading to landscaped yard featured on Georgetown Garden Tour. Loads of storage includes walk-in and cedar closets, dry basement. Views of Tudor House gardens. Near buses, shopping and restaurants. The perfect city home. $987,000.

EAST VILLAGE. Charming and Bright 3 story brick Federal home in a mew setting. The living room features a wood-burning fireplace, built-in bookcases opening to private patio. 2 BR and full bath on top floor. In-law suite on lower level with full bath. High ceilings, wood floors, CAC. Proximity to Rose Park, restaurants and all the village amenities. $875,000.

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Renovated & spacious 2 BR and 2 full bath condo. Well designed layout features kitchen with granite counters and center island, dining and living rooms with radiant hardwood floors and a private outdoor terrace. Just steps to restaurants, shopping & galleries in Georgetown!

Offered at $729,000.

Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 202.333.1212

Just listed at the Papermill! 2 BR, one and a halfbath townhome/condominium with garage parking. Large patio, wood burning fireplace, attic, pool, low fee and a strong association make this property a special home. The location between the C&O Canal & Potomac River is a dream, with access to kayaking, running and bike paths right outside the front door. Shops, dining and nightlife too! $559,000.

McLean, VA 703.319.3344

Chevy Chase, MD 301.967.3344

© MMX Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Sound, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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Serving Washington, DC Since 2003 “All The News You Can Use” Vol. 7, No. 26

About the Cover

Publisher

Sonya Bernhardt Managing Editor

Ari Post Feature Editors

Gary Tischler Robert Devaney Account Executive

Marketing& Advertising Director

Adra Williams Alan DeFelice

Charlene Louis

4 — DC Scenes 5 — Up and Coming 6-7 — DT Observer 8-9 — Editorial 10 — Education One City Youth Employment Summer Program

Elle Fergusson

Web & Social Media

Contents

The cover image, by photographer by Jeff Malet, is of last year’s Lantern Lighting Ceremony among the cherry blossoms, ushering in the beginning of the spring season. Each year, the National Park Service and the National Council of State Societies conduct the Lantern Lighting Ceremony, and the Embassy of Japan appoints a Cherry Blossom Princess for the occasion, as seen on the cover. As the audience counts down from five, the lantern is lit in an exciting, traditional event that signals the arrival of spring.

See all of our Cherry Blossom coverage, and find out how you can contribute to Japan relief efforts, on pages 15 - 17.

12-13 - Washington Design Center 2011 DreamHome 14 — Gala Guide

Creative director

Jen Merino Graphic Design

From our contributors

Aaro Keipi

15-17 — Cover Story Cherry Blossom Festival2011 Japan Relief 18-19 — In Country Celebrate Spring in Easton, Maryland

Photographers Yvonne Taylor Neshan Naltchayan

Tom Wolff Jeff Malet

21-23 -- Food & Wine A Window into Wine Cherry Blossom Menus

Contributors Katherine Tallmadge Jody Kurash Jack Evans Linda Roth Conte Bill Starrels Mary Bird Jordan Wright Stacey Murphy Amos Gelb David Post John Blee Renee Garfinkel Margaret Loewith Lisa Gillespie Donna Evers Darrell Parsons Veena Trehan Cleo Braver

24 — Body & Soul Spring Cleaning Sprucing up your Heart,Mind, and Soul 26 — Performance Mike Daisey at Woolly Mammoth

Interns

Amy Engle Shelle Tran Samantha Hungerford Corrie Dyke

RObert Devaney

Counsel

PAGE 6-7,28-29

Juan Chardiet, Attorney

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

Copyright, 2009.

27 — Art Wrap “20 Years, 20 Artists” at The Ralls Collection

Photo by Neshan Naltchayan: Devaney with Laurie Dhue of Fox News fame.

Dress by Tsyndyma Shoes by Rene Caovilla at Neiman Marcus Bracelet by Adeler Jewelers Jorge Adeler custom designed checkerboard faceted amethyst and diamond pendant mounted in 14kt yellow gold with a hand hammered finish.

Robert Devaney has been involved with Georgetown and Washington, D.C, since his college days at Georgetown University, where he was editor-in-chief of The Georgetown Voice. Married at Holy Trinity Church, Devaney worked at U.S.News & World Report and Army Times Publishing. He has been a board member of the Francis Scott Key Foundation, which completed the park on M Street. After years at The Washington Times as an editor and writer, he later was editor of The Georgetowner. Now working in public relations and advising clients on promotion and websites, Devaney serves as an editorial consultant. He also writes about and photographs social, business and news events. He lives on Prospect Street at Halcyon House in Georgetown.

28-29 — Social Scene 2011 Leukemia Ball Night of the Stars Citizens “Boffi” Over Chefs’ Treats Building A Brighter Future The American Ireland Fund Gala Second Family Inc., Awards Dinner Latino Student Fund 30 - The Player Lincoln Pilcher

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DC Scenes Photos by Jeff Malet www.maletphoto.com

Actor and activist Ben Affleck (to the right) testified about war-torn Congo before the House Africa, Global Health and Human Rights Subcommittee, Tuesday, March 8, 2011 on Capitol Hill in Washington DC . Affleck urged the U.S. to help protect Congolese civilians, support the upcoming elections and appoint a special representative to coordinate U.S. aid to the region. Affleck is founder of the Eastern Congo Initiative advo-

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard (first two) addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington DC on March 9, 2011.

Gillard reaffirmed her support for the war in Afghanistan and pledged cooperation with the United States on issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

Only the fourth Australian PM to deliver a speech to a joint sitting of the US Congress, it was Gillard’s first Washington visit since she won election last year as Australia’s first female prime minister.

Rep. Peter T. King (last one on the right) (R-NY), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, chaired the first in a series of hearings on “ the critical issue of the radicalization of Muslim-Americans “ on Thursday March 10, 2011 on Capitol Hill on Washington DC. Lincoln Inauguration Sesquicentenial at the Capitol Visitors Center. March 5, 2011. A re-enactment was held to mark the 150th anniversary the previous day of Abraham Lincoln’s swearing-in as president of the United States on March 4, 1861. Sam Waterston (to the right), known for his portrayal of Lincoln in Gore Vidal’s Lincoln, and Law and Order, read the First Inaugural Address.

Liam (age 7 months in the first picture) celebrating his first St. Patric’s Day Greenbelt Dog Training Marching Drill Team Rush is the Great Dane and Banshee is the Miniature Pincher (pictured in the center) Miss District of Columbia – Stephanie Williams (last one on the right)

4 March 23, 2011 GMG, Inc.

UP March 24 Rhythms Of Azerbaij Enjoy a night of classical Azerbaijani percussion and jazz at the historic Lincoln Theatre in the famous U Street corridor. The Natig Rhythm Group starts off the night with a lively and fast-paced performance, followed by The Rast Group’s unique blend of classical Azerbaijani songs and contemporary jazz, 7:00 p.m.

Presented by the Karabakh Foundation. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

March 25 Camio Real Featuring a cast of top professional actors from DC and beyond, “Camino Real” is a staged reading with live music directed by Professor Derek Goldman. In this phantasmagorical play characters from literature and history inhabit a town on the edge of civilization where corruption and apathy have immobilized and nearly destroyed the human spirit. Part of the Tennessee Williams Centennial Festival at the Davis Performing Arts Center. Visit performingarts. georgetown.edu or (202) 687-2787.

March 26 Run DC:2011 Suntrust National Marathon Get ready to run D.C.! The 2011 SunTrust National Marathon returns with nearly 15,000 competitors in the 26.2 mile marathon and the 13.1 mile half marathon on March 26. Both races start and finish at RFK Stadium.

&

COMING

National Capital Area Cake Show Satisfy your sweet tooth at the 3rd Annual National Capital Area Cake Show. The most prestigious cake show on the east coast, demonstrations, vendors, and a showcase of spectacular decorated cakes created by world-class sugar artists will all be featured, along with the chance to meet your favorite Food Network and TLC Cake Celebrities. The show will be held at Northern Virginia Community College beginning at 10 a.m. Visit CakeShow.org Galerie Lareuse Art Show The art of Wendy Plotkin-Mates, Elba Molina, and Kreg D. Kelley will be hosted at Galerie Lareuse from 6-9 p.m. For more information about the gallery, located at 2820 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, can be found at GalerieLareuse. com or (202) 333-1506.

4th Annual DC SWAN Day The Georgetown Theatre Company and Women in Film and Video host SWAN day, an all-day event featuring free music, theatre and storytelling performances, poetry readings and film screenings in Georgetown. For more information visit georgetowntheatre.org.

March 27 The Art of the Keyboard Enjoy a classical afternoon of Bach’s virtuoso music, The Art of the Keyboard highlights and performs the composers different genres of great works penned for the harpsichord and the pipe organ at National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Ave NW. The concert begins at noon. For ticket information call (202) 4292121.

Slavic Male Chorus of Washington This dynamic group presents a heartfelt interpretation of traditional Slavic folk songs and ancient monistic chants from Eastern Europe.

Shows begin at 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. at the National Theatre. For more information visit nationaltheatre.org.

March 28 Cherry Blossom Tea Celebrate the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms at Tudor Place. Enjoy a traditional tea complete with tea sandwiches, delicious desserts and Japanese tea blends. After the tea enjoy a relaxing stroll through Tudor Place’s beautiful gardens.

1 p.m. Visit tudorplace.org to register March 31 Tudor Nights: Blossoms and Bubbly Take a stroll through the spectacular Yoshino Cherry Blossoms during the full bloom. Inside the Historic Mansion, enjoy an up-close look at Tudor Place’s collection of early 20th century Japanese fans. The featured cocktail will be a Cherry Mimosa. 6-8 p.m. See tudorplace.org to register Washington Nationals Home Opener Batter up! The Washington Nationals open the 2011 season at Nats Park with a new look and lots of promise after a busy offseason. The Nats meet the Atlanta Braves in their season opener March 31 at 1:30 p.m.

April 2 Virginia Opera Benefit Gala The night will feature an “Oriental essence” cocktail hour, with artists and strolling musicians, followed by a gourmet dinner interspersed with live cabaret performances by beloved Virginia Opera performers. The black tie affair will be hosted at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. 7 p.m. Call 757-627-9545 April 3 Lipkin with National Philharmonic Seymour Lipkin will perform Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto in G Major with the National Philharmonic, led by Music Director and Conductor Piotr Gajewski at The Music Center at Strathmore. 3 p.m. More information and tickets at NationalPhilharmonic.org April 4 Capitol Hill Civil War Round Table The Capitol Hill Civil War Round Table meets once a week on the Hill. Each week features various speakers on the topic of the Civil War. 6:30 p.m. Rayburn House Office Building

April 1 Capital Art Fair Attend the fair’s opening night preview benefit with all proceeds to Georgetown University Library Special Collections Research Center. The art fair will feature over 25 artists’ affordable high quality original art. 5-9 p.m. Holiday InnRosslyn Westpark Hotel. To register for tickets at a discounted price visit CapitalArtPrintFair. com

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Cherry Blossoms Are Back

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The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off March 26 through April 10 with three weekends of peak blooms, a fundraiser for Japan and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to Washington, D.C. In light of the recent events in Japan, the festival is holding a walk and fundraising event.

For the 19th year, the Environmental Film Festival will screen two weeks of films about the environment and social issues that surround it. Lasting through March 27, they’ll showcase 150 films from 40 countries, with 52 filmmaker and 94 special guest appearances. This year there are 80 primers, including the film, “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,” winner of the 2010 Palme D’Or at Cannes; the multi-award-winning Russian psychological thriller, “How I Ended This Summer”; Werner Herzog’s new film, “Happy People: A Year in the Taiga”; and Chilean documentary filmmaker Patricio Guzmán’s “Nostalgia for the Light.”

Most films are free and shown throughout the city.

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DT Beginning at 6:30pm on March 24, people will gather at Sylvan Theater (15th Street & Independence Avenue, SW),before walking to the Tidal Basin. All donations received throughout the fundraising effort will go directly to the American Red Cross and their Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund.

The Festival is also holding an online auction in addition to its usual round of events and a portion of the proceeds will be designated to the fund. Additional fundraising efforts will be held in conjunction with the Pink Tie Party on Wednesday, March 23. A number of Festival participants and partners will also hold events to benefit the fund, and a full list will be continually updated on NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org.

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schedules.”

At the same time, Gray released an online survey for public input on the 2012 budget, which includes five questions of various length and substance.

According to a press release from Gray’s office, he will “attend several community meetings across the city to discuss the budget” after it is rolled out in April. Additionally, Gray has encouraged residents to get involved in the DC Council budget hearings, which will run from April 7 to May 6.

Quizzing for a Cause

Reduced Salaries for Gray’s City Officials In the wake of scrutiny over salaries for city officials, Mayor Vincent Gray has reduced salaries for eight city managers, by one to four percent, according to WTOP.com.

“I hired managers with outstanding qualifications and their initial salaries reflected their extensive experience and background,” Gray said in a press release. “I have now adjusted those salaries commensurate with the compensation

This month, the Smithsonian Institution will donate to the National Zoo at least 50 cents per person who can answer five questions on the “Are You Smarter than a Curator?” quiz. Questions vary from facts about the mission of the zoo to the habitat of the cuddlefish, which were created by curator of enrichment and training Heidi Hellmuth. The quiz will be open until

Capital Art Fair

Prints, Paintings and drawings

You can take the quiz at SmarterThanACurator.org.

Section of 14th Street now Ron Brown Way US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and White House Chief of Staff Bill Daily will attend the ceremonial naming of 14th St., NW as Ron Brown Way, after the late Ronald H. Brown, former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Secretary of Commerce. The block of 14th St. between Constitution Ave. and Pennsylvania Ave., NW will be named for Brown, 15 years after his death.

Brown died in a plane crash in 1996. The street was named after legislation was put through

by Brown’s son, councilman atlarge Michael A. Brown.

for bankruptcy, and had been in three locations since it opened.

On the company website, owner Joe Carmack posted, “I regret to inform you Garden District, the business entity, has been closed. I worked very hard to maintain it, but at a certain point it did not make sense to continue. Thank you for supporting GD for 10 great yrs. It was a pleasure serving you.”

Observer conitnued on Page 9

Garden District Closed Garden District, a full service urban garden center, located at 1740 14th St. NW has closed.

In November of 2009, they filed

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

AT LARGE CANDIDATES, FIRST LOOK

C

andidate Forums, at this stage in the campaign to fill the At Large City Council Seat vacated by Kwame Brown’s winning bid for the City Council Chair, are a little like large meet and greets. They resemble the political equivalent of speed dating.

