The Georgetowner's October 17, 2012 Issue by The Georgetowner

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OCTOBER 17 - 30, 2012

VOLUME 59, NUMBER 2

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Getaways Bali, Barcelona and Belize TOWN TOPICS:

Ice Rink Opening Soon

SOCIAL SCENE:

Hope & Progress Gala Meridian Ball

ALL THINGS MEDIA:

New Podcast You Can't Miss

FOOD & WINE: 'Bolly' for Bond

Cleveland Park, DC

$1,575,000

Grand five bedroom, five and a half bath house on quiet street that backs to Park. Living room with fireplace, fabulous eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, amazing decks, sunroom, office, master suite, family room with fireplace, in-law suite. Spring Valley Office 202.362.1300.

Georgetown, DC

$2,325,000

Grand Victorian. Recently updated. First level perfect for large scale entertaining. Kitchen w/ butler’s pantry FR adjoining garden. MS w/fireplace and alcove. Upper level is reminiscent of a studio apartment of its own. Nancy Itteilag 202.905.7762/ 202.363.1800 (O).

Photo Credit Here

Kent/Palisades, DC

$1,749,999

Over 6,000 sq. ft. of luxury living awaits you in this expertly crafted, finely appointed five bedroom and 4+BA, elevator to all four levels, two car garage, lovely terrace, true gourmet kitchen, and so much more! Spring Valley Office 202.362.1300.

Spring Valley

$1,495,000

Prime corner lot. Ideal for entertaining large or intimate groups. Open floor plan & beautiful gardens with bamboo screening. 3BR, 4 ½ BA, solarium, home office, skylights, 2 fireplaces. Lovely space & updates. Lydia Chopivsky Benson 202.365.3222/301.320.8302 (O).

We invite you to tour all of our luxury listings at

Chevy Chase, DC

Georgetown, DC

www.ExtraordinaryProperties.com

Cleveland Park

$2,995,000

Bethesda, MD

$1,450,000

Chevy Chase, MD

$1,200,000

Observatory Circle , DC

Washington, VA

$1,695,000

Washington, DC

$1,395,000

N. Arlington, VA

$1,045,000

Great Falls, VA

Classic 1920’s residence expanded with elegant foyer with grand staircase, DR and LR with custom milled doors opening to “L” shaped kitchen, glass enclosed family room, outdoor decking and pool, plus gated open garage parking for four cars. Nancy Itteilag 202.905.7762/ 202.363.1800 (O).

Over 7200 square feet of custom built 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath contemporary colonial! Fully appointed chef’s kitchen, grand adjoining family room, sumptuous master suite, 2 fireplaces, an elevator, custom landscaping and garage parking! Woodley Park Office 202.483.6300.

This singular 5 Bedroom 1988 Farm House with a subdued exterior, belies. A sophisticated, dramatic interior within an extraordinary architectural. Detailing throughout this spacious home. www.5216WissiomingRd.com Molly Peter 202.345.6942/ 202.364.1300 (O).

7 BR 4.5 Bath Colonial. Ideal floor plan for entertaining: marble foyer, center hall, large, renovated kitchen, huge patio & deck. Attached 2-car gar. 2-zone climate control. Premier appliances & architect-slate roof less than 3 yrs. Bethesda All Points Miller 301.320.8302 (O).

Exquisite, sophisticated, stylish with high-end finishes through-out. Elegant cherry paneled Embassy sized dining room, table space kitchen with Sodalite stone countertops, top appliances, family room and sunroom. Friendship Heights Office 202.364.5200.

Beautiful renovations & additions to this charmer. Wonderful kitchen & FR with granite, stainless & much more. MB en-suite with spa-inspired bath, sitting room, vaulted ceilings & 2 walk-in closets. Cozy main level library with pocket doors. Oversized garage. Arlington Office 703.522.0500.

$1,695,000

Completely renovated and expanded elegant home – blocks to Friendship Heights metro! All the bells & whistles – previous ambassador’s residence! Bright- sunny. Prof kit, 6 bds w/ 4 ba, wired, 2-car gar, backyard. Vassiliki Economides 202.345.2429/ 202.944.8400 (O).

$947,500

Charming Semi-detached Victorian. Elegant and bright interior with several original architectural details. 3 BR/ 2BA and a play room. Sunny adjacent patio w/storage and alley to street. Margaret Heimbold 202.812.2750/ 202.944.8400(O).

$2,925,000

Steps from Nat Cathedral, Embassy Row, & Mass Ave, this extraordinary property originally built in1928 is completely transformed and expanded inside and out. 4 BRs/4 FBAs + 2 half BAs, Gourmet eat-in Kitchen, Library, Wine Cellar, etc. Chevy Chase 202.363.9700.

$950,000

Architects own home. Sited on 2+ acres walking distance to village. Stunning floor plan. Recent renovations. Features include antique bookcase in family room, Terrace off Dining room, Chef’s kitchen. Master suite with stone fireplace. Sharon Haymon 703.402.2955/ 703.790.1990 (O).

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ONLINE

Your Number-One Source for Everything Georgetown. Keep up on the news by subscribing to our e-newsletter. Sign up using the QR code on the side.

OLD AND NEW AT THE AT-LARGE COUNCIL DEBATE Four of seven candidates for the two open At-large City Council seats showed up for an Oct. 4 debate at St. John’s Church, sponsored by Georgetown Business and Professional Association.

MICHAEL SAYLOR ON THE NEXT GREAT AGE OF AMERICA Check out more insights and live audio from the President and Chief Executive Officer of MicroStrategy, Michael Saylor interview.

VIOLINIST JOSHUA BELL REFLECTS ON CAREER AND PERFORMING IN WASHINGTON

Now 44 and still boyishly handsome and charismatic – Bell is a bona fide superstar in his world.

Roger Carp

GMG, INC. October 17, 2012

SINCE 1954

VOL. 59, NO. 2

ON THE COVER

CONTENTS NE WS 3

Web Exclusives

FOOD & W I NE 18

Dining Guide

Up & Coming

Latest Dish

Editorial & Opinions

Business

“Bolly” for Bond, James Bond, That Is…

All Things Media

Town Topics

D I RECT ORY 21

AR T S

Featured Property

HAUT E & C OOL 13

Tysons Galleria’s All-Access Fashion Show

C OV E R S T OR Y 14

Travel

BUSINESS INS & OUTS, PAGE 8

Murphy’s Love

Museum

SOCI AL SCEN E 24

Beltway of Giving

Social Scene

IN C OU N T R Y 16

Classified & Service Directory

BODY & SOU L

R E A L E S TAT E 12

Viceroy Bali Resort

D.C. Scene

Get Shuckin’! Oyster Festivals Around the Region

ROY LICHTENSTEIN, MUSEUM, PAGE 23

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MEET THE PRESS THIS WEEK NICO DODD

Seeing the Washington Nationals’ right fielder Jayson Werth hit his walk-off homer last Thursday was a moment I’ll never forget. After watching game after game of his ninth inning strikeouts in 2011, it has been thrilling to see him recover and find his Natitude. I was really happy to see Georgetown get into the spirit this season, especially Rhino Bar and Pumphouse, with its giant banner above M Street. Watching the team lose the National League Division Series was heartbreaking, but from now on, we will remember how good it feels to have a winning baseball team. I don’t think we’ll have long to wait to get to the postseason again.

1054 Potomac St., N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 338-4833 Fax: (202) 338-4834 www.georgetowner.com The Georgetowner is published every other Wednesday. The opinions of our writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect the editorial and corporate opinions of The Georgetowner newspaper. The Georgetowner accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. The Georgetowner reserves the right to edit, re-write, or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions. Copyright, 2012.

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UP & COMING Get Hitched in Georgetown The wedding competition “Get Hitched in Georgetown” returns today. D.C. area couples will compete to win the ultimate Georgetown wedding package — complete with a gown from Hitched, a honeymoon suite at Four Seasons Hotel, a post-wedding brunch at Sequoia, bridesmaid jewelry from Duo, and more. There is still time to register or come out and watch the fun. Visit georgetowndc.com for more information. Grace Church, 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW

OCTOBER 20

Yoga for Homeless In conjunction with Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless program, Georgetown Ministry Center will host a yogathon to benefit homelessness. Multiple sessions with local instructors will be featured, and yoga mats will be provided. $30 adult (26 and over); $20 youth. Visit www.hthwalks.org for more information. Grace Church, 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW Making Strides DC Join the American Cancer Society for the 9th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer D.C. 5K walk at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, beginning at the Sylvan Theatre on the National Mall. Half of American women diagnosed with breast cancer turn to the American Cancer Society for help. Be the change. Make Strides. Visit makingstrides.acsevents. org. 15th Street and Independence Ave., SW.

OCTOBER 21

Oatlands Harvest Festival Wholesome fun for the family in a spectacularly beautiful setting during the Loudoun Color Tour. Ride in a hay wagon, enjoy great music, explore the historic garden, view unique heritage breed farm animals, pick a pumpkin or bid on a pie.

Food and drink available for purchase and there will be wine and beer tastings. 1 to 5 p.m. $10 for individuals, or $20 for a family. Discounted tickets $8 and $15, when advance tickets are purchased via www.oatlands.org. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, Va. 20175.

OCTOBER 23

Human Rights Campaign Chefs for Equality Join Gov. Martin O’Malley, Tim Gunn, HRC and David Hagedorn for Chefs for Equality to support marriage in Maryland. The event includes extravaganza of food, cocktails, fashion and music, plus an extraordinary auction. Tickets begin at $300 and to learn more, visit chefsforequality.org. Ritz Carlton, 1150 22nd St., NW.

CB2: Meet the Novogratz & Book Signing CB2 Georgetown is celebrating the release of Home by Novogratz, the newest book by Robert and Cortney Novogratz, with a book signing. Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited; RSVP required. To RSVP, call 202-333-6204. CB2 Georgetown, 3307 M St., NW.

OCTOBER 27

New York Fashion Week Exhibit at Peacock Cafe Once again, freshly back from the shows of New York Fashion Week, D.C.’s own Walter Grio will be featuring his photographs along with New York’s Sara Kerens to celebrate this opening night at Peacock Cafe. All artworks will be available for sale and light hors d’oeuvres will be served, compliments of Peacock Café in addition to the cash bar. Event begins at 6 p.m. To RSVP, email editor@fashiontographer.com

OCTOBER 24

art tour at the National Gallery of Art. The event is catered towards those with and without visual impairment. The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington is the largest local prevention of blindness agency in the United States. For more information, please visit www.youreyes.org.

