The Georgetowner March 24, 2010

THE

GEORGETOWNER

March 24 - April 6 2010

Since 1954

Volume 57 Number 13

Build

a Million

dollar

CAG Celebrates Celebrates St. Paddy’s

Business

Dining,

Harajuku

The Realm

of Buddha Art Wrap

Style

Camped Out at

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2010 PERFORMANCE Preview

Washington, City, State DC

$2,195,000 $0,000,000

Dramatic Contemporary style in Georgetown’s East Descriptive text modern will go here. text should six Village!

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Serving Washington, DC Since 1954

Vol. 57, No. 13

GM G georgetown media group

Publisher Sonya Bernhardt Editor at Large David Roffman Feature Editors Garrett Faulkner Gary Tischler Publisher’s Assistant Siobhan Catanzaro Contributors Alexis Miller Andrew O’Neill Jody Kurash Jack Evans Linda Roth Bill Starrels Mary Bird Jordan Wright Claire Swift Ari Post Pam Burns John Blee Michelle Galler Jennifer Gray Lauretta McCoy Donna Evers Photographers Yvonne Taylor Tom Wolff Neshan Naltchayan Jeff Malet Malek Naz Freidouni Robert Devaney Advertising Director Charlie Louis Advertising Daniel Gray Jennifer Gray Graphic Design Alyssa Loope Jennifer Merino Counsel Juan Chardiet, Attorney Published by Georgetown Media Group, Inc. 1054 Potomac St., N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 338-4833 Fax: (202) 338-3292 editorial@georgetowner.com www.georgetowner.com Find us on Twitter (SonyaBernhardt) or Facebook (I Love The Georgetowner) 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, 2009.

“The Newspaper Whose Influence Far Exceeds Its Size”

About the Cover: Anoushka Shankar, performing at the Sixth and I historic synagogue. Photo courtesy Washington Performing Arts Society.

About our

8-9 — Business Commercial Insider

David Roffman has been with The Georgetowner in various capacities since 1968. He has been editor, publisher (for 22 years) and editor again. He hails from the great state of Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1966. He moved to Georgetown in the fall of that year and remembers the vitality, the beauty and the charm of the Georgetown. “My first memories of the Town are walking along M Street in the evening and hearing Fats Domino and his big band wailing inside the Crazy Horse Saloon, walking across the street to have a cold beer at Clyde’s and being taken in by the energy of the nighttime crowd. We had saloons then, obviously. I loved everything about Georgetown: the University, the shops, the tree-lined residential streets and the beautiful doorfronts, and the people — especially the people. The charm and history of the town drew me in, and I never left.

I began working for Ami C. Stewart (The Georgetowner’s first publisher) in October of 1968. And here I am today, still having a cold one at Clyde’s, still talking about and to the people of the community in the pages of The Georgetowner, ‘the newspaper whose influence far exceeds its size.’”

Amanda Gokee is an intern with the Georgetown Media Group for the spring semester of her senior year of high school. She hails from Rutland, VT, where she spent most of her childhood. She loves living in the city; in addition, she is an avid runner and also enjoys running, biking and swimming in the summer. She is passionate about writing and hopes to pursue it in college, wherever she chooses to go next year.

4-5 — GT Observer 6-7 — Editorial/Opinion

contributors

Jennifer Gray has quickly made a name for herself in the District acting as GMG’s fashion coordinator. Immediately after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received a degree in fashion marketing, she tested the waters in the bridal industry and soon realized that her heart belonged in the publishing world.

Jennifer was born and raised just outside of D.C. in scenic Fauquier County, VA, where she often spends her weekends on the family horse farm or attending equestrian sporting events.

contents

10-11 — Real Estate Ask the Realtor Featured Property 12 — Haute and Cool 13 — An Aging Place in Georgetown 14 — Calendar 15-17 — Cover Story Spring 2010 Performing Arts Preview 18 — Art Wrap 20-21 — In Country 24-25 — Food & Wine Jennifer Gray has quickly made a name for herself in the District acting as GMG’s fashion coordinator. Immediately after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received a degree in fashion marketing, she tested the waters in the bridal industry and soon realized that her heart belonged in the publishing world.

Jennifer was born and raised just outside of D.C. in scenic Fauquier County, VA, where she often spends her weekends on the family horse farm or attending equestrian sporting events.

28 — Body and Soul 29-31 — Social Scene Stevie Wonder and Betsey Johnson American Ireland Fund Embassy Chef Challenge

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GT

Observer

Compiled by Garrett Faulkner

Twilight for Philly Pizza?

ANC 2E05 Bill Starrels shows Mayor Adrian Fenty the ventilation system above Philly Pizza Company.

ike something from a bad horror flick, it was the neighborhood pariah-turnedvillain that just kept coming back from the dead.

But on March 10, it looked — lest we jinx ourselves — as if Philly Pizza, or at least the ranch-drizzled pizza slinger as we knew it, may finally have been laid to rest for good. Dust was settling. Neighbors gathered around the restaurant’s drawn shutters to offer up contented smiles, ANC commissioners shook hands, a few students skulked at the crowd’s fringes.

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Even the mayor made an appearance, opting for a chance to commend the efficacy of the neighborhood constituency. And to take a little credit himself, of course.

“We always do our best work hand in hand with the community,” Adrian Fenty said in triumph from his portable lectern, erected before the dark, curtained windows of the pesky pizza parlor that was. At his side were District Attorney General Peter Nickles and DCRA Director Linda Argo, both of whom led their own rahrah sessions. Nickles said the administration

worked closely with District regulation agencies throughout the ordeal to ensure Philly was held strictly to tenets of its operating license.

“This administration is both sensitive to the community and we are persistent,” he said.

Argo was a little more hard-nosed.

“If you think the neighbors are going to back down, you’re probably going to end up on the wrong end of the deal,” she said, clearly aiming her comments at Philly owner Mehmet Kocak, who was not present at the gathering.

Philly P’s had vexed residents of Potomac Street for almost a year since it moved in next to Georgetown Cupcake’s former store. Neighbors said patrons, out for a late-night (or early-morning) snack after a night out, routinely thronged around the pizza joint well into the morning hours on weekends, violating noise ordinances and littering on residents’ property. They allege that Kocak was less than cooperative when they voiced their concerns. Georgetown BID operations director John Wiebenson agreed.

“We encourage all business owners to follow all rules and regulations,” he said, adding that the BID attempted several times to reach out to Kocak, with little success. “It was disappointing when [Philly] wouldn’t use us as a resource.”

Fenty took the time to recognize ANC Commissioners Bill Starrels and Ed Solomon, Martin Sullivan, the attorney representing the license revocation effort, and a handful of neighbors who led the charge against what Fenty called “a nuisance business.” After all, it had been a long road uphill.

The day before, a District superior court upheld a Board of Zoning Adjustment decision

made last month to close the Potomac Street pizza joint permanently, on the grounds that it was operating chiefly as a carry-out vendor, a violation of its sit-in restaurant license. That BZA ruling was itself an upholding of a similar order by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs made in November. At the time, Philly received a stay on the cessation order until a BZA ruling could be made. From then on, the issue would undergo a roller coaster ride of appeals and postponements, and when the BZA handed down its final decision, Kocak simply ignored it and kept his restaurant open under reduced hours. Increasingly panicked neighbors and ANC commissioners appealed to the superior court system, but even that route was fraught with pitfalls — on the day of the hearing, the judge recused himself from the case, citing a personal bias. That was just days before the court finally managed to rule that Kocak’s defiance of a District order could render him in contempt of court. The Philly owner quickly capitulated and closed his doors.

Kocak reportedly is applying for a new license from DCRA. His attorney could not be reached for comment.

Starrels, who represents the single-member district where the showdown occurred, was pleased with the mayor’s personal interest and intervention in the case. The pair shook hands amid a swarm of shutter clicks.

“This is an example that the city works,” he said. “We have rules, regulations.” The commissioner led Fenty around the side of the Philly building to show him a jury-rigged ventilation system on the roof, another point of contention

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with neighbors now under scrutiny by the Old Georgetown Board.   “On a scale of five, this was a five, on the bad side,� Starrels said.   The neighbors who came to watch the public dressing-down were satisfied with the outcome.

Wolf Wittke, who, with his wife, was one of the most vocal neighbors on the issue, said the DCRA voted unanimously in favor of revocation, a clear indication the issue was cut and dried.   “It’s good to see the city and Georgetown community come together to defy a property and nuisance to the neighborhood,� he said.   Another neighbor simply was glad it was over, and that justice had been served.   “You always have to be able to integrate into the community, even if it’s a hassle,� she said.

Powell gets Pythagorean at Dumbarton House n March 15, the Citizens Association of Georgetown gathered to talk a little classical architecture at Q Street’s Dumbarton House, itself a beautiful specimen of neo-classical building techniques.   The point? To show and tell listeners how the iconic houses of Georgetown, themselves becoming valuable historical artifacts, owe much of their design to the olive-skinned, nearmythical cultures a half world away and over two millennia gone past.   The keynote speaker for the evening was Claudia Powell, who heads up her own eponymously named interior design firm after steep-

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ing herself in the fundamentals of ancient architecture at New York’s Institute of Classical Architecture. She lamented the sharp departure of modern architectural education from the tried and true classical methods, and was eager to give Georgetowners a crash course in building buildings, Greek style.   Powell first discussed the concept of the golden ratio — which, for the record, is 1 to 1.618 — a proportion found so often in nature that Greek mathematicians, from Pythagoras to Euclid, thought it auspicious enough to use in human constructions. The ratio is found throughout classical architecture.   She went on to point out the finer subtleties of the three Greek column styles — stocky, stoic Doric, stately, majestic Ionic and florid Corinthian — as well as the strange decorative sculpture adorning joints and molding (acanthus leaves, teeth and lambs’ tongues were all favorites of the Greeks).   So, what have flowers of stone to do with Georgetown? As Powell explained, the Federal style borrows heavily from the classical tradition, and as the mecca of early American architecture, it’s tough to walk around Georgetown without seeing your share of columns, friezes and stone ornamentation. The latter is especially prevalent in Dumbarton House — Powell pointed to several examples of gadrooning, a convex, gourd-shaped style of ornamentation, and light fixtures incorporating urns of fire, a staple decoration among ancient structures.   Looks like history has visited the village, yet again.

The future site of Capella Georgetown: 1050 31st Street.

Look out, Ritz-Carlton: Capella comes to Georgetown apella Hotels and Resorts, founded

by Horst Shulze, a former exec at RitzCarlton, recently announced plans for a new addition to their swank network of hotels, right here in Georgetown’s east village.

The Washington Business Journal reported the hotel group will renovate the five-story American Trial Lawyers Association building at 1050 31st Street. The finished project, called Capella Georgetown, will feature 48 rooms, a restaurant and rooftop pool. Expect a grand opening in January 2012.

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Upcoming events: March 30 (Tuesday) April ANC 2E meeting Review of proposed design for an UGG Australia outlet at 1249 Wisconsin Ave. Heritage Room, Georgetown Visitation School (35th Street and Volta Place) 6:30 p.m.

April 19 April CAG meeting Weigh in on Georgetown University’s proposed 10-year plan for the neighborhood.

St. John’s Church (3240 O St.) 7 p.m.

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Editorial/opinion

high hopes for health care

I

n a recent New York Times op-ed, Paul Krugman, echoing Abraham Lincoln, remarked that the case for universal health care was “an appeal to our better angels, urging politicians to do what is right, even if it hurts their careers.” His politics and bias, whether

civil and social justice, the ones we now deem unshakable and sacrosanct, were never popular with contemporaries.

At the turn of the 19th century, those who had fought so hard to guarantee free speech in

Do we possess the prescience to feel certain the cause for health care will be remembered similarly? No, but we have a feeling it will be. Of the three fundamental rights Thomas Jefferson ascribed to humanity, life and liberty are the most easily stripped by the vindicTo question the spirit of America’s tive, heartless, cutthroat social justice movements would side of mankind. We must never allow that side to be to question what is now snugly take ground. We must assimilated into the country’s recognize for ourselves heritage. and for each other that the cause for life, like the cause for liberty, will you agree with them or not, are immaterial the Constitution faced be threatened constantly here. More important is to understand his use of its erosion by sediby the shallow, inhuman a phrase now firmly ensconced in the American tion laws. In Lincoln’s interests that lurk on the rhetorical canon, one which may help us to see own time, emancipafringes of a harsh world. how the passing of a landmark piece of legislation was reviled by We must pledge to never tion on Sunday fits into the larger picture of the South and thought lie beholden to these. We American social policy. imprudent and reacmust pledge to take the Better angels. It’s a Lincoln original, a curitionary in the North. A steps necessary to ensure ous turn of phrase he used, against the advice century later, a handful Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi that our citizens, one and of his Cabinet and colleagues, to describe an of legislators, state politiall, have the resources they aspect of America’s internal conscience. It cians, and citizens showed they would go to need to preserve their own life and the lives of implies the smallest lozenge of good residing any length to curb the presidency’s quest for loved ones. within everyone, heavenly, metaphysical, one civil rights chartered by law. To question the This may require us to quiet ourselves for a we strain to hear over the din of heated arguspirit of these movements today, now removed moment and listen within to that which binds ment and impassioned emotion. Our ongoing from any political or prejudicial skew, would be us together as Americans, and as human beings. struggle with this innate empathy also calls to to question what is now snugly assimilated into The better angels of our nature. mind a stark truth: that American crusades for the country’s heritage.