The election for the seat isn’t until April 26, which leaves plenty of time for voters and interested parties to get to know the candidates, and vice versa. And there’s a lot to choose from in terms of quantity, with the quality being currently evaluated. Close to ten candidates are in the field, and one of them is already sitting on the council.

We went to a couple of these forums, one in the Downtown area sponsored by the Penn Quarter Association at the Madame Tussauds wax museum, another the Good Will Baptist Church sponsored by the Kalorama Citizens Associations in Adams Morgan. Another forum was recently held by the Georgetown Citizens Association.

Three things frame these forums and this election. Most importantly, this is a citywide election, and whoever wins will get some political cred for having citywide voter appeal. This is not a small thing, because of the second critical factor in this campaign: it is being waged with a noisy background of scandal and uncertainty—so much so that it almost seems like a re-waging of the Fenty/Gray mayoral race.

The third thing is that this is a time when candidates stake out their territory, test their appeal, make claims to being this or that kind of candidate. Like for instance “reform”—this time not of the schools, but of the city and its political culture—a word much overused here.

You’ll hear a lot of that from Joshua Lopez, the Georgia Avenue resident and seeming firebrand who is vocally calling for cutting the salaries of the city council members and who paints himself as an anti-establishment type who “will stand up to people.” He also presents himself as the first serious Hispanic candidate for a major citywide elected office.

Be that as it may, many—but not all—of the candidates gathered at the Penn Quarter forum in monumentally odd circumstances.

Surrounded by wax figures of presidents and politicians—a figure of Marion Barry, no less, greeted visitors to the forum as they walked down the stairs— the candidates were placed at a dais where life-size figures of the Jonas Brothers stood behind them, frozen in mid-performance, and Britney Spears, apparently working a strip pole, flanked the podium. Videos of Miley Cyrus and a gyrating Beyonce played on continuous reel in the background.

“I have to say this is the strangest setting for a forum I’ve ever attended,” Bryan Weaver, a veteran ANC commissioner from Ward 1 quipped. He too is a reformist, but Weaver, articulate and known for his community involvement in Adams Morgan for years, wants to reform the political culture. “You have to change things, you have to change the way the council doe’s things, and the way the mayor’s office does things. There are lots of good ideas, but it’s the implementation of policy that matters the most.

We don’t have oversight about who gets contracts and how things get done. It’s all well and good to write legislation, propose change, but ideas, once they leave the council chambers, don’t seem to get implemented.”

Sekou Biddle is the focus of a lot of attention these days—the Washington born educator was named to the seat vacated by Brown by the local Democratic committee, pushed by both Mayor Vincent Gray and Brown himself. That might have been an advantage two or three weeks ago, but now it’s an iffy endorsement, which can be used by his opponents against him.

“It’s not about endorsements,” Biddle said. “It’s about experience, what you can do and what you can get done.”

He’s the only one who can say he’s a councilman, which does count for something, because he’ll have a lot more name familiarity, a heads up on the council culture and ways of business, and he can speak from the experience he’s gained. Biddle also comes from the Teach for America environment that brought Chancellor Michelle Rhee and current Chancellor

Kaya Henderson to Washington. There’s no question about where Biddle stands on school reform, nor is there a question about his expertise.

Vincent Orange has had a lot of experience too, having served as Ward 7 Councilman before running for mayor five years ago. “I have more experience than anyone, I came with Mayor Anthony Williams, and together, all of us changed the political and practical environment of the city,” he said. “We got things done.”

With Orange, the problem isn’t experience, but familiarity. This is his second recent major run for major office, not counting his mayoral bid, and the first one, in spite of being endorsed by the Washington Post, ended in defeat against Brown in the race for chairman.

Then there’s Patrick Mara, the jaunty, young Columbia Heights residents, who reminds everyone that he is the only Republican in the race. A school board member—and an unsuccessful at large candidate several years ago, in which he helped oust long-time GOP council member Carol Schwartz—he calls himself progressive on social issues and conservative on financial issues. “I’m not your typical Republican,” he says.

He was late to the Adams Morgan meeting, saying, “You know, when you have a name like Patrick Mara, you get invited to a lot of St Patrick Day’s parties. I apologize for being late.”

Weaver hammers the theme of accountability and transparency, but he can get lost in the wonk and details sometimes, peppering his words with acronyms that not everybody is familiar with. But he also comes across as dedicated and smart, with no ax to grind.

Lopez says he’s the outsider, but he’s also spent a lot of time working for Adrian Fenty campaigns and in his council office, according to his campaign biography. He also worked as a deputy manager of Muriel Bowser’s Ward 4 City Council Campaign.

The campaign has now become part of the background landscape, and that landscape sees Mayor Gray mired in controversy and Kwame Brown again under fire. The winner in this campaign gets something nobody gets right now: a fresh start.

Questions or comments? Email us at Editorial@Georgetowner.com

RANTS, RAVES, RECRIMINATIONS, CLOWNS

By Gary Tischler Which is another way of saying a little bit of this, a little bit of that.

People of grace and the graceless: We have nothing but admiration for the Japanese people, especially those who suffered directly from the earthquake and the tsunami. No lootings, stoic bearing, grace under pressure. A nice word, too, for the media reporters who stayed and covered this disaster amid the obvious dangers, as well as those covering the tumultuous and continuing events in the Middle East and North Africa. They too placed themselves at risk and worked in dangerous conditions, and some of them paid the price.

Not so for the home front television newsies who keep thinking that all news is about us.

How else to explain the amount of time allotted to a local mother and her son who were in Tokyo at the time of the quake, were scared by the swaying buildings, were ripped off at the airport and had to drive from all the way home from Chicago. No disrespect to the people interviewed, but doesn’t that seem a mite less than devastating when compared to the losses suffered by the victims of the disaster? Get a grip or get a gripe.

The scandal at City Hall…don’t get me started. Have you noticed that the wheels of government seem to be grinding like teeth? Now that Mayor Vincent Gray has hired a high profile lawyer and basically dumped his chief of staff—shortly before she was supposed to tes-

8 March 23, 2011 GMG, Inc.

tify before the city council on hiring matters—things have not gotten better. They’ve just gotten quieter, except for Sulaimon Brown’s occasional forays on local television.

Brown appeared for a Fox TV News interview last week in which he again accused the mayor of being a crook. “The public needs to know that their mayor is a crook,” he said, more than once. Asked about his own status, he said he could not answer that question, or other questions about proof of his charges that he was paid by Gray aides and promised a job for going after Fenty at candidate forums.

He’s kept his concern about what the public needs to know to himself for quite some time, precisely to the time he was ousted from the $100,000 plus job he did end up getting.

Gray’s reactions to all this, and the furor that his hiring of friends and the children of friends at overthe-limit salaries remain strangely muffled and muted, to friends and foes alike.

In the meantime, there’s a growing power vacuum in city government and on the city council. Chairman Kwame Brown, with his own troubles, is becoming less of a factor in the dealings of the council by all accounts. And we hope Mayor Gray isn’t listening to Ward 8 Councilman Marion Barry, who’s an expert on matters like these. According to a Washington Post columnist, he’s arguing that Gray is a victim of Fenty supporters on the council and that hiring friends and their children is no big deal. Maybe in Mayor Daley’s day it wasn’t, but it should be for a candidate who ran as a man whose integrity was above reproach.

Barry’s done this kind of thing before when he’s

been under fire, or gotten caught on tape. It’s an old Barry game: we call it divide and con.

What it isn’t, and what Mayor Gray shouldn’t let it become, is a barrier to his most effective campaign slogan which is fast becoming an impossible dream: One City.

Now the city is faced with the possibility of investigation by the house oversight committee, which is licking its chops.

This isn’t one of those tempests in a teapot you can ride out. We’d still like to hear some straight, heartfelt and mindful talk from Mayor Gray. A lot of people who supported him based on his apparent merits are sorely disappointed. Among them appears to be Ward 3 Councilwoman Mary Cheh, who, at considerable political cost, supported his candidacy when her constituents were markedly against it.

Where is all this union bashing and anti-collective bargaining coming from? The governor of Wisconsin seems to have touched off both a concerted effort on the part of local governments to punish, debilitate or get rid of public employee unions, which has caused unions (what’s left of them) to rise up. So far the governor insists that he’s a deficit cutter, not a union buster, but he has not shown how busting public employee unions cut the deficit.

But hey, the GOP did manage to pass legislation to cut off funding for Public Broadcasting. Only a trillion and change to go. Way to go, tough guys.

Drawn by the slogan pachyderms and clowns, we ran up to the hill the other day thinking it was a meeting of GOP regulars and their Tea Party additions.

Turns out it really was a parade of elephants and clowns. But I repeat myself.

JACK EVANS

REPORT

It’s springtime, and one’s idle thoughts turn to baseball. March 31 is opening day for the Washington Nationals. At 1:05pm, the Nats take on the Atlanta Braves in the season opener at Nationals Park.

Since the Nationals started playing baseball in RFK stadium in April 2005, I have attended every opening game.

Although I had never attended an opening game for any team before and had been to very few baseball games, I have come to look forward to baseball season.

This year, the Nationals should be better. Having finished in last place every season since 2005, we are all hoping for some improvement. Certainly, the team has acquired a lot of talent during the offseason. The question is how improved our pitching rotation is.

Little is heard anymore about the decision to bring a baseball team to Washington and to build a new stadium.

The stadium has worked out better than anticipated. The District borrowed $584 million to build the stadium and identified other sources of revenue to pay off the loan: 1.) a 1% increase in the commercial utility tax; 2.) a tax on businesses with gross receipts of over $5 million; and 3.) revenue generated from the stadium itself, including rent and sales tax on concessions, tickets and apparel.

Together, these taxes raised $14 million more than is necessary to pay the debt service. All contingency funds have been fully funded and the excess revenue will be used to pay off the bonds early. This stadium financing method is used as a model by other jurisdictions.

Development around the stadium has occurred but has been slowed by the recession. Recently, with credit markets becoming more accessible, development is proceeding. I stated at the time that it would take ten years to build out the area. Keep in mind that it took that long to develop the area around the Verizon Center, a part of town which was much more commercially developed than the baseball stadium area.

So as we look forward to another season, if you are a baseball fan, make sure to run over to a game after work or on a sunny weekend. Play ball.

EDITORIAL/OPINION

ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN WASHINGTON, THEN & NOW

By Gary Tischler

E

very St. Patrick’s Day, I get nostalgic.

Some part of me wants to hear an Irish rebel song, down a stiff Irish whiskey, get begorrah drunk in a place where there’s already two feet of beer on the floor and admire an Irish lass with green eyes and flaming hair.

It passes. There are, if my fading old eyes don’t deceive me, more Irish bars than ever ‘round about here, so I imagine that at least today there is a market for the wee bit of Gaelic sound. Many of the newer bars I’ve never heard of, but the old standby pubs still standing, like Sinatra and Elvis, make you breathe with the slowed down breath of memory.

Some of the newer ones certainly sound like old sod pubs—Castlebay Irish Pub in Annapolis, Flanagan’s Harp and Fiddle in Bethesda, O’Faolain’s Irish Pub in Sterling, Virginia, Ned Devine’s and Ned Kelly’s in Herndon, Virginia, O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in Arlington, Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls, Sine Irish Pub in Arlington, Slainte Irish Pub in Bethesda, the Auld Shabeen in Fairfax—even the Fado downtown with its myriad beers and Irish bric a brac, not to mention the legendary Murphy’s in Alexandria, and the rising Ri Ras where the hold music sessions.

But for my money—and it’s not a lot, I’m a writer after all—its places like Kelly’s Irish Times, the Four Provinces, (now Ireland’s Four Fields) the Dubliner, Nanny O’Brien’s, and the long-defunct Matt Kane’s and Ellen’s which are and were the real thing. And you can throw in Billy Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, which has been around longer than anybody and anyone, serving up square and basic-good Irish food and spirits and conviviality as a matter of

family tradition.

Of course, the heydays were probably during the 1970s and 1980s, when St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated a little bit like a hooligan’s holiday, with daylong, sometimes weekend-long celebrations. In those days, there was a steady and large supply of Irish bartenders to go with the Irish restaurants, not to mention Irish musicians who were splendid, played and sang reels and rebel songs and ballads that broke your heart, and got everybody in the spirit of things along with the spirits.

I suspect some of that atmosphere is missing now—I don’t see hundreds of hill staffers running around with “Kiss Me I’m Irish” pins for a whole day, although the funny looking big green hats remain ever popular.

St. Patrick’s Day was a day of wretched excess in those days, and, luckily and with good reason, I don’t remember much about them.

What I do remember is that this German writer loved most things Irish beyond reason. With my metabolism now rebellious of anything beyond a single glass of beer, I can look at this with measured focus, as opposed to through a glass darkly. I think it’s because friends I knew in Washington from the beginning were named Kelly and O’Brien and Murphy and McHugh and so on, and they were the types you could tell your worst secrets to, make the phone call in the middle of the middle of the night. They would take you in if you got kicked out of some other place for the night. They were the boon companions at the race track, the guy who’d spot you a bar bill and laughed at all of your jokes, except the Irish ones. I knew a few, let’s say, and here’s to Michael Kelly, and his brother Hugh, the publican and founder of Kelly’s

Irish Times, the most democratic of Irish pubs in existence, if not the most elegant.

Kelly’s was a footstep or so away from The Dubliner, and was once a Hawaiian Luau Hut before Hugh Kelly bought it and once held a celebration in which patrons were encouraged to smash a plastic volcano rock to piece. The Dubliner—run by the estimable Danny Coleman—was also the best venue for some of the greatest Irish musicians around, notably Celtic Thunder and the Irish Tradition. That trio, which sometimes wandered into the Irish Times, filled the house like a rock band. They were Andy O’Brien, the lad the lassies dug, Billy McComiskey, a button accordionist of great gifts, and the vibrant Brendan Mulvihill, a fiddle player of Irish national championship quality, big of girth and afro-red hair, who could make a fiddle do anything—produce tears, sound like jazz, be bluesy and rangy, and tell musical stories as thick as novels. In the past he has been known to play at Nanny O’Brien’s on Connecticut Avenue, right across the street from the Uptown Theater and, lo and behold, another Irish pub, the Irish Four Fields.

But enough about pubs: that’s where all your friends are today if they have signs of life in them. The Irish connection runs deeper than a state of bold and wordy inebriation. I once had a discussion with another fine Irish person of note about the religious and philosophical symbolism of a certain scene from “Saturday Night Fever,” and it says a lot for Guinness and the Irish that this stuck in my mind.