Calendar

OCTOBER 18

Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington Descriptive Art Tour Join the Prevention of Blindness Society for a descriptive

The Smithsonian Craft2Wear show The Smithsonian Craft2Wear show will take place the weekend of Oct. 26 to 28 at the National Building Museum. Representing the finest of American wearable-craft artists, all 45 exhibitors have been juried into previous Smithsonian Craft Shows. Visit www.craft2wear.smithsonian.org for more information. National Building Museum, 401 F St., NW. Pumpkin Carving at RIS to benefit DC Central Kitchen “Celebrate the Pumpkin” with the 2nd annual Halloween craft series event to benefit DC Central Kitchen. Hot mulled cider will fill the air and plenty of treats such as grilled cheese and tomato soup, cupcakes and cocoa. Pumpkins will be generously provided by Giant Food. A suggested donation for this family-oriented afternoon is $20 for adults, $10 for kids. 11 a.m. to 2pm. Spaces are limited. RSVP to events@risdc.com as soon as possible. ★

SAVE THE DATE EaglEBank prEsEnts thE 3rd annual

GEORGETOWNER

HOLIDAY BENEFIT & BAZAAR November 29, 2012 6 — 10p.m. Join us for an evening of shopping and holiday cheer, as we honor and give back to a shining community star:

THE GEORGETOWN SENIOR CENTER HISTORIC GEORGE TOWN CLUB 1530 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20007

$45 in advance online or $65 at the door

RSVP@georgetowner.com | 202-338-4833 | www.georgetowner.com

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EDITORIAL / OPINION

Treat, No Trick: Georgetown Nightlife Important for Business

eorgetowners are lucky to be within walking distance from nearly everything they might need. Some of the best shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities in Washington are only a short walk away. It makes life easier and fun to have such great resources. Our shopping, dining and historic attractions also bring people from all around the region— and the world—to our town. They are happy to be here, and most of us are happy to have them. Nevertheless, the bar and nightlife scene in Georgetown has always been a point of contention between residents, business owners and visitors. Last year’s Halloween night brought gun shots, a melee at the Foggy Bottom Metro corner and a teenager who died later from gunshot wounds. Before that, the ghoulish night was peaceful for years, after D.C. police changed its crowd-control strategy: leaving the streets moving with vehicular traffic and people barricaded back on the sidewalks. Nightlife in Georgetown is vibrant and classic at the same time. As with anything, there are also negative aspects to it. Like it or not, that includes drunkenness which can lead to bad behavior. (While this may mostly involve loud

noise in the neighborhood, it can move up to property damage or physical violence quickly.) Obviously, this is not beneficial to businesses, residents and others who just wish to have a good time. Controlling nightlife should not be an all-or-nothing discussion: consumers’ interests should be taken into consideration among those of others. One opportunity for discussion of Georgetown nightlife is the recently launched D.C. Hopper, an evening shuttle bus that travels from Bethesda to Georgetown and Dupont Circle and back. Services like D.C. Hopper often have people upset that many bar-goers are going out primarily to drink and get drunk. There are only so many bars in Georgetown, and only so many ways to get to the neighborhood. The D.C. Hopper is an innovative way for transportation that circumvents expensive taxicab rides and sometimes-undependable Metrorail options. Instead of denouncing D.C. Hopper completely, concerned citizens should promote an open dialogue about what can work for everyone. In July 2011, the Georgetown Business Forum on Nightlife and Hospitality was an effort by the business community and residents

The Jack Evans Report: In Appreciation BY JACK EVANS

to have a constructive conversation about the careful balance that needs to be maintained so that everyone wins. The Georgetown community needs to support local businesses that attract people to the neighborhood, while controlling the less desirable aspects of nightlife. There could be any number of measures taken to prevent the bad behavior that rises from nightlife, but there will always going to be a range of both good and bad that happens. People who want to come to Georgetown to support local businesses should be welcomed. Today, there are lots of choices of where to go in Washington and the surrounding metro area after dark. We should be proud that Georgetown is a center for nightlife, too. ★

What do you think about the Georgetown nightlife? Please send your comments to editorial@georgetowner.com.

William Raspberry, Pioneer Journalist, and Other Black Firsts at the Post To the Editor,

rowing up in northeast Washington, I was only a college sophomore when I first met William Raspberry in 1970. Bowie State University had no journalism program then, only two introductory courses. Our teacher Clyde Reid had invited Bill to the small class. In the Washington Post, I had often read Raspberry’s “Potomac Watch” local column as well as Carl Rowan, whose columns were on the op-ed page. Following his visit to the campus, I went to the newspaper – then at 1515 L Street, N.W. – and was hired as a newsroom copy aide on the fifth floor. During summer months or on semester breaks, I answered phones, sorted mail, ran replates, gallery proofs and page proofs and moved supplies. It was Raspberry’s influence that

inspired me to earn a B.A. in English and join the Post full-time in 1973, when President Nixon was being treated at the Bethesda Naval Hospital for pneumonia. The Pentagon Papers, Watergate and the printers’ and pressmen’s strikes at the paper were all roiling issues between 1970 and 1976, when I worked there. The Post also had a two-year intern training program in the contract for minority employees. Thus, it was gratifying to see Post reporters and editors Ivan Brandon, Leon Dash, Dorothy Gilliam, Judith Martin, Martin Weil and Hollie West – and Vernon Jordan, former president of the National Urban League, the second largest black civil rights organization in America. All were present for the funeral of William Raspberry at the Washington National Cathedral more than two months ago. It was a moving experience

PUBLISHER

Sonya Bernhardt EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Please send all submissions of opinions for consideration to editorial@georgetowner.com

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to shake Vernon Jordan’s hand just before the service. Jordan was shot in the back by a racist sniper in Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1980. Both Dorothy Gilliam, now at George Washington University, and Bill were hired at the Post in 1962; he at 28, when Phillip Graham was publisher. Bill, who retired in 2005, did not get a Pulitzer Prize until 32 years after his hiring. Such prizes are for younger men with strong legs as career enhancers. Maybe the Post by now would have its first black managing editor or executive editor. Katharine Graham’s rise at the paper followed Phil Graham’s reported suicide in 1963. Bill, hired by Phil, was eulogized by Phil’s son Donald Graham, Dorothy Gilliam, Vernon Jordan and Dr. Vincent Adams. — Mario B. Schowers, Washington, D.C.

Evelyn Keyes Kelly Sullivan Brooke Conley

Jeff Malet Neshan Naltchayan Yvonne Taylor CONTRIBUTORS

Mary Bird Pamela Burns

n my last column, I gave a lot of credit to Dr. Natwar Gandhi, the District’s Chief Financial Officer, for his leadership in helping to restore our credit rating. This results in a very real tax dollar savings as we engage in capital projects such as libraries, schools and parks. Dr. Gandhi has been instrumental in overseeing the financial resurrection of the District of Columbia and in generating an overall financial structure for the city that not only has provided annual surpluses but also has infused Wall Street with the confidence to, year-afteryear, improve the city’s bond ratings and lower our cost of capital. In light of the comparatively negative financial condition of other major cities in the U.S., this is no trivial accomplishment. For this effort, Dr. Gandhi deserves well-earned praise. Far too frequently, however, management issues within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer are uncovered that appear — at least to the general public — to indicate that the agency is not being managed well. At times, it appears that the OCFO does not have proper senior management oversight of dayto-day functions and is not operating with proper financial controls. For these reasons, I convened a hearing this week in my oversight capacity as Chair of the Council’s Committee on Finance & Revenue. As many of you may know, there has been a series of articles in the Washington Post and other news sources raising red flags, such as the recent resignation of the CFO’s internal auditor, allegations that have cast doubt on the background and qualifications of the Chief Assessor, and audit results questioning the strength of internal controls put in place after the Harriet Walters scandal. My objective was to determine what actions have been taken and safeguards implemented to assure that the individuals handling taxpayers’ funds on a daily basis do not have the opportunity to misappropriate funds in the future. It is also critical that these safeguards be reviewed and approved by independent auditors. My committee took testimony and questioned witnesses for several hours last week. The testimony of the CFO’s former internal auditor was that there is no “smoking gun.” But while no one else is alleged to have stolen any money, there does seem to be an issue with regard to transparency in the OCFO. As a result of this hearing, we will see more disclosure of both the subjects and outcomes of the CFO’s internal audits in the future and a general tone of community engagement by the CFO. As always, I welcome constituent feedback on these and all issues that impact our city. ★

Linda Roth Conte Jack Evans Donna Evers John Fenzel Jade Floyd Amos Gelb Lisa Gillespie Jody Kurash Ris Lacoste Stacy Notaras Murphy

David Post Alison Schafer Shari Sheffield Bill Starrels

EDITORIAL / OPINION

Bird Talk BY EM ILY L INDS T RA N D

n 2008, it was estimated that 77 million Americans had grown up watching Sesame Street, learning from the likes of Elmo, Count, and of course, Big Bird. The beloved yellow creature was mentioned during last week’s presidential debates, but the topic of discussion was not the lessons he’s taught Sesame Street’s viewers. Rather, Governor Romney pledged to cut funding from public broadcasting and put Big Bird on the chopping block. Romney’s willingness to eliminate the bird that has been a childhood fixture to so many and in actuality receives very little amounts of funding from PBS is indicative of a greater pattern in Romney’s behavior: he has done little to endear himself to a large percentage of the American population. Instead, there seems to be a divide between Romney and the average American. This was evident during Romney’s April lecture at Otterbein University in Ohio. He suggested that students borrow money from their parents to pay for their education, seemingly indifferent to the idea that such a luxury is simply not feasible for all Americans. While Romney was able to use a stock portfolio his father had given him to support his

family during his college years, many other college students are dependent on public funding. Romney’s 47 percent comments are now infamous, and they further contribute to the divide between the candidate and the average American. He referred to a large percentage of the population as acting “entitled.” “They should take personal responsibility and care for their lives,” he said. He ultimately stated that his job was “not to worry about those people.” Though Romney later admitted that these comments were “completely wrong,” the damage had already been done. His earlier statement had painted a self-portrait of callousness and indifference, and that is not something easily forgotten. Between wanting to eliminate a central childhood figure, showing an indifference to the financial realities of a college education, and referring to nearly half of the population as irresponsible and entitled, Romney has done little to make himself a relatable or even likable figure. He has shown indifference to factors that are significant to many Americans, and it will be interesting to see how this will influence his results in next month’s elections. Meanwhile, Big Bird, unsupported by Romney, continues to educate the youth of the nation. ★

