The Georgetowner: December 7, 2022 Issue

Let’s

Dressed! is Allyson Burkhardt’s vision for elevating the individual’s personal style and overall appearance. She has 20 years’ experience in the fashion industry. She began training under the couture designer, Luisa Beccaria, in her Milan showroom. Here she was engaged to further develop the sales and recognition of the couture designer in the US and throughout Europe and Asia.

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The Georgetowner is published in print monthly with an online newsletter supplement posted twice per week — On Mondays we highlight news and on Thursdays goings on about town. The opinions of our writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect the editorial and corporate opinions of The Georgetowner newspaper. The Georgetowner accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. The Georgetowner reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions. Copyright 2022. Please send submissions of opinions for consideration to: editorial@georgetowner.com For advertising inquiries email advertising@georgetowner.com or call (202) 338-4833

Photo by Greg “Fritz” Blakey of Fritz Photographics at the Four Seasons.

BOWSER RE-ELECTED FOR THIRD

FEW SURPRISES IN D.C.

BY PEGGY

BY KATE OCZYPOK

BY ROBERT DEVANEY

SANDS

Amina Rubinacci on the morning of Oct. 19. Courtesy Amina Rubinacci.

Council member-elect Kenyan McDuffie, Mayor Muriel Bowser and District Council Chair Phil Mendelson on Election Day at Connecticut Avenue and McKinley Street NW. Courtesy Muriel Bowser.

ANC Update: Crime Down, Streateries, 3000 M

BY CHISTOPHER JONES

For its final meeting of 2022, ANC 2E met virtually on Nov. 29 with Chair Rick Murphy (2E03) in a gracious mood, chairing his final ANC meeting over his six-year career on the commission. Along with Murphy, departing Commissioners Lisa Palmer (2E05) and Jenny Mitchell (2E02) were also commended heartily by formal ANC resolution for their time serving on the commission. Chair Murphy welcomed new commissioners, starting in January, to ANC 2E: Mimsy Lindner (2E05), Topher Mathews (2E07), Paul Maysak (2E03) and Georgetown University student Joseph Massaua (2E04). The first ANC meeting of 2023 will be on Jan. 9.

The following are highlights from the Nov. 29 meeting.

POLICE: CRIME DOWN

Lt. John Merzig of the Metropolitan Police Department reported positive news on crime trends in the Second District. “I believe across-the-board all of our crime statistics are down,” he reported. Only one burglary was reported in the last month, while six had been recorded two months before. “Most thefts are around the Wisconsin and M Street corridor,” Merzig said. For the holidays, special MPD units will be detailed to areas of higher crime.

Commissioner Palmer presented a constituent message of praise for recent MPD responses to loud motorbike activities on Water Street. “We should not forget the wonderful support we get from our policing community,” who behaved in a “very professional manner,” said Palmer. Commissioner Gwen Lohse asked Merzig about how to help prevent holiday thefts. Merzig described the “balancing act” between a tightened security presence and “making it too much of a hassle” to go shopping for the holidays.

JELLEFF RECREATION CENTER RENOVATION PLANNING

Commissioner Kishan Putta (2E01) reported that the Jelleff Community Friends group had a good meeting with the Department of Public Works and the Department of General Services to discuss progress on the $28.8

million renovations to the Jelleff Recreation Center at 3265 S St. NW, built in 1953 and not modernized in 67 years. At the Nov. 7 meeting at Hardy Middle School, 25 neighborhood leaders and stakeholders took part in a community input session on design planning for the center. The Jelleff Community Friends group can be contacted at Jelleffcommunity@gmail.com or at “JelleffCommunityFriends” on Instagram.

PROGRESS ON MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL

Representing a “big change for parents and students in the community,” the new MacArthur High School at 4530 MacArthur Blvd NW, will draw – based on students’ choices – some 250 9th- and 10th-grade students from Hardy Middle School and Jackson-Reed High School starting in August 2023. Commissioner Putta reported that a search process for a new principal is underway and hiring for the position should be announced by the end of this year. Meanwhile, working groups have been meeting to discuss school transportation questions and other concerns.

BID SEEKS APPROVAL OF STREATERIES THROUGH 2023

Georgetown Business Improvement District Transportation Director Greg Billing discussed the BID’s permit extension application to the city to extend approval of sidewalk expansions and streateries in Georgetown for one year to the end of 2023 as the BID conducts a major transportation study investigating safety, mobility, “circulation and access” along the Wisconsin Avenue and M Street corridors. Commissioner Lohse urged support for the BID’s transportation study. “It’s an exciting time to be able to re-envision our transportation [systems],” she said. However, the commission unanimously passed a resolution proposed by Lohse that acknowledged some favorable public views about streateries but highlighted problems with sidewalk extensions, including

“traffic flow and safety issues” as well as aesthetic problems out of keeping with Georgetown’s historical character.

MOVEMENT ON 3000 M ST. PROPERTY?