The Irish love to talk, and when they’re not talking, they’re writing, composing, singing, putting on plays, making theater and persevering, in spite of anything, come famine or

feuding. If you want to know the origin of St. Patrick’s Day and its consequences, check out Eugene O’Neill’s “The Iceman Cometh” (or four hours in a bar with some very eloquent and poetic drunks), in which a cop or two make an appearance and one of the denizen’s says “Why didn’t St. Patrick drive all the snakes out of Ireland, and didn’t they swim across the Atlantic and become New York policemen?” or words to that effect.

I love the Irish words, probably more than the Irish do: both the great playwright of the void, Samuel Beckett, and novelist James Joyce, moved to Paris and wrote in French.

A whole new generation of Irish playwright’s have emerged, but Wilde, Synge, Behan, Shaw and all the rest still rise up onto our stage with words, wit and wonder (“An Ideal Husband” at the Shakespeare Theatre right now and “Penelope” at the Studio right now). And Solas Nua, the Irish theater group, is handing out free books today.

And it’s St. Patrick Day. If things should go amiss, remember a few things along the way: there may have been Bette Davis eyes, but there is Maureen O’Hara hair as well. And remember that famous Irish saying: “May you be in heaven a half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.” And may you recall with some caution that famous scene in “Fort Apache” when the Irish 7th Cavalry First Sergeant, played by Victor McLaglen, is ordered to destroy a roomful of rotgut whiskey by Henry Fonda. “Lads,” he said, “let us pull together.

We have a fearful task ahead of us.”

Indeed all of you do. It’s St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrate as the Irish might and god help you on the way.

OBSERVER (Continued from Page 7)

Lululemon Murder Suspect Worked at M Street Store Brittany Norwood, alleged murderer of fellow Bethesda Luluemon Athletica employee Jayna Murray, was held without bond by Montgomery County, March 21. WTOP reports that it “has learned police were told that Norwood was transferred from the Georgetown Lululemon store to the Bethesda location because of concerns she was stealing merchandise. The company is not commenting, and it is not clear when the transfer happened or if it was proven Norwood had taken anything.” WTOP added that Montgomery County Police were investigating whether Norwood had been accused of stealing merchandise from the store before she allegedly killed Murray on March 11. (There was no other independent source for WTOP’s report at press time.)

Norwood’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for April. Norwood had also worked at the Willard International, according to WUSA.

Kennedy Center River Stairs Design Fails to Impress After decades in limbo, the river stairway design for The Kennedy Center is again in play, and major city players are not impressed.

The Potomac River Pedestrian Access Improvement Project plans a direct connection to be built between the Kennedy Center terrace

and the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway trail at the river’s edge. “Physical barriers and safety concerns currently discourage pedestrian traffic between these two resources,” according to the National Park Service, Federal Highway Administration and the DC Department of Transportation.

First seen as a grand staircase—as are the real Watergate Steps near the Lincoln Memorial—the latest design displays two glass ramps turned right and left and two elevators. Nearby Watergate resident Arthur Cotton Moore, architect of Washington Harbour, submitted a more monumental design in 1987. (It is important to note that Moore’s Georgetown work brought the Potomac River back to the people as a real waterfront to be enjoyed.) Moore has said he supported a more dignified stairway design for the Kennedy Center, as envisioned by its architect Edward Durrell Stone.

Expressing skepticism is Jonda McFarlane, a leader in the creation of Francis Scott Key Park and the Georgetown Waterfront Park. “When did this firm get asked to do a new design?”

McFarlane said. “We need something that will be appropriate both in design and history (honoring the memory of John F. Kennedy). This latest design does neither. We don’t need a little tacked-on thing.”

“We should take our time with it,” neighborhood commissioner Bill Starrels cautioned about the proposed design. “We have waited long enough, and we need to make it worthy of the Kennedy Center, the Nation’s Capital and Georgetown.”

“I would love a beautiful gateway to and from Georgetown,” said Jennifer Altemus, president of the Citizens Association of Georgetown.

“But I do not like the fire escape design.”

ing chloramine from tap water are effective in removing chlorine. Individuals with special health concerns should consult with a health care provider on the use of tap water.

D.C. Water Gets Spring Cleaning: Can You Smell It?

For more information, contact D.C. Water: 202-612-3440 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or 202-612-3400 (24-hour).

District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority has announced its spring cleaning of our water. Now through May 2 “the disinfectant in drinking water will temporarily switch from chloramine to chlorine. During this time, individuals may notice a change in the taste and smell of drinking water. Local water authorities recommend running the cold water tap for approximately two minutes and refrigerating cold tap water for a few hours to reduce taste and odor. Water filters are also effective in reducing chlorine taste and odor.”

According to WASA, this annual change is part of a routine maintenance program to keep the water distribution system in the District of Columbia, Arlington County and Falls Church clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria.

A temporary switch to chlorine with systemwide flushing is done to maintain water quality throughout the year. This is standard practice for many water systems that use chloramine during the majority of the year.

Individuals and business owners who take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch to chlorine. Most methods for remov-

Mayor Gray, DDOT Launch PotHolePalooza 2011 Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Interim Director Terry Bellamy today launched PotHolePalooza, the District’s annual campaign to aggressively repair damaged roadways across the city, which runs through April 21.

How to Report a Pothole: Residents and commuters can notify DDOT in a variety of ways: 1.) call the Mayor’s Call Center at 311 2.) use the online Service Request Center at 311.dc.gov 4.) e-mail to PotHolePalooza@dc.gov.

Callers must identify the location including the correct quadrant (NW, NE, SE, SW) in the city and as much detail as possible about the hazard, including the approximate size and depth of the pothole. DDOT crews will also be out and about proactively identifying potholes.

DDOT will be posting numbers and overall totals of potholes filled. This information will be updated daily and can be found at: ddot.dc.gov/potholes.

GMG, Inc. March 23, 2011 9

EDUCATION

AN INDIVIDUAL WORK EXPERIENCE

By Corrie Dyke

T

he One City Youth Employment Summer Program, a product of the Department of Employment Services, has a tough twist.

Offering an individualistic work experience, with a heavier focus on youths being matched to appropriate jobs, the number of students accepted to the program for the coming summer has been scaled down.

“We have put cap of 12,000 [students] for this summer to give the young people a more enriching experience,” said Neville Waters, Communication Director of the Department of Employee Services (DOES).

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) received 12,000 applications in the first three days they were available at the end of February. The deadline closed March 11 when more than 20,000 applications had been received.

The SYEP team, including Program Director Gerren Price, has been hosting a number of Eligibility Certification Events at area high schools and the DOES office.

The Certification Events are an opportunity for the youth to turn in their eligibility documents.

According to Waters, the overwhelming turn out at the events caused the applicant certification hours on the final Saturday, March 19, to be extended.

“We wanted to make it as convenient as possible for folks,” said Price.

According to Price, the program is going to be “very solid” this year.

The program was revamped when Dr. Rochelle Webb was recruited as Employee Services new director. Along with Mayor Gray’s administration, Dr. Webb made reorganizing the program a high priority.

In effort to enhance the program, half the number of students would be selected to par-

ticipate as were accepted in previous years. For the first time in the program’s 32-year history, applicants had to complete a more rigorous application process. After applying, the employee hopefuls had to be certified. This included submitting picture I.D., social security card, proof of residence and a submitted resume or online profile.

This is much different than the previous opera-

tions, where the students effectively registered and received a paycheck, and which included 22,000 youth employees. The students will now be matched to jobs more suitable to their interests, while learning the actual steps involved in obtaining employment.

“For the first time we’re going to be doing a lot of work to make it more of an individual experience,” said Price.

The program is open to District youths between the ages of 14 and 21. The hope of Employee Services is that students can gain real work experience and applicable skills throughout the summer. Younger ages experience their first job and learn the basic skills of what is expected. The older students are placed in positions where they can utilize these skills and potentially carry the job beyond the summer.

“I feel really positive about the future and what we’re doing,” said Waters.

A DC native himself, Waters’ first job was through the SYEP. His summer working with the public school payroll was a valuable experience, which has now come full circle, as he offers a similar experience to the District’s youth 30 years later. According to Waters, a large responsibility for DOES is also to supply a welltrained work force for employers.

Employers offering jobs though the program include CVS, Georgetown University, Howard University, Cardinal Bank, Wachovia Bank, Madame Tussaund’s and the DC government.

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Exceptional 7 Bedroom, 5 ½ bath home filled with character and charm. Great sunlight, hardwood floors, and to the end crown moldings, marble baths, and walk-in closets. Landscaped garden 7 patio, a great entertaining space. Sarah Talcott 202.365.0056/ 202.362.1300 (O).

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This stunning 2-story penthouse with 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths is located at Wooster and Mercer.

The home boasts 21-foot ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with island, floor-to-ceiling windows in all the rooms, large, private roof terrace.

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This stylish contemporary is nestled on a gorgeous, half-acre lot with mature trees, multiple decks, and sports courts. Features include 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a renovated kitchen, 3 fireplaces, picture windows and skylights. Rima Tannous 202.439.7878/ 202.364.1300 (O).

Wesley Heights, DC

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A meticulously renovated one level home with panoramic views. Wraparound balcony, spacious foyer, living, dining, den, and gourmet kitchen.

Three very private bedrooms and baths. Garage parking. Stuart Blue 202.298.5942/ Scott Polk 202.256.5460/ 202.944.38400 (O).

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This renovated, sun-filled 4-bedroom, 4-bath home on a landscaped lot features include gleaming hardwood floors, eat-in gourmet kitchen, fireplace, recessed lighting, built-in bookshelves & cabinets, and enclosed year-round “endless” pool. Miller Spring Valley 202.362.1300.

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$1,275,000

Historic Old Town Alexandria. 3BR End Unit Brick TH. Expansive gourmet kitchen, renovated baths, Fabulous light, High ceilings. 4 blocks to Potomac, 2 to Ring Street. Photos: KarenBarker.com Karen Barker 703.928.8384/202.363.1800 (O).

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Built in 2007, this impressive residence offers a perfect blend of contemporary and transitional style. The spacious interior on 4 finished levels includes 7 bedrooms and 6.5 baths. Sited on a private cul-de-sac, minutes from Rock Creek Park. Spring Valley Office 202.362.1300.

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Unique opportunity to own in The Weslie a 3-level, end unit condo with 2554sf, only a ½ mile to metro. Remodeled kitchen, wine cellar, library, 3-bedrooms, landscaped terrace, private patio, additional storage and 2 garage spaces. www.

Lilian.com. Lilian Jorgenson 703.407.0766

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Stunning new construction! Sensational 6200+ sf in the heart of Chevy Chase! 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths on 4 finished levels of unparalleled craftsmanship & attention to detail. Tour at www. donovanseatonteam.com of this magnificent property. Miller Chevy Chase North 202.966.1400.

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Medical building with a total of three units.

Prime location in the Palisades. First Floor unit is approximately 1,950 square feet and the two units on the second floor are approximately 900 square feet each. 10+ car parking on-site! Nancy Itteilag 202.905.7762/ 202.363.1800 (O).

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Walk to Union Station, Capitol Hill, bustling H Street and the artistic Atlas District. A fabulous opportunity! Betty Gee 202.246.4331/ 202.363.9700 (O).

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Huge reduction on penthouse with river view!

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$1,925,000 Fantastic opportunity to purchase a high end investment property in the Dupont/Logan area. This property consists of four completely self-contained two bedroom, two bath-room units, with two car parking in the rear. Scott Purcell 202.262.6968/ 202.483.6300(O).

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DESIGN

The Washington Design Center announced the opening of the 2011 DreamHome in which eight of Washington’s most creative designers collaborated with DC-area jewelers to select a piece of jewelry to inspire each room.

Last week was the opening reception of The DreamHome before the home opened to the public. 100 percent of the proceeds from admission prices benefit the Department of Pediatrics at Georgetown University Hospital.

Top: Club Room - Lorna Gross, SAVANT interior design, inspired by Pampillonia’s custom canary and white diamond earrings.

Right: SAVANT Interior designer Lorna Gross with Dino Pampillonia of Pampillonia Jewelers and model Alex Kaufman at March 17th opening reception. Photo

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DESIGN Susan Nelson, designer of the DreamHome living room with Jim Gooding of the Washington Design Center at the Barbie Game table. Her room was inspired by Dina Mackey’s jewelry collection.

Jennifer Sergent of the Washington Design Center and Joe Ireland in his atrium design. Ireland and Julie Weber of J.D. Ireland Interior Architecture + Design designed an atrium inspired by the blue agate and gold necklace from Jaclyn Mason of Charm Georgetown.

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Gala

Guide

Washington Galas: From Dolley to the Digital

By Robert Devaney irst Lady Dolley Madison was one of the first Washingtonians to realize the value – practical, artistic and financial – of a good gala. Her outgoing nature helped her husband, President James Madison, in his public life, and made a lasting impression on America.

The 20th century brought the likes of Evangeline Bruce, Katharine Graham and Pamela Harriman.

The younger Sally Quinn remains of that group to discuss social life, manners and offer party advice.

Despite Sen. John McCain’s deriding of “Georgetown cocktail parties,” media coverage of these galas and smaller parties has expanded from the local newspaper to slick luxe publications and websites along with e-mail party bloggers amid ubiquitous digital cameras.

A wider range of gala patrons are on the scene, from ambassadors and businessmen to social media mavens and corporations. In the 21st century, crowds are larger, venues bigger, events more elaborate, lists exclusive and fundraising impressive. But The point of the party remains the same: good times for good causes. Raise the roof, money and awareness in the nation’s capital. Here are some of our most anticipated galas this year:

F

The Radio & Television Correspondents’ Association Dinner Wednesday, March 30. Invitation only.

Reception-6:45 p.m. Dinner-7:45 p.m.

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW Washington Performing Arts Society Annual Auction and Gala Saturday, April 2 6:00 p.m. Cocktails and silent auction; 8:00 p.m. Individual tickets $500. 202 293-9325 Dinner With Larry King and Friends Saturday, April 2.

To benefit the Larry King Cardiac Foundation.

The Ritz Carlton. Time TBA Kennedy Center Spring Gala Sunday, April 3 8:30 p.m. Kennedy Center. 202 416-8338 Taste of the Nation DC Monday, April 4 7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. National Building Museum. Tickets $95. Strength.org/Washington The annual event benefiting Share Our Strength, a national effort to end childhood hunger in America.

N Street Village Gala Wednesday, April 6 6:30 p.m. Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres 7:30 pm Dinner and Program. 202 421-3211 The annual affair raises money to provide shelter and support for homeless and low-income women in the DC area.