Tax Time BY D AVID POST

t’s crunch time. The last week to file those tax returns on extensions. President Obama filed his return on time in April. Mitt Romney got extensions and filed later. I waited to see their returns before filing mine. Obama’s return is about 25 pages, similar to mine. We use almost the same tax forms, though he earns and donates substantially more than I do. Both of us have salary and investment earnings. I have some stock investments while all his investments are in US Treasuries. We both write. He earned $400,000 from his books. I learned, well, less. Both Obama and I made bad investments years ago that still reported on our tax returns. The Obamas donate $1,000 to $5,000 to a few dozen charities. Mine tend to be a digit shorter. The Obamas gave their kids $24,000 each. I paid tuition. The Romney returns are in a different class. First, they had four returns, including three trusts, which totaled approximately 1 thousand pages long. Romney had no salary. He must be unemployed like he told an audience in Iowa last spring. Romney had $15,000 in medical expenses. To him, that’s less than a rounding error. To me, that’s my annual insurance cost. He made $260,000 in director fees. Is he still serving on corporate boards? Approximately 75% of the Romney returns – hundreds of pages – are dozens of Form 8621 to report PFIC investments. That’s a Passive Foreign Investment Company. The Romneys had investments in the Cayman Islands, Amsterdam, Ireland,

Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg. It’s easier to learn to speak Dutch, Italian, and French than to read their tax returns. Romney’s foreign investments appear to conflict with his political positions. He invested in German and Danish pharmaceutical companies doing stem cell research, Chinese state-owned oil companies, an Israeli company manufacturing a “morning after pill,” Swiss, French, Italian and Japanese banks and manufacturers doing business with Iran, and a Chinese education company sued for US copyright infringement. Romney has been running for president for six years. Why didn’t he sell those investments years ago? Last spring, when questioned about paying a lower tax rate that a secretary, Romney said that a person who paid more tax than legally required should not be president. This year, to get his tax rate up to 14%, he purposely didn’t deduct about $2 million of contributions and voluntarily paid an extra $500,000. If he loses, he has three years to amend his returns and get that money back. One-third of his tax bill was the “alternative minimum tax” which he’s pledged to eliminate. That will save him $675,000. He also paid over $100,000 tax to foreign countries, which reduced his U.S. tax bill. Since most of his income flowed through trusts, what I really wanted to know was how much of his $20 million went to his kids, but those forms weren’t included. Romney surely paid more to have their returns prepared that I earned. Well, back to my return. Where’s that receipt I was looking for? That would save me $27.★

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BUSINESS

Ins & Outs: Nike Town, Mie N Yu and Drybar BY RO B E RT DE VANEY

Just Do It: Nike Town to Open Oct. 25 “Nike Georgetown opens 10/25. Your official destination for all things Nike in the nation’s capitol [sic].” So read the Nike D.C. tweet, formally alerting runners, walkers and shoppers to the Washington area’s only Niketown, ready for business Oct. 25. The 3040 M Street address, at the corner of Thomas Jefferson Street, once housed a Barnes & Noble bookstore, its loss widely lamented, and, before that, the movie theater Cerberus. While there are Nike factory stores in Virginia and Maryland, the large M Street store in the nation’s capital will be a showcase for the Oregon-based company which is the world’s leading supplier of athletics shoes and a major manufacturer of sports equipment. At the end of its fiscal 2012, Nike posted more than $24 billion in revenue.

OUT: Another One Bites the Dust. Oh, No, It’s Mie N Yu Mie N Yu, the cool Asian fusion, richly painted restaurant at 3125 M St., N.W., with its award-winning, unisex lavatory, closed suddenly Oct. 14. “It’s hard to believe we’re closing our doors after almost 10 years on M Street,” wrote the restaurant’s management on its website. “We’ve enjoyed sharing our unique food and beverage flavors with visitors near and far, and the whole

Mie N Yu family has so greatly appreciated your support over the years. Thank you for dining with us, for welcoming us into your organizations, for spending a few extra moments with us at the bar. We’ll certainly miss being a part of Georgetown’s vibrant community.” Upon a request for more information, a Mie N Yu representative replied to the Georgetowner: “Unfortunately, it was a leasing issue, but most of the staff has new jobs lined up. We are excited to see what our team can accomplish now that this chapter has ended.”

IN: Drybar Opens Oct. 19

IN: Bethesda Nightlife Shuttle Offers Safety, Specials

Mie N Yu closed suddenly on Oct. 14

Mie N Yu joins a growing list of Georgetown eateries killed or lost during 2012: one of the first, Papa-Razzi Trattoria; during the summer, the Michel Richard’s Citronelle in the Latham Hotel and La Madeleine, the legendary Guards and Georgetown Falafel; and last month, Uno’s Pizzeria; Fino’s Restaurant moved away.

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Innocents at Risk just opened a thrift shop with partner, Dr. Laura Lederer. Tip Top Boutique is at Hamilton Court, 1228 31st St., N.W., across from the Georgetown post office. Funds raised go to Innocents at Risk, Global Centorium and Courtney’s House to benefit anti-trafficking projects. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m; (202) 625-4338.

Remember, as previously reported, Drybar, a blow dry bar, opens Oct. 19 at 1825 Wisconsin Ave., NW, near Safeway.

State of $avings.

IN: Tip Top Boutique, Fighting Modern-Day Slavery

A new shuttle – with stops at St. Elmo Street, Wisconsin & M and 18th and Connecticut – links the restaurants and bars of the Washington nightlife scene. Allowing a night out without the worry of driving or driving after one or two drinks, the bus may particularly help out Georgetown, which has not Metrorail station. “The D.C. Hopper is a nightlife shuttle service (not to be confused with a party bus), that provides cheap, reliable and fun transportation from Bethesda to Georgetown, Dupont Circle and vice versa. Don’t hassle with expensive taxi rides or inconsistent Metro service again.” But wait, there’s more: “Ride the D.C. Hopper by yourself or with a group of friends,

either way, you won’t have to worry about paying bar cover charges or waiting in any lines. That’s right . . . you get a special wristband that excuses you from paying bar cover charges and waiting in line at our participating bars and clubs. The website is TheDCHopper.com.

Back in the Action: Jenny Zinn, Tom Gerber Jenny Zinn, former manager of the Betsey Johnson store, has a new job. She is at the Magic Wardrobe at 1661 Wisconsin Ave., NW. Betsey Johnson closed all of its retail stores in May and early June. The adventuresome Thomas Gerber returned to his 35th Street home after four years of working in Hilton Head as a parasail captain. Yes, the senior loan officer has a trusty bulldog by his side.

Three’s a Crowd: Ueno and Kuno Unloading P Street Home The biotech couple, Ryuji Ueno and Sachiko Kuno, of Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and the S&R Foundation, who made headlines in Georgetown and across the city by buying Evermay and Halcyon House, two of the best historic properties in D.C., are selling a third Georgetown house. With those two great places, it seems it is time to let go of their six-bedroom, four-level townhouse at 3128 P St., NW; they are asking $3.695 million. It does have a a second kitchen and a two-car garage with a driveway.★

ALL THINGS MEDIA

There Is Hope After All BY AMOS GE L B

he noise has been deafening. The sport of the post presidential and vice-presidential debate punditry has grown from a torrent to a deluge, moving from on-air to online and virtually everywhere else. After the now-famed Romney Resurrection, Saturday Night Live dared to hilariously get inside the heads of the candidates. Obama, it posited, was distracted thinking about how he had forgotten to buy the first lady an anniversary present. It would have been even funnier had it not been what we in the media all seem to have been trying to do since Obama-Romney I got us all nattering. The coverage seems to be only reinforcing this weird epoch of journalism today which wobbles between punditry and a “just the facts” dirge. Even as journalists work harder than ever, nobody seems very happy. Especially not the audience if a Gallup poll – brought to our attention, of course, on Facebook – is to be believed. It says an all-time high, 60 percent of us, now “have little or no trust in the mass media to report the news fully, accurately, and fairly.” Perhaps worse than that, in recent conversations with graduate and undergraduate journalism students, even these driven youth who represent the future of this industry feel that, at best, today’s media is so-so. These are people want to do this for a living. One more tasty treat

of negativity – the University of Colorado closed its famed journalism school last year partly citing loss of relevance and recently Emory University in Atlanta announced a similar move with its growing journalism department. Others are sure to follow. ATM comes not to bury Caesar, but to give a call to action to save him.

ATM comes not to bury Caesar, but to give a call to action to save him. With the permission of our valiant publisher, I am taking a column away from observing or commenting or critiquing to urge. To misquote a frequent television ad, “It’s my journalism, and I want it now!” I urge anybody interested in being a part of creating that future of journalism to support the Kickstarter campaign for DecodeDC – the new podcast devoted to reporting on Congress in a way nobody else is. Yes, we have venerable publications like the

Hill, Roll Call, the entire Congressional Quarterly family, and even the future-isnow Politico devoted to the daily throes of our legislative and executive bodies – but few have proven able to cover Congress like former NPR Congressional correspondent Andrea Seabrook. For anybody wondering why her voice has disappeared from NPR airwaves, Seabrook decided this summer that she couldn’t continue to cover Congress as a daily mud fight any longer. “It just didn’t seem to be doing anybody any good any more. What was the point? I was becoming as much part of the problem.” So instead Seabrook decided she, and we, deserved something different. Seabrook left to start an independent podcast called DecodeDC at DecodeDC. com. In her first two episodes, she truly humanizes Congress and simultaneously eviscerates all that should be eviscerated. They are worth listening to. They are good. Very good. And worth supporting. Seabrook is turning to people who want great journalism to support her and provide the seed money needed to fully fund a year of DecodeDC, and she has turned to the online money-raiser – Kickstarter. Kickstarter is a wonderful way for ordinary

Andrea Seabrook

people can play venture capitalist, venturing to put their money where their mouths are. If you are one of those who loves, is interested in learning something more than the latest mud slinging, and wishes journalism reached for something better than it seems so often to be today, take a listen and then support. Seabrook has until 6 p.m. Oct. 19 to raise the money to fund 28 more episodes.★

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TOWN TOPICS

News Buzz BY R OBE RT DEVANEY

Ice Rink Ready Before Thanksgiving After inaugurating and showing off its newly re-worked fountains with water spouts, Washington Harbour has shut it down and begun the seasonal conversion of the elliptical space into an ice rink—to be ready for skaters before Nov. 22. According to Washington Harbour’s owner MRP Realty, “The 11,800-square-foot Washington Harbour Ice Rink—larger than the rinks at Rockefeller Center in New York City or the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden in Washington—will be ready to welcome its first skaters before Thanksgiving. In addition to offering open skating, discounts to college students and the opportunity to skate with Santa Claus, the rink will accommodate parties and special events, such as birthdays, family gatherings and corporate events.” Hours of operation for the ice rink will be noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon to 10 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults, or $7 for children, seniors and military. Skate rental is $5, and skating lessons are available.