A Letter to the Editor To the editors:

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egarding the feature “Reviving Dead Space” [March 10 issue], do clients who “loved old buildings” or their architect, “an expert in period Georgetown buildings,” truly believe that gutting “the entire house” yields a “creation” that has any “good bones” or “character” left? Far too much original fabric of historic Georgetown buildings is being wantonly removed in the interest of reviving ”dead, crumbly cottages” into “spacious light-filled beauties.” With design features such as the now-commonplace “open floor plan, sparkling stainless steel, skylights, limestone, etc.,” are we certain the author is not describing a contemporary loft condo downtown?

I can only wonder what the (apparently very diminutive) previous occupants, circa 1810, would have thought of this “transformation” while huddled around their basement kitchen hearth in “the four-foot earthen windowless crawlspace.”

Douglas Rixey, AIA Georgetown The author is a partner at Rixey-Rixey Architects on M Street.

Evans for chairman?

By Gary Tischler

W

ell into the middle months of Mayor Adrian Fenty’s final year of his first term, there is an unsettled, faintly ominous feel to the political and economic atmosphere in the District of Columbia.

While the mayor appears to have made significant progress in many areas, large sections of voters throughout the city seem to be unhappy with Fenty, as well as his chosen Chancellor of Public Schools, Michelle Rhee. Speculations have it that some members of the city council, notably Chairman Vincent Gray, who has been visibly at odds with the mayor over a number of issues, will challenge the mayor’s re-election.

No one is exactly betting against the mayor, who has a fat war chest. But electoral politics are a background noise to the business of the council, which now has to contend with a looming budget deficit of the kind not seen by most of its members.

The man least fazed by turbulent political clouds or impending economic troubles, and who probably knows more about them than anyone on the council, is the council’s finance committee chair, Jack Evans. More telling, Evans is the longest continuously serving councilman, having won a special Ward 2 election in 1991, when he emerged the winner over a large field.

Evans has seen the mayor-council relationship ebb and flow over his nearly 20 years in office. “It’s never been ideal,” he says. “Mayor Kelly and council Chair John Wilson were at

6 March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc.

odds often. Mayor Williams at first didn’t have much to do with the council but that changed in his second term, where there was a lot more contact and cooperation. Right now, I’d say, we’re having some problems in that arena. It’s no secret that Chairman Gray and the mayor rarely communicate. There are several people on the council who’ve had no words with the mayor for months. Maybe years.”

Evans isn’t one of them. It is generally recognized that Evans, who supported Linda Cropp in the mayoral race, has become Fenty’s most consistent and strongest supporter on the council, as well as supporting the school reform efforts of Rhee. “That’s fair to say,” he says.

“I think the mayor is a doer, he believes in action, and when something’s done or settled, he moves on.”

The electoral hubbub doesn’t really concern Evans, although if Chairman Gray should run for mayor, “I can tell you I will run for chairman,” he says. “No question.”

Right now, though, politics are not at the top of his list. The budget is. “We’ve been very lucky in terms of the economy,” he says.

“We’ve done extremely well and haven’t felt the main brunt of things. That’s not true anymore. As everybody has noted, we’re facing a shortfall of nearly $500 million. It’s almost a cliché, but this requires some extremely tough, painful decisions. We’re better off than other jurisdictions, but things are not going to get better right away.

“There’s only so many places you can look,

so many things you can do. Now we’re going to be perhaps talking about looking at freezes on wages, maybe even pay cuts. We are required to balance the budget.”

Evans is by far the most experienced member of the council when it comes to financial and budget manners, making him ideally positioned to be heard in his role as head of the Committee on Finance and Revenue.

Mayor Fenty is scheduled to bring the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request Act of 2010 and the Fiscal Year of 2011 Budget Support Act of 2010 to the council April 1.

“That’s where it starts,” Evans says. The

council will hold a public briefing on the mayor’s budget plan on April 12.

Errata In our March 10 issue, we mistakenly reported Georgetown’s Puro Cafe, recently opened on Wisconsin Avenue, was owned by Tasty Concepts, a design agency representing M Street’s Mie N Yu. While the agency did assist with the creation of the Puro concept, the cafe is, in fact, privately owned by Rachid Hassouni.

Opinion

Remembering Robert Pyle

Robert Pyle

G

eorgetowner Robert “Bob” Pyle passed away on March 18 at age 83. A World War II veteran, he attended Japanese Language School at the University of Michigan before graduating from Dickenson College in 1948 on the GI Bill. He also wrote for the

U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes, with assignments covering the Nuremberg War trials and the Paris Peace Conference. After Dickenson, he attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Pyle came to Washington, D.C. with Wilmington Congressman Herbert Warburton (R-DE) in the mid-1950s and later served on the campaign and as Chief of Staff to Representative Perkins Bass (R-NH). Pyle later served as chief of staff to Congressman David Emery (R-ME), a field staffer for the Republican Congressional Committee and a campaign consultant to the Republican National Committee, advising over 50 congressional, senatorial and gubernatorial campaigns throughout New England, the South and the Midwest. In 1974, a year that saw many Republicans swept from office due to Watergate, he managed two winning campaigns for Representatives Ben Gilman (R-NY) and Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY). These were two of the three so called “Watergate Babies.”

In the mid-1970s, Pyle started a government relations firm and consulted with the American Bakers Association as the Republican lobbyist.

In 1976, the Independent Bakers Association tapped Pyle to run a meeting in Washington, DC and later he became their president. He held this position for 29 years, operating out of their offices on Georgetown’s Potomac Street.

During this time, Pyle lobbied Congress on numerous issues critical to the baking industry, ending Federal production controls over wheat and peanut markets.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan named Pyle to the Selective Service Commission, and he served as a local host on many Republican Inaugural Committees.

Pyle is survived by his wife Patricia Carlile Pyle. He is survived by his children: Sarah Moore, Dr. Robert Noble Jr., Mark C., and Nicholas A., children of Edith Ayrault Rose, and Louis Crosier, son of Claire Thorn. He is also survived by nine grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the Independent Bakers Association Memorial Internship Fund, c/o IBA, P.O. Box 3731, Washington, DC 20027.

History made daily in Washington

By Gary Tischler

I

t’s springtime, and in this city, in our neighborhoods, we could be living almost anywhere, with slight differences of details because we lead daily lives as prosaic as a suburbanite filling his SUV with soccer gear. You can close your eyes and the world is not that much with you, breathing down your neck with alarming tales of celebrity or war.

But in Washington, that’s hardly ever true.

In the most beautiful weekend of the year so far, the SunTrust National Marathon, thousands strong, came through our neighborhood and others, the water bearers lined up along Columbia Road as the early batch, loped through. It transformed, if not transfixed, where we lived — streets closed off, drivers grinding through the maze of Lanier Place, Ontario Road or Adams Mill Road, trying to get Photo by Jeff Malet out to the grocery stores.

“My daughter’s in this,” a neighbor said, rushing to get to the race. “Gotta get out there.”

Elsewhere, at Lafayette Park, thousands of anti-war(s) protesters gathered, protesting not only the U.S. presence in Afghanistan and Iraq, but Israel’s settlements. As of old, they brought masks, megaphones, coffins, the regalia and passion of the young.

They may have picked the wrong time to gather this way in front of the White House or in the city. For one thing, there was the spring fever burning bright, infectious. For another, the transient politician among us, and the occupants of the White House were pre-occupied with other things.

This was the weekend, when, in contradictory fashion, the big health care reform bill, almost in a flash, spurred by encouraging CBO statistics about its cost and by the impassioned pleadings of the president himself, suddenly was about to come to a vote.

Which meant, of course, that the Tea Party folks were in town. This may have meant little to people in Georgetown, or in my neck of the woods off Rock Creek Park in Adams Morgan, but they made their presence felt on Capitol Hill.

On the Hill, history and history-making kissed us squarely on the mouth. It was pure theater, mixed in with the regular theater, the president giving one of his classic campaign style speeches — “Don’t do it for me, don’t do it for the Democratic Party, do it for the American people” — while the GOP stalwarts, including the sour-faced House minority leader Jim Boehner, repeated his mantra: the American

people don’t want this bill. Outside, the Tea party folks accused Democrats of socialism, communism, big-ism, take-over-ism, and so on, with a fury rarely seen in this city since the last Cowboys-Redskins game at RFK stadium.

Some members of the Tea Party, it should be noted, also exposed themselves, not in the usual way, but with racial and homophobic slurs directed against black and gay Democrat legislators on Saturday and again on Sunday.

Mr. Boehner, when pressed, called this reprehensible, although somehow managed to say it in a way that suggested the American people were so angry about health care that they forgot themselves.

What was certain was that if the GOP party itself had previously tried to keep a thin distance between itself and the Tea Party, it disappeared entirely on Sunday. Faced with a vote that would pass a historic bill they had fought so bitterly, GOP legislators moved out to a balcony and egged the crowd on with “Kill the Bill” signs.

Eventually, history was made: the bill, by a 219-212 margin, had passed.

We were asleep by then. Many of us had also missed the sunny Sunday afternoon on the mall where still another group in the thousands had gathered to ask for immigration justice.

The very fact that history looms over our shoulders daily in this city is what makes the things we do from day to day so precious here, because we hear the hollering of the Tea Party, the banging of the drums of the protesters, the epic words of political opposites. We have our own little political struggles to overcome: the murmurs of discontent about our mayor pop up in the neighborhoods, there and there.

Overnight, history sweeps through our sleep, through our locked doors.

We wake up, like everyone else and pick up the morning paper on the third day of spring, awaiting rain.

the jack evans report

L

ast week, we lost two giants of Ward 2.

While most people have probably heard the news, I want to take a minute still to recognize and remember the lives of Charles Bermpohl and Miles Groves.

Charlie is best known around town for his seven-year stint at The Current, covering the ins and outs of Georgetown. He loved reporting. He loved his job. That’s more than many of us can say and for that we should count him lucky.

One look at Charlie and you knew right away that he was a reporter. Why? Because he looked like one. The Columbo trench coat, the fedora, the pad and pencil — the quintessential reporter.

Anyone who knew him knew that he was much more than your regular newspaper man.

He was insightful, fair-minded, he asked good questions, and most importantly — he cared.

He used these attributes, which I don’t see in most reporters these days, to get at the heart and truth of a story. With the Internet and the 24-hour news cycle, this doesn’t come as easily as it used to.

Fifty years of reporting in New York, Florida, and the District means that we aren’t the only ones missing Charlie today.

For those who would like to pay tribute to Charlie, an “Irish wake” will be held in his honor on April 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. at McLean Gardens Ballroom.

Miles Groves lived downtown since the mid-1990s and through the founding of the Downtown Neighborhood Association four years ago, is credited for bringing together downtown residents and business owners on key issues that affected the neighborhood.

Miles was instrumental in several projects and initiatives in and around Downtown. From negotiating ABRA agreements to fighting crime to addressing a broad range of quality of life issues, his accomplishments were many.

Miles not only witnessed the transformation of Chinatown and the downtown, but was instrumental in making the neighborhood what it is today. For this, we are all grateful.

Community members, leaders, and activists will gather on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church to honor Miles and his great contributions to the District and downtown.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and the countless number of District residents who were touched by the lives and work of Charlie and Miles.

They are truly missed.

The author is a city councilmember representing District Ward 2.

gmg, Inc. March 24, 2010 7

business The Business of Being in Business: A Conversation with Jack Garson

By Ari Post

T

he financial recession of the late 2000s found the stock market plummeting to near-record lows and real estate frozen. Housing foreclosures and a disturbing rise in small business failures pockmarked the economic landscape. Businesses that had comfortably kept their doors open for decades were going under. Entrepreneurs were suffering the full brunt of financial strife. It has been said that this recession was just short of a depression, that no industry was spared. It is now March 2010.

Many economists still consider the country well in the midst of this great recession.

Now is a great time to start a business.

So submits Jack Garson, author of “How To Build A Business And Sell It For Millions.” Founder and head of business and real estate practice for Garson & Claxton LLC, a member of the Washington Airports Authority board of directors and with a veritable laundry list of professional accomplishments, Mr. Garson has credentials that dwarf most in his field. For all his success, his office is nonetheless unimposing — if spacious — and welcomes guests comfortably, without a loom-

ing intimidation. The first thing he does after shaking my hand is to offer me an espresso.

Whirling clockwise in his chair, he gets to work.

The espresso machine is closer to his desk than his computer.

“I’ve only been to Europe once,” he says. “We went to Paris. And my favorite thing was stopping for espresso. Everywhere. I was drinking them all day.”

Mr. Garson, an outed workaholic, is someone who has clearly made his quirks work in his favor. As he hands me the ambrosial caffeine bomb, he proudly exclaims that he knew he was going to be a lawyer since he was 13 years old. By the time he graduated law school, he had already worked as a law clerk for 2 years and found himself supervising men years above him. He knows how to take the bull by the horns, and according to him, now is the time to do it.

Given the recent economic climate, there has been a shortage of investment capital, resulting in few sales of businesses. Those that have been selling are going for exceedingly

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low prices. However, private equity firms, those in the business-buying profession, are starting to gear up again.

Equity firms buy a business, add to the executive team, beef up sales and revenue, and resell. Then they do it again.

“They want to build up the profitability,” says Garson, “and then flip them. They’re gonna start selling the businesses they’re buying today in three years, and they’re gonna make a ton of money, because they’re buying dirt cheap right now. And they’re gonna tell all of the world how much money they made, because they want to attract more investors.” This in turn will attract a flood of investment into the industry.

Because money rotates.

In the last decade, money has bounced from stocks, to real estate, to cash and treasury bonds.

“And one of the next places money is going to migrate to is businesses,” says Mr. Garson. “It’s like gold prices tripling, and everyone starts buying gold. People are going to make a fortune buying businesses, and that will attract a lot of money to this asset class.