The Wellness Community 5th Annual Celebration of Hope Gala Thursday, April 7 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fairfax at Embassy Row. Individual tickets $250. 301 493-5002.

5th Annual Fashion for Paws Runway Show Saturday, April 9 8 p.m.-12 a.m. National Building Museum.

Benefactor Reception at 7 p.m. Runway show 9:15 p.m.

Standard tickets $95. VIP tickets $200. VIP Table $3,000.

A Washington Humane Society fundraising program. Named best fashion event of the year by BizBash and Washington Life magazines.

8th Annual Blue Jeans Ball Sunday, April 10 6:00 p.m.- 10p.m. Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Tickets $150 The Blue Jeans Ball is a community-wide charitable event, educating about the prevalence of hunger among our neighbors throughout the metro area, and become part of the solution.

Embassy Chef Challenge Tuesday, April 12 VIP Reception 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 pm, main event 6:30p.m. – 10 pm. The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Individual tickets $250. For information call 202 638-8363 or visit CulturalTourismDC.org.

14 March 23, 2011 gmg, Inc.

Folger Shakespeare Library Gala Wednesday, April 13 Folger Shakespeare Library Time TBA. Tickets $600. 202 675-0377.

National Museum of Women in the Arts Spring Gala Friday, April 15 6:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. National Museum of Women in the Arts. Individual tickets $600.

202-266-2815, or GPage@nmwa.org.

56th Annual Corcoran Ball Friday, April 29 Corcoran Gallery of Art. Cocktails at 7:00 p.m., dinner at 8:15 p.m. Individual tickets $500.

301 951-3780.

To provide scholarships for the College, underwrite community outreach and education programs.

Washington Animal Rescue League’s Rescue Me Gala Saturday, April 30 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Union Station. VIP Reception 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Gala 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Leashed dogs welcome and encouraged to attend. 202 375-7746 or WARL.org.

The 2011 White House Correspondents’ Association Ball Saturday, April 30 The Washington Hilton. Time TBA. Invitation Only. 202 266-7453 Washington National Opera’s Opera Ball Saturday, May 7 Dinners begin at 7:00 p.m., Ball at 9:30 p.m.

Chancery of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Individual tickets $1000. Call WNO’s Special Events office: 202 295.2437.

L’Enfant Society Ball on the Mall Saturday, May 7 6:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. The National Mall at Madison Drive and 13th Street. 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. VIP Reception and Dinner. Tickets $325.

Ball on the Mall 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Ball on the Mall Tickets $150. 202 407-9408.

Supports efforts to maintain the National Mall The Washington Ballet Rock & Roll Ball Thursday, May 12 Cocktails 7:00 p.m. Dinner 8:00 p.m. The Embassy of the Russian Federation. Individual tickets $1000. 202 274-4518 Funds programs that reach DC public school children through DanceDC and provide tuition relief for students attending THEARC, where over 300 disadvantaged children study ballet.

Washington Humane Society 24th Annual Bark Ball Saturday, June 4.

VIP Reception 6:30 pm; Reception, Silent Auction, & Doggie Bar 7:00 p.m.; Dinner, Live Auction, & Program 8:00 p.m. Washington Hilton. Tickets $250. 202 723-5730, ext. 204.

Drawing many of the area’s most illustrious residents and their four-legged friends.

AMIDST CELEBRATION, A COMMEMORATION

By Gary Tischler It will all be the same. Thousands upon thousands of visitors will jam Washington’s Tidal Basin to see a miraculously beautiful work of nature when the National Cherry Blossom Festival commences Saturday, March 26 and runs for three weekends, sixteen days.

They will show up for the opening ceremonies at the National Building Museum, and they will jam the hillsides near the Sylvan Theater on the National Mall for traditional and contemporary Japanese and American performance artists throughout the festival. They will go to the spectacular Cherry Blossom Parade, to the Japanese street festival, to the lantern walks at the Tidal Basin.

The thousands will watch as the blossoms from these trees, lining the Tidal Basin near the Mall and Memorials, linger among the symbols and icons of our own brief heritage and history, with the bliss of their blossom beauty elevating them to a keener iconic status.

It will be the same as always—white and pink blossoms, astonishing beauty and sights, thousands walking or gawking from inside their cars. Hundreds of events, restaurant specials, street music and performances, talks and dancing, the click of thousands of digital cameras.

It will be like that, and then again it won’t. It will be the same, but hardly so. If petals can weep, they will be moist this year without the help of dew or rain.

In the wake of the gigantic 9.0 earthquake and immensely destructive tsunami that hit northern Japan, and the subsequent – and still ongoing -nuclear reactor crisis in the devastated area, it might be necessary to take the word “festival” out of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

“Commemoration” might be better, for what has happened to Japan lies like haze over everything in the festival. There is a blanket of

sorrow accompanying us all even as we move among the trees that are perhaps the most precisely apt symbol we have on hand.

Traditionally the festival, which commemorates a long-standing relationship between the United States and Japan, is a celebration of the basic friendship between the two nations, both commercially and economically powerful movers in the modern world. The festival commemorates two gifts to the United States of cherry tree transplants from Japan. The first grove arrived in 1912: a gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaiki to the city of Washington DC, formalized with a ceremony in which First Lady Helen Heron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, together planted the first two trees on the North Bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. A second gift of trees came in the 1960s.

The Cherry Blossom Festival evolved over the years into a major tourist attraction that celebrated the early spring budding of the tree’s blossoms, and it is now a national event. And today and for some time to come, it is a sad one.

The Cherry Blossom tree, depending on what history and opinions you find, is much revered in Japan because of the short duration of the life of its blossoms. They create the kind of beauty that breaks your heart: the way a mother’s heart breaks on seeing her grown son in uniform, or a young boy’s heart breaks when he sees for the first time a truly beautiful girl who never looks at him.

Japanese culture, which includes the practice of Hanami or social gatherings like picnics for flower viewing, teaches that the cherry blossoms are even more beautiful because of their ephemeral lifespan , a lesson about the nature of life itself. If ever there was a need for the cherry blossom, it is now, because it teaches the same lessons of earthquakes and tsunamis—the uncertainty and brief duration of life. But the

blossoms also symbolize renewal and rebirth and hope. If they are fleeting, they are so nonetheless a promise of peaceful and warm months to come.

Festival organizers have added a “Stand with Japan” event for March 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sylvan Theater. From there, attendees will walk to the Tidal Basin and reflect on the ongoing tragedy borne by the Japanese people. (Donations can also be made at that time.)

For over a week now, a book of condolences has stood open outside the Embassy of Japan.

The latest reports place the number of deceased at 8,000, though the number of people that remain missing may raise that figure to roughly 18,000. Most buildings themselves actually withstood the earthquake itself —which broke all records for magnitude in Japan— fairly well, following the structural improvements made in the wake of the Kobe quake of the mid-nineties.

Yet tsunami was devastating to coastal communities and the industrial centers of the Northeast. The Japanese economy has taken a huge hit. Nothing will be the same after this.

The Japanese people have suffered terribly, yet the survivors have shown an example of behavior and reaction to the world that others could only hope to emulate. Walking through the wreckage wrought by a tsunami that caused entire villages to simply disappear, scattering pieces of former homes for miles, the Japanese in the Sendai area, have proven to be proved to be incredibly stoic - not brittle and numb, as they have visibly grieved, but doing so without self-pity or hysteria. There were no reports of looting anywhere as there were in almost any other areas of the world where riots, political upheaval and natural disasters have struck in the past, including the United States.

In a matter of minutes, thousands died, disappeared, were swept away, lost everything they owned, saw their lives forever disappear

Photo by Jason Schlosberg

in muck and mud and crumbling rock. Yet in this moment of devastation, the Japanese appeared to draw on their cultural traditions for remembered guidance. This is not necessarily a religious matter, but a question of codes of behavior, of honor and helping each other, of community and acceptance that life for humans, as for the cherry blossom, is brief.

The prime minister offered words of hope, and the Emperor himself went on national television: a public appearance that had not happened since the end of World War II. But it seemed to observers from thousands of miles away that the people themselves, full of an overwhelming sense of loss, were the ones who stood tall.

What changed all that was not so much Nature as the destruction of human artifacts: the instability set off at a collection of nuclear reactors in the Fukuskima prefecture. The burdens of the nuclear age resonate in Japan, the only country in the world ever to have suffered nuclear attacks. People began to evacuate, and then move far and further away, unable to trust the experts, the air, their food, their water, the sky itself. Uncertainty shook the Japanese people more than the earth did.

In the end, nature comes upon you wrathful and sudden, a wave of destruction that leaves the survivors lost, not knowing what happens next or when. So too is the Cherry Blossom dependent on the vagaries of wind, rain, the natural ways of the universe to last long enough to create a dazzling beauty that assuages us like clean, cold water in the desert. We are, in the midst of loss, astonished yet again.

This year as we walk among the blossoms, people will marvel. But the magnitude of what has happened will linger in the air like blossoms refusing to fall. As blogger/haiku poet John Tiong Chunghoo put it: “In the flurry of tsunami/death radio news/Cherry Blossoms Fall.”

1 GMG, Inc. March 23, 2011 15

2011 CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL EVENTS

By Corrie Dyke

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Photo by Susan Machuca

Photo by Scott Schramm

s the dreary winter weather bids Washington its final adieu, the Cherry Blossom Festival lifts the spirits of residents and visitors who come to enjoy the official bloom of spring.

The first day of the festival, March 26, features a number of events and celebrations around town.

Go on a three-mile Cherry Chit-Chat Run around the mall, starting at the Washington Monument, 8 a.m.

Family Day at the National Building Museum is a festival in itself for “kids of all ages.”

A number of hands-on activities as well as live music will celebrate and explore Japanese arts and design.

Taking sail at three times throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, Cherry Blossom River Teas features a full service English ‘high tea’ aboard a classic yacht while cruising by the blossoms. Serving soups, tea sandwiches, scones and teas, the cruise sets off at Washington Maria.

Hear the music of spring floating through the air at Eastern Market as the sounds of springtime jazz, world-beat, Americana, classical, and spoken word accompany Eastern Market’s foods, arts and crafts.

From Eastern Market, jump on the metro and head over to the Smithsonian for the Blossoms Secrets Stroll taking place from 2 – 4 p.m. The walking tour recounts the story and sites of how the Japanese cherry trees came to Washington.

The Opening Ceremony, officially kicking off the Festival, will take place at the Building Museum immediately following Family Day at 4 p.m. A number of performances, including

Takehiro Ueyama’s TAKE dance company will start the 16-day citywide celebration.

Monuments-by-Moonlight River Cruises close out the opening day celebrations from the Washington Marina at 7:30 – 9:15 p.m. and 9:30 – 11:15 p.m.

But the Festival continues. Travel to Japan Saturday and Sunday at the Freer Gallery of Art and learn about the art’s importance in Japanese culture past and present. 1 p.m.

The Blossom Kite Festival on the Washington Monument Grounds takes flight March 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Enjoy the cool spring air at night with a Lantern Walk guided by the light of festive lanterns as rangers guide an evening stroll around the Tidal Basin. The walks take place Saturday and Sunday from 8 – 10 p.m. at the Paddle Boat Station.

Starting on the 26 and continuing through the end of the festival, a number of farms and gardens open their doors for visitors to encounter the beauty of nature in full bloom. River Farm and Green Spring Garden in Alexandria along with Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna all welcome Festival visitors with a free memento.

An array of diverse talent takes the stage at Sylvan Theater throughout the Festival. Varied genres of music and dance, martial arts exhibitions and marching bands will be featured from 12 – 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 12 – 6 p.m. on the weekends.

Macy’s Metro Center Cherry Blossom Show will host two weeks of in-store special events, including musical and dance performances, fashion presentations and cooking demonstrations.

The Hillwood Museum Estate and Gardens

Photo by Alan DeFelice hosts Paul MacLardy, co-author of “Kimono, Vanishing Tradition” and owner of Arise Bazaar, as he presents a brief overview of Japanese kimono traditions, history, textiles, and symbolism. Followed by a trunk show in Hillwood’s Museum Shop. April 2, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Silver Springs’s Big Cherry Block Party, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. in downtown Silver Spring features a number of art and craft booths, entertainment, food and karaoke.

If you cant make it to Silver Spring, hang around the Potomac and Anacostia rivers for DISC Cherry Blossom Regatta. The sailboat races can be viewed from the water aboard the M/V Patriot II, which will be offering a Cherry Blossom Regatta cruise.

Head down to Gangplank Marina at 2 and 4 p.m. everyday throughout the Festival for a relaxing cruise down the Potomac around Hains Point for a fantastic view of the trees. Then on April 2 jump on board for a dinner cruise where you can catch the fireworks.

The Festival Fireworks Show will light up the sky on April 2 from Waterfront Park. Best viewing of the show can be found at Southwest Waterfront promenade or East Potomac Park.

8:30 – 9 p.m.

The Parade, which runs down Constitution Ave from 7th to 17th Streets, closes out the festival April 9, 10 a.m. – noon. Catch a glimpse of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands and performers as they make their way down the route.

With a number of other events going on throughout the festival (March 26 – April 10 in its entirety) it is hard to not catch the blossom bug. Visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org for more information on all the festivities.

JAPAN RELIEF IN THE DISTRICT: GET INVOLVED

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som trees gifted to Washington by the Japanese in 1912. The evening of hope and perseverance inaugurates the Festival, celebrating the friendship between the two countries.

Red Cross Online Donation The Festival has joined the Red Cross in supporting the nation of Japan. Online donations can be made at NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org.

Online Auction The National Cherry Blossom Festival Online Auction is open through March 27. Proceeds from the auction will be split between the Red Cross and the Festival’s year-round programs.

Items in the auction include, two tickets to OpenSkies Business Airlines to Paris, dining certificate for Buddha Bar, a Weekend Getaway to the Normandy Hotel, dining certificate to II Canale, Georgetown and a number of others.

Stand With Japan March 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Beginning at the Sylvan Theater, walkers will make their way to the Tidal Basin. All donations received during the fundraising effort will go to the National Cherry Blossom Red Cross Online Donation Site.

The walk around the tidal basin will be a time of reflection in midst of the Cherry Blos-

DC Help Japan Now Auction A number of DC restaurants are joining the cause in an eBay auction with proceeds benefiting Red Cross. Restaurants include KAZ Sushi Bistro, Perry’s, The Tabard Inn, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, Passion Food, Masa 14, The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Restaurant Nora, Peacock Café, Marcels, Brasserie Beck/ Mussel Bar, and Café Atlantico. More restau-

ashington’s relationship with Japan is exemplified in the National Cherry Blossom Festival. With the recent Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami devastating Japan, Washington is offering support to the country that planted the seeds for the festival, and the culture that is honored throughout the celebration. Below is a list of things you can do around town to help out and donate to Japan relief efforts.