West Heating Plant: Oct. 25 Meeting; Auction Next Month Property hunters can now learn more about taking part in the upcoming auction of the

The ice rink at Washington Harbour will be ready for skaters before Thanksgiving

Georgetown Heating Plant at a meeting on Oct. 25. Jones, Lang, LaSalle is marketing the federal property, owned by the General Services Administration. The meeting will be at the main auditorium of the GSA National Headquarters Building, located at 1800 F Street, N.W. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The building will be open for site tours from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Speakers at the meeting include Bill Dowd, the Acting Regional Commissioner for GSA. Tim Sheckler, the Director of GSA Real

Great times.

A meeting will be held on Oct. 25 to discuss the auction of the West Heating Plant (above).

Property Utilization and Disposal Division for the National Capital Region, will also be speaking, as well as a representative of the District of Columbia Office of Planning. Topics to be discussed at the meeting are the acquisition, the GSA online auction and the terms of the sale. Neighbors, local groups and Ward 2 councilman Jack Evans have called for use of the included open space that part of the sale to be set aside as parkland for public use. The West Heating Plant is at 1051 29th Street, next to the C&O Canal and north of K Street

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TOWN TOPICS

Jazz Performances at Evermay. Local non-profits jointly host Jazz Meets the Latin Classics reception and two Overtures Holiday Concert Series performances at Evermay. The DC Jazz Festival (D.CJF) and the S&R Foundation are The D.C. Jazz Festival and the S&R Foundation have partnered to host the DCJF Annual Trustee Reception on Nov. 14. The reception, including a performance entitled Jazz Meets the Latin Classics, will feature legendary musician, 10-time Grammy Awardwinner and National Medal of the Arts recipient Paquito D’Rivera and his Latin jazz trio. DCJF and the S&R Foundation will also jointly host jazz performances by Yotam Silberstein on Nov. 2 and Cyrus Chestnut on Nov. 9 as part of the Overtures Holiday Concert Series. The events will be held at the Evermay Estate, the S&R Foundation’s headquarters. For his Jazz Meets the Latin Classics performance, D’Rivera will perform alongside the extraordinary Yotam Silberstein and Alex Brown. D’Rivera will bring his unparalleled virtuosity to the DCJF Annual Trustee Reception to celebrate the rich tradition of jazz in the nation’s capital. “A great jazz performance energizes the spirit and stirs the soul,” said Sachiko Kuno, president of the S&R Foundation. “The S&R Foundation is delighted to collaborate with the D.C. Jazz Festival for what promises to be three spectacular evenings of jazz.” Tickets to the first two performances of the Inaugural Overtures Holiday Concert Series can be purchased for $50 at www.OverturesSeries. org, and include refreshments and on-site valet parking.

Obamas Celebrate 20th Wedding Anniversary at Bourbon Steak The Obamas -- the president and the first lady -- celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at Bourbon Steak Restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue Oct. 6. Because of his debate with Mitt Romney, President Barack Obama had missed the true date of the nuptials, Oct. 3. Chef Adam Sobel was happy to serve the first couple and tweeted an image of the menu -- which included potato blintz with fried quail egg, creme fraiche and oscetra caviar, Chesapeake rockfish crudo with apple, radish onion, seared diver scallop with cauliflower tempura, risotto, and sweet potato sou with cabbage, seared foi gras and blis maple syrup. He later deleted that tweeted photo of the menu. The president gave Sobel a box of Presidential M&M’s; the press was kept across the street at at Le Pain Quotidien; the Obamas’ waiter thanked the president for keeping his mother alive with Obamacare (it is not yet fully operational).

DDOT, GGW Host Live Chat on Parking The District Department of Transportation and Greater Greater Washington will host an online live chat at noon, Oct. 18, to solicit public input on the future of parking in the District. To date DDOT has held a series of a series of community conversations, called Parking Think Tanks, to gauge the state of parking and solicit public input on parking in the District. This live chat will offer an additional opportunity for

anyone who visits, lives or works in the District to provide their input on parking. The comments received from the public will help shape future parking policies and programs to create a more efficient use of parking resources. Following the Parking Think Tanks and the live chat, DDOT will host a public summit to report on the input received from the public; how the input may potentially shape the outcome of comprehensive curbside parking management plan; and the agency’s next steps. Additional information about this summit will be posted online at ddot.dc.gov/ParkingThinkTanks.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Oct. 25, 7 p.m. —Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy: lecture by Judith Tankard on her book, “Beatrix Farrand: Private Gardens, Public Landscapes.” Georgetown Public Library, 3260 R St., N.W. Oct. 26, 7 p.m. —Georgetown Gala: Putting on the Glitz; Citizens Association of Georgetown. Embassy of the Russian Federation, 2650 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Oct. 27, 10 a.m. —Georgetown Public Safety Meeting, at Georgetown Safeway Cafe, sponsored by Citizens Association of Georgetown. Discuss safety and crime issues with Officer Atkins; bike registration demonstration. Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m. — ANC2E Monthly Meeting. Georgetown Visitation Prep, 35th Street.

Halloween Happenings Georgetown Theatre Company will read poetry and short stories by the master of macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. A “horrors d’oeuvre” reception will follow the reading, and a supernatural surprise is guaranteed. A $10 donation to the Georgetown Theatre Company is requested. Oct. 27, 8 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church, 1041 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Paul Bakery has taken a different spin on Jack-O-Lantern making. They’ll be carving bread rather than pumpkins, and they invite you to join them at their Georgetown Bakery and Café. Cost is $15 per person; this includes a large pumpkins shaped loaf of bread, a stencil to carve a design, and a drink and treat. To reserve a spot email paulb03@paul-usa.com. Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to noon, 1078 Wisconsin Ave., NW. Smith Point will have its 11th annual Halloween celebration, featuring two options for open bars. From 9:30 p.m. through 12:30 a.m. the open bar will be $40, and from 11:30 p.m. through 12:30 p.m. it will be $20. Costumes encouraged, and tickets are first come first serve at the door. Oct 30, 9:30 p.m., 1338 Wisconsin Ave., NW. Many families will be gathering in Glover Park for a Halloween parade. The event will begin at Stoddert Elementary School and will go down 39th Place, left on Benton Street down to 39th Street, Oct. 31, 4:45 p.m. Thunder Burger & Bar will celebrate Halloween with a costume contest. Prizes for Best Male Costume and Best Female costume will be awarded – each will win a $50 Thunder Burger & Bat gift certificate. Oct. 31, 10 p.m., 3056 M St., NW. ★

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HAUTE & COOL

TYSONS GALLERIA’S ALL ACCESS FASHION SHOW BY PA M E LA B URNS

RUNWAY READY

FRIENDS & FAMILY The Marriott family was out in full force Friday night, Sept. 29, for the Tysons Galleria All Access Fashion event. Angie, Nicole, Carrie and Elyse Marriott were easy to spot with their beautiful blonde locks and wonderful fashion sense. Friends Maryann Forward, Mimi Kirstein and Susan Rosenblum completed this glamorous package.

GOSSIP GIRL Spotted! Crystal Martin was looking so very fashionable at Tysons Galleria All Access Fashion that I bet even Eric Daman, stylist for the cast of Gossip Girl who was at the event, would agree. Loved her black lace top and black leather skirt, both Ferragamo, black Gucci pumps and fishnet hose. I am sure Serena and Blair would approve.

Karen Bricenohas a flawless style. Her feminine cream Robbi & Nikki top, black short skirt, pattern black hose, La Fuirece pumps and Channel clutch were on key for the night’s fashion show. Intermix, you may have a new stylist.

A KNOCKOUT Michelle Schoenfeld, co-chair for this year’s Knock Out Abuse Event, was rocking it at the All Access Fashion Show. She was edgy in her royal blue Juicy Couture dress, fishnet black tights and maroon suede sandals. Her outfit was fun and spicy.

FASHIONISTAS The night was all about fashion and these two women were effortlessly chic. Euriur Yildirim glammed it up in her Lanuri leather pants, multi-color vintage top and gold-tipped Louboutin heels. Haley Hakimian‘s outfit was simple but still a style statement. She glowed in her tucked–in, cream Equipment top, hot red Joes jeans and sexy black Valentino boots.

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COVER

AMAZING Getaways

Bali, Barcelona and Belize B Y E L I Z A D OL I N

Enjoy privacy and relaxation on your own private island at Royal Belize

BALI, PERFECTED It’s an experience like no other. Exclusive, and luxurious, Viceroy Bali is a unique resort poised on a ridge overlooking the verdant Valley of the Kings in central Bali. Located seven minutes from central Ubud, this tropical paradise feels like another world, with 25 Balistyled luxury pool villas and other amenities, including a complete gymnasium and wellness-centered spa, award winning restaurant, peerless service, and stunning surroundings. It’s the perfect place for the discerning traveler to relax and renew in tranquility, for celebrants to gather for a wedding or reunion, or for executives to retreat to plan for the future. Every aspect of the Viceroy Bali experience is infused with the unique and exotic. First there are the accommodations. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the flora and fauna of Bali, each has its own open-air living area, complete with private pool, gorgeous decorating, and amenities galore. There are even two villas that can be connected to form one large one. Included in the resort’s rates are the á la carte breakfast, Wireless Internet connection, daily restocking of the mini bar with free non-alcoholic drinks, complimentary Illy coffee for the espresso machine, 24-hour room service, evening turn down service, and all the other luxurious touches one would expect at an exceptional destination resort. The amenities are very special as well. For those guests who choose to venture forth from their private tropical paradises, relaxing under the thatched roof of Viceroy Bar and dining at award-winning CasCades

October 17, 2012 GMG, INC.