Representatives of Thor Equities and Winstanley Architects & Planners provided a briefing on their OGB-approved zoning application for a planned unit development at the site of the former Latham Hotel at 3000 M St. NW. Among the design features: 97 hotel rooms, 9,600 feet of retail along M Street, a restaurant with expansive windows overlooking the Mule Yard, providing “a nice urban design for the project,” valet services to an off-site contracted garage, and Uber and Lyft pick-up and drop-off zones. The developers will also be offering a “public benefits package” of $600,000 to the DC Affordable Housing Trust Fund, $400,000 for C&O Towpath improvements between 31st and 34th Streets NW, and a guarantee that at least 51 percent of the 150 to 200 hotel jobs expected on the project go to District residents.

The commissioners made clear, however, that the project has been exhausting. “This project is probably the most frustrating and certainly one of the most important for our neighborhood – having just the girdered remains of the Latham Hotel sitting at that corner for – has it been five years or more?

– We need to finish the final details here and get the project underway,” Chair Murphy emphasized. Commissioner Lohse concurred, “It’s been a real eyesore for our community for so many years…. We do value this space a lot and we do want to move on it.” A motion offered by Commissioner Palmer to approve the project’s current design as approved by OGB passed unanimously on the stipulation that the “public benefits package” be handled by appropriate D.C. agencies or non-profits. The planners expect to “break ground” on the project in the fall of 2023

Rendering of future 3000 M property as viewed from M Street. Courtesy Thor Equities.

Starting Jan. 2, the Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission will have five new members.

Front row: Executive Director Peter Sacco, Commissioner Topher Mathews. Middle row: Commissioners Elizabeth Miller and Joe Massaua. Back row: Commissioners Gwen Lohse, John DiPierri, Paul Maysak, Mimsy Lindner and Kishan Putta. Photo by Dan Sallick. Courtesy of Elizabeth Miller.

NEWS BYTES

BIDENS, MACRONS DINE IN

GEORGETOWN

“Welcoming some friends to town,” wrote President Joe Biden on the POTUS Twitter account. Biden and first lady Jill Biden brought French President Emmanuel Macron and the French first lady Brigitte Macron to Fiola Mare at Washington Harbour on the Georgetown waterfront shortly before 8 p.m., Nov. 30. Biden posted a picture of the four at Fiola Mare, showing him enjoying ice cream, next to windows overlooking the Potomac River. The next day was the White House state dinner for France and the Macrons with about 300 to 400 guests under a huge tent on the South Lawn.

Earlier on Wednesday, Brigitte Macron, a former teacher, visited the Duke Ellington School of the Arts on 35th Street in Georgetown-Burleigh. The Bidens had earlier lighted the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse. Macron stopped by the French Embassy on Reservoir Road, across from Georgetown University Medical Center.

The restaurant, which touts its Italian coastal cuisine from chef Fabio Trabocchi, is a favorite of the Bidens as well as the Obamas. Last year, Fiola Mare was the scene of a Biden dinner with supposed indoor mask violations of D.C. pandemic protocol.

CITIZENS TAP BRITTANY SAWYER

AS ED

The Citizens Association of Georgetown has a new executive director — Brittany Sawyer, 40, who lives in Georgetown and has volunteered with the CAG since 2017, previously co-chairing the Development Committee. Most recently, she was with the Nancy Taylor Bubes Group at Washington Fine Properties and has previous experience in nonprofit, trade association, community and economic development work.

When asked why she accepted the position, Sawyer replied, “It’s for the people. I chose to live in Georgetown for the same reason many other Georgetowners make this our home. We are a village where true community still exists. The Citizens Association of Georgetown plays an active role in that. We are intentional about bringing our neighbors together and preserving our community’s culture.”

To learn more about the group’s work and history, visit cagtown.org.

BERMINGHAM

PHOTO GETS STAMP OF APPROVAL

A 2023 Forever stamp will honor Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020), the 107th Supreme Court Justice of the United States. The U.S. Postal Service called Ginsburg “a passionate proponent of equal justice and an icon of American culture.” The stamp features an oil painting of Justice Ginsburg facing the viewer in her black judicial robe with an intricate white (aka dissent) collar.

Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp with art by Michael J. Deas. It is based on a photograph by Philip Bermingham, who remarked, “I am delighted to say that the United States Postal Service used my portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg ... The cost of the stamp will be 63 cents. This may be the most economical way to buy a Bermingham portrait ever!”

DAVID HUDGENS — 1957-2022

David Wayne Hudgens, age 65, died Nov. 19.

A Georgetowner since 1997, he lived at 3017 N St. NW, once home to Yolande Betbeze Fox, Miss America 1951 — and briefly in 1964 to Jacqueline Kennedy and her children.

Hudgens was born on Oct. 11, 1957, in Russellville, Kentucky. He graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy and attended the University of Tennessee where he studied architecture. He started in business building residential pools with a pickup truck and a wheelbarrel. He later expanded into commercial pools and buildings which led to the establishment of his business, Accu-Crete, in 1980. He won a contract with a prominent national developer and then went on to build a major concrete construction company that operated up and down the East Coast and out into the Midwest. Hudgens was CEO of AccuCrete for 42 years.