Photo by Phil Yabut

16 March 23, 2011 GMG, Inc. 1

rants are joining in to support so check eBay frequently.

Kaz Sushi Bistro Raises Funds In addition to the eBay Auction, Kaz is supporting Japan with various fundraising events.

The restaurant is currently holding a raffle through April 16. Kaz is located between 19th and 20th on I Street NW. Capital Hearts for Japan Capital Hearts for Japan will be holding a fundraising night at The Park at Fourteenth (920 14th St. NW) March 26. Doors open at 6 p.m. The night will include a silent auction, performances from local artists and drink specials. All donations will be given to Save the Children, an international aid organization that provides emergency relief for children affected by disaster and devastation. The Park is donating $3 per person that comes to the event. Capital Hearts for Japan is a coalition of diverse organizations in the DC metro area and was formed to help provide immediate and long-term relief for Japan.

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About these photos....

For our Cherry Blossom special, we partnered with FotoDC to bring our readers an array of beautiful images from the Cherry Blossom Festival from over the past two years. FotoDC, in conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is currently sponsoring the first annual photography contest focused exclusively on the Cherry Blossom. Displayed is a selection of exceptional entries thus far in the competition, though the deadline is not until April 9, leaving plenty of time to take and submit photographs this season.

The winning images will be announced and recognized by FotoDC just after the close of the Cherry Blossom Festival, with a celebration of winners at a special event. You can also learn how to take contest-winning photos, or just enjoy the scenery, by joining one of the twice-daily photo safaris around the Tidal Basin organized by Washington Photo Safari.

To submit your images to the competition and find out more, visit CherryBlossom.FotoDC.org

Photo by Bernard Chen

1 GMG, Inc. March 23, 2011 17

IN COUNTRY

CELEBRATE SPRING IN EASTON, MARYLAND

By Samantha Hungerford

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n the streets of Easton, Maryland, leaves are unfolding and residents and local businesses are warming up for spring, a spectacular season in this 301-year-old historical town.

Boaters, bikers, fishermen, hikers, hunters and avid outdoor diners alike are anticipating warmer weather and the explosion of activities in Easton that come along with it.

Events The Bay Bridge Boat Show April 28 through May 1 on Kent Island kicks off Maryland’s boating season, featuring every kind of vessel from kayaks to yachts. This year, the Maryland Saltwater Sportfisherman Association will provide a fishing tournament weigh station and AllTackle will hold casting challenges and “guess the fish’s weight” competitions. For a full list of events and show information, visit USboat. com.

To get your own taste of the open waters, you can rent boating equipment and gear at stores such as T.I. Marina Rentals LLC, which typically open their doors in April. If you’d rather sit back and let others do the sailing for you, the Selina II, which will take to the water April 23 at St. Michaels Marina, offers relaxing sailboat rides for up to six passengers.

April 29 through May 1 marks the annual WineFest at St. Michaels, 15 minutes outside of Easton. This outdoor streetscape event celebrates local food and wine and supports six local charities. The festivities will include wine dinners, wine tastings, and chef demonstrations among many other events. For more information visit WineFestAtStMichaels.com.

Also just outside of Easton, the town of Oxford will be holding its 17th annual Oxford Day Celebration on April 30. The festival will feature a parade beginning at 11 a.m., a dog show, live bag pipers and other music, a Civil War reenactment, and five and ten kilometer runs. The day will also celebrate the 327th anniversary of the Oxford Bellevue Ferry, the nation’s oldest privately owned ferry service.

Markets While you’re in Easton, explore Easton Market Square with its numerous shops and cafés.

On April 17, Easton’s Farmers Market will reopen for the summer season, setting up its tents and rolling out its fresh, locally grown produce.

The Market will be open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Harrison Street. The Amish Country Farmers

18 March 23, 2011 GMG, Inc.

Market is also a wonderful place to find fresh produce and handcrafted items. This indoor market is open year-round on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Museums Like Easton’s markets, its galleries and museums are also not to be missed. Begin at the Historical Society of Talbot County, where you can pick up a walking tour map of the area and enjoy the Society’s museum, historic houses, and surrounding award-winning gardens.

The Academy Art Museum features national, regional, and local traveling and residential exhibits. It also hosts concerts, performances, and workshops. Through April 10, the museum will be featuring a private collection of European paintings titled “Old Master Paintings: Narratives for Inspiration.” Visit AcademyArtMuseum.org for details on events and exhibitions.

Just outside of Easton, the Oxford Museum’s 2,500 artifacts chronicle the cultural history of its historic hometown. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels is also a wonderful place to visit, celebrating the history of the Chesapeake Bay’s culture, boats, and seafood. Its fleet of floating historic watercraft is also the largest in existence. In the warmer months, tickets to ride aboard the Skipjack H.M. Krentz can be purchased here.

Art Galleries

If you find yourself in Easton on April Fools’ Day, take some time to visit the area’s fabulous art galleries because April 1 also happens to be a First Friday featuring a Gallery Walk. From 5 to 9 p.m., shops and galleries will be open late and many galleries will be offering discussions and refreshments.

The newly refurbished South Street Art Gallery in Easton features a steady rotation of new artwork by gallery artists in a casually elegant historic Victorian home. Nearby on Dover Street, Gallery 26 will be featuring the work of photographer Robert Cavelli in his first-ever East Coast showing through March 30. April 1 through May 31, Troika Gallery will be holding its Spring Group Show featuring most of the 35 artists exclusively represented by the gallery, which is also a work studio.

Entertainment If living art is more your style, get tickets to a performance at the Avalon Theater which provides a huge variety of entertainment from comedians to symphonies. The theater also showcases The Met: Live in HD, which streams

IN COUNTRY operas and plays taking place live from the Metropolitan Opera. The play is projected in HD onto a movie theater-sized screen at the Avalon Theater, which is the only viewing location in the area. On April 30, the theatre will show the live production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore.

The NightCat café rests comfortably on the border between good food, good drink, and good entertainment. This small, intimate setting offers a nightly soundtrack of up-and-coming artists over the clink of glasses. On April 7 the club will present the indie sounds of Erin McKeown who has been featured on shows like “The L Word” and “Gilmore Girls” as well as in People Magazine. NightCat will break up its routine on April 16 when it hosts Raymond the Amish Comic.

licious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and a large part of its menu is cooked in the stone hearth that is the center of its open-air kitchen.

Scossa Restaurant and Lounge serves its patrons authentic northern Italian dishes created

by Chef Giancarlo Tondin, who began his career in the famous Harry’s Bar restaurant in Venice. During the WineFest at St. Michaels, Tondin will demonstrate how to make one of his signature dishes.

Warming weather is also an excellent reason to check out the many alfresco dining options in Easton. One wonderful option is Mason’s, where you can dine in the courtyard of what was once a grand family home. Chef Daniel Pochron serves up rich French cuisine for lunch and dinner. For desert, buy a box of Mason’s signature chocolates or get a pick-me-up in their luxurious coffee bar.

Bed & Breakfasts

Dining March 20 through 27 is restaurant week in Easton, celebrating the fine dining that is to be found in the area. Many gourmet restaurants in the area will be offering two-course lunch menus for $20.11 and three-course dinner menus for $30.11.

Out of the Fire Café and Wine Bar offers de-

The Bartlett Pear is both a renowned restaurant and a beautiful place to spend a few nights.

The 220-year-old home is owned by Jordan and Alice Lloyd, who met at Mason’s restaurant. The gourmet menu was created by Jordan Lloyd himself, who is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has 15 years of experience in restaurant management. Lloyd will also demonstrate one of his recipes at the WineFest, showing attendants how to make his tomato and ricotta salad.

Another B&B that’s bound to please is the Inn at 202 Dover, which was recently named one of the top 11 romantic restaurants in America

by Destination Travel Magazine. Earlier this year, the bed and breakfast was also voted to be one of the top 10 romantic inns in America by Historic Inns of America. With such a ringing endorsement, a night at this elegant and stately home is sure to be the cherry on top of any stay in Easton.

— KESWICK CLUB — OFFERING the VERY BEST of VIRGINIA’S SPORTING LIFESTYLE Honestly, it’s hard to believe places like this still exist. Set on a

sprawling 600 acres in Albemarle County, Virginia, Keswick Club is how a sporting club should be—accessible, inviting and intimate.

The picturesque setting is matched by the ambiance, which is both friendly and sophisticated. Members and staff carry-on as if they’ve known one another for years, and service provides everything members deserve. This attention to detail comes as no surprise, as it’s a hallmark of the club’s owner and operator, Orient-Express.

Driving up to Keswick Club, the golf course falls along the foothills as if it’s always been there. If escaping to the links is your passion, there’s nothing quite like this Audubon-certified Arnold Palmer Signature Course. With low rounds, guests enjoy play at a leisurely pace. After a few holes, it’s easy to see why the course is one of only nine to receive Audubon Environmental Certification in Virginia.

If golf isn’t your thing, Keswick Club has an array of leisure activities, including three pools for year-round enjoyment, har-tru tennis courts, a relaxing full-service spa and an activities center, offering something for every member—from archery and fly-fishing to photography courses and video games.

After all this play, members can enjoy a warm, private setting to retreat with friends and family. The Palmer Room Restaurant and Bar provides the perfect place with a welcoming feel of English pub dining.

Named the “#1 SMALL RESORT IN MAINLAND U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Club is a welcome reprieve from cookie cutter clubs and courses. With all of this, it’s no wonder Keswick Club is home for many of Charlottesville’s residents.

For an opportunity to learn more about Keswick Club, visit KeswickClub.com or call 434.923.4359 to schedule your tour today.

GMG, Inc. March 23, 2011 19

Your Dining Guide to Washington DC’s Finest

1789 RESTAURANT 1226 36th St, NW With the ambiance of an elegant country inn, 1789 features classically based American cuisine – the finest regional game, fish and produce available.

BANGKOK JOE’S 3000 K St NW (One block from Georgetown Lowe’s theatres)

Complimentary valet parking.

Georgetown introduces Washington’s first “Dumpling Bar” featuring more than 12 varieties.

Come and enjoy the new exotic Thai cuisine inspired by French cooking techniques. Bangkok Joe’s is upscale, colorful and refined. Absolutely the perfect place for lunch or dinner or just a private gathering.

www.1789restaurant.com

www.bangkokjoes.com

Open seven nights a week.

Jackets required.

(202) 965-1789

(202) 333-4422

CAFÉ LA RUCHE

CAFE MILANO

1039 31st Street, NW Take a stroll down memory lane.

Serving Georgetown for more than 35 years - Since 1974 Chef Jean-Claude Cauderlier A bit of Paris on the Potomac.

Great Selection of Fine Wines Fresh Meat, Seafood & Poultry Chicken Cordon-Bleu *Duck Salmon, & Steaks

Voted Best Dessert-Pastry in town, The Washingtonian Magazine FULL BAR Open Daily from 11:30 a.m.

Open Late ‘til 1 am on Friday & Saturday night Now Offering Happy Hours Mon-Fri 4-7PM Happy hour appetizers and Specialty Drinks www.cafelaruche.com (202) 965-2684

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

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

(202) 333-9180

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BISTRO FRANCAIS 3124-28 M St NW

A friendly French Bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown since 1975. Executive chef and owner Gerard Cabrol came to Washington, D.C. 32 years ago, bringing with him home recipes from southwestern France. Our specialties include our famous Poulet Bistro (tarragon rotisserie chicken); Minute steak Maitre d’Hotel (steak and pomme frit¬es); Steak Tartare, freshly pre¬pared seafood, veal, lamb and duck dishes; and the best Eggs Benedict in town. In addition to varying daily specials. www.bistrofrancaisdc.com (202) 338-3830

CHADWICKS

3251 Prospect St. NW

3205 K St, NW (est.1967)

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

Lunch & dinner. Late night dining & bar service.

A Georgetown tradition for over 40 years, this friendly neighborhood restaurant/saloon features fresh seafood, burgers, award-winning ribs, & specialty salads & sandwiches. Casual dining & a lively bar.

Daily lunch & dinner specials. Late night dining (until midnight Sun.Thu., 1A.M. Fri-Sat) Champagne brunch served Sat. & Sun. until 4P.M. Open Mon-Thu 11:30A.M.2A.M. Fri-Sat 11:30A.M.3A.M.Sun 11A.M.-2A.M.Kids’ Menu Available. Located ½ block from the Georgetown movie theatres, overlooking the new Georgetown Waterfront Park

www.CafeMilano.net (202) 333-6183

ChadwicksRestaurants.com (202) 333.2565

DAILY GRILL

1310 Wisconsin Ave., NW Reminiscent of the classic American Grills, Daily Grill is best known for its large portions of fresh seasonal fare including Steaks & Chops, Cobb Salad, Meatloaf and Warm Berry Cobbler.

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.Visit our other locations at 18th & M Sts NW and Tysons Corner. www.dailygrill.com

(202) 337-4900

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

BISTROT LEPIC & WINE BAR 1736 Wisconsin Ave., NW Come and see for yourself why Bistrot Lepic, with its classical, regional and contemporary cuisine, has been voted best bistro in D.C. by the Zagat Guide.

And now with its Wine bar, you can enjoy “appeteasers”, full bar service, complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday and a new Private Room. The regular menu is always available.

Open everyday.

Lunch & dinner.

Reservations suggested. www.bistrotlepic.com (202) 333-0111

CIRCLE BISTRO

One Washington Circle, NW Washington, DC 22037 Circle Bistro presents artful favorites that reflect our adventurous and sophisticated kitchen.

Featuring Happy Hour weekdays from 5pm-7pm, live music every Saturday from 8pm-12midnight, and an a la carte Sunday Brunch from 11:30am-2:30pm.

Open dailyfor breakfast, lunch and dinner.

CAFE BONAPARTE 1522 Wisconsin Ave

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

www.cafebonaparte.com (202) 333-8830

CITRONELLE (The Latham Hotel) 3000 M St, NW

Internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Michel Richard creates magic with fresh and innovative American-French Cuisine, an exceptional wine list and stylish ambiance.

Open for Dinner.

Valet parking.

www.circlebistro.com www.citronelledc.com

(202) 293-5390

FAHRENHEIT

Georgetown 3100 South St, NW Restaurant & Degrees Bar & Lounge The Ritz-Carlton, As featured on the cover of December 2007’s Washingtonian magazine, Degrees Bar and Lounge is Georgetown’s hidden hot spot.