Restaurant are unforgettable experiences. The views of the Petanu River Gorge and the serenity of the reflection ponds are spectacular, matched in their excellence only by the restaurant’s delightful Asian-influenced French cuisine, superior wine offerings, and attentive service. Such decadence may be offset, should a guest so choose, by a visit to the air-conditioned gymnasium. Private yoga and Balinese dance classes are offered too, and the infinityedge pool is well sized for serious swimmers, while the romantic balé overlooking it provides a resting place for the less ambitious. Lembah Spa combines western and Balinese techniques to provide wellness treatments in a tranquil setting that reflects the spa’s therapeutic focus. Many a guest has been known never to leave the grounds of Viceroy Bali, but the dedicated Guest Service Manager stands ready to assist those who wish an adventure small or large. Indeed, he will design the ideal itinerary to suit the inclinations of groups large or small; honeymooners or families; groups of friends or business associates. Guests appreciate the guidance, with so many magical forays on offer, from a trip to quirky and artistic Ubud on the free shuttle for some shopping or museumgoing, to a bicycle ride through the rice paddies to one of the many nearby temples. Birders, cyclists, golfers, culture-lovers, botanists, and armchair anthropologists will all find something to love with Viceroy Bali as their base camp, and executives will appreciate the resort’s helicopter pad and its air conditioned, fully equipped conference room. Website: www.viceroybali.com

The Viceroy Bali resort provides great dining, spa service, all in a breathtaking and exotic locale.

COVER THE BELLE OF BARCELONA Like a woman of timeless beauty, Barcelona’s Hotel España is many things at once, chic yet historic, stylish but quirky, private yet accessible, sophisticated while still fun and exclusive yet offering great value. A full-service, superior four-star hotel situated in the heart of Barcelona’s historic district, Hotel España offers something for everyone, from lovers to families to executives. With 82 rooms, an award-winning chef, luxurious accommodations, a fascinating architectural heritage, and welcoming management and staff, this elegant urban retreat charms all who visit. Featuring the latest in technology, including soundproofing, the guestrooms are luxurious, comfortable and stylish. Fifty standard rooms have views of the city or a landscaped courtyard and feature a free mini-bar. The 28 deluxe rooms are comfortable and filled with light. The three executive rooms are located on the top floor and feature a private terrace overlooking the Ciutat Vella. The suite is yet larger, with a large living area and a spacious bathroom with a rain-effect and chromatherapy shower cubicle and a hydro massage bath. This hotel is complete with three dining venues. Fonda España, supervised by award-winning chef Martín Berasategui, serves simple, balanced and mouth-watering updated traditional cuisine in a Modernist dining room, originally designed and decorated by Domènech i

Relax at the tranquil Royal Belize resort.

PRIVACY, PERSONALIZED Just imagine it. Warm azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see, palm fronds rustling in a gentle Caribbean breeze, meals prepared by a personal chef, the gentle glow of the sun rising over the reef, warm but discreet personal attention from staff overseen by a personal concierge and not another soul in sight, because this island is dedicated to one guest party at a time. Impossible, you say? Not anymore. Travelers can find it all at Royal Belize, a personal vacation hideaway. Royal Belize opened in spring 2010 and occupies an entire islet located nine miles off the coast of Belize. It is a completely

Royal Belize: White sand and blue water as far as the eye can see.

The Viceroy Bali takes a four-poster bed to whole new level.

Montaner. Bar Arnau, named after the celebrated sculptor Eusebi Arnau whose splendid alabaster fireplace is the centerpiece of the modernist-contemporary bar, serves aperitifs, cocktails, sandwiches and tapas in a relaxed setting. Alaire Ramblas Terrace-Bar, a chic, romantic destination located on the top floor of the hotel, serves cocktails and barbecue against the backdrop of city lights and great music. Function and banqueting options abound, and there is a rooftop swimming pool, sunning terrace and business corner. For those who seek to explore or revisit their favorite Barcelona spots, the old city awaits, just beyond the threshold: the Gran Teatro del Liceo, the Gothic Quarter, and las Ramblas and el Paseo de Gracia, two of the city’s main thoroughfares. Hotel España is a delightful base camp from which to explore the “City of Counts.” Natural wonders abound as well, from the 68 municipal parks to the seven beaches. Barcelona Beach was named best urban beach in the world by National Geographic, and Discovery Channel listed it as the third best beach in the world. Website: www.hotelespanya.com

private tropical island with luxurious lodgings, excellent service, great food and entertaining activities. The pampering starts before guests even arrive, when the concierge makes arrangements for a personal chef and activities, both on and off the island, in advance. There’s the helicopter flight and the welcome cocktail. Royal Belize offers three luxurious and comfortable villa residences with spectacular views and all the extras one could desire: a number of lounging and dining areas such as the Big Palapa; custom-prepared meals and complimentary beverages; lots on on-island activities like swimming, riding the WaveRunner, and paddling a kayak; and a wide range of off-site activities which can be accessed by either boat or helicopter. Examples: a hop to the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich, a visit to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve, and a cruise down nearby Sittee River past low-hanging coconuts on the way to Butterflies Spa on the beach. And the diving is to die for. Royal Belize: a unique and unforgettable private vacation experience. Website: www.PrivateVacationIsland.com ★ Stay in the lap of luxury at the Viceroy Bali.

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IN COUNTRY

Get Shuckin’! Oyster Festivals Around the Region BY AR I P OS T ysters occupy a unique intersection on the cultural and culinary map. The salty little pearls bring us together, bridging the gap between working class bar fare and high-society gastronomic opulence. As far back as ancient Rome, where an oyster would fetch its weight in gold, the seduction of these bivalve delicacies is proven to be irresistible to coastal dwellers. And for a Washingtonians, it’s in the blood. Going back to the turn of the 20th century, Washington had more than 150 oyster bars, which were frequented by all members of society. Fueled by the oyster populations of the Chesapeake Bay, it is part of our city’s cultural

heritage. Unfortunately, Chesapeake Bay oysters had dwindled to about one percent of their population from the late 19th century due to overfishing, bay pollution and disease. Thankfully, due to population restoration efforts, sanctuary reefs have been set up to redeem the species, and more efforts are in the works. The reefs, set up almost a decade ago, are now home to over 180 million native oysters. Washington is full of places to indulge oyster cravings, from Old Ebbitt Grill—where tickets for their Annual Oyster Riot last year sold out in ten minutes flat—to Hank’s Oyster Bar, which offers a half-priced raw bar every night from 10 p.m. to midnight. Now is the time of year that the

Sharpen your shuckers, folks. It’s oyster time!

surrounding area holds its most popular oyster festivals. From wine and beer pairings, to barbecuing and shucking contests, there are plenty of ways to enjoy oysters in the next few weeks. So don’t waste these prime “R” months, and make sure to catch these seaside festivals for all the shucking oysters you could ask for. Old Ebbitt Grill’s Oyster Riot Washington, D.C. November 16 & 17 Back for the 18th consecutive year, the Oyster Riot is one of Washington’s most anticipated annual events. Traditionally held on the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving, each night sees nearly 1,000 guests devour tens of thousands of oysters, paired with the gold medal winners of the International Wines for Oysters Competition, which selects the best “oyster pairing” wines from over 200 entries from vineyards worldwide. And, of course, there will be some righteous tunes. The Saturday afternoon Matinee Riot, a recent addition to the festival, will be from noon to 3 pm on Saturday, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the oyster restoration efforts of the Oyster Recovery Partnership. The music won’t be quite as riotous as the evening before, so those who want to slurp and taste without the usual cacophony of sounds are free to do so. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. Ebbitt.com.

Urbanna Oyster Festival Urbanna, Va. November 2 & 3 The official oyster festival of the Commonwealth, the Urbanna Oyster Festival is a celebration of the town of Urbanna and the oyster’s role in its economy. The festival has grown steadily over the years, and so have the crowds, which no approach nearly 75,000 for the two-day event. Food and craft booths number well over 100, and the Oyster Festival Parade has become the focal point of the weekend. With numerous marching bands, all the bizarre oyster costumes you could hope to dream, and the crowning of a “Queen” and “Little Miss Spat” (a “spat” is a baby oyster), this is an annual tradition that cannot be missed. Let’s not forget the food. Over fifty vendors will be there to deliver the goods, in ample supply and in a variety of presentations: raw, roasted, fried, smoked, steamed, in fritters, in a stew and everything in between. For more information, visit www. UrbannaOysterFestival.com. St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival Leonardtown, Md. October 20 & 21 On the weekend of October 20 the St. Mary’s County fairgrounds, just an hour and a half outside of Washington, turn into an oyster lover’s Mecca. Among the annual festival events, there is the National Oyster Cook-Off, where nine

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IN COUNTRY

and a few more to boot. Other seafood lovers can feast on fried clams, scallops, softshell crab, crabcakes, shrimp, fried fish, seafood chowder and more. For more information visit www.USOysterFest.com.

Get crowned King Oyster at the St. Mary’s Co. Oyster Festival.