And all those people out there with funds of money are gonna pour their money into it.

So, today is a great time to start a business if you have an eye towards converging with selling it in three to five years.”

However, Mr. Garson’s book does not just deal with building and selling a business in today’s financial market. Far more universal, the book is a guideline of advisory selfassessments, insider tips and premeditated judgment calls that any business owner will have to make throughout his career, in good times and bad. It shows a business owner how to keep an eye on the ball at all times, even while juggling prospective buyers and developing human resources. All of Mr. Garson’s advice is punctuated with stories from the field. Whereas many books of this genre tend to be academically formulated, Mr. Garson’s book is sharp, frank, and to the point — not to mention quite readable. This book has been written from the trenches.

“I’ve been in the room when a business has gone out of business because someone has ignored good advice,” says Mr. Garson.

“I’ve been in the room when someone has gotten a hundred million dollar check. And I was also in the room for three years before that, and I saw every decision that led to both of those outcomes. I’m writing about real life successes and failures.”

Chapters discuss a variety of succinct topics from common business pitfalls and financial forecasting to government relations — a vital chapter for the Washington entrepreneur. Every one of these points is accented with hard-boiled, true-life anecdotes. “I have made mental notes of all these things for 25 years. There are lessons I learned 25 years ago that are in this book.

And I couldn’t keep it in. I had to share it.”

The advantage of the Washington area is not lost on Mr. Garson, a Maryland native. The local economy is vibrant. Where D.C. has always had an anchor in the federal government, “we’re really seeing a lot more of the financial world shift down here,” he says. “A lot of the U.S. is shifting down here” As a board member of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Mr. Garson has witnessed international flights that previously flew exclusively to New York now landing at National or Dulles. The national news has also been relocating a significant portion of their daily filming to the area.

“We’ve always been the political capital of the country,” he says, “but we’re starting to have dibs on a portion of the financial capital. And that’s a tremendous benefit that we have.”

Mr. Garson understands the start-up business.

He knows where the mistakes lie, and he is weary of the sore spots. “There’s a lot of rigorous analysis clashing with a lot of dreams,” he says.

Mr. Garson balances a tender sympathy for the dreamer with the cold, hard pragmatism of profitability. He should know. He’s among the sect.

This book is his dream.

“I always wanted to write. But I wanted to write fiction, I wanted to write the great American novel. I didn’t want to write a business book. But this is what I knew. You have to write from what you know.” And Mr. Garson certainly knows the business of being in business.

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commercial

insider

State of the district’s Commercial Financing Real Estate Market

By Andrew O’Neill

I

f you are a commercial property owner today looking for loan, good luck! Put lightly, today’s commercial lending environment would be described as difficult. There are several challenges landlords face in underwriting.

One primary challenge has to do with their ability to repay the debt. Simply having a tenant, or evidence of income in owner occupied properties, is no longer enough. Lenders are skittish, and they have good reason to be — very few deals these days are all cash, and the vast majority of transactions require financing. Loans are underwritten today in a vastly different way than they have been in the past. Larger down payments, pristine credit, significant cash reserves, and an impressive track record of loan payment are examples of the highly scrutinized underwriting changes in the market place.

Equally important as the repayment of debt is the secured amount of assets a borrower pledges in the event of default. As one lender told me recently, “In a loan committee we ask not if, but when, a loan will have problems.” To hedge their risk, banks are requiring huge amounts of security and reserve funds so the lender can be reassured when the tenant or owner struggles, they can still make payments to the bank for a certain period of time.

Most banks prefer to lend to owner-occupied properties versus investment properties.

As a result, loan terms and underwriting can be more favorable for the owner occupants.

Another area of financing that has become increasingly scrutinized is credit. Banks want tenants and borrowers with sterling credit. A borrower or tenant with less-than-excellent credit is problematic. And the rules on this have changed for everyone. The companies in the past who were considered to have high credit, low default risk and reputations for paying rent on time are looked at and underwritten more diligently today. Gone are the days of showing a lender a lease with a tenant like American Eagle, Gap, Pottery Barn or Ralph Lauren and being guaranteed a loan. The once impeccable reputation and credit of traditionally stable tenants has diminished. Same goes for the owners and borrowers themselves. As the market has worsened, so have many of the relationships between lenders and their clientele. The concept of relationship banking seems to be a thing of the past.

Recently, I assisted a client with refinancing their commercial property and we approached their current lender with what we believed were favorable borrowing terms, i.e. good credit,

Great times.

decent income, and plenty of equity in the property. My client’s lender refused to even entertain the borrower after an almost 20year relationship. Compounding things for borrowers is the fact there are fewer banks lending today. Many banks have either closed, been absorbed or bogged down with government regulators due to their participation in TARP. Lenders are distracted either cleaning up their toxic commercial loans or auditing their books to ensure their next visit from the Feds runs smoother than the last. This added layer of scrutiny requires tremendous resources from the banks — resources that would be better served originating, facilitating and closing of loans in their systems.

Perhaps the most onerous change put on borrowers today in underwriting has been the loanto-value (LTV) amount. This is the figure that represents the percentage of a property’s value a bank is willing to lend a borrower. Historically, LTV values for commercial real estate properties have been in 80 to 90 percent range. Today the maximum is generally 75 percent for owneroccupied properties (unless you qualify for an SBA loan) and perhaps only 60 to 70 percent for investment properties. This is a particularly tough change if the borrower’s money for the

Good friends.

O’Neill Realty Advisors, LLC is a full service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory company focusing on Georgetown and upper Northwest D.C. Contact Andrew O’Neill at 202-741-9405 or andrew@oneillrealtyadvisors.com.

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down payment had been in the stock market, or even worse, equity in another piece of real estate. It is likely the values of those stocks, real estate, or other equities have decreased.

Undoubtedly, the rules of the game have changed and navigating through the process, at lease in the short term, appear to be getting not any easier.

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Real

estate

Ask the realtor Dear Darrell: I am going to be putting my house up for sale pretty soon, and I know it could use some sprucing up. What improvements will bring me the best payback on the cost of the work? (I’m planning on doing most of the work myself.)

—Norma T., Tenleytown Dear Norma: I know you didn’t ask, but I’ll give you an answer anyway: if there is any way you can swing it, don’t do the work yourself, unless you are particularly skilled at what you will be doing. Nothing turns off a buyer faster than going through a house and seeing that repair and touch up work has been done by an amateur. Not only does the work not look as appealing, it also raises questions in the buyer’s mind (and that of the buyer’s agent) as to what unseen things might be problematic in the house. Even if the buyer can’t quite put his or her finger on the uncertainty about the property, a succession of even small issues accumulates into major doubt about buying the property.

So to your actual question: there is no hard and fast rule about what things bring the best return when fixing up a property, but these are the most likely areas: kitchens, bathrooms, decks (or the like), paint, landscaping. You might say to yourself, “I can paint! I’ll go to the store, get some paint and brushes and have a painting party.” Hopefully you would respond with, “Didn’t you read Darrell’s advice above?” (Of course, if you find yourself talking to yourself,

10 March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc.

you may be under a lot of stress, and this may not be the best time in your life to sell a property!) In any case, yes you could have a painting party, and the walls would get covered in paint, but the finer points of a paint job would be missing. And most prospective buyers would notice.

This is not to mention someone stepping in the paint tray and tracking paint on your hardwood floors, the drips on your toe molding, the purchasing and cleanup time, and so on. If you are going to do it yourself, it’s important to select a neutral but appealing color (not all white, or all tan), and apply it very carefully, giving attention to the details. Only you will know if you have the patience for that.

If you can hang in there for another week, I’ll write more about the other fix-ups I mentioned above. Good luck!

Dear Darrell: My house in Northwest has been on the market for a long time — three months — and no one has even made an offer. It’s in a great location and it’s in great condition. The problem is that it is an unusual design. I keep thinking there is something I should be doing to it to make someone like it.

—Maureen S., Cleveland Park Dear Maureen: First of all, three months is not so unusual these days, depending on the price of your property. I’m assuming yours is towards the upper end of the price range in D.C. Sec-

ondly, once you have dealt with location and condition, the only other thing to do (besides renovating) is to take a hard look at the price.

Third, one of the things which makes our area so appealing is the variety of choices the buyers have. Think of a piece of music. It’s made up of many different notes, e.g. eighth, quarter, half, whole. If a symphony had only whole notes or only quarter notes it would be pretty boring.

As one of the notes in the symphony known as D.C., your property may be one that jazzes us up a bit. That may not appeal to the majority of buyers, but there will be a buyer who will resonate with your “note.” Of course, if all else fails, reduce the price!

Dear Darrell: I’m thinking of putting my house on the market. I’ve talked to a number of friends about it, and have gotten a variety of responses about how their process was, and about agents they know of. How do I know if an agent is going to be the “right” one for my house?

—Michael C., Glover Park Dear Michael: I think you are on the right track by talking with friends who have had recent experience with this. It’s a great place to start. If you haven’t already done so, I suggest you visit several different Sunday open houses so you can get a feel for the style of the particular agent at the open house. For instance, is the agent quiet, dramatic, intense, laid-back, funny, seemingly

uninterested, etc.? I suggest this approach because you and your chosen agent will be spending a lot of time together. Style is a very important part of the success of that relationship. The experience of friends is good information, because it puts potential listing agents in a known context. But it’s also important for you to experience the agent for yourself. As I mentioned, open houses are a good way to do that.

Next, I would focus on “substance.” Is the agent knowledgeable, responsive, skillful, creative, thoughtful, energetic, confident, smart, communicative?

Finally, I would talk with them about their track record. I don’t put this first on the list, because I don’t think it is the most important aspect of the process. Insofar as agents can point to success in the past, it is a measure of their skill. But you are presumably interviewing several skilled agents, each of which is likely to have a different style. The better your communication with your listing agent, the easier it will be for you to trust one another, be open with one another, and make the sale of your property a team effort.

Darrell Parsons is the managing broker of the Georgetown Long and Foster office and abides

by Equal Housing Opportunity regulations.

Have a real estate question? E-mail him at darrell@lnf.com. He blogs at georgetownrealestatenews.blogspot.com.

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Camped Out at

3.

KREEGER

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he spring “Camped Out” fashion shoot took place at the beautiful Kreeger Museum, which highlights a permanent collection of art from the 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures. The museum was a former residence, which was transformed into art museum in 1994. The Kreeger Museum houses works by such artists as Rodin, Monet, van Gogh and Picasso, as well as traditional Asian and African Art. — Amanda Gokee Fashion Editor/Photographer: YVONNE TAYLOR www.dripbook.com/lightspeak Creative Director/Makeup Artist: LAURETTA J. MCCOY www.laurettajmccor.com Stylist: Lauretta McCoy Hair Designer: Milroy Harried Lighting/Photographers Assistant: Noel Taylor Style assistant: Amanda Gokee Fashion Coordinator: Jennifer Gray Post Production: Yvonne Taylor Model: Yanika Crosse

1. Jacket by Pauw, top by Prada, both sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Leggings by Sass and Bide, Cuff by Alexander McQueen, both sold at Hu’s Wear of Georgetown, shoes by Prada, sold at Saks Fifth Avenue 2. Top and pants by Ralph Lauren, sold at Saks Fifth Avenue 3. Top by Gary Graham, sold at Hu’s Wear of Georgetown, Rings by Makkah’s Boutique, necklace by Mindy Lam, sold at Keith Lipert Gallery

1.

2.

12 March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc.

Feature

An Aging Place In Georgetown

F

rida Burling has been the inspiration for Aging in Place in Georgetown, and for the formation of the Georgetown Village, which would help aging residents continue to live in their own homes with the assistance of the community. Sharon Lockwood organized and chaired the first official meeting of the Georgetown Village. It was held on March 18 in the Citizens Association of Georgetown offices, and all 35 of the attendees mentioned that they wanted to stay in their homes. Some attendees, like Frida Burling, have been in their homes for over 50 years. Sharon’s agenda had five parts: an introduction by all attendees, background about other villages, the results of last fall’s survey of Georgetown, a group discussion about ideas for the future, and the formation of a planning group.   Sharon opened by saying that one of the basic purposes of the meeting was for neighbors to get to know each other. With that in mind, she asked each attendee to give their name, addresses, and a brief description of their reason for attendance. An atmosphere of enthusiasm and sharing was generated right from the start.

Sharon then gave some background about the villages already in place. Beacon Hill started its village about 10 years ago. A group of neighbors who loved Beacon Hill’s ambiance got together to create the services and social activities that would enable them to continue to enjoy their neighborhood. Since then, neighbors in Washington, D.C. have created more villages than

any other area. There are villages in Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Palisades, Foxhall, Kalorama and Chevy Chase. Sharon made it clear that each village had unique needs and, therefore, a unique structure. Capitol Hill village, with a budget of about $200,000, has a full time executive director. Other villages are run completely by volunteers. Two years ago, Sharon became a paying member of the Capitol Hill village to get a better idea of what could be done to serve the unique needs of Georgetown.

Last fall, 7,000 surveys were distributed through the Citizens Association of Georgetown newsletter. The survey listed all the services and social activities offered by other villages. Despite the number of surveys sent, few people responded. Only 22 respondents were willing to pay the $500 membership fee for an individual, the price charged

by Capitol Hill. This number would create a

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budget of about $11,000, a far cry from Capitol Hill’s six-figure coffers.

The floor was then opened in order to hear as many ideas as possible from the attendees about the future of our village. The ensuing discussion was lively and productive. A multitude of excellent ideas were put forth. These ideas covered who should join, how to contact more people,

and what structure should be used. With regard to who should join, several mentioned that our village should be multigenerational.