Warm up by the wood burning fireplace with our signature “Fahrenheit 5” cocktail, ignite your business lunch with a $25.00 fourcourse express lunch, or make your special occasion memorable with an epicurean delight with the fire inspired American regional cuisine. www.fahrenheitdc.com (202) 912-4110

(202) 625-2150

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

FOOD

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EATING UP THE CHERRY PICKS

By Shelle Tran agnificent monuments, a cupcake craze and powerhouse politics are not the only things that make the nation’s capitol unique. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival welcomes the spring season with the blooming of beautiful flowers and three weeks full of events. This year, the Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off on Thursday, March 24 with a fundraiser at the Washington Monument. This event, known as “Stand with Japan”, is organized to express our condolences and support for Japan in the wake of their recent tragedies. All donations go to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Red Cross Online Donation site and will benefit the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund.

Along with fundraisers, festivals and parades, local restaurants are also joining in on the festivities. Restaurants all over town are offering a special Cherry Blossom Festival menu. The menus include desserts, entrees, and cocktails, all inspired with a cherry twist!

From duck confit with sour cherry compote and braised artichokes to a chocolate covered cherry martini, the menus will be sure to satisfy. Below is a list of participating restaurants and their offerings.

Bangkok Joe’s - Peking Duck Bao with cherry-hoisin sauce - 7-spiced roasted shrimp with caramelized tomatoes and cherry ponzu butter sauce - Warm cherry upside down cake - Frozen cherry bellini (champagne, bing cherry, cream sherry, lime juice) 3000 K Street NW. 202 333-4422

M

2311 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Fine Dining & Exotic Entertainment in Glover Park since 1966 Monday-Thursday 11am-2am Friday-Saturday 11am-3am Sunday 4pm-2am The kitchen is always open!

A GENTLEMAN’S CLUB ONLY 21 AND OVER, PLEASE

Againn - Eton Mess with Brandied Cherries - JP Caceres’ Cherrio Cocktail (vodka, cherry herring liquer, lemon juice, rose water, egg whites) 1099 New York Ave NW. 202 639-9830

Art and Soul - Steamed Southern style pork buns with sour cherry hoisin dipping sauce Cuba Libre - Grilled tuna with coriander spiced rice, - Barbacoa de Pato con Cerezas DELICIOUS SEAFOOD WITH A VIEW marinated bok choy, maitake mushrooms and - Cherry Tini (Pyrat XO Rum, Combier, lemon ginger chile glaze and Yuzu ginger trifle with grass- infused guarapo, bitters, bing cherries) sour cherries and candied kumquats - Coconut Cherry Frozen (Three Olives, cherry - Cherry Pick Cocktail (Vodka, sake, cherry vodka, lemon grass- infused guarapo, coconut reduction) puree, maraschino cherry juice) 415 New Jersey Ave NW. 801 9th Street NW. 202 393-7777 202 408-1600

57

M STREET BAR & GRILL

Cherry Tini from Cuba Libre

Current Sushi -Cherry Blossom Martini (cherry vodka, sake, black cherries) 1215 Connecticut Ave. 202 955-5525 Dino - Tart Cherry Gin Cocktail (Plymouth Gin, Leopold’s Tart Michigan Cherry Liquer, Orchard’s Cherry Liquer, Leopold’s Cranberry Liquer, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda) 3435 Connecticut Ave. 202 686-2966 Farmers and Fishers - F&F’s Cherry Slump 3000 K Street NW. 202 298-0003

PEACOCK CAFE

MAI THAI

& the 21 M Lounge

3251 Prospect St. NW

3251 Prospect St. NW

2033 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-3305

If you’re searching for authentic Thai food in the heart of Georgetown, Mai Thai Restaurant is the place to go. The warm atmosphere, attentive service, and variety of wines and cocktails in this contemporary establishment only add to the rich culture and authentic cuisine inspired by Thailand.

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

M Street Bar & Grill, in the St. Gregory Hotel has a new Brunch menu by Chef Christopher Williams Featuring Live Jazz, Champagne, Mimosas and Bellini’s. For Entertaining, small groups of 12 to 25 people wishing a dining room experience we are featuring Prix Fixe Menus: $27.00 Lunch and $34.00 Dinner. Lunch and dinner specials daily.

www.mstreetbarandgrill.com

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Carmine’s - Sicilian Triple Cherry Cassata - Frozen Cherries Jubilee (Cruzan Rum, Luzardo Maraschino Liquer, port, lemon juice, brandied cherries) 425 7th Street NW. 202 737-7770

57

GOOD GUYS

Barbacoa de Pato con Cerezas from Cuba Libre

Café Dupont - Goose Liver Torchon with cherry orange compote - Chargrilled NY Strip Steak with a cherry reduction - Vanilla Bean Pana Cotta with a cherry crumble 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW. 202 939-9596

(202) 530-3621

With an array of authentic dishes, from Lahb Gai (spicy chicken salad) and Pad Thai, to contemporary dishes like Panang soft shell crab and papaya salad, the dynamic menu and spectacular drinks will have you coming back time and time again. Come see for yourself. www.maithai.com (202) 337-1010

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

Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 10:30pm Friday: 11:30am - 12:00am Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00am Sunday: 9:00am - 10:30pm (202) 625-2740

TONY AND JOE’S SEAFOOD PLACE

THE OCEANAIRE 1201 F St, NW

3000 K St, NW If you’re in the mood for fresh delicacies Ranked one of the most popular from the sea, dive into Tony and Joe’s seafood restaurants in , DC, “this Seafood Place at the Georgetown Wacosmopolitan”send-up of a vintage supterfront. While enjoying tempting dishes per club that’s styled after a ‘40’s-era such as Maryland crabcakes, fresh lobster ocean liner is appointed with cherry wood and shrimp scampi you have spectacular and red leather booths, infused with a “clubby, old money” atmosphere. The menu showcases “intelligently” pre- views of the Potomac River, Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Roosevelt pared fish dishes that “recall an earlier time of elegant” dining. What’s more, Island, and the Key Bridge. Visit us on Sundays for our award winning brunch buffet.

Come for the view, for the food!

Dive into Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place this stay summer “nothing” is snobbish here.

Sunday thru Thursday: 11AM -10PM Friday & Saturday: 11AM -has Midnight dining Georgetown to Lunch: Mon-Fri- 11:30am -5:00pm Dinner: Mon-Thur 5-10pm. Fri &and enjoy the best seafood Beverage Service until 1:30AM every night Sat 5-11pm. Sun-5-9pm. www.tonyandjoes.com (202) 347-2277offer. Make your reservation today and mention this www.theoceanaire.com (202) 944-4545

ad to be entered to win a FREE Brunch for Two! 202-944-4545 | www.tonyandjoes.com Washington Harbour | 3000 K Street NW | Washington, DC Tony and Joe’s |

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SEQUOIA 3000 K St NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20007 Eclectic American cuisine, Coupled with enchanting views of the Potomac River make Sequoia a one of a kind dining experience.

Offering a dynamic atmosphere featuring a mesquite wood fire grill, sensational drinks, and renowned River Bar. No matter the occasion, Sequoia will provide an unforgettable dining experience. www.arkrestaurants.com /sequoia_dc.html (202) 944-4200

To Advertise Call

Elle 202-338-4833 or email elle@georgetowner.com

GMG, Inc. March 23, 2011 21

47

FOOD (Restaurant Listings, Continued from Page 21)

th

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22 March 23, 2011 GMG, Inc.

WINE

J.Paul’s - Baked Brie with cherry marmalade - Cherry and Pecan Crusted Lamb rack - Cherry Almond Strudel - Sam Adams Cherry Wheat Beer 3218 M Street NW. 202 333-3450 Kaz Sushi Bistro - Cherry Blossom Special Chitashi 1915 I Street.

202 530-5500

Anniversary March 14 - 31

&

Togarashi Seared Tuna Tataki from Ten Penh

Georgia Brown’s - Peanut Butter and Jelly Foie gras with dried cherry jelly - Chicory Rubbed pork tenderloin with cherry and balsamic demi-glace - Dark Cherry glazed roasted free range chicken - Mexican chocolate and cherry cobbler with cinnamon sticky bun ice cream - Cherry Mojitos (cane sugar, ginger, cilantro, a cinnamon swizzle stick) 950 15th Street.

202 393-4499 Hudson Restaurant - Free Range Lamb with chervil johnnycakes and bing cherry gastrique 2030 M Street.

202 872-8700

Kellari Taverna - Cherry Blossom Salad with jumbo shrimp and cherry balsamic - Pan roasted fagri with a bing cherry demi glace - Greek yogurt with sour cherry preserves - Kellari Cherry cocktail 1700 K Street.

202 535-5274 Neyla - Duck Manti with dried Cherries - Baby arugula with arak soaked cherries - Pan roasted grouper with kiln dried cherries - Dark chocolate cherry crème brulee - Chocolate covered cherry martini (Valhrona chocolate, vanilla vodka, and dark cherries) 3206 N Street.

202 333-6353 Old Glory - Sam Adams Cherry Wheat Beer Battered Onion Rings with Sweet and sour dried cherry cherry pepper dip - Old Glory Red Stag Bourbon Buffalo Wings - Cherry Cola BBQ Glazed Salmon with cheddar cheese grits, backyard cucumber slaw, and grilled beefsteak tomato galette - Black Forest Cheesecake with cherry brandy chocolate sauce

- Red Stag Mint Julep( red Stag Cherry Bourbon, vanilla bean, mint, simple syrup, cherry brandy, soda, red stag- soaked maraschino cherry) 3139 M Street NW. 202 337-3406 Plume at the Jefferson Hotel - Duck Confit with sour cherry compote and braised artichokes 1200 16th Street. 202 448-2300 Ten Penh - Togarashi Seared Tuna Tataki with seaweed salad and ponzu sauce - Duck confit and wild cherry gyoza with daikon and toasted pinenut salad - Pan seared black grouper with a scallion crabmeat rice noodle crepe and black bean sauce - Dried cherry and rhubarb crisp with honey, vanilla, and sesame ice cream 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. 202 393-4500 Zola -Cherry Cured Valentine Miller Ham Rillettes with cherry gelee and brioche -Anise glazed sea scallops with country ham, ramps, and cherry suds, -Roast quail with cherry aigre-doux, goat cheese polenta and seedling salad -Cherry braised beef short ribs with sunchoke puree, pea tendrils and foie gras emulsion -Cherries with bruleed vanilla sponge cake and tonka bean cream 800 F Street. 202 654-0999

To learn more about this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival and the “Cherry Picks” restaurants visit: NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org

FOOD

&

WINE

A WINDOW INTO WINE: WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED

By Caroline Jackson

W

inemaking is one of the fastestgrowing agricultural industries in the Mid-Atlantic area. Due to the rapid mutual progression of viticultural expertise and the knowledge and interest from the regional consumer in food and wine culture, it seems like new wineries are popping up everyday.

Just in case you were thinking about quitting your salaried day job and following your passion for Pinot to join the ranks of budding winemakers, I’d like to address a few of the many decisions and risks one must face when embarking upon such a venture. Winemaking is not for the faint of heart; it takes a unique balance of unflagging diligence and zen-like patience, not to mention a shockingly large sum of capital.

As any winemaker will tell you, it all starts in the vineyard. It is an oft-quoted adage that one can easily make bad wine out of good grapes, but great wine cannot be made without exceptional fruit. There are many horticultural nuances that contribute to a well tended versus poor quality vineyard, but the first principal of viticultural potential is that of site selection. Although wineries may grow their own estate vines or buy grapes from several different vineyards, it is up to the winemaker to find sites with the best climatic and topographical characteristics possible for the chosen variety of grape.

The most influential factors are soil composition and drainage, length of growing season, and elevation and slope of the plot. Here on the East Coast, we cannot hope to emulate the hot, dry California summers, so it is essential that a vineyard has ample water drainage and maximum sun exposure. This means careful scouting and analysis before deciding where to grow or buy grapes.

With a source of fruit procured, the beginner winemaker is just getting started. Once the grapes get to the cellar, many parts of the process require highly specified and expensive equipment. When starting a new winery, it can be tricky to decide how ambitiously to plan; it takes a few years of vine growth to achieve full yields and therefore to know exactly how much wine you’ll be producing. This will then deter-

mine the number of tanks and barrels, the size of the grape press, the type of bottling set-up, and the sheer amount of man power and accessories needed.

For example, the winery I work for in Pennsylvania used a 1.5-ton capacity press in the rainy 2009 vintage for about 27 tons of grapes; the next year, we were certainly glad we had upgraded to a four-ton press when a healthy harvest yielded over 60 tons. The doubled production also necessitated about 50 new barrels.

Some wineries on a budget may opt for alternatives such as oak chips, but a vinicultural purist sticking to barrel aging must then decide between the less expensive but often more aggressive American Oak or spending up to $1,000 each for what many deem the more elegant effects of French Oak barrels.

Another tricky issue for any fermented product is that of temperature maintenance. Most yeasts require an environment over 60 degrees to get started; then individual tanks may need to be cooled down once fermentation gets rolling.

In addition, barrels may need to stay at moderate temperatures to go through secondary malolactic fermentation, while wine in stainless steel holding tanks should be kept cooler. This can prove to be quite a challenge without well designed architecture and complex cooling and heating systems.

Aside from choosing material resources, there are thousands of other small decisions that determine the outcome of the wine -- how long to age, how often to rack, how fine to filter, etc.

-- and most will depend on the winemaker’s philosophy and stylistic goals. Do you have a winery that makes a wide range of styles and varietals, or a more boutique operation that focuses its energy on only one or two grapes?

Is your goal to make a solid product that most people can afford and enjoy, or will your line-up consist of highly refined wines in smaller production at inevitably higher prices?

A winery’s overarching mission statement will also determine the set-up of the tasting room and the kind of customer experience it will attempt to provide. Are events at the winery mostly upscale dinners with some quiet jazz for ambience, or do you regularly see a bluegrass band on the lawn with some casual catering? It is imperative for any business to determine the per-

sonality it hopes to exude to the consumer, but it is especially important in an industry where the competition is growing at such a rapid rate.

As we’ve seen on the West Coast, it is possible for multiple wineries in a small radius to all flourish concurrently if each is able to target a niche in the market and then work together with their counterparts to provide a diversified experience within the common vein of shared terroir and regionalism. Similarly in the past few years, we have seen the success of the Eastern wine industry increase with the number of wineries – a good sign on the path to becoming the world’s next wine destination.