OysterFest St. Michael’s, Md. November 3 In St. Michael’s, Md., the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s (CBMM) OysterFest will celebrate the local oyster heritage. The event features live music, oysters and other food, children’s activities, boat rides, oyster demonstrations, harvesting displays, an oyster stew competition among regional chefs and more. Festival-goers can join in or just watch an oyster slurping contest, while others enjoy sampling the oyster stew by local restaurants, who will also perform cooking demonstrations of signature oyster dishes throughout the day. This festival also boasts plenty of familyfriendly waterfront activities designed to help kids get to know the oyster and its importance to the Chesapeake Bay. You can explore an oyster nursery, learn how oysters clean the Bay by building your own filter, participate in a scavenger hunt or face painting, or watch dip-net making and knot-tying demonstrations. For more information, visit www.cbmm.org/ OysterFest.★

finalists from all over the country compete for the $1,000 prize. There is also the National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest, held both days of the festival, featuring the fastest shuckers representing ten states and the fastest local tidewater shuckers. On Saturday, at 2 p.m., an amateur oyster-shucking contest will also take place. As far as eating goes, “Oysters any way you like ‘em” has always been the trademark of the festival: served up raw, scalded, grilled, on bread, on the half shell, stewed, nude, cooked in savory sauces, in salads, even inGoodstone desserts—just aboutOct. every way imaginable, - Georget. 10th ad_Layout 1 10/4/12 2:19 AM Page 1

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1789 RESTAURANT

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

BANGKOK JOE’S

3000 K St. NW (One block from Georgetown AMC Loews Georgetown 14) Georgetown introduces Washington’s first “Dumpling Bar” featuring more than 12 varieties. Come and enjoy the new exotic Thai cuisine inspired by French cooking techniques. Bangkok Joe’s is upscale, colorful and refined. Absolutely the perfect place for lunch or dinner or just a private gathering. www.bangkokjoes.com

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CHADWICKS

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

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CIRCLE BISTRO

CLYDE’S OF GEORGETOWN

3205 K St. NW A Georgetown tradition for over 40 years, this friendly neighborhood restaurant/saloon features fresh seafood, burgers, award-winning ribs and specialty salads & sandwiches. Daily lunch & dinner specials. Late night dining (until midnight Sun.-Thu., 1am Fri.-Sat.) Champagne brunch served Sat. & Sun. until 4pm Open Mon.-Thu. 11:30am - 2am Fri.Sat. 11:30am - 3am. Sun 11am.2am. Kids’ Menu Available. Overlooking the new Georgetown Waterfront Park ChadwicksRestaurants.com

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

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

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

Open dailyfor breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

1054 31st St. NW Serving the community for 25 years 1 ¼ pound lobsters $18.95 Grilled fish specials staring at $20.00 Lunch Monday – Saturday 11:00am – 3:00pm Dinner 5:30pm – 10:00pm

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1522 Wisconsin Ave. NW Captivating customers since 2003, Café Bonaparte has been dubbed the “quintessential” European café featuring award winning crepes & arguably the “best” coffee in D.C.! Other can’t miss attractions are, the famous weekend brunch every Sat. and Sun. until 3pm, our late-night weekend hours serving sweet and savory crepes until 1 a.m., Fri-Sat evenings and the alluring sounds of the Syssi & Marc jazz duo every other Wed. at 7:30pm. We look forward to calling you a “regular” soon! www.cafebonaparte.com (202) 333-8830

DAILY GRILL

FILOMENA RISTORANTE

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

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3251 Prospect St. NW Established in 1991, Peacock Cafe is a tradition in Georgetown life. The tremendous popularity of The Peacock Happy Day Brunch in Washington, D.C. 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, D.C. — 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

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3251 Prospect St. NW Authentic Thai food in the heart of Georgetown. 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. 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. HAPPY HOUR 3:30PM - 6PM www.maithai.com

October 17, 2012 GMG, INC.

BISTROT LEPIC & WINE BAR

1063 Wisconsin Ave., NW Filomena is a Georgetown landmark that has endured the test of time and is now celebrating 30 years. Our old-world 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

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SEQUOIA

THE OCEANAIRE

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

1201 F St. NW Ranked one of the most popular seafood restaurants in D.C., “this cosmopolitan” send-up of a vintage supper club that’s styled after a ‘40’s-era ocean liner is appointed with cherry wood and red leather booths, infused with a “clubby, old money” atmosphere. The menu showcases “intelligently” prepared fish dishes that “recall an earlier time of elegant” dining. What’s more, “nothing” is snobbish here. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-5pm. Dinner: Mon-Thur 5-10pm, Fri & Sat 5-11pm, Sun 5-9pm. www.theoceanaire.com

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FOOD & WINE

The Latest Dish BY LINDA ROT H CONT E

uick Hits: Four Seasons Hotel will open a Fashion Café as well as an Eno Wine Bar in early 2013. Al Dente (formerly La Forchetta) will open a second location at 425

Q Streets, NW, where the Shirt Laundry operated for years. Based in Philadelphia, Starr is a renowned restaurateur, from The Continental to Buddakan. He chose his French concept to expand into D.C. His original Parc is in Philadelphia. This is his second, hence the name. Parc Deux will be a French bistro and café serving classic French cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Permitting process is in the works. Chipotle’s new ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen is applying to open in Georgetown at 2805 M Street, NW, by the beginning of 2013 (isn’t everyone?). They have to “Pass Go,” regarding fast food/QSR requirements. It will be their second location in D.C. – and the world.

Executive Chef Roberto Donna, of Al Dente, and staff.

I Street, NW, in late summer 2013. Fuel Pizza will open its third D.C. location on Georgia Ave, NW, near Howard University next spring. Riscatto, a new restaurant serving Mexican and Latin foods will open on 14th Street, NW, where Galileo III (before that, Butterfield9) was. Riscatto in Italian means “ransom” so I hope they don’t hold anything or anyone hostage. Newsom restaurant is slated to open in the iconic Hubert Newsom Building at 1110 H Street, NE. Stephen Starr’s first venture into the D.C. market, Parc Deux, is slated to open at 14th and

Let’s see if ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen gets approved.

Country rock group, Rascal Flatts, which is known for their wonderful music will now also be known for their wonderful restaurants.

Rascal Flatts Restaurant Group plans to open in the D.C. metro area some time next year. The company’s first restaurant is in Phoenix, Ariz. Chef & GM Update: Chef RJ Cooper will open in Merrifield’s Mosaic District. Not a Rogue 24 concept, but probably highend for Mosaic. It’s a big space — 5,000 square feet on the first Chef RJ Cooper with another opening. level, and 2,000 square feet of rooftop space. A spring opening is targeted. Cyclone Anaya’s, a Texas-based Mexican restaurant named for a professional wrestler will also open in Mosaic District, offering finer Mexican dining. A fall opening is scheduled. Other restaurants slated to open there include: Matchbox, Taylor Gourmet, Sweetgreen, and something from Black Restaurant Group (BlackSalt, Addie’s, Black Market, Pearl Dive Oyster Bar).

Linda Roth Conte is president of Linda Roth Associates, Inc (LRA). Contact Linda at 703417-2700 or linda@lindarothpr.com or visit her web site at www.lindarothpr.com.★

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GMG, INC. October 17, 2012

FOOD & WINE

‘Bolly’ for Bond . . . James Bond, That Is BY SHA RI SHEF F IE L D

always wanted to be a Bond Girl, but alas I am a wine nerd. I have seen every James Bond movie at least a dozen times each. When Encore channel airs its James Bond marathon, I’m glued to the TV. According to www. bigshinyrobot.com, fellow Bond fans and myself can join its challenge to watch “every single James Bond movie in 30 days” before the next franchise installment, “Skyfall” opens in theaters Nov. 9. So what is the result of being a wine nerd and a movie lover? Not only do I notice characters drinking wine, but I notice what wine and what glass they use. I have even paused movies on DVDs to study this, pressing my nose to screen to make out wine labels. I take note of all the wines James Bond drinks. I told you I was a wine nerd. This month, with the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Bond film, “Dr. No,” I thought it would be appropriate to revisit his favorite wine—champagne—to celebrate. Tattinger Comtes de Champagne In the novel, “Casino Royale,” Bond drinks Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne, Blanc de Blancs ’43. The Tattinger house flavor profile is that of toasted notes. Comtes is always a vintage champagne, i.e., only made in years when the wine is truly exceptional and warrants having the year noted. The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is composed of 100-perfect Chardonnay,

and Comtes de Champagne Rosé is made from 100-percent Pinot Noir grapes. According to Tattinger’s website, a small amount of the wine is aged in new oak barrels giving the wines toasted aromas and flavors. This champagne is aged for 10 years before being released for sale. Dom Pérignon When “Dr. No” premiered in 1977, Dom Perignon starred as Bond’s “champs” of choice. Dom Pérignon is a brand that is well known around the world and might be becoming ubiquitous, no doubt with the help of the Bond series. In “Goldfinger” and “The Spy Who Loved Me,” Dom Pérignon appears. However, to us viewers, figuring out the vintages and flavor style of Dom Pérignon can be intimidating. The house makes a vintage brut Champagne every year, unless the house decides a particular year not to. See? Simple. But all you have to know is that one vintage can be dramatically different from the other and its popularity comes from its consistent quality, rareness and boldness, no matter the year. Since the beginning of production, almost 90 years ago, Dom Pérignon has only been released a third of that time over the period. Bottles aged for seven years bare a green label. Those wines aged longer have a black label. Bollinger Bollinger aka “Bolly” if you are British, can be found in “Moonraker” (1979). In The

In the first ever Bond film, as 007 tries to escape, he grabs a bottle of Dom Pérignon to hit a guard. “That’s a Dom Pérignon ’55 – it would be a pity to break it,” says Dr. No. “I prefer the ’53 myself,” responds Bond.

Living Daylights Bond partakes in Bolliner R.D. ’69 champagne. R.D. stands for “recent disgorgement.” This means recently bottled but not recently aged. Bollinger is only released on demand, so the consistency can vary widely in R.D. But that is what makes drinking R.D. exciting. You don’t know what you’ll get from bottle to bottle, and it’s probably why Bond drinks it. Bond can also be seen drinking Bollinger Grand Année. This champagnes is also one of the houses “prestige” champagnes, i.e., most expensive and of the highest quality of this Champagne house. Bollinger uses exclusively Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. So, the house style of this champagne is yeasty/bready aromas with citrus and nutty flavors.

In “Casino Royale,” Daniel Craig as James Bond orders Bollinger La Grande Année from room service. Grand Année is champagne that is only made by Bollinger in exceptional years when the grape harvest is of an outstanding caliber. The recent vintage, 2003, has received high ratings (but then again, Grand Année always does). Grande Année is made Golden (white) or Rose. Bollinger’s non-vintage, entry level, champagne is called “Special Cuvee.” With several Bond-approved champagnes to choose from this list, why not forget the martini “shaken, not stirred” and pop open one of these to celebrate the return of Bond next month and 50 years properly? I will be. Cheers!★

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BODY & SOUL

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Try to be supportive and understanding if a partner is nervous about going under the knife.

key phrase. To get what you want, you are going to have to speak about it, again. But this time I am going to encourage you to be calm (breathe), gentle (use a soft voice), and curious (pause and be intrigued by what he says). Use the therapist’s trick of mirroring what he says, asking him to tell you more about how he feels. Do not interrupt and say something angry or judgmental. Ignore the urge to pepper the conversation with “you should” and “you promised” – that route will lead to an argument or, worse, another delay tactic on his part. You need to know the real story

behind his behavior, and he’s not going to feel safe telling you unless you make it safe for him to be honest. ★ Stacy Notaras Murphy is a licensed professional counselor and certified Imago Relationship therapist practicing in Georgetown. Her website is www.stacymurphyLPC.com. This column is meant for entertainment only and should not be considered a substitute for professional counseling. Send your confidential question to stacy@ georgetowner.com.