For example, younger members could offer transportation, and older members could open doors for workmen while younger families were at work. High school students from the local school could earn their community service credits by helping seniors with their computer issues. Contacting a larger number of people would be streamlined by the creation of a Web site, and a new survey could be hand-delivered to each household in the future. Very productive ideas were put forth about the structure of our village in the future.

Many agreed that the village should go forward in clearly defined stages. We could start with no or low-cost volunteers service. More services and social activities could be added as more members and money became available.

The level of interest in our Georgetown village was clearly demonstrated by the fact that more than half of the people attending the meeting wanted to join a planning group to devote their time and energy to the development of our Georgetown Village.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Sharon Lockwood at sharonlockwood100@hotmail.com, or call 202-361-2482.

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calendar March 27 The 23rd Annual Leukemia Ball Since 1988, millions of dollars have been raised for the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma through the Leukemia Ball. The Leukemia Ball is the National Capital Area Chapter’s annual black tie gala. Each year, dedicated volunteers have exceeded goals to make this the largest, nonpolitical black tie event in the Washington, D.C. area. This year, join Jackson Browne and John Pinette At the Washington Convention Center For more information and tickets visit www.leukemiaball.org.

March 27 9 a.m.

Lockhouse 6 Canal Cleanup Volunteers needed this Saturday to help restore Lockhouse 6 to its usual state and historic beauty. After being spared from damage from last week’s flooding, help is now needed to remove the 600 sandbags around the base of the Lockhouse. For more information contact Matthew Logan at 301-512-7027 or logan@ canaltrust.org.

March 27 12 p.m.

D.C. SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Day The Georgetown Theatre Company and Women in Film & Video will host the 3rd Annual D.C. SWAN Day, an all-day event featuring free performances, readings and film Screenings in Georgetown. For information on D.C.’s SWAN

Day event, visit www.georgetowntheatre.org/ swanday2010.

Barnes & Noble, 3040 M Street CDIA Boston-The Foundry, 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street Grace Church- 1041 Wisconsin Avenue MOCA Gallery-Canal Square, 1054 31st Street

March 27 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

44th Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival The Smithsonian Kite Festival is a free, public event organized by The Smithsonian Associates and the National Air and Space Museum, featuring handmade kite competitions, activity tents and demonstrations and kite displays. One thousand free mini kites will be distributed to children on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Washington Monument 15th Street and Independence Avenue

The National Mall www.kitefestival.org March 28 1 p.m.

Kids’ Spring Time Cookie Class at Market Salamander Kids will decorate Easter egg and chick sugar cookies with renowned Pastry Chef Jason Reaves. Parents can enjoy lunch in the downstairs cafe or shopping in Middleburg. $19.50 per child (ages 5+) Market Salamander, Wine Loft 200 West Washington Street, Middleburg To register call 540-687-1064 or e-mail elongo@salamanderhospitality.com.

March 28 3 to 6 p.m.

The Dunes Presents: Get Trunk! featuring MiSHi Artisan Jewelry Join the Dunes, DC This Week and Napoleon Bistro & Lounge as they present “Get Trunk,” the series. This is the first of a monthly series of pop-up boutiques featuring local designers showing off their wares for sale. With drink specials and light fare as you shop the newest designs from Deidree Bennett of MiSHi Artisan Jewelry.

Napoleon Bistro & Lounge 1847 Columbia Road

Georgetown’s most beautiful homes and their impressive gardens. Your ticket price includes a tour booklet full of useful information, including a map of the houses which will make it possible to set your own route and will also include entrance to the Tea in Blake Hall at the historic St. John’s Church, located at 3240 O Street.

Ticket pricing: $50 per person if purchased before April 16 and $55 per person thereafter. This Year’s Patron’s Party will be April 22 at David Bruce’s Home from 7 to 9 p.m.

1405 34th Street For additional information, call 202-338-1796 or visit www.georgetownhousetour.com.

April 24 11 to 5 p.m.

Georgetown House Tour This year, the tour will feature eight to 12 of

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2010 PERFORMANCE Preview

The Duke Comes Home

By Gary Tischler

S

erendipity is a word with a lot of letters and a lot of flavors in it. It’s like a stew, a soup, an omelette, about things being brought together by luck, skill, chance, fate and nature

itself.

There’s a lot of serendipity going on in and around “Sophisticated Ladies,” a big, splashy, stylish love letter to and about Duke Ellington, the man and the music, which commences its April 9-May 30 run presented by Arena Stage at the Lincoln Theatre at 13th and U Streets.

There’ll be a lot of ghosts hanging about and rich memories on hand for many of the participants in this productions, not pale, silent, wandering ghosts, but the kind where women in sassy evening dresses and old bling and big heels sashay down a staircase, where the music is so rich as to make you swoon from the sweetness, where a man in a white tuxedo might sit at a piano like a royal person, and where you might hear familiar songs and the splashing of tap shoes on wood.

All of that.

Mostly, there’ll be Duke Ellington, and he’ll be everywhere in the building, where, downstairs in the old Colonnade, the Duke first started playing and getting known, and he’ll be in the rest of theater, which first saw the light of night in the 1920s, and he’ll be in the big mural and in the places where he used to live and he’ll be for sure in all the songs that make up this musical paean to all things beyond category and the Duke.

The ghosts and memories will be there for choreographer Maurice Hines, who starred in

the original Broadway production in 1981, when he joined his brother, the late Gregory Hines.

They’ll be there for Mercedes Ellington, the Duke’s granddaughter, who also performed in the original production as a Juilliard-trained dancer alongside the great African-American dance diva Judith Jameson.

For that run, the neighborhood itself might just revert to what it once was: the place where Duke Ellington made his mark. That’s what “Sophisticated Ladies” is all about, it’s the Duke’s life as a journey through songs, music and dance, as directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, based on musical direction by Mercer Ellington from the original show. “This is a joyous celebration of Duke Ellington and D.C.,” Wright says. “Duke Ellington is D.C. This is where he grew up and where his career began.”

“I’d never actually seen the Lincoln Theater until I got involved in this,” Hines says. “It’s a perfect place. You can feel the atmosphere. But I remember the original, too. My brother Gregory was the star of the show, I was trying out at the Kennedy Center, and things got complicated.

‘You gotta get into the show,’ he said. Eventually I did, and we performed together in it. What an experience.”

Their father was a drummer, and he knew Ellington, who was by that time a “beyond category” American music legend. “I remember one time dad took us back stage and there was this man in a white tuxedo and a man was putting on a cape over him, and he was sort of above us and he looked down and saw us. ‘Why, you must be the Hines boys, yes, you are,’ he said, and it’s one of those things you never forget.”

Hines says that this was an opportunity to focus renewed attention on Ellington and his musical

achievements. “I think we’ve kind of neglected his work in recent years,” he says. “That’s not right.

His music is embedded in American culture, it goes beyond race, beyond everything.”

Mercedes Ellington — her father was Mercer Ellington, who led the Ellington band and suffered from being under the blinding light cast by his father — was an assistant choreographer as well as a dancer in the original production. She serves as an artistic consultant on the Arena Stage production, often talking to the younger members of the cast about the life and times of Duke.

“For the longest time,” she said in an interview, “I didn’t know what to call him. My mother said, ‘Don’t call him grand-dad. Ask him.’ So I did and he sort of looked at me, and said, ‘Hmm, let me think about that.” And finally he said, ‘I’ll tell you what, why don’t just call me Uncle Edward?’ He didn’t want people to know he was old enough to have a granddaughter.”

Mercedes Ellington often went on tour with the band, including the hugely popular Ellington visit to the Soviet Union. “We were in Leningrad and being trained in dance, it was wonderful for me to see the dancers there,” she said. “He was absolutely mobbed by women everywhere he went. It was astonishing.”

“I saw him before he died and he had all these flowers and cards in his room, from everyone — Sinatra, Count Basie, absolutely everyone. He had just about everything wrong with him but you don’t imagine him not with us. I read about his death in the papers on the flight home.”

“I’ll tell you what he did,” she said. “People stopped thinking about color, race, all of that, when they heard his music, when they saw him perform.

He was sophisticated, he went beyond jazz, he composed symphonies, operas, great complicated

wonderful pieces of music. He had style, great style, and he was a little vain, sure, but he had this way about him, this charisma. He made people think differently.”

The song list for the show alone is enough to make you want to dance, swoon, swing: “Mood Indigo,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” “In a Sentimental Mood,” “Satin Doll” and “I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good.”

Hines, in addition to doing the choreography, will perform too. He’s never stopped cutting albums, performing, tapping, winning Tonys, doing “Happy Feet” with Earth, Wind and Fire, being Nathan Detroit.

“You know what tap dancing is about that,” he said. “It looks easy. It’s hard but it’s as smooth as anything.”

There are two young teenage boys in the cast of performers. It’s not hard to imagine Hines remembering himself and his kid brother, when they were young, tapping out a beat on a floor, remembering the sound of four feet tapping. “Sure I do,” he said. “I miss him every day of my life, I think about him all the time.”

In a way, everybody will be there down on U and 13th at the Lincoln Theater, the people who walked the Colonnade back in the day, the Duke at the piano, the big band playing, fathers and daughters and granddaughters and all of that, those sophisticated ladies parading. There will be ghosts there, it will be all serendipity.

“Sophisticated Ladies” runs April 9 to May 30 at the Lincoln Theatre.

Photo by Scott Suchman

gmg, Inc. March 24, 2010 15

The Two Sides of Rich Bloch

By Gary Tischler

R

ich Bloch is a 60-something labor arbitration attorney, serving most notably as a neutral arbitrator for the National Football League and other professional sports organi-

zations.

Rich Bloch is also a professional magician and a performer.

Both things are true. Bloch likes to keep the two things separate. He does not do magic tricks for 300-pound linemen and their agents.

Nor does he bill himself as a lawyer-magician when he’s performing at the Woolly Mammoth with his show “Best Kept Secrets,” where story-telling, humor and performance blend with Bloch’s finely honed magical abilities and, for want of a better phrase, bag of tricks, which includes card tricks, the famous Harry Anderson’s Last Monte, the world’s fastest tricks, and the assistance of his wife Susan, who is actually a Georgetown University law professor.

“To me, they’re two different worlds, they really are,” Bloch says. He and his wife live on Cathedral Avenue. He has two grown children, both of them attorneys. Also present are a num-

ber of pets, cats, a sheepdog, and a giant macaw who reportedly does card tricks.

“Both of the things I love to do — being an attorney, practicing the kind of law I do and being a magician — have enormous rewards, but you can also get frustrated. When that happens, you just pass through a door and go into the other world.

“I simply tell people that 80 percent of my professional life is being an attorney, and 80 percent is being a magician.”

Now that’s magic.

Bloch has been a practicing — and it takes enormous amount of practice, too — magician for several decades, and done well at it. He’s highly respected in a boundless community where magic and all the stuff that goes with it — tricks, equipment, professional secrets, show business and uniforms — are an important part of life. He’s performed on cruise ships, in Las Vegas and regularly at Hollywood’s Magic Castle, where he’s been a five-time nominee as Stage Magician of the Year.

Bloch first got interested when he was seven, which was in New Jersey in a time when cities and towns had magic shops. “I was seven, my father had passed away, and my mother, a remarkable woman, was on the road a lot as a traveling saleslady,” he said. “There was this shop on the corner, and it was a fascinating place, run by this old man, and, because it seemed I had to, I said to him you’ve got to hire me as an assis-

Spring 2010 Performances The Gershwins®

Porgy

and

Bess

SM

March 25-April 3

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The Marriage of Figaro April 24-May 7

Ambroise Thomas

Hamlet

SM

Porgy and Bess photo by Karin Cooper for WNO.

May 19-June 4

Choose Your Seats Online —Order Today!

www.dc-opera.org s 202.295.2400 s 800.US.OPERA All performances at the Kennedy Center Opera House Groups of 10+ call 202.295.2445 or email groups@dc-opera.org.

Wheelchair accessible seating is available in all price categories for all operas. Call 202.295.2400 or email adacoordinator@dc-opera.org.

16 March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc.

tant. He said, ‘what kind of experience do you have?’ And I said, experience, I’m seven. But then, I remembered I had heard about a magician named Ted Collins, so I said my dad was Ted Collins. He said, ‘that’s impressive,’ and he hired me. And I was walking out, so I asked him his name, and he said, ‘Ted Collins.’”

Magic.

“It’s a very special world,” he said. “But it’s more than just tricks and mystery. That’s once reason I’ve been doing this hour and a half show, that’s what it is. And that’s a different world.”

The Woolly Mammoth Theater is known for its edgy new plays, and draws a very different sort of audience than might be found at magic shows. “It’s a challenge, but that’s what I wanted to do, to entertain, to perform, to involve people in the magic show,” he said. “I love the small space, the intimacy and how you can interact with the audience, make them part of the show. I don’t do huge illusions, you can’t, but I do a varied repertoire of magic. I have a lot of

equipment, and I wear a white tuxedo suit, one with a lot more pockets than most suits.”

“It’s taking things to the next level for me, and I think the response has been really good,” he said. “Good for me. It’s not the same. It’s not just about tricks, but it is about magic and it is about magic and me.”

In conversation, Bloch is self-deprecating, funny, really smart about his two roles and about magic in culture. He’s given considerable thought and feeling to what he does, and what a magician does.

“There is a difference between tricking people, deceiving them, and in creating illusions, moments of make-believe that seems real because it is,” he said.

Bloch, you have to admit, makes magic magical.