Hudgens drew flak from neighbors when he removed a few trees from his N Street property, especially one of the magnolias in front of what is called the Beall-Laird-Peter House, which he renovated.

The not-so-ordinary businessman mentored many, helped build playgrounds — and loved Halloween. His N Street home would be decked out in orange. “David traveled the world. He loved art, music and barbeque. He always had many stories to tell,” his family said. A friend added, “He was a character and a good soul.”

Hudgens is survived by his daughter, five sisters, and eight nieces and nephews.

RBG

President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, first lady Jill Biden and French first lady Brigitte Macron at Fiola Mare in Georgetown. Courtesy POTUS on Twitter.

CRIME:

Surprising End-of-Year Stats

BY CHRISTOPHER JONES

It’s that time of year when the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) issues its year-end crime statistics. And some figures jump out at you.

In many categories crimes are down, despite the high-crime hype we heard from political candidates in the midterms. In their 2022 Year-to-Date Crime Comparison, MPD reports that “violent crimes” in the District dropped by 6 percent over last year, with “homicides” down 8 percent, “sex abuse” crimes down 14 percent, and “assault with a dangerous weapon” offenses down 14 percent. The only category of violent crime to tick up since last year was “robbery” which escalated 4 percent.

Property crimes are also down 4 percent over last year according to the report. Most precipitously, “burglary” has dropped 10 percent and “theft from auto” declined 9 percent. With little change, “theft (other)” dropped only 1 percent while “arson” remained the same at 4 cases in the year. The only property crime category to see an increase was “motor vehicle theft,” rising 4 percent over last year.

Another interesting year-end summary surveyed “recovered firearms” in the District. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the number of weapons MPD took off the streets grew significantly each year over the last 10 years. In 2011, MPD recovered 1,919 firearms, while a decade later in 2021 it recovered 2,410.

In its most recent report on “Weekly Firearm Recoveries,” issued Nov. 23, MPD reported 41 weapons obtained in the District. A sampling of the types of firearms recovered includes an increasing number of “ghost guns” which can be assembled by individuals or purchased online and are untraceable because they have no serial numbers and are not registered.

In Georgetown, MPD Lt. John Merzig of the Second District appeared at ANC 2E’s Nov. 29 meeting to report good recent news on crime and public safety. “I believe across-the-board, all of our crime statistics are down,” he said. “Only 1 burglary was reported in the last month, while 6 had been recorded 2 months before. “Most thefts are around the Wisconsin and M Street corridor,” Merzig said. For the holidays, special MPD units will be detailed to areas of higher crime.

This Just in: Grand Openings for L’Avant-Garde and Yellow

GEORGETOWNERS HAVE BEEN ANTICIPATING THE DEBUT OF THESE TWO RESTAURANTS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THEY OPEN THIS WEEK.

BY ROBERT DEVANEY

L’AVANT-GARDE

D.C. Most recently, he was the Executive Chef of Turtle Bay Resort, a 5-star luxury hotel in Oahu, Hawaii (and most recently famed for its placemaking role in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”). Prior to Turtle Bay, he led the kitchen at the former Montage Beverly Hills, and for owning Frenchy’s, his Parisian-style brasserie in the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. His ties to D.C. include naming his restaurant Citrus Etoile to honor his friend, and legendary chef, Michel Richard and Michel’s Los Angeles restaurant Citrus.

YELLOW CAFE

Looking for something new in 2023? Do you or someone you know need a little extra help around the house or getting out and about? Ready to fill in your social calendar for the coming year?

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GV provides social connections, programs, and services to those 55 and older to enrich their lives and help them stayed engaged in our Georgetown community.

GV provides social connections, programs, and services to those 55 and older to enrich their lives and help them stayed engaged in our Georgetown community

GV provides social connections, programs, and services to those 55 and older to enrich their lives and help them stayed engaged in our Georgetown community

Georgetown

Georgetown Village Make Your 2023 Great

Georgetown Village Make Your 2023 Great

Village

L’Avant-Garde, a contemporary brasserie by Fady Saba along with storied Michelinstarred chef Gilles Epié, opened Wednesday, Dec, 7 at 2915 M St. NW. They tell us it’s “from Ezekiel Entertainment, the same team behind its next door neighbor, the beloved cocktail bar L’Annexe. L’Avant-Garde will bring to Georgetown a buzzy, sophisticated French brasserie rooted in classic technique, with Epié’s distinct touch. L’Avant-Garde is an ode to Paris, where a sultry, high-energy atmosphere combines with pitch-perfect cuisine, classic cocktails and an extensive wine list. The menu is best described as exquisite simplicity. It leans towards his background of contemporary French cuisine with global influences. The food is personal, with an emphasis on sourcing and a minimalist sensibility.”

The youngest chef to receive a Michelin star at age 22 (at Le Pavillon des Princes in France), Epié, decades into his starstudded career, is thrilled to bring his style of contemporary French cuisine to Washington,

Yellow, a cafe from chef Michael Rafidi, opens Saturday