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DEAR STACY, My husband promised to get a vasectomy once we were done having children. Baby no. 3 just turned 2, and still, nothing has happened. We do not want a fourth. He has all the excuses in the book – no time to schedule an appointment, changed jobs so health insurance changed, forgot to follow up with a referral. I’m sure that on some level he’s afraid of the procedure, even though he hasn’t said that. But I’ve had three C-sections, so I have a hard time not seeing him as a very lazy, selfish person. We have a great marriage otherwise, but this unspoken thing between us is taking a toll on me. –Exasperated DEAR EXASPERATED, I am sorry you are feeling this way and appreciate your situation. Your frustration is completely valid. You thought you had an agreement and Husband has been using passive methods to avoid following through. At the same time, I think there is more you could be doing – particularly in terms of finding out more about his concerns. Sure, he could be afraid of the surgery, but we are just speculating until we get some real data. You describe this situation as an “unspoken thing” between you two – let’s push in on that

MUSEUM

Lichtenstein Blockbuster Proclaims Power of Print BY AR I P OS T

f all the painters I can think of, none seem to grate on the nerves of people I know quite like Roy Lichtenstein. They might roll their eyes at the abstract dribblings of Jackson Pollock or seethe at one of John McCracken’s plywood plank sculptures leaning against a wall — which is exactly what it sounds like — but never is there such a mix of exasperation, perplexity and annoyance as when they confront one of Lichtenstein’s colossal comic book panels in a museum gallery. The whole situation is preposterous to them, for in truth the paintings do often look out of place. Each one is eternally stranded in its own little world—these vein and diluted cartoons, embroiled forever in their melodramas of love, longing, domesticity or enemy airstrike. They do not cooperate with other paintings around them, they stick out. The initial disillusionment is usually in thinking that Lichtenstein just copied a bunch of stuff from newspapers and comic books, with a certain wit and panache. This reaction stems from a deeper root. A lot of people have a hard time accepting this as high art. It isn’t quite absurd, but it can’t possibly be serious. It does not fall into the parameters of abstraction or realism—it’s more of a pliable schism. It has no real atmosphere or painterly richness (save for a sort of prepackaged 1950s nostalgia and a handful of tawdry brushstrokes), nor is it purely conceptual. And the compositions are weird. Even by the steely Warholian standards of Pop art—the movement that Lichtenstein conceived with the very comic book paintings that brought him his fame in the early 1960s—his work floats alone in a bubble of unflattering self-effacement. Before our eyes, it seems to be rubbing itself out against the endless stream of media and mundane cultural symbolism that it has appropriated, like Snoopy bouncing between the funny pages and MetLife insurance commercials. Yet, here it is. The National Gallery’s major fall exhibition: a monumental retrospective of the paintings of Roy Lichtenstein. His artwork has enjoyed uncommon success and still fetches dizzying prices at auction. Over the course of his career, his work has been the subject of more than 240 solo exhibitions (the last full survey organized by the Guggenheim in 1993). Some audiences tend to be irrationally, blindly adoring of him. Others would toss his work in the recycling with the Saturday Evening Post. Both polarizing and encumbering, Lichtenstein’s work often feels like it is beyond specific scrutiny simply by nature of its existence. In some immeasurable way, it did what it was supposed to do. In the 1960s, it harked immediately back to a post-war era of cultural bloat that had laid the foundation for a society we see up to this day, where access to lived experience is mediated by signs and symbols endlessly replicated by a pervasive mass media. Here’s the cool thing about seeing Lichtenstein’s work in 2012. The guy was basically prescient. The relevance of his 50-year-old concept has been widely amplified in recent years by the onslaught of social media and viral networking. Today, everyone shares and manipulates text and image with a personal flourish, from Facebook to Twitter and customized memes, whose entire structures rely upon a cache of shared, immediately recognizable

first pop painting, “Look Mickey,” part of the National Gallery’s collection, is a centerpiece of the show. Lichtenstein’s stark and nearly unfashionable portrait of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck not only launched the artist’s career but helped change modern notions about art. A walk through the exhibit begins with paintings of sneakers, a hot dog, a cup of coffee, a sponge and the ominously vague painting “Spray,” which could be anything from window cleaner to pesticide. When shown together, his landmark 1960s paintings of war and romance comic panels carry a Lichtenstein’s comic strip panels and Ben-Day dots became synonymous with his style. unique and unexpected punch; the shock and intersymbols and icons. Ironically, the decline of print media gives est feels like it must have when they were first his work even further authority. Lichtenstein displayed in major New York art galleries. He reinterpreted works by Picasso, Cezanne, spent his career working in an aesthetic language culled from newspaper printing techniques of Monet, de Kooning and Gilbert Stewart. He venthe day, using predominantly primary colors, tured into the realm of ancient Egypt, architecblack and white, and mimicking the process of tural moldings, often amalgamating genres—his Ben-Day dots to create gray tones and secondary colors (ultimately, the dot became his lasting visual signature). The employment of these printing techniques is all but entirely extinct. An audience under the age of 15 might not intuit Lichtenstein’s visual language at all, which defeats the work’s purpose almost entirely. This now post-retro appeal adds a eulogizing loveliness to his work and shows us how far we have traversed the path. If half a century ago, Lichtenstein was already aware of media oversaturation, and since then we have continuously expanded and streamlined its outreach, are we even aware of its effects anymore? Who knows how many symbols we are numb to? Like myself, most of you readers probably make your living by running your fingers over identical keyboards, whose patterns you trace and retrace endlessly. This in itself proves to be a fundamental nature throughout Lichtenstein’s surprising and expansive career: it is not the idea that is unchanging—it is the medium, the language that stays the same. Looking at his oeuvre, the appropriation and stylization of pre-existing material is constant. It did not start or end with the comics page. “I think even the old audiences still think of Roy as just doing cartoons,” said Dorothy Lichtenstein, who previewed the exhibit. “There were three years really that he did that, and then there’s a body of work that’s so different.” In an early work on display from 1951, “Washington Crossing the Delaware,” Lichtenstein took the iconic image and reduced it to something like a child’s art homework. It bares no resemblance to the clean graphic style he would develop a decade later. The exhibition follows his career from the 1950s to his death in 1997, offering an extensive look at his various styles and interpretations. His

cartoon nudes fall somewhere in between Renoir and Li’l Abner. More surprising and nearly breathtaking are his landscapes composed of fields of his small dots, which go hand in hand with his interpretations of Japanese woodblock prints. The harmony, balance and beauty Lichtenstein achieves are almost an antidote to his rigid, pulpy, high-strung comic paintings. Throughout this exhibition there is a wonderful humor, irony and curiosity. As Dorothy pointed out, it is a reflection of her late husband. Lichtenstein said in 1964, “The things I have apparently parodied I actually admire.” This is not art meant to incense, but to invigorate, to carry with us as we leave the gallery. Perhaps this is why the paintings can seem out of place in a museum—they are meant for the outside world. Let it pervade our collective consciousness a little, and it might shed light on our time, our place and each other. With a wink and a smile, of course. A smile was indeed on my face as I walked back to the Metro, looking for that giant white “M” as a thousand Starbucks mermaids flirted with me from the cardboard latte cups in the hands of every passerby. Although maybe that was just a coincidence. I was, after all, within a block of two Starbucks. ★ “Roy Lichtenstein: A Retrospective” will be on view at the National Gallery of Art through Jan. 13, 2013. For more information visit www. nga.gov.

GMG, INC. October 17, 2012

CHARITIES & BENEFITS

Beltway of Giving: Going Gaga for Galas

Upcoming Galas

BY JAD E F L OY D

Mark Twain Prize for American Humor A lineup of top entertainers including Kristin Chenoweth, Steve Harvey, Sean Hayes, Jimmy Kimmel, John Krasinski, Jason Mraz, Lily Tomlin and others will salute Ellen DeGeneres at the 15th Annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. For more information, call 202-416-8335 or visit mtp@kennedy-center.org.

ala season is upon us. Time to break out our checkbooks, dust off the gowns and take in (or out) that tux at the tailor. Year after year, organizations across the District scurry to prepare their signature events for the masses. Months of planning lead up to the big day as patrons anticipate historic events like the Lombardi Ball, Fight for Children’s Fight Night, its sister event Knock Out Abuse, and more. Hosting organizations look forward not only to increasing awareness about their causes and attracting potential donors but also to raising large amounts of money in only a few hours, which can sustain an organization for months.

ing 350 hours of support for each organization – a $50,000 combined value. Working along alongside each organization, they embark on an intensive one-year partnership that strengthens the entire organization. “We cover the costs of our partnership program giving each neighborhood nonprofit their own fair chance to reach their potential,” said Brett Norton, Director of Development. “In turn, a stronger organization, built to last, is able to open their doors a little wider for D.C. children and youth and keep the lights on for those that need them most.” The Butterfly Bash is a celebration of ten years of service by Fair Chance with 35 corporate sponsors and a 163

OCTOBER 22

Arts for the Aging Benefit Party Celebrating Art & Science Arts for the Aging’s 25th anniversary is next year. The kickoff celebration will honor founder and chair emerita, Lolo Sarnoff, and pay special tribute to a Founding Circle of trustees, volunteers and supporters, who together have helped Lolo’s dream of AFTA thrive for a quarter of a century. Carnegie Institute for Science; Call 301-255-0103.

OCTOBER 26

TheatreWashington Star Gala & Benefit Auction TheatreWashington’s 23rd Annual Gala will benefit its education and community building programs. The evening includes a live auction conducted by Sebastian Clark of Doyle New York and Antiques Roadshow. The prestigious “Helen’s Star” will be presented to Arena Stage artistic director Molly Smith, Imagination Stage founder and executive director Bonnie Fogel and MetroStage producing artistic director Carolyn Griffin. Four Seasons Hotel; 202-337-4572 or visit www.theatrewashington.org.