“Best Kept Secrets” will be performed at the Woolly Mammoth Laboratory Theater March 31, April 1-4 and June 9-13.

Cover

Story

“American Buffalo”: A Slice of Chicago Style At the play’s first production meeting, she recalls, the director and her long-time design and technical team “found ourselves weeping” with the realization that this would be the very last time they’d work on a show together in the same way. (Zinoman steps down as artistic director on Sept. 1 this year.) “Everyone is highly aware of the significance [of the production] for us, and we appreciate being able to do it together.”

So what’s next for Joy Zinoman after the Studio Theatre? “The first next,” she says, is a four-month European sojourn in Italy and France, a chance to “create a real breathing space between this great, unbelievable life at Studio Theatre and what is next.”

Teaching at the theatre’s conservatory will still be part of Zinoman’s life, and she’s considering offers from other quarters as well.

“What’s great,” she concludes, “is a sense of jumping off a cliff.” It’s certain that wherever Joy Zinoman lands after that leap, it will be an interesting place to be.

“American Buffalo” plays at Studio Theatre May 5 through June 13.

For more information, go to www.studiotheatre.org.

Courtesy Studio Theatre

By Robert Sacheli

F

or Joy Zinoman, Studio Theatre’s upcoming production of “American Buffalo” has elements of both a homecoming and a leave-taking.

David Mamet’s 1975 play has its roots in Chicago (it premiered at the city’s Goodman Theatre), and for Chicago-born Zinoman, the work holds a special resonance. “I’ve always loved the play,” she says, noting that it appeared “at a seminal time for me”— the period when Studio Theatre was just beginning.

Now, as Zinoman prepares to step down from her role as the theater’s artistic director, it will be the final production she’ll direct.

Zinoman programmed “American Buffalo” as part of this season’s trio of “Money Plays” at Studio, joining “Adding Machine: The Musical” and “The Solid Gold Cadillac” as works that explore themes of commerce and capitalism. For Zinoman, “American Buffalo” is “the best play ever written about American business.” More than three decades after its debut, the work has also taken on new levels of meaning.

“Now it is a play about fathers and sons, loyalty and friendship. It reminds me of a certain Chicago style. It’s gritty, real, and unpretentious.”

The plot of “American Buffalo” centers on a crime that doesn’t happen, the heist of a supposedly valuable buffalo-head nickel. As Don, the owner of a secondhand shop and his young protégé, Bobby, spin out their plans to recover the coin from a customer who bought it, they’re joined by the volatile Teach, who offers to pull off the job himself. The scheme devolves into betrayal and violence, with shifting loyalties and suspicion undermining the trio’s relationships. Dark, often profane, yet deeply funny, “American Buffalo” has entered the canon of classic plays of the last century.

It’s also a work that offers rich roles,

and Zinoman has put together “three amazing actors” to bring them to life. “I’m incredibly excited to work with Ed Gero,” says Zinoman of the well-respected local actor who plays Don. Bobby will be played

by Jimmy Davis, who Zinoman had seen in a role light years away from the typical Mamet man: Juliet in the Shakespeare Theatre’s all-male production of “Romeo and Juliet.” At his audition, Zinoman “found his originality intriguing,” and he was selected for the part.

Teach is “one of the great American roles,” says Zinoman, and she’s landed an actor who, according to his mentors, “was born to play this part.” “I almost fell down dead” when viewing the video submitted by actor Peter Allas, she recalls. A Chicagoborn son of immigrants, she describes him as “rehearsing his whole life” for Teach. It didn’t hurt that in his video the actor who created the role of Don in the play’s first production read opposite him. A Washington audition clinched the part for Allas, and it’s clear that Zinoman is looking forward to the sparks the three actors will create.

More than three decades after “American Buffalo” burst onto the scene, the play’s themes have deepened and new contours have emerged — just as the nation’s economic roller coaster rides during the same period have shifted how we look at money and business. “I think it’s a real, human story about petty criminals and their schemes to make money and the greed that drives and divides,” says Zinoman. “It’s also about honor, morality, and friendship.” It’s a play that explores “how good people can get to violent, greedy, and life-destroying places in the name of business.”

She hopes audiences “will come with an open mind” and see “American Buffalo” “freshly, as a new play.” “I hope they’ll come to laugh,” she says, since much of Mamet’s work in the play is funny. “And the language is just delicious.”

For all satisfaction Zinoman finds in this directing assignment, “American Buffalo” is also a particularly emotional experience.

A chat with John Mauceri, conductor of “Porgy and Bess”

Photo by Karin Cooper

By Vera Tilson

A

lmost from the moment I entered the room to meet conductor John Mauceri, having heard that I was a musician, he sat me down at a desk to show me the particular score of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” which he will be conducting for 12 performances starting on March 20 for Washington National Opera.

An enormous amount of research, clearly a labor of love, was evident in what he showed me. The history of “Porgy” signified a remarkable moment in American music. Just acknowledging that it was a real opera has taken a long time. It became popular initially by calling it musical theater and reducing it from three acts to two.

“Most of my life has been committed to what we don’t have access to, and because music exists in the art of translation, you have to take it from the page to performance,” he says. “I knew that there was much in Gershwin that we didn’t know because much was unpublished.

Gershwin wrote over 20 shows. We know the songs but not the shows.”

One of the hallmarks of a fine musician is a passion for detail and finding a composer’s original intent; changing markings and changing tempos can make a significant difference.

Mr. Mauceri is clearly a scholar as well as musician. The list of music that he has restored to original intent is breathtaking. He played a section of “Porgy” by a conductor who had not seen Gershwin’s original score and one with different markings. The effect was startling.

Cheryl Crawford, of the Theatre Guild, initiated the effort to turn “Porgy and Bess” into a musical theater piece. The three acts were turned into two and the piece became a success. The Theatre Guild finally donated all its material for archival purposes to Yale University, where he found what he needed. As much as possible will be used in the coming performance.

Subsequent to our talk, I attended the opening performance of “Porgy” at the Kennedy Center. Yes, you could hear much of what we talked about. The music had been enriched. The Gershwin signature style, so apparent in music like “An American in Paris” and “The Rhapsody in Blue,” emerged with more clarity. The orchestra, in a sense, became another player in the story of “Porgy and Bess.”

gmg, Inc. March 24, 2010 17

art

wrap

By John Blee

In the Realm of the Buddha at the Sackler

Tsong Khapa Central Tibet (Lhasa), 1834 Appliqué using Chinese (Qing) and Russian brocades, leather, pearls and couching threads (horsehair wrapped in silk with gold foil); with original silk dustcovers, ribbons, sealed with copper plate engraved with double vajra; contents within.

Image Credit: Alice S. Kandell Collection, Sackler Gallery

18 March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc.

A

t the Sackler Gallery, a wonderful exhibition of Tibetan art, “Lama, Patron, Artist: The Great Situ Panchen,” as well as a spectacular recreation of a Tibetan altar, have just opened. Situ Panchen was an 18th-century Tibetan version of the Abbé Suger, engendering the Encampment style that incorporated aspects of Chinese landscape and color. There are incredible paintings (thangkas) and bronzes in the show that have an amazing spiritual intensity. Though Tibetan Buddhist art is very much related to Chinese and Indian Buddhist art, it is somehow able to magnify its implosiveness.

Situ Panchen was an artist himself, and for that reason he was probably very interested in shaping the art that was produced for monasteries that were part of the Karma Kagyü sect he belonged to. Because Situ Panchen was a Rimpoche (reincarnated Lama), his life is chronicled, unlike most Tibetan artists. We know that Situ Panchen began to paint even before he had been schooled in painting. At the age of 15 he undertook instruction in iconometric proportions. One of the Karmapa Lamas, the leader of the Tibetan Buddhist sect that Situ Panchen belonged to, was also a noted painter.

The Encampment style of painting had emerged in central Tibet in the late 16th century. It was called by that name because the Karmapas lived in portable encampments, or moveable monasteries. There had subsequently been political problems that had resulted in the suspension of the style. Situ Panchen re-empowered the style.

Looking at Tibetan painting as a whole, the Encampment style stands out as being freer and having an extra element of fantasy. It also uses a sweeter and softer green and has some amazing landscapes, thanks to its Chinese infusion. In the midst of skies there are conjoined figures. It is symbolic, but at some level it is also sexual. Perhaps it is truly visionary sexuality.

In the show there are also some staggering sculptures of Lamas, some of the greatest portrait sculpture ever.

The Tibetan Shrine, with the contents of the Alice S. Kandell collection, makes an enormous impact. Though viewing individual works of art is preferable in the museum manner of the Situ Panchen show, the power of the actually quitesmall chapel is possibly greater. I took students of mine, not well versed in art and not at all in Tibetan art, to see the show and chapel. They had a hard time looking long at anything. They stood and gazed into the fantastic array of Bodhisattvas and Demons and Lamas for many minutes, getting it. One student remarked it was just like his (Ethiopian) church. The chapel was truly enlightening. (Through July 18.)

2010

mographic and ethnic explosions several times.

(Through April 11.)

PERFORMANCE Preview

“Hamlet,” Washington National Opera at The Kennedy Center That would be the opera version, composed by Ambroise Thomas. “Hamlet” will close out the 2009-2010 WNO season, which includes a famous Ophelia mad scene, as it should. A Kansas City Lyric Opera production in French. (641 D St., May 19 to June 4.)

By Robert Sacheli and Gary Tischler

Courtesy Theater J

observer of contemporary American life takes our fascination with how people look or don’t, the others being “The Shape of Things” and the hugely successful “Fat Pig,” all performed at Studio. (1501 14th St., March 24 to May 2.)

mostly in song. On the other hand, it’s a show that still works, it still has something to say (and sing) to contemporary audiences and it will do so. (1321 Pennsylvania Ave., April 13 to May 9.)

“Thurgood,” Kennedy Center A new play about the pioneering civil rights giant and Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, starring Laurence Fishburne. The production was written by George Stevens, Jr., founder of the American Film Institute, film and television director, producer of the Kennedy Center honors, Georgetown resident, and author and son of Oscar-winning director George (“Shane”, “A Place in the Sun”) Stevens. (June 1 to 20.)

“Voices from a Changing Middle East Festival,” Theater J The third installment of the “Voices from a Changing Middle East Festival” is being staged

by Theater J, this one focusing on “Voice of the Woman,” with six one-night events by female writers, including Hadar Galron’s “Mikveh.”

For more information, go to www.theaterj.org.

(1529 16th St., May 5 to June 7.)

“American Buffalo” and “Reasons To Be Pretty,” Studio Theatre Two new productions of plays by two top American playwrights. “American Buffalo,” David Mamet’s classic, blunt, tough-talk tale of three Chicago grifters and thieves, will be directed by Joy Zinoman, the Studio’s founder and outgoing artistic director, but it also has the primetime actor Ed Gero heading its cast. (May 5 to June 13). Neil Labute’s “Reasons to Be Pretty” is the third play in which the acerbic master

Photo by Joan Marcus

The Terrence McNally “Nights At The Opera” Festival, Kennedy Center Three of McNally’s plays dealing with opera, including his latest, “Golden Age,” a bristling back-stage drama about the premiere of Bellini’s “I Puritani.” (Through April 4.) There’s also “The Lisbon Traviata,” about two men’s obsession with a Maria Callas recording of “La Traviata.” (Through April 11.) Finally, there’s a play about Callas herself in “Master Class,” starring Tyne Daly as Callas, no slouch in diva roles herself. (March 25 to April 8.) Visit www. kennedy-center.org for details on dates, times and theaters.

The Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival, Kennedy Center It’s the 15th time around for this landmark festival, with three nights of jazz focusing on women artists and musicians May 20-22 on the occasion of Williams’ 100th anniversary year of her birth. (May 20 to 22.)

“Clybourne Park,” Woolly Mammoth Theatre The original and caustically sharp voice of

“Anoushka Shankar,” Sixth and I Historic Synagogue The Washington Performing Arts Society is known for the world-wide, top-drawer musical and dance talent and groups that it brings to places like the Kennedy Center and the Music Center at Strathmore, but its footprints can also be increasingly found in smaller venues. This time it’s the downtown Sixth and I Synagogue, where the accomplished and high-pedigree sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the renowned Ravi Shankar, will perform “Sudakshini,” a musical journey from North and South India with richly varied musical influences and sounds. (600 Eye St., April 17.) — G.T.

Laura Benanti, Kennedy Center Let her entertain you. Benanti won a Tony for her role as Louise in the most recent Broadway revival of “Gypsy,” and she’s part of the excellent Barbara Cook’s “Spotlight” series at the Kennedy Center. (Terrace Theatre, April 30.)

“Sycamore Trees,” Signature Theatre Ricky Ian Gordon is one of the most interesting and prolific contemporary composers (he’s worked in genres from opera to musicals to ballet), and he’s a recipient of Signature Theatre’s American Musical Voices Project Award. His

“Genius3,” The Washington Ballet at Sidney Harman Hall TWB’s “Genius3” program promises to live up to its name. Twyla Tharp’s giddy “Push Comes to Shove” and George Balanchine’s coolly modernist masterwork “The Four Temperaments” are about as far from each other in style as you can get, but each is a knockout in its own way. Add Mark Morris’s “Pacific” and Nacho Duato’s “Cor Perdut” and you’ve got the makings of a terrific evening of dance. (610 F St., May 19 to 23,) “Mrs. Warren’s Profession,” Shakespeare Theatre Company at Sidney Harman Hall Morality and money were two of George Bernard Shaw’s favorite triggers for drama, and the two clash in high style in “Mrs. Warren’s Profession.” The Shakespeare Theatre mounts the story of a young woman who discovers her education was paid for by her mother’s ill-gotten gains, and it’s a work that still has plenty to say about the choices we make — and their price.