Sip of Day Paradise Springs Viognier 13.2 % Alc, $25 Paradise Springs is a brand new winery in the beautiful town of Clifton, VA. With two vintages under their belt and a new tasting room under construction, they seem to be taking all the necessary steps to increase in both quality and sales potential. This Viognier is surprisingly smooth and balanced, with notes of ripe white fruit on the front of the palate that provides body and richness without the residual sugar.

GMG, Inc. March 23, 2011 23

BODY

&

SOUL

SPRING CLEANING: SPRUCING UP YOUR HEART, MIND AND SOUL

By Katherine Tallmadge

the brain, which help us become more mindful.

But it is a bit like going to the gym and working out your muscles, it takes time and practice for the beneficial brain pathways to become established, similar to building muscular strength and flexibility.

S

pring is the time of year I make an assessment of my life, my achievements, my mistakes, and how my life is going overall. Spring sends my spirit soaring, sharpens my senses, and forces an evaluation of my life and my health. And while there is so much to be grateful for, improvements need to be made as well.

I know, tradition says you make those evaluations at the new year. But I really don’t feel that sense of urgency for change until I can open my windows, hear the birds chirping, see daffodils sprouting (and perhaps, notice my belly has been expanding during the winter months…

OOPS! We’ll talk about that later).

For the spiritual or religious among us, springtime means Lent: a time for reflection and change. “Lent is spiritual calisthenics; forty days to exercise self-discipline. This hard work transforms us toward a deeper respect for God, love for our brothers and sisters, and reverence for all creation for the entirety of the year,” says Rev. Dr. Albert Scariato, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Georgetown Parish.

For the non-religious, spring can be an important time for reflection as well. We live in a society where a multitude of distractions keep us from serious personal work, self-reflection and improvement, close relationships, physical

What are some examples of meditation that may have these kinds of emotional and behavioral benefits?

Dr. Killen: There are many ways you can train your mind to be more mindful. The jury is still out as to whether one is better than another.

More likely, certain types of meditation will work well for certain people, and other kinds for other people. We are still working on how to measure and study meditation.

There are several types of meditation. “Mantra” meditation is repeating a phrase, or something with deep meaning over and over, or focusing on a candle, for instance. “Mindfulness” meditation is focusing on what is happening now instead of on thoughts, memories, and associations.

Are yoga, tai chi, and other forms of exercise considered good ways to achieve mindfulness?

Sharon Garon, Photo by Martin Brading

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activity and healthy food. In order to thrive in this crazy, multi-tasking, often violent and unhealthy world, the first step is “mindfulness.”

“There are many health benefits to being more mindful,” says Jack Killen, MD, Deputy Director of the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The following are excerpts from a recent interview: Katherine: What is mindfulness?

Dr. Killen: Mindfulness is the ability to be present, more focused and clear; for concentration to be more sustained, and for attention to be on what’s happening, instead of on thoughts, memories, and associations.

Why is it important to be mindful? What are some scientifically proven benefits?

Dr. Killen: There is neurobiological research demonstrating that mindfulness engages pathways in the brain associated with emotion and impulse control, attention, and focusing. It allows your brain to be focused on what is here and now so you are better able to respond to situations appropriately. People who are more mindful are better able to handle emotional situations in more appropriate ways, are more able to think through a problem, are less likely to be distracted by issues that won’t help…There is evidence that you improve at mental tests, that emotion regulation is better and more appropriate, blood pressure is lower and stress hormones are lower, thereby reducing stress.

How can one become more mindful? I understand prayer or meditation may be helpful?

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Dr. Killen: There is a lot of evidence accumulating that meditation in all of its forms has beneficial physiological effects. Meditation is a way of exercising neurological pathways in

Dr. Killen: While mind/body interventions are difficult to research, there is some encouraging data. Yoga and meditation are intertwined in many ways. Studies suggest yoga is useful in increasing lung capacity, improving mood, wellbeing, posture, and there are similar benefits with Tai Chi. But there is a larger body of research on meditation and its benefits.

Is there scientific evidence that these mind/ body interventions such as meditation or yoga will promote healthier lifestyles?

Dr. Killen: This is what we are studying at the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Getting definitive answers to those questions through rigorous scientific research could make these kinds of health interventions more widely available. Important work going on right now is defining research methods. We need to understand, for instance, which yoga postures benefit your health and in what specific ways. If we want to make health interventions more widely available and accepted, we need to be able to describe their effects better, thus magnifying their benefits. We are currently studying if these mind-body interventions are a means to help people with metabolic syndrome, if they’d be useful in weight-control programs, helping people eat less, or more healthfully.

In “Mindfulness in Eating and Living Part II,” I will further investigate mindfulness, clarify methods for achieving mindfulness, and how you can use it to improve your health and your life. Stay tuned!

Katherine Tallmadge, M.A., R.D., is passionate about helping people transform their health and their lives. Her book, Diet Simple, called the “Un-Diet” by The Washington Post, and “The only good nutritionally balanced and easy-to-follow diet book” by Good Housekeeping Magazine, is about losing weight without dieting. KatherineTallmadge.com

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FRENCH LANGUAGE TEACHER Beginners to advance-level classes, and conversation classes. Enthusiastic and very patient. Years of teaching, Washington, DC. Contact: 202-270-2098 or getfrench@gmail.com

WINDOWS Ace Window Cleaning Window Cleaning, Licensed, Bonded, Insured 25 Years Experience, Working Owners assure quality, many local references.

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computer service Computer services Nationally certified expert can make your Windows XP computer run noticeably faster and more reliably.

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GUitar Lessons 202-234-1837 Rock, classical, folk. Beginners welcome.

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PERFORMANCE

PRODDING THE MASSES: MIKE DAISEY AT WOOLLY MAMMOTH

By Gary Tischler

I

t’s hard to pin Mike Daisey down. You’d kind of like to know what he is – is he an actor, a monologist, a comedian, a one-man show, a writer, husband, radical, political and social critic? Is he a guy who sweats a lot on stage, a provocateur, a really interesting guy to interview and shoot the breeze with?

All true, but you’d still be missing a few things.

He’s not lacking for fans—the New York Times has called him nothing less than “one of the finest solo performers of his generation.” But on the other hand, a Christian group walked out on one of his performances earlier in his career (though that may be taken as a compliment).

On his website, which he calls “His Secret Fortress on the Web,” he calls himself, “actor, author, commentator, playwright and general layabout.” I suspect most of that is true too, although you may have to talk to this wife to verify the latter.

And he’s back in town, back at the nearest thing to an ideal home he might have in Washington, the Woolly Mammoth Theater. And he brings with him his latest one-man production, “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs,” a title that resonates on so many levels that it’s almost not funny. As always, the piece is about a Mike Daisey obsession. This is not so unusual; Daisey admits that he tends to obsess about things.

“I am, and always have been obsessed with Apple, everything about Apple, about Jobs, about the things we use every day, about iPad, and the iPhone. I grew up with everything we use today, like a natural progression,” he said.

Beware of what he says. I don’t mean to suggest that Daisey is not truthful, because he is painfully so. It’s just that most things he does, says, writes about and performs about on stage are so layered and crosswired as to defy any sort of coherent and sane description. The ability to connect and pull together, not always in a perfect fit, is a special gift of Daisey’s.

On stage—and I’ve only had the discomfiting pleasure once—he roils you up and carries you along with him like a runaway horse. He gets in your face and reconstructs your thinking a little. He makes you think, and it feels sometimes like he’s writing a novel right in front of you. At least that was my experience upon seeing “The Last Cargo Cult,” his last presentation at the Woolly.

On the phone, Daisey is pretty casual once you get going; he comes across as a very serious guy who can talk about big things in an off-handed way, as if just considering the implications of what he’s saying.

He is not, per se, an actor, although he was trained and educated in the academics of theater and performance. Nor is he a stand-up comic— he’s sitting down, sweating on stage—although almost casually he can be very funny “The Agony and the Ecstasy” involves a portrait of Jobs, who with Bill Gates comprise the dynamic duo—opposites of sorts—who changed our whole way of living through technology. The two are to blame, can take the praise for and generally be damned and worshipped for all the little buzz-buzz things in our lives— the phone we carry, the computer we marry, the operating systems that run us, the apps we gotta have, all those things we plug into and flip open that are like breathing to us now.

26 March 23, 2011 GMG, Inc.

And Daisey loved it—the Apple version— but then he embarked, as he often does with his projects, on a journey (this time to China) where he discovered that most of what Apple creates and manufactures comes at the cost of deplorable labor conditions. And it didn’t take long for him to see a terrible light, which became a monologue, which was workshopped, changed, troubled over and agonized over for over a year. And here we are now. I won’t say more because I haven’t seen it yet.

But here’s this up front. I Loved “Cargo Cult” as did a lot of people and critics in Washington.

It was practically unanimous. It was a riff on a journey to the Pacific where he found islanders still worshipping and celebrating American “stuff,” crates of stuff left behind that symbolized the great American God of commerce. And from that he extrapolated a scathing explanation and description of America’s financial collapse from which we still reel. Not bad for a general layabout.

“I like to connect things,” he said. “It’s work, really hard work, exciting work. See, I don’t think we see how we live, what affects us, how things are connected. I want to challenge the public, the audience out there. I’m not out to really entertain, I’m not out to sweet-talk people. I don’t’ want to make people feel good. ” On stage, Daisey is a hard charger and a waterdrinker. He looks a little like the local actor Michael Willis, and others have compared him to Sam Kinniston, the blaringly loud stand-up comedian and social critic who died young. “I’m a big fan of his,” he said. “But no, that’s not me. I understand the anger though.”

A list of titles might give you a glimpse of where he’s coming from: “21 Dog Years,”

his jump into notoriety and fame; “Tongues Will Wag”; “The Envoy’s Dilemna,” about a visit to Tajikistan; “Barring the Unforeseen”; “If You See Something Say Something,” the secret history of the Department of Homeland Security; “All Stories are Fiction”; and the very controversial “How Theater Failed America,” in which he contends that the regional theater powers that be have failed its workers, its actors and its audiences by focusing on subscriptions and building bigger and bigger stages, themes that resonated not always with agreement here and elsewhere.

“Well, it’s true,” he said. “I think as a result we’re shrinking audiences. We don’t take care of actors, for instance. We bring in people from the outside, there’s very little left of repertoire theater. People, truly gifted people, can’t afford to stay in the business.”

Daisey works with his wife Jean-Michele Gregory, who has been his director for the last decade, as well as editor and dramaturg. But it’s Daisey who’s the out-front guy, not she. I asked him if that ever creates tensions.

“Yeah, I suppose. Yeah, I think so,” he said.

“I suppose it does. But you know, this relationship, I can’t think of anybody that has anything like this. The work slips over into the marriage, and the marriage slips into the work. It’s really, really intense. And I think and believe that this helps make our marriage strong and makes the work better. It’s an intimate process, you know.

I mean we do everything together, we eat and sleep together, and we work together.”

Daisey, who is a lone provocateur on stage and in print, seems at times like a jilted lover. Two of the things he loves the most in his world— tech and theater—he has now taken on in tree

shaking, thought provoking pieces that make you look differently at them.

If critics see him as a rebel, audiences are often stunned by his work. He is in an odd sort of limbo: his work is cutting edge, designed to provoke, make the powers that be tremble a little, and yet he’s a bit of a celebrity too, often written about, talked about and talked with. It’s a dangerous artistic world in some ways, like being the brazen filmmaker Michael Moore, to whom he’s sometimes compared.

If the New York Times rhapsodizes about him, lesser known folks like the Bugwalk blogger, upon seeing “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs,” said, “I left the theater in tears vowing to buy no electronic device that I don’t’ truly need, though there is no such thing as living a life that does not include increasing the misery of a thirteen-year-old Chinese girl. It cannot be done.”

Daisey probably cares about what others thing.

He likely appreciates praise and worries about criticism. Or maybe not. None of the hoopla— which he seems to enjoy—will deter him. Take, for instance, his next little project.

It’s a monologue called “All the Hours in the Day.” And you guessed it: it’s a 24-hour performance that “charts the epic story of America’s essential character as a weaving together of Puritanism and anarchism.”

Shy he is not.

“All the Hours in the Day” will be performed at the Time Based Art Festival in Portland and the Under the Radar Festival in New York. “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs” runs through April 10, and has already been extended through April 17.

For more information visit WoollyMammoth.net

VISUAL ARTS

“20 YEARS, 20 ARTISTS” AT THE RALLS COLLECTION

Left: “Orchard Mist” by John Blee Above: “Hollywood Sphinx” by Robert Rauschenberg

By Ari Post t is difficult to encapsulate the significance of The Ralls Collection to Washington’s artistic community, much in the same way it is hard to grasp the broad archive of substantial artwork that has passed through the gallery since its opening 20 years ago.

In both cases, the amount accomplished and the merit achieved by owner and founder Marsha Ralls dwarfs any singular summation or exhibition. But the work present at The Ralls Collection’s 20th Anniversary Exhibition, “20 Years, 20 Artists” (March 18 – May 28), does not try to weave any sort of narrative or biography. With this show, Ralls has done what she has consistently done for nearly a quarter century: put together a remarkable exhibition of beautiful contemporary artwork with a clear vision and impeccable taste.

A Texas native, Ralls began her career in the arts as an apprentice to American master painter Robert Rauschenberg. After doing consultation and advising work for several major galleries and auction houses, including Sotheby’s Auction House in New York, she founded The Ralls Collection Inc. in 1988 and opened the doors to the corresponding gallery in Georgetown in 1991. Since then, she has been sharing her expertise with the Washington arts community,

I

working within the city and internationally to forward the development, education and appreciation of the arts.

Her more recent accomplishments and contributions include a longstanding seat on the DC Arts & Humanities Commission Board, having been appointed by Anthony Williams in 2004, as well as traveling to the UAE and Saudi Arabia to provide advisory services, looking to collaborate with local leaders on arts initiatives and fostering economic development through the arts.

But inside the doors of The Ralls Collection, you wouldn’t need to know any of this. All that you need to know is hanging on the walls, proving to you that there are still galleries showcasing innovative and relevant artwork in Washington. Like all of Ralls’ other shows, “20 Years, 20 Artists” is focused absolutely on the art and the artists. “We have such close, successful relationships,” she says of the artists she represents, “and I wanted to celebrate them, their art and their contribution to the Ralls Collection.”