NOVEMBER 1

Fashion for Paws is an annual gala that raises money for animal welfare. Fashion for Paws is a true powerhouse among Washington galas, which is held in the spring each year. The gala raised $70,000 when it was first held in 2007. Fast forward five years and more than $720,000 was raised at its 2012 event, for which more than 1,700 tickets were sold. Created to support the Washington Humane Society, Fashion for Paws began as fun way to engage Washington’s animal lovers and increase awareness about animal cruelty and welfare. Today, the event is one of the nation’s leading gala events supporting an animal welfare organization. “We are re-engineering to better serve our mission and growth,” says Tara de Nicolas, executive director of Fashion for Paws. “We are thrilled with how far we’ve come in such a short time, but we also realize we have to continue to tweak and innovate if we want to keep this momentum.” Yet with glitzy events left and right, organizations often fail to capitalize on partnerships, acquire sponsorships to cover costs and secure high-profile donors to make their events thrive. Many organizations see small returns once overhead costs, such as catering, entertainment and alcohol, are paid for. The 2012 Fashion for Paws event garnered more than $417,000 in-kind for event production, catering, alcohol, lighting, entertainment, sound and staging. “As a small non-profit, we would never be able to host an event like Fashion for Paws without the support of our inkind sponsors like Syzygy Events, Design Cuisine, Digital Lighting, Edge Floral Event Designers and more,” says de Nicolas. D.C.-based Fair Chance, an organization that offers free services to community-based organizations who positively impacting the lives of children and families in Washington will host its fourth annual butterfly this October. Money raised enables Fair Chance to support 10 new small-tomedium sized youth-serving non-profits each year, invest-

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Knock Out Abuse Against Women Annual Gala Washington D.C.’s most prominent women, from members of Congress to leaders in the corporate and philanthropic communities, will gather to Knock Out Abuse. This one-night-a-year event has raised more than 6.5 million dollars to restore the dignity and respect to thousands of victims of domestic violence in the National Capital Area. The evening is a true celebration of the power of women to effect change for the most vulnerable women and children in our community. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel; 202-725-5604 or visit info@knockoutabuse.org.

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member host committee who together work to make the gala event its most profitable fundraising event of the year. “In one night, you have the chance to drive multiple goals – to educate and inspire a large group of people, engage a sizable group of volunteers working together on the event, and it raise essential resources from individuals and corporations,” says Brett Norton. ★

USO Gala The annual star-studded event will celebrate the USO and will feature well-known entertainers from USO celebrity entertainment tours and will recognize a special volunteer as well as honorees selected by the senior enlisted representatives from each branch of the armed forces for their extraordinary bravery, loyalty and heroism. Washington Hilton; contact Katie Whitlow at 703-908-6461 or Emily Farwig at 703-740-4970.

Jade Floyd serves on the board of directors for the D.C. Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative and Project Create.

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UPCOMING GALA EVENTS OCTOBER 18

-Sitar Arts Center – Night of Sitar Stars -Critical Exposure “An Evening of Empowerment through Photography” Auction and Reception

OCTOBER 19

-Fair Chance Butterfly Bash

OCTOBER 21

-Southeast Ministry Open House – Parish Hall at the Church of the Reformation Lutheran

OCTOBER 24

-D.C. Lawyers for Youth 5th Anniversary Celebration

NOVEMBER 1

-Fight for Children Fight Night

26th Annual Lombardi Gala An unparalleled celebration to benefit the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. This black-tie dinner dance features a cocktail reception and renowned silent auction, a raffle that includes a 2013 model Lexus automobile, presentation of awards to remarkable individuals for their fight against cancer and more. All gala proceeds go directly to Lombardi for cancer research, education and treatment. Washington Hilton; contact Elena Jeannotte at -202-687-3866 or ej48@georgetown.edu.

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National Museum of Women in the Arts Fall Benefit Melissa Etheridge will receive NMWA’s Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts at this year’s event benefiting the Shenson Chamber Music Concerts, NMWA’s annual series showcasing women musicians. Melissa Etheridge’s impressive contributions to American rock and roll have placed her among the musical greats celebrated in the museum’s upcoming exhibition Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power. National Museum of Women in the Arts. Call (202) 266-2815 or visit www.nmwa.org.

For more events, visit our calendar at Georgetowner.com

U.S. Against Alzheimer’s Network Reading of ‘Surviving Grace’ BY MA RY BIRD

Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. 20th Anniversary Fete BY M ARY BIR D

George Vradenburg beamed as he hailed his wife Trish as “the most glorious playwright on the face of the earth.” The audience at the Phillips Collection fortunate to attend a reading of Act I of “Surviving Grace” on Oct. 10 clearly agreed. The play, cleverly infused with wit, was read in the capable hands of Diane Rehm, Marilu Henner, Dan Glickman, Meryl Comer, Terry Moran and Stephen Schmidt. The evening’s message hit home as George Vradenburg urged the rapt audience to talk about Alzheimer’s, give it wisdom and resources and activate personal and professional networks to mobilize the nation to seek a cure. The evening raised $150,000 toward that goal.

Supporters and friends from the arts, diplomatic, business and philanthropic communities celebrated the 20th anniversary of Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. and the world premiere of Caverns at a Sept. 21 reception at George Washington University. The event was hosted by Ambassador of the Philippines Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. The acclaimed company has performed worldwide, often under State Department sponsorship.

Dana Tai Soon Burgess and Jane Stetson, national finance chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Playwright Trish Vradenburg and Donna Shor

Grace Bender and Victor Shargai

Pamela Sorensen and Michael Sapienza

Mary Berenguer and Paula Smith

Dana Tai Soon Burgess, photographer Mary Noble Ours, arts patron Jane Cafritz and dancer Katia Chupashko Norri.

Dress for Success 10th Anniversary Celebration BY M A RY B IRD For ten years, the Dress for Success, Washington, D.C., affiliate has assisted more than 10,000 women to gain the tools not only to land the job but to keep the job. Supporters gathered at Hotel Palomar Oct. 10, as achievers paid tribute. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., cleared her schedule to speak of her involvement and pride that in America we help women to move up the ladder in contrast to the opposition to educating women in the less-developed world. The nonprofit provides professional clothing for women to succeed in the workforce and the mentoring to “dress from the inside.” Mistress of ceremonies Shawn Yancy of FOX 5 News and Professional Women’s Group member Patricia Purvis

Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Barbara Kahlow and Sara Maddux

Kate Perrin, vice president of the executive committee, and board president Lisa Davis.

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SOCIAL SCENE

Celebrating Sibley’s ‘Hope & Progress’ at the Four Seasons BY MA RY B IRD Sibley Memorial Hospital celebrated its 12th Annual Celebration for Hope & Progress at the Four Seasons Hotel on Oct. 13. The elegant black tie evening was chaired by Georgetowners Niloofar Razi Howe and David Howe. In her eloquent patient testimonial, CBS News’s Lara Logan said, “No one at Sibley ever says no.” That quality of caring was evident in the support that augured Sibley to triumph as a “national, innovative, community hospital” in the vanguard of health care.

Rob and Kristen Delgandio with Dwight and Audrey Fincher.

Michael Farr, board chair of Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation, and Arlene Snyder, president of Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Nina and Philip Pillsbury.

Annie Totah, gala co-chairs David and Niloofar Rezi Howe.

Christine and John Arundel.

44th Meridian Ball Mixes It Up . . . in a Good Way

BY R OBE RT DEVANEY Maybe it is because Meridian International Center encourages global dialogue and international understanding; maybe it is because it is housed in an old, welcoming mansion on a hill on 16th Street. The Meridian Ball, the 44th on Oct. 12, never fails to delight and bring people together. After the dinners at embassies and in the mansion, crowds met for dancing and catching up, D.C.-style, even as some listened to the Nationals’ final game. Inside, Peter Duchin led his band to quieter fare which also included some Lady Gaga. Outside in the dance tent, DJ Pitch One spun some disco, hip hop tunes as well as the latest -- getting upright Washingtonians to do it “gangnam-style.” And congrats to Ashley Taylor Bronczek, who was jetting off on her honeymoon the next morning.

White-Meyer Dinner co-chair Loren Aiken, Sydney McNiff Johnson, Gwen Holliday, White-Meyer Dinner co-chair Ashley Taylor Bronczek and Sarah Meyer Walsh. Photo by Robert Devaney

Wyatt and Tandy Dickerson with band leader Peter Duchin. Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafstrom, Ambassador Capricia Marshall, Chief of Protocol of the United States, Danish Ambassador Peter Taksoe-Jensen.Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan

From Palm Beach: Christine DiRocco and Ben Burlingame. Photo by Robert Devaney

Everybody on the dance floor: Marybeth Coleman, Ashley Taylor Bronczek and Dan Ahr get ready to boogie. Photo by Robert Devaney

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Susanna Quinn, Bret and Amy Baier. Photo by Robert Devaney

Judge William Webster, General Dynamics CEO Jay Johnson, co-chair of the Meridian Leadership Summit and ball, with wife Sydney McNiff Johnson, and Lynda Webster. Photo by Robert Devaney

DC SCENE

Photos and Text by Jeff Malet www.maletphoto.com 1,2,3. Washingtonians gathered for the annual

Turkish Festival on Pennsylvania Avenue to enjoy delicious Turkish food and traditional Turkish coffee, to browse and shop at the Turkish Bazaar and to watch mesmerizing stage performances featuring Yeditepe University Folk Dance Club on Sept. 30. 4. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., presides over the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, which Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans died. The hearing took place on Capitol Hill Oct. 10. 5. Richard G. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Richieâ&#x20AC;? Head, Master, Virginia Jurisdiction, Knights of Columbus, takes part in Columbus Day ceremonies which this year featured the 100th anniversary of the unveiling of the nation's memorial honoring Christopher Columbus Oct. 8 on Columbus Plaza at Union Station. 6. Damani Taylor of Washington stands in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on Oct. 10. The Supreme Court was hearing a challenge to its long-standing ruling that race may be considered as a factor in the admissions process. Justices were debating the case of Fisher v. University of Texas. The outcome could have major implications for higher education.

5. GMG, INC. October 17, 2012

October 17, 2012 GMG, INC.