(610 F St., June 8 to July 11.)

“Fiddler on the Roof,” National Theatre The Jerome Robbins-created musical about a shtetl milkman named Tevye who cares about tradition has by now become a tradition itself, and this time it’s headed up by playwright-actor Harvey Fierstein (“Torch Song Trilogy”), who carries on a play-long debate with Jehovah,

Photo by Margaret Schulman

Sterling Hundley

What does Washington’s performing arts scene have in store for the first spring of the decade? Our resident theater experts weigh in with their top picks.

Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Ladies,” Arena Stage at Lincoln Theatre Maurice Hines, a legendary Broadway song and dance performer stars in and choreographs this production, which is a pure, atmospheric act of serendipity of the man (Duke Ellington), the place (The Lincoln Theatre, where Ellington first performed), and show (a stylish, spectacular showcase of the “beyond category” music of an American master and legend). (1215 U St., April 9 to May 30.)

new work for the company, “Sycamore Trees,” has highly personal and bittersweet roots, as it follows his family from the Bronx to the suburbs in a search of a better life. (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, May 18 to June 20.)

Couttesy Woolly Mammoth Theatrre

g n i r Sp

playwright Bruce Norris is heard again in “Clybourne Park”, where Norris’ work has been performed before. This time, Artistic Director Howie Shalwitz directs this off-Broadway hit, in which a Chicago neighborhood suffers de-

“A Man of No Importance,” Keegan Theatre You’ll enjoy this chamber-sized musical, based on the Albert Finney film, about a Dublin bus driver who yearns for beauty in both romance and the theatre. The show should be a good fit for the Irish-focused Keegan Theatre. (1742 Church St., June 10 to July 11.)

“Tempest,” Folger Consort The stars have aligned for this production, a combination of Matthew Locke’s 17th-century music for the play with dramatic selections performed by actors, including Sir Derek Jacobi and Lynn Redgrave. Countertenor David Daniels is part of the ensemble. (Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol St. N.E., June 10; Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, June 11.)

“Zaide” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” The Barns at Wolf Trap The Wolf Trap Opera Company has a well-deserved reputation as the place to catch young American singers at the start of great careers, and the company’s choice of repertory always offers surprises. This year’s rarity is Mozart’s little-heard “Zaide” (with its shimmering aria, “Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben”), and it’s got a gimmick: audiences will choose an ending for this unfinished work. Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” received a beautiful and hypnotic staging a number of years ago, and we can look forward to the company’s new production this summer.

(1645 Trap Road, Vienna; “Zaide”: June 11, 13, 15, 19; “Dream”: August 13, 15, 17.)

“Babes in Arms,” American Century Theatre “Hey, kids, let’s put on a show!” “Babes in Arms” has one of Rodgers and Hart’s best scores (“Where or When,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “Johnny One Note” are among its many gems), but this 1937 tale of youngsters with show-biz dreams is rarely staged. American Century Theatre offers a series of concert performances of the classic musical — and they’re free. (2700 South Lang St., Arlington, June 24 to 27.)

— R.S.

gmg, Inc. March 24, 2010 19

In

Country

springtime in winery country

By Kathy Corrigall

C

arefully wrapped to ward off the ocean’s chill and keep the tender roots moist, hundreds of grape vines, Vitus vinifera, lay packed in crates below deck. Outside, the Atlantic winds howled, straining the schooner’s rigging as it made its way east from Europe to Virginia in the spring of 1774. Filippo Mazzei saw to it that the finest vines had been collected for his friend Thomas Jefferson and shipped to Virginia for the spring planting season near Monticello. It was an ambitious plan, and certainly not without significant challenges.

Fast forward more than 230 years to today where perseverance in the science of viticulture and winemaking has rewarded us more than Jefferson could have ever imagined. While his efforts to grow pure European grapes in Virginia were unsuccessful, his vision to create a wine industry forged the way for others to experiment with hybrid grape varieties that were hardier and more conducive to Virginia’s geography, temperate climate and soil conditions. The Commonwealth is currently home to over 140 wineries — many of them located in the Northern Virginia area and within an hour’s drive of Washington. Virginia’s wineries are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, pro-

ducing wines that garner award-winning recognition here in the United States and abroad at international competitions. Not only do these wineries afford us some of the finest wine in the world, they provide us with extraordinary venues where we can gather with friends and family and enjoy a leisurely diversion from the hectic pace of everyday life.

Courtesy Notaviva Vineyards

man emotion, “notaviva” is derived from the Italian words “nota,” meaning “music note,” and “viva,” meaning “with life.” Stephen and Shannon Mackey, with backgrounds in professional audio and media technologies, founded Notaviva Vineyards with the goal of capturing that magical connection between music and emotion in the wines they produce. Many of us followed the Mackeys on television as their dream of building a tasting room became a reality on the popular HGTV series “Dream House.” Now, take the opportunity to see their incredible custom-designed timber frame tasting room and state-of-the-art event facility in person as you treat yourself to the wide range of musical talent that is scheduled to appear over the coming months.

Washington’s Winery

Dream House Seamlessly blending wine with music is how many describe Notaviva Vineyards, located in the charming town of Purcellville. Intended to describe the intrinsic influence of music on hu-

If you’ve ever wondered what Washington, D.C. looks like from the Blue Ridge, then let your spirits soar — all the way to 951 feet — as you make your way out and up to Bluemont Vineyard. Located just outside the quaint village of Bluemont, the tasting room and winery — with views fit for royalty — sit on an eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bring your binoculars, be-

cause on a clear day you can see the Washington Monument.

Seriously.

Proprietors Bruce Zurschmeide, Mark Zurschmeide, Bob Rupy and Kevin Rupy promote an “eat local, buy local” philosophy, offering local fare that will please Courtesy Bluemont Vineyard your palate and pair well with their wines.

Make sure to bring your favorite canine along, as they are also welcome to come and enjoy the fun. Local musicians are on tap to play most weekends and be sure to mark your calendars for the last Friday evening of each month, to gather with friends, enjoy live music and raise your wine glass to toast the beginning of the weekend. If you’re up for a challenge, dust off those running shoes and get ready for Bluemont Vineyard’s Third Annual 5k Run/Walk on April 17. This demanding course will take you over hills, through orchards and up the side of a small mountain as you make your way to the finish line. Make sure that you don’t depart before taking time to peruse Lore, a distinctive gift shop with many one-of-a-kind treasures for home and garden created by local artisans.

Roll out the Barrel At Barrel Oak Winery, owners Brian and Sha-

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Courtesy Barrel Oak Winery

ron Roeder have created a sense of community and an escape from the ordinary where you and your entire family (and canine family members too!) can relax, have some fun and recharge.

Come, meet up with friends, and enjoy live music every other Friday, and most Sundays.

Bring a picnic, or order up a bowl of their famous “Charity Chili” — where a portion of the proceeds benefit various charities. If you’re ready for some silliness, start planning now for the Festival of Fools weekend at Barrel Oak, April 2 through 4. Come dressed to induce sidesplitting laughter and compete for prizes. On April 11, Beethoven Found, a not-for-profit organization based in Maryland and dedicated to raising awareness about classical music education, is hosting a concert at Barrel Oak Winery featuring internationally renowned musicians Maestro Yuval Waldman, solo violinist, and David Meyers, oboist. Ten percent of bottle sales from this not-to-be-missed event will

be donated to Beethoven Found.

Those of us who live in or near the nation’s capital have the unique opportunity to enjoy so many different wineries all at once — places where we can sit back, enjoy great wine and be inspired and entertained — all within approximately an hour’s drive from home.

The only downside is that there are far too many to mention in one brief article. So challenge yourself to get out into the country this weekend — visit one of your favorite wineries, and along the way, you may just come across one less familiar to explore on your next outing.

Notaviva Vineyards 13274 Sagle Road Purcellville www.notavivavineyards.com Bluemont Vineyard 18755 Foggy Bottom Road Bluemont www.bluemontvineyard.com Barrel Oak Winery 3623 Grove Lane Delaplane www.barreloak.com

upcoming events This spring, don’t let your weekends book up before you check out what’s happening at your favorite wineries. To get you started, here are a few of the many events that will hopefully make their way onto your social calendar. For additional events, visit the various wineries’ Web sites or visit www. virginiawine.org.

March 26 Cindy McConnell on guitar Barrel Oak Winery, 6 p.m.

Live music with Ken Wenzel Bluemont Vineyard, 5 p.m.

April 2 Bryon McShea on Guitar Barrel Oak Winery 6 p.m.

April 3 Live music with E.J. Atkins Notaviva Vineyards, 2 p.m.

Watson and Hudson Barrel Oak Winery, 6 p.m.

April 9 Wine and Dine on Route 9 Hillsborough Vineyard, 6 p.m.

April 10 Live music with David LaFleur Notaviva Vineyards 2-5 p.m.

April 11 Beethoven Found classical music concert Barrel Oak Winery, 2 p.m.

April 17 Live music with Angela Esterling Notaviva Vineyards, 2 p.m.

Third Annual 5k Run/Walk Bluemont Vineyard April 24 Live music with Emma Bailey Notaviva Vineyards, 2 p.m.

April 30 Last Friday’s at 951 with Live Music Bluemont Vineyard, 5 p.m.

May 1 Live music with Miguel Andros Aubertin Notaviva Vineyards, 2 p.m.

May 7 through 9 Art in the Foothills Bluemont Vineyard May 22 and 23 Eighth Annual Hottest Cool Jazz Festival Chrysalis Vineyard, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 28 Last Friday’s at 951 cocktail party Bluemont Vineyard, 5 p.m.

gmg, Inc. March 24, 2010 21

Your Dining Guide to Washington DC’s Finest

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

Open seven nights a week.

Jackets required.

Complimentary valet parking. www.1789restaurant.com

Bistro Francais

3000 K St NW

3124-28 M St NW

Come and enjoy contemporary Thai cuisine & Sushi bar deliciously prepared at Bangkok Bistro. The restaurant’s decor matches its peppery cuisine, vibrant in both color and flavor.

Enthusiasts say we offer professional, prompt and friendly service. Experience outdoor sidewalk dining in the heart of Georgetown.

(One block from Georgetown Lowe’s theatres)

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

Open for lunch and dinner.

Sun.-Thurs.11:30am - 10:30pm Fri.-Sat. 11:30am - 11:30pm

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

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

www.bangkokbistrodc.com (202) 965-1789

(202) 337-2424

(202) 333-4422

CAFE BONAPARTE

Café La Ruche

CAFE MILANO

1522 Wisconsin Ave

www.cafebonaparte.com (202) 333-8830

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

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

Open dailyfor breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

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

Open everyday.

Lunch & dinner.

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

CHADWICKS

HASHI RESTAURANT

3205 K St, NW (est.1967)

1073 Wisconsin Ave., NW Hashi Sushi Bar

Cafe Milano specializes in setting up your private party in our exclusive dining rooms. Our detail-oriented staff also will cater your corporate meetings & special events at your office, home or other locations. Check out our website for booking information or call 202-965-8990, ext. 135.

Cafe Milano is high on the restaurant critics’ charts with excellent Italian cuisine & attention to service. Fresh pastas, steaks, fish dishes, & authentic Italian specialties. Lunch & dinner. Late night dining & bar service.

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

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

(Georgetown Chopsticks)

www.CafeMilano.net

ChadwicksRestaurants.com

(202) 965-2684

(202) 333-6183

(202) 333.2565

CITRONELLE

CLYDE’S OF GEORGETOWN

“Outdoor Dining Available” www.cafelaruche.com

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

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

Open for Dinner.

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

Valet parking.

www.clydes.com

www.circlebistro.com

www.citronelledc.com

(202) 293-5390

(202) 625-2150

22 March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc.

(202) 338-3830

BISTROT LEPIC & WINE BAR

3251 Prospect St. NW

1039 31st Street, NW

Captivating customers since 2003 Café Take a stroll down memory lane.

Bonaparte has been dubbed the “quintes- Serving Georgetown for more than 35 years - Since 1974 sential” European café featuring award winning crepes & arguably the “best” Chef Jean-Claude Cauderlier coffee in D.C! Located in sophisticated A bit of Paris on the Potomac.

Georgetown, our café brings a touch Great Selection of Fine Wines Fresh of Paris “je ne sais quoi” to the neighMeat, Seafood & Poultry Chicken borhood making it an ideal romantic destination. Other can’t miss attributes Cordon-Bleu *Duck Salmon, & Steaks Voted Best Dessert-Pastry in are; the famous weekend brunch every Sat and Sun until 3pm, our late night town, The Washingtonian Magazine weekend hours serving sweet & savory FULL BAR crepes until 1 am Fri-Sat evenings & the alluring sounds of the Syssi & Marc jazz Open Daily from 11:30 a.m. Open Late ‘til 1 am on Friday & duo every other Wed. at 7:30. We look Saturday night forward to calling you a “regular” soon!