Many of the artists Ralls chose for the exhibition have been with the gallery since its beginning, Melinda Stickney and Caio Fonseca among them. Stickney’s “Bliss + Grief,” a modest-size canvas that plays out like a whimsical, brutal family history, utilizes a classical sense of color and composition to realize a deeply

textured canvas. Her empirical use of shadow within her weightless, abstract shapes recalls a hyperbolic theatricality and experimentation that is almost literary.

Fonseca’s “Pietrasanta Painting CO6.54” is a huge, encapsulating black canvas, a sort of adumbrated landscape littered with sharp flecks of white that dance around the dark field like a vague melody. A pastoral blueprint that might be reminiscent of Pietrasanta, Italy, where the artist lives and works, the viewer feels immediately comfortable in front of the canvas, but its mystery lingers long after the initial viewing.

Among a select few artists new to the gallery, DC painter John Blee’s “Orchard Mist” serves as a most remarkable centerpiece. The first painting one sees upon entering the gallery, it is a luscious environment of color, which warms you from within like dawn’s first light. Blee’s color is full of meaning, as significant to his searching canvases as with the impressionists, who used their paint to define light, time and atmosphere. Blee has been heavily influenced by poetry, notably the work of Rilke. “It is Rilke’s insistence on putting the impossible at the center of the quest that stays with me every day,” he says.

This influence is clear in his work. Like the garden paintings of Pierre Bonnard, Blee’s paintings are elegant and contemplative, ef-

fortlessly composed, intricate and expansive.

Blee’s work will be exhibited in a solo show at The Ralls Collection this coming fall, which this paper greatly anticipates. Keep an eye out for it in the coming months. It is not a show you want to miss.

Two canvases by David Richardson, whose show at The Ralls Collection ran through last month and garnered tremendous national attention, hang in the gallery for the exhibition, including a new piece commissioned for the show. With Richardson’s planes of bold colors and textures, his work recalls a landscape both foreign and familiar, contained yet effusive.

Ralls has assembled another monumental exhibition, significant to the local community and the artistic community at large. Masters like Robert Rauschenberg and Richard Serra hang next to renowned local and international painters, bridging an array of styles and influence into a cohesive and relevant body of works. It is only March, but this exhibition will surely go down as one of the major arts events of 2011.

“20 Years, 20 Artists” will be on view at The Ralls Collection through May 28. For more information visit RallsCollection.com

GMG, Inc. March 23, 2011 27

SOCIAL

SCENE

IT’S MY BIRTHDAY, TOO -YEAH Approaching the Ides of March, it seemed so many friends and colleagues were celebrating their birthdays: Victoria Michael of VM Public Relations and Kate Michael, a former Miss D.C. and social media maven, of K Street Kate, Washington’s photographer Neshan Naltchayan, whose photos have appeared in this newspaper and other national media, such as the Washington Post, and Franco Nuschese, who runs the enduringly happening Cafe Milano, where K Street Kate drank champagne for her birthday on March 7. Sorry we missed yours. We trust it was a fun party, too.-- Text and photos by Robert Devaney Victoria Michael and Kate Michael lounging around the penny-buttoned couch during their birthday celebration at Lincoln, a new restaurant at Vermont Avenue and L Street, on March 11 (Vicky’s birthday).

Birthday cakes for at least four in Christine Warnke’s backyard on New Mexico Avenue. Left to right: Christine Warnke, Franco Nuschese, Jim Lagos (also his birthday week), Kate Michael and Neshan Naltchayan, for whom the March 13 afternoon brunch was a surprise birthday party for his the day before, hosted by Warnke and Tony Bell.

Yes, Helen did offer job advice: Neshan Naltchayan, Christine Warnke, Helen Thomas and Tomaczek Bednarek.

2011 LEUKEMIA BALL Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Leukemia & Lymphona Society, funds research, patient services, advocacy, and public awareness and education for and about blood cancers.

Donna Wysong (whose birthday is March 12) and Erin Corddry, whose birthday is also March 11.

NIGHT OF THE STARS On Mar. 8, Gala, The National Center of Latino Performing Arts, celebrated its 35th anniversary season. The evening honored enduring supporters The Eugene & Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Fernando & Stephanie van Reigersberg and Edwin Aparicio. Heart and soul of Gala, Rebecca and Hugo Medrano, were justly proud of their outreach that crosses “borders and frontiers.”

The evening featured performances by Quin Tango, dancer Carina Losano and Gala’s Youth Company Paso Nuevo. Silent and live auctions supported Gala’s mission of creative artistic programming and commitment to arts education.

-Mary Bird Honoree Edwin

The evening’s emcees were four local TV anchors. Alison Starling of ABC 7 News, : Anita Brikman of 9 News Now, Laura Evans of Fox 5 News, Alison Starling of Good Morning Washington and ABC 7 News, and Lindsay Czarniak of News4 Sports

Leukemia Ball 2011 Reigns ‘Supreme’ with Diana Ross

Leukemia Ball co-chair Steve Lilly announces that the event raised $2.85 million for the Leukemia & Lymphona Society.

Brian R. Monday, Regional President for TD Bank, with his wife Holly Monday and John Beard at the Leukemia Ball.

28 March 23, 2011 GMG, Inc.

Comedian John Heffron tests out the Mercedes-Benz that was raffled off at the 2011 Leukemia Ball

José Alberto Ucles, Judith Terra, Thomas A. Noll

SOCIAL

SCENE

CITIZENS ‘BOFFI’ OVER CHEFS’ TREATS

The Citizens Association of Georgetown joined with Boffi, the highend kitchen and bathroom showroom on M Street, and neighborhood chefs on March 21 to give residents an exquisite setting for a springtime taste of their restaurants’ culinary talents. From Clydes, Salvatore Ferro’s crab and spring vegetable salad; from Farmers & Fishers, Al Nappo’s baby cheeseburgers; from Mate, Kahn’s colorful sushi; from Mie N Yu, mixologist Mike Cherner’s cherry blossom cocktail; and from Paolo’s, Tom Chenshaw’s gnocchi. With demonstrations and advice from the chefs, the crowd noshed and chatted through the glassy lit, sleekly modern space. And secrets from the chefs? Ferro said, “Fresh ingredients and this guy,” pointing to his boss John Guattery, Clyde’s corporate chef. Farmers & Fishers’ Nappo revealed: “It’s all in the seasoning, my friend.” And one of the winners for a gift certificate at one of these places? This newspaper’s publisher, Sonya Bernhardt.-- Text and photos by Robert Devaney

Clyde’s corporate chef John Guattery and Salvatore Ferro, executive Julia Walter, manager of Boffi Georgechef of the original Clyde’s on M Street. town, with Lillian Leong, president of Boffi USA.

Karen Feld’s toy poodle, Campari, made an appearance to sample bits of a baby hamburger.

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE The 2011 Gala for the Catholic Charities Spanish Catholic Center in Washington was held at the Organization of American States on Mar. 19. Franco Nuschese, principal owner of Café Milano, was gala chair and His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, attended. Several awards were presented and live auctions featured three luxury trips to Italy.

The evening raised a record $720,000 for the Center which provides more than 43,000 immigrants in DC and Maryland with services that include medical and dental clinics, job training programs and social services.

- Mary Bird Mario and Xiomara Sacasa, Dr. Steven and Julia Hopping

THE AMERICAN IRELAND FUND GALA

Father Mario Dorsonville, His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Franco Nuschese arriving at the OAS Photo by James R. Brantley

SECOND FAMILY, INC. AWARDS DINNER

Supporters of Second Family, Inc. (SFI) gathered upstairs at Café Milano on Mar. 18 at a dinner honoring Shahin Mafi, MBA, CEO of Home Health Connections, and Betty Rainsford, RN, PAC, Second Family Pediatric Medical Specialist and Education Advocate. Sisters Shilda Frost and Marion Hailey founded SFI in l998 as a non-profit providing care in a home-like environment for special needs children. SFI currently has expanded to seven homes on two Maryland campuses. MC Mike Walter termed their work “unconditional love in motion.” -Mary Bird

Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

To the left: MD Governor Martin O’Malley, who was honored at the Gala, performed with 40 Thieves on stage. Congressman Joe Crowley in background (D-NY).

LATINO STUDENT FUND

The Latino Student Fund (LSF) held its 11th Annual Gala at the Organization of American States of Mar. 9. LST Executive Director Maria Fernanda Borja acknowledged Honorary Patrons Ambassador of Spain Jorge Dezcallar and Mrs. Teresa Dezcallar, who hosted a reception the previous week. Wendy ThompsonMarquez chaired this year’s Gala. Co-Founder and Board Chair Rosalia Miller said “what we do best is changing lives of Latino youth in cooperation with schools.” The warmth was clear as guests generously supported the silent and live auctions to further LSF advocacy of the Latino community. -Mary Bird

Pres/CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Angela Franco, Julissa Marenco of Telemundo

Denise Estep, Mrs. Betty Rainford, Mike Walter, Marion Hailey, Carole Randolph, Mr. Joseph F. Labule , and Mrs. Shilda Frost Labule, Founder and President. Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan

GMG, Inc. March 23, 2011 29

T H E P L AY E R

LINCOLN PILCHER

By Veena Trehan

Next time you’re at Georgetown’s Rugby Cafe, say ‘Hi’ to co-owner Lincoln Pilcher, a former rugby player and Ralph Lauren model.

The Australian native’s string of rustic restaurants spans the country: LA’s Eveleigh is the new “it” spot; NYC’s Ruby’s is a “cool college kid hangout”, and the West Village’s Kingswood is “an equally fun big sister” to the Rugby Cafe. Pilcher’s empire is even expanding to the Middle East - a Little Ruby’s recently opened in Kuwait City.

In 1999, 20-year-old Pilcher arrived in New York to model and shoot fashion photos. Last week, he shared beer and kangaroo with Australian Prime Minster Julia Gillard. This is Pilcher’s intriguing story.

Humble Beginnings – “My partner [Nicholas Mathers], who is my partner in all the restaurants, he decided he was going to start

30 March 23, 2011 GMG, Inc.

a cafe. And I told him he was crazy because we couldn’t get any good coffee in New York and we were sick of drinking Starbucks,” says Pilcher in his cool, candid manner. “He went ahead and signed a lease and did all these things and I still thought he was crazy. Eventually I jumped on board with him and became a partner with him in Ruby’s, which we opened in 2004.

It just snowballed from there.

“We started with cupcakes, bizarrely enough— selling cupcakes and selling coffee—and then we went to paninis. Then someone said we should do pastas. We did pastas. Then at one stage we started cooking burgers off panini grills,” he says, summarizing the improvised first year and a half. “There wasn’t even an exhaust system at Ruby’s.

“You’d come to Ruby’s and eat burgers, and leave smelling like the burger you ate.”

“The Bedroom Effect” – “We exported the

Sydney-style, the Melbourne-style cafe. Australia is a cafe society, it’s wake up, everyone meet in the morning and have panini and coffee,” says Pilcher, describing the ambience he and partners Mathers and Nick Hatsatouris sought to export.

“We try to make it about the vibe. One of the big things we’ve done over the years is trying to create the bedroom effect, the whole lounge effect so you feel comfortable. It’s polished food in a relaxed environment.”

Naming the Burgers – “The burger, that’s what’s really hit it off. The burger in New York is different from here. We change buns, we try to keep it alive. The Iggys burger, which is in the middle,” he says, referencing a chalkboard menu on the wall. “That’s the one that’s standardized. Every restaurant has that.”

“The [burgers] at Ruby’s are all named after the beaches in Australia. So Bondi, which is the famous Bondi, and the Bronte. Then these [Rugby Cafe burgers] are all the famous rugby schools in Australia. Scots is where I went to school.”

Pilcher’s Rugby Past – For seven years, Pilcher reveled in the nonstop, rough and tumble nature of the game. “It’s super tough.” Did he break anything? “Collarbones, split-open lips. You don’t wear pads, it’s intense but the game doesn’t stop, that’s why rugby’s such a great game.”

“Rugby, yeah,” he says with a rueful smile.

“That was when I was younger.”

A Glamorous Modeling Lifestyle – Pilcher’s mother, a Pittsburgh native, was the editor of Australian Vogue for 28 years. Even as a young child Pilcher was always well dressed, often sporting Ralph Lauren. He started modeling as a pre-teen, landing a contract with Ford Models in his early twenties.

“We had a great, great time. Literally traveling

the world and making enough money to go to the next place. It was a vagabond style of life but it was definitely fun.

“We traveled around do to shows in Paris, Milan, New York; a lot of advertising, Abercombie and print magazine editorial.”

They did let him smile, he assures me - his modeling career wasn’t about “pulling a Zoolander,” making the same face in every photo.

“That movie kind of changed everything: ‘blue steel’ that’s it,” he snaps as he remembers the name for Ben Stiller’s pouty model pose.

“Fun, fun, fun.”

A big budget shoot for Australian GQ was particularly memorable. “We went to this amazing island. It was three guys and three girls,” he recalls. “We were there for four days. We shot for like an hour a day because we’d shoot sunrise and sunset. We were all surfers, we were surfing. Those were the kind of trips that I liked.”

Ultimately the narrow focus of the industry wasn’t a comfortable fit. “You’re judged purely on one thing - what you look like - so it wasn’t really my thing.”

On the Restaurant Business and Life in DC – The restaurant industry seems to be a better fit, though Pilcher does enjoy keeping up with some aspects of his former life. “Broken dishwashers and beer taps, that’s Monday through Friday, and then on the weekends you can do what you want to do,” he says. The former rugby player embraces an active lifestyle of tennis, running and surfing, but his true passion is highend photography.

“I still love taking pictures, it’s my hobby, it’s my passion,” he says, becoming energized by the turn in the conversation. “I have my studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for my pictures. It’s kind of like my little Warhol sanctuary to do what I want to do on the weekends.”

His hobbies help to offset the more trying aspects of being a partner in such a successful set of restaurants. On negotiating with providers for his businesses, Pilcher notes that “Consistency is the biggest thing in restaurants. It’s the hardest thing to do. If you are consistent, you’ll be successful.

“Avocados can be a dollar, all of a sudden there’s a flood then they’re $5 ... Fish is the worst. Providers call us and they say, ‘This has gone up to this much.’ Some of the theories I’ve gotten from providers over the years,” he marvels. “It’s like, ‘You’re pulling my leg. China’s buying it all and they’re freezing it? That’s a good excuse. You just can’t get any fish and you want to charge me more for it.’”

While negotiating with providers and finding alone time for his photography isn’t always easy, Pilcher clearly enjoys his new career. His favorite aspect of the restaurant business? “The interaction with people, making people feel happy and at home.” He gets to know his DC customers particularly well, he says. “Loyalty is the big thing down here.”

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