CIRCLE BISTRO CONTACT JENNIFER GRAY TO PLACE AN AD IN OUR DINING GUIDE. jennifer@georgetowner.com 202.338.4833

BANGKOK JOE’S

3251Prospect St, NW

BANGKOK BISTRO

(202) 333-9180

DAILY GRILL

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

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

(202) 337-4900

Our Special 3 Rolls $10.95 Monday- Friday 12-5PM All rolls are seaweed outside! (any kind of combienation) Tuna Roll Salmon Roll Shrimp Roll Avocado Roll Cucumber Roll Asparagus Roll White Tuna Roll Kanikama Roll Spicy Tuna Roll Spicy Salmon Roll (No Substitution, togo, or extra sauce)

Mon-Thur & Sun noon-10:30PM Fri & Sat Noon-11:00PM (202) 338-6161

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

FAHRENHEIT Georgetown 3100 South St, NW Restaurant & Degrees Bar & Lounge The Ritz-Carlton, As featured on the cover of December 2007’s Washingtonian magazine, Degrees Bar and Lounge is Georgetown’s hidden hot spot. Warm up by the wood burning fireplace with our signature “Fahrenheit 5” cocktail, ignite your business lunch with a $25.00 four-course express lunch, or make your special occasion memorable with an epicurean delight with the fire inspired American regional cuisine. www.fahrenheitdc.com 202.912.4110

M | STREET BAR & GRILL & the 21 M Lounge 2033 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-3305 M Street Bar & Grill, in the St. Gregory Hotel has a new Brunch menu

by Chef Christopher Williams Featuring Live Jazz, Champagne, Mimosas and Bellini’s. For Entertaining, small groups of 12 to 25 people wishing a dining room experience we are featuring Prix Fixe Menus: $27.00 Lunch and $34.00 Dinner.

Lunch and dinner specials daily.

www.mstreetbarandgrill.com

(202) 530-3621

Garrett’s Georgetown 3003 M Street N.W., Washington, DC 20007

JETTIES

1609 Foxhall Road, Intersection Foxhall & Reservoir

Celebrating over 29 years of keeping bellies full with good food and thirsts quenched with tasty beverages.

Jetties serves freshly-made sandwiches, and houses a salad bar.

Indoor & outdoor seating. Open every day of the week, Jetties is a great for lunch and dinner.

· Fantastic Happy Hour · Free WiFi Internet · Golden Tee Game · Trivia Night Tuesdays

Jetties serves 25 flavors of ice cream. Freshly made coffee is served, too.

Including: Miller Lite bottles for $2.25 each

Parking Available on Foxhall Mon.-Fri. 11am-9pm.

Sat & Sun 9am-9pm.

www.garretsdc.com (202) 333-1033

Panache Restaurant 1725 DeSales St NW Tapas – Specialty Drinks Martini’s Citrus - Cosmopolitan - Sour Apple - Blue Berry Summer Patio – Open Now! Coming Soon.

“New” Tyson’s Corner Location Open NOW! Dining Room Monday - Friday: 11:30am-11:00pm Saturday: 5:00pm-11:00pm Bar Hours Mon.-Thursday: 11:30am-11:00pm Friday: 11:30am- 2:00am Saturday: 5:00pm- 2:00am (202) 293-7760

www.jettiesdc.com 965-3663 (202) 965-FOOD

La Chaumiere 2813 M St. Northwest, Washington, DC 20007 Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a business lunch, enjoy wonderful Boudin Blanc, Fresh Dover Sole Meunière, Cassoulet or Pike Quenelles by the fireplace in this unique “Country Inn”. Chef Patrick Orange serves his Award Winning Cuisine in a rustic atmosphere, where locals and celebrities alike gather. La Chaumiere also offers 2 private dining rooms with a prix-fixe menu and an affordable wine list.

Washingtonian’s Best 100 restaurant 28 years in a row. www.lachaumieredc.com

SEA CATCH

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

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

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

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

1054 31st St, NW

(202) 337-8855

Sequoia

SMITH POINT

THE OCEANAIRE

TOWN HALL

3000 K St NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20007

1338 Wisconsin Ave., NW (corner of Wisconsin & O St.)

1201 F St, NW

2218 Wisconsin Ave NW

Eclectic American cuisine, Coupled with enchanting views of the Potomac River make Sequoia a one of a kind dining experience.

Smith Point has quickly become a favorite of Georgetowners. The Washington Post Magazine calls Smith Point “an underground success” with “unusually good cooking at fair prices.” Chef Francis Kane’s Nantucket style fare changes weekly, featuring fresh combinations of seafood, meats, and farmers market produce.

Ranked one of the most popular seafood restaurants in , DC, “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.

Town Hall is a neighborhood favorite in the heart of Glover Park, offering a classic neighborhood restaurant and bar with contemporary charm. Whether its your 1st, 2nd or 99th time in the door, we’re committed to serving you a great meal and making you feel at home each and every time. Come try one of our seasonal offerings and find out for yourself what the Washington Post dubbed the “Talk of Glover Park”Make a reservation online today at www.townhalldc.com

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

Open for dinner Thurs- Sat from 6:30 pm-11pm. www.smithpointdc.com (202) 333-9003

Lunch: Mon-Fri- 11:30am -5:00pm Dinner: Mon-Thur 5-10pm. Fri & Sat 5-11pm. Sun-5-9pm. www.theoceanaire.com (202) 347-2277

TO PLACE AN AD IN OUR DINING GUIDE. jennifer@georgetowner.com

202.338.4833

(202) 338-1784

Peacock Cafe 3251 Prospect St. NW

CONTACT JENNIFER GRAY

Serving Dinner Daily5PM-10:30pm Brunch Sat & Sun 11:30AM-5PM Free Parking available (202) 333-5640

SETTE OSTERIA 1666 Conn. Ave at R St. NW (Dupont Circle) Edgy. Witty. Casual.

THE patio near Dupont Circle for peoplewatching. Pizza masters bake delicious Neapolitan thincrust pizzas in a wood-fire oven.

Menu favorites include pastas, salads, lasagnas, Italian specialty meats and cheeses, and lowcarb choices.

Daily specials, Lunch & dinner. Late night dining & bar service. www.SetteOsteria.com

(202)483-3070

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

gmg, Inc. March 24, 2010 23

food & Wine

Dining, harajuku style

By Jordan Wright

A

t long last, after two and a half months of anticipation, several blizzards and a flurry of back and forth emails, I was armed with the event’s protocol. It consisted of guest photo op restrictions and apparel parameters from the hosts of a local super-secret dining club. Five couples had agreed to let me cover one of their monthly themed dinners.

The hosts: Anonymous members of a private supper club.

The location: Somewhere in metropolitan Washington on a hilltop.

The plan: A Japanese Harajuku evening with six courses and countless complex accompaniments.

The inspiration: Recipes sourced from New York’s Momofuku and Chicago’s Alinea restaurants.

The guest list: Serious foodies, gourmands, amateur chefs and wine connoisseurs.

The required dress: Creative outfits from the Harajuku movement.

On the appointed day I rushed to Google it up — isn’t that how we inform ourselves these days? I learned that Harajuku, which loosely translated means Halloween, originated with Japanese teens meeting up on Sunday afternoons in their neighborhood parks where they sport clothing and makeup inspired by specific themes. It begins with the over-the-top Lolita look, replete with baby doll dresses and large bows or barrettes clipped into brightly dyed pink, blue or purple pigtails, Japanese anime

character look-alikes, period Victorian garb and colorful punk gear with Goth-inspired hair and makeup. Matchy-matchy is very uncool, and plaids are routinely mixed with stripes and flo-

ral patterns.

“Hello Kitty” and “Pokemon” purses and lunch boxes are favored accessories, as are carrying or wearing small “Totoro” stuffed animals or creatures from Japanese animator Takashi Murakami’s line of plush toys. Some styles are

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All photos by Jordan Wright straight from high-end designer ateliers, but for the most part it is cobbled together from mismatched thrift shop or boutique finds. It sounds totally anti-fashion, but is actually spectacularly artistic in a bizarre and inventive way.

Many current high-fashion runway looks have evolved from this genre.

I hastily pulled together a shocking pink Japanese brocade frock coat over a cream-colored Victorian lace blouse with jabot and paired it all with plaid knee socks over black leggings and a black schoolgirl’s kilt.

I left the stuffed dinosaur at home, skipped the Kabuki makeup for a smear of lip gloss, and topped it all off with an assortment of rhinestone hair clips. I felt completely off-kilter but ready to channel my inner Japanese teen.

I arrived at a large restored colonial with a hawk’s eye view of the city where my hosts, their children and an on-duty Papillon greeted me enthusiastically. I planned on coming early to take some food photos and offer assistance to the host, but the preparations were well underway. My host and chef for the evening handed me a welcoming cocktail, an infusion of Asian pears with shochu vodka, and invited me on a tour.

The 19th-century high-ceilinged home had two kitchens and a butler’s pantry with 10-foot-high shelves filled with all manner of exotic spices, condiments and a working kitchen’s necessaries. The upstairs kitchen, large and rustic, had a wall of well-used copper pots, another featured a large contemporary oil painting. On the lower level another workspace housed state-of-the-art equipment befitting the molecular gastronomy necessary to achieve our much-anticipated dinner.

There was a Pacojet puree machine, an Excalibur food dehydrator, a Minipack Torre vacuum chamber sealer for shrink-wrapping, and a PolyScience sous vide circulating bath for cooking or chilling. Freezer drawers held silicone molds filled with spherical frozen mousse. It immediately became clear that this was more than just a passing interest for my host, and the “Iron Chef”-style excitement ratcheted up a few more notches.

As guests filtered in and out of the bustling kitchen and drawing room and the conversation turned lively, the children, clad in their own versions of the “look,” wandered off to wherever it is that children go when they are bored with adult conversation. After a few rounds of champagne, we gathered at the long dining table where food and wine began to consume the conversation and we, in turn, them.

The first course presented was a frozen sphere of Maytag blue cheese ice cream surrounded by walnuts in grape syrup, a Port wine gelee, grape foam, walnut milk, celery and cel-

ery salt made from stalks dried in the dehydrator — a sort of mad scientist’s Waldorf salad and our host’s nod to Chef Grant Achatz of Alinea Restaurant. It was an inspired, playful and delicious adventure and I ate my way in circles around the

plate repeating the yin-yang flavors by turns.

A subsequent course proved to be a sensuous dish of riesling gelee over lychee nuts with pine nut brittle and shaved frozen fois gras — a tribute to Momofuku and the genius of Chef David Chang. The mouth feel of this combination was luxurious: the tiny wriggly cubes of late harvest

food & wine Riesling jelly, tender globular floral-fragrant lychees, crunchy pine nuts with their sap-like aroma encased in hardened caramel and buttery-smooth Hudson Valley duck foie gras raining down over the whole. I was pleased this evening was a secret, for I had no impetus to reveal its mysteries to outsiders just yet.

Irresistible slabs of crispy pork belly glistened, and in yet another triumph borrowed from Chang, Bo Ssam, a 10-pound braised pork shoulder, its skin rendered bronze and lacquered with ssam.

Platters of just-shucked oysters appeared alongside such sauces and condiments as kimchi, chiles, fermented bean curd, pickled mustard seed sauce, scallion and ginger compote, pickled vegetables and fish sauce.

The wines for the evening were carefully selected and exquisite. A Carlisle zinfandel from the Russian River Valley, a double magnum of Poizin Reserve in the skull and crossbones-etched bottle from Armida Winery in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, a fine 2007 Sea Smoke pinot noir from Santa Barbara County and an extraordinary 2007 Saxum from James Berry Vineyard Proprietary Blend (100 points from Robert Parker!). A wine of such splendor and amplitude begged silent contemplation of its marvels, every sip bespeaking its provenance and development. As my imagination concocted its journey, I envisioned its beautiful grapes slowly ripening on the vine and the experienced decisions of its vintner shepherding its path from birth passage to aging process.

With deep regret I had to take my leave for a prior engagement before dessert was served, so I will never know the ending to this evening’s meal. But in a way, like all great meals and all great wines, we stand at the precipice, lured by the siren’s song and the promise to our most fragile selves to relive that evanescent moment when all the gastronomic stars align.

To start your own private supper club: There are widely varying degrees of group size and culinary skill levels in each supper club.

To start your own, you just need to round up friends of like mind for a once-a-month evening, decide on a theme (My hosts’ club did a multi-course fennel dinner the previous month, with fennel cake and fennel ice cream for dessert!) then decide if it’s “pot luck” or if the host couple will prepare the entire meal. Guests can bring wines but need to consult the host as to the proper pairing.

Themes: The fun is in the planning and using your imagination. Single ingredients, ethnic cuisine or holidays can drive the theme of your gathering. I recall once coming upon a group of 20 or so Ukrainians picnicking in Fort Hunt Park last summer. Their party was more of a “pot luck” since each guest brought a dish, but it was marvelous in its variety of homemade pickled cucumbers and mushrooms, potted meats, borscht, a grill laden with skewered lamb shashliks, salads, homemade breads and cakes and, of course, large bowls of fresh cherries. The clear liquid of choice to wash it all down was most decidedly not branch water.

For questions or comments on this story contact jordan@whiskandquill.com. And if you decide to host your own supper club, let me know how it turned out. Better yet, I’d be delighted to help!

Georgetown’s Corner of Little Italy Gourmet Food To Go Fine Italian Wines Catering

A spot of irish coffee

By Miss Dixie

M

ark Twain once said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” With its damp air and piercing Pacific wind, the City by the Bay can be nippy year-round. I recall a late-summer visit where the wind was whipping at my tail as I strolled along Fisherman’s Wharf after dinner.

Fortunately, a perfect remedy lurked nearby. The Buena Vista café, which is known worldwide for their steaming cups of Irish coffee, was only a few blocks up one of the city’s famous hills. As I trudged up the steep incline, the Buena Vista’s red neon sign served as a beacon signaling relief from the cold. The long and narrow bar draws devoted locals as well as out-of-towners relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Watching the staff at the Buena Vista make the Irish coffees is a spectacle in itself. When the small cafe gets crowded, the bartenders line glass mugs up and down the tapered bar assembly-line style. Methodically, the staff pours blazing hot coffee into the waiting mugs, followed by sugar cubes and jiggers of Irish whiskey. Finally the toddies are topped with generous dollops of whipped cream before being served to eager customers waiting to warm their souls with steaming goodness.

Some mistakenly believe that the Buena Vista invented the Irish coffee. According to the Museum of the American Cocktail, Irish coffee was invented in 1942 by Joseph Sheridean, the head chef at Foynes Airbase in Limerick (now Shannon Airport), as a way to provide a warming beverage to cold and weary travelers.

According to the bar’s website (www.thebuenavista.com), on the night of November 10, 1952 Jack Koeppler, then-owner of the Buena Vista, challenged international travel writer Stanton Delaplane to help re-create the highly touted Irish coffee served at Shannon Airport. Intrigued, Stan accepted Jack’s invitation, and the pair began to experiment.

Throughout the night they stirred and sipped judiciously and eventually acknowledged two recurring problems. The taste was “not quite right,” and the cream would not float. Jack pursued the elusive elixir with religious fervor, even making a pilgrim-

age overseas to Ireland.

Upon Jack’s return, the experimentation continued. Finally, the perfect-tasting Irish whiskey was selected. Then the problem of the bottom-bent cream was taken to San Francisco’s mayor, a prominent dairy owner. It was discovered that when the cream was aged for 48 hours and frothed to a precise consistency, it would float on the surface.

Soon the fame of the Buena Vista’s Irish coffee spread. According to a Frommer’s guide-

Bartender at Buena Vista in San Francisco

book, the bar has poured more of these addictive pick-me-up drinks than any other bar in the world, and ordering one has become a San Francisco must-do.

Irish Coffee The Buena Vista’s website offers step-by-step instructions on how they make their Irish coffee.

1. Fill glass with very hot water to pre-heat, then empty.

2. Pour hot coffee into hot glass until it is about three-quarters full. Drop in two cocktail sugar cubes.

3. Stir until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved.

4. Add full jigger of Irish whiskey for proper taste and body.

5. Top with a collar of lightly whipped whipping cream by pouring gently over a spoon.

A selection of Irish whiskeys may be purchased at Dixie Liquor, located at 3429 M Street in Georgetown.

Dinner Orders and Catering Phone: 202.965.1222 griffinmarket@yahoo.com www.griffinmarket.blogspot.com

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BODY

and

SOUL

Seasonal foods? Go local

By Katherine Tallmadge

W

hat you eat profoundly affects not only your health, but the environment, too.

Choosing seasonal, local foods is an easy way to improve both. For your health, seasonal and local foods are best because they are picked at peak ripeness and therefore have absorbed maximum nutrients — and flavors. This is also why they are so much more delicious than foods picked unripe, then shipped from faraway places.

For the environment, eating seasonally and locally uses fewer resources. Environmental resource conservation is reduced if food is transported long distances and grown in large industrial farms which specialize in only one or a few foods. Locally, organically produced food saves water, energy and encourages a region’s unique varieties of fruits and vegetables. Heirloom varieties, for example, have been passed down through genera-

tions, have natural resistance to pests, disease and are better able to tolerate local conditions without too much extra energy, pesticides or water.

So, for those of you who not only want to improve your health, but also want to make a contribution toward saving the planet, you may want to consider changing what you eat. This is great news because when it comes to environmental issues and halting global warming, many of us feel overwhelmed and helpless. So it’s amazing that something as Riccardo and Laura Bonino. Photo by Greg Tinius simple as making better food choices can reduce global warming by lowering greenhouse gases, saving land, and conserving diminishing water and energy supplies.

For those of you who feel it’s important to buy seasonally and locally, this season can be a challenge. The pickings at the Farmers Markets

Love your neighbor.

It really is that simple.

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28 March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc.

are sparse, at best. So I approached local chef Laura Bonino of Georgetown’s Griffin Market, who creatively came up with a great, healthy dish using what is available now, like garlic, turnips, and rutabagas.

Turnips and rutabagas are in the species of foods called “brassica.” The brassica family of foods has extremely high nutritional values and contain high levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C and selenium, as well as soluble fiber, which reduces cholesterol and helps level blood sugar. Brassica, a huge category of foods including broccoli, cabbages, mustard seeds and greens, also contain potent anti-cancer compounds which help detoxify carcinogens in the liver before they continue to circulate in your bloodstream. These compounds also aid your immune response with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

Garlic was found to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 32 percent in a major study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. And all it took was normal, periodic consumption — no overdosing necessary! Garlic seems to have anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties, for instance, against H. pylori, which causes ulcers. It also improves blood flow, reduces blood-clotting and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol in some people. Garlic’s nutritional qualities are most potent when you crush it and let it stand for 10 minutes before eating or cooking, according to studies conducted at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service.

Other foods in the garlic family, such as onions and leeks, all contain an important compound called alliinase, which may have similar nutritional qualities.

Katherine Tallmadge, M.A., R.D. specializes in customized, easy, enjoyable weight loss and medical nutrition therapy programs for individuals and companies. She is the author of “Diet Simple: 192 Mental Tricks, Substitutions, Habits & Inspirations,” and National Spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

Contact her at www.katherinetallmadge.com or 202-833-0353.

Laura Bonino’s Beef and Spring Vegetable Stew 1 1/2 pounds beef bottom round, cut into oneinch pieces 1/2 cup olive oil 4 garlic cloves, smashed 1 large onion, chopped 1/4 cup flour 4 cups low sodium beef broth 2 cups of Irish stout beer 1 cup of red wine 1 cup crushed canned tomatoes 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 bay leaves 2 pounds red potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 2 peeled medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices 1 peeled, large turnip, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 1 peeled, medium rutabaga, cut into 3/4-inch pieces Salt and pepper Heat a half cup olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and cook, without stirring, until browned on one side, then turn the pieces to brown on all sides. Add garlic and onion and cook until onion is translucent, about five minutes. Sprinkle flour over meat and onion mixture and cook for one minute. Add beef stock, stout, red wine, tomatoes, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer one hour, stirring occasionally.

Add vegetables to beef stew. Simmer uncovered until vegetables and beef are very tender, about 45 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4 to 6.

See more recipes at www.griffinmarket.blogspot.com.

social

scene

Sunshine of Our Lives: Stevie CAG Pitches a Pot o’ Gold Wonder & Betsey Johnson at Dodge House for Fall Gala For its 15th year, the American Association of People with Disabilities dialed up the fun at its annual gala on March 10 in the ballroom of the Ronald Reagan Building, by inviting singer Stevie Wonder, who got the first-ever AARP Image Award, and Betsey Johnson, the fashion designer who created the gala’s logo and other decorations — and also added her signature enthusiasm. There were, of course, the usual government and non-profit types, who have devoted much time and effort to expanding disability rights. Awards were also given to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Lawrence CarterLong, executive director of the Disabilities Network of New York City and Don Dew, president and founder, ReachOut USA. (AAPD is the largest cross disability membership organization in the United States, working toward the economic self-sufficiency and political power for the more than 50 million Americans with disabilities.) Yes, Stevie did finally get to sing; it was “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” — Robert Devaney

Diane Colasantis, former CAG president Barbara Downs and Richard Hinds

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Betsey Johnson and Ted Kennedy, Jr.

Rachel Ley, holding Shredder, and Bill Dean

With a happy spring vibe and a wearing o’ the green, the Citizens Association of Georgetown (CAG) held its “Gala Patrons Party” on March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day), to launch the group’s fall fundraiser, which will again be at the Russian Embassy. Host Bill Dean opened his historic and beautifully renovated P Street home — from rooftop to rec room and bar basement — to his fellow Georgetowners.

(Dean’s high-tech engineering company is headquartered in Northern Virginia and is involved in several D.C school and scholarship programs.) New to Georgetown, but growing up around Washington, Dean noted that, despite some building strictures, living in Georgetown is “awesome.”

Co-chaired by CAG President Jennifer Altemus, Nancy Taylor Bubes and Lesley Lee, the party offered ample hors d’oeuvres, drinks and gold (chocolate) coins. It also touted CAG’s community programs as well as its questioning of Georgetown University’s 10-year plan (next meeting, folks).

Group and VIP tickets for the fall fundraiser are available now; donation of auction items greatly appreciated. For more information, visit www.cagtown.org. — R.D.

Same sex marriage CelebrATES

at the ritz

Ritz-Carlton General Manager Grant Dipman and host Skip Sroka Top:AAPD board chair and former Rep. Tony Coehlo, main author of the Americans With Disabilities Act, Stevie Wonder and AAPD president and CEO Andrew Imparato.

Daffodils in the Park The Friends of Book Hill Park chose “Daffodils in the Park” as the theme for their wine and cheese reception at Addison/Ripley Fine Art on March 21. When it became apparent that the Department of Parks and Recreation was not going to restore or maintain the neglected park behind the Georgetown Library, 10 years ago a group of local residents banded together, forming a non-profit to restore the grounds to a peaceful retreat. Significant contributions have been made by the Georgetown Garden Club and Board Member Bob Laycock. Ongoing cooperation with the library will hopefully ensure a sufficient water supply for the park. — Mary Bird

2922 M STREET, GEORGETOWN, DC 202.965.9736

Co-Presidents Julia Diaz-Asper and Ginny Pool flank board member Frank Randolph

gmg, Inc. March 24, 2010 29

Social

Scene

AMERICAN IRELAND FUND The American Ireland Fund dinner at the Ronald Reagan Building on March 16.

Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan

President Bill Clinton, Tom Quinn and Lynly Boor

Noche de Bolero Wine Tasting The Women’s Committee of the Washington Ballet held Noche de Bolero, its sixth annual wine tasting and silent auction, at Meridian International Center on March 12. Pam Taylor, Maureen Berk and Jennifer Streaks co-chaired the event where guests enjoyed Spanish tapas and sweets provided

by RSVP Catering, accompanied by various Spanish wines donated by Paul’s Wine and Spirits of Chevy Chase. Steve Bellman manned the champagne station. Artistic Director Septime Webre summoned guests to the live auction with “please join us, we are about to have a ball in the ballroom.”

Temptations included a Greek holiday, four tickets to a Capitals vs. Atlanta game and a walk-on role in “The Nutcracker.” Alissa Winkler secured parting gifts of animal-patterned wine purses, laden with Yazi ginger-flavored vodka and a Prada-perfumed candle, among other favors. — M.B.

Top: U.S. Representative from Rhode Island James Langevin, Miss D.C. Jen Corey and Sec. Hillary Clinton

Left: Luke Russert and Norah O’Donnell

The Glenlivet

Morton’s The Steakhouse hosted a portfolio tasting from The Glenlivet, one of Scotland’s premier Scotch whiskys, paired with Morton’s hors d’oeuvres. Special guest Scottish Government Counsellor Robin Naysmith was on hand, alongside Glenlivet brand ambassador Richard Crawford, to educate guests about the nuances and heritage of fine scotch. Photograph by Anthony Hesselius.

Wine tasting co-chair Pam Taylor, Phoebe Eliopoulos

30 March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc.

Narda Newby, wine tasting co-chair Jennifer Streaks

Scottish Ambassador Robin Naysmith, Jim Sole, Glenlivet Brand Ambassador Richard Crawford

Social

Scene

Alzheimer’s Gala

2010 Alzheimer’s Gala at the National Building Museum on March 9. Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Gala chairs Trish and George Vradenburg

Mark Shriver with actress and Alzheimer’s Champion Soleil Moon Frye

Actor David Hyde Pierce

Innocents at Risk and the Georgetown Club Support Aid for Haiti

Embassy Chef Challenge Benefit for Cultural Tourism DC

On March 16, supporters of Innocents at Risk gathered for a reception at the Georgetown Club to hear Haitian Ambassador Raymond A. Joseph discuss the current relief efforts in Haiti and what the governments are doing to stop child trafficking. The ambassador lauded the Dominican Republic as the “first respondent” of the international response from day one. He said “we will rebuild the Republic of Haiti, not the Republic of Port-au-Prince.” Deborah thanked the guests for “helping us protect children and caring about Haiti.” — M.B.

In welcoming over 450 attendees to the Embassy Chef Challenge 2010, which was held on Mar. 18 at the House of Sweden, Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafstrom shared the diplomatic advice that “good decisions are not made on an empty stomach.” He hailed First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative “let’s move” to keep children active and said that the other chefs were fortunate that Sweden’s Martin Johansson was judging and not competing. Fellow judges included The Washington Post Food and Travel Editor Joe Yonan and Chef Michel Richard. The Embassy Chef Challenge Winner was Belgium’s Jan Van Haute, while Israel’s Einat Admony took the People’s Choice Award and Viktor Merényi of Hungary garnered Challenge Sweden. — M.B.

Top: Chef Martin Johansson of the Embassy of Sweden with Winner Jan Van Haute, Chef of the Embassy of Belgium (center) and with Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafstrom Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Haitian Ambassador Raymond A. Joseph, Deborah Sigmund, photo by J. Gray

Clara Register and Monika Putter, photo by J.Gray

Left: Former Asst. Chief of Protocol Larry Dunham with Passport DC dynamo Jan Du Plain

March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc. 31

WASHINGTON, DC GEORGETOWN BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE POTOMAC NORTHERN VIRGINIA WFP.COM

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W. Ted Gossett

Kim Gibson Susie Maguire

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Sally Marshall

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Elegant new home at Chalice Crest, McLean’s premier home community built by Sekas Homes.

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Susan Koehler Joe O’Hara

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32 March 24, 2010 gmg, Inc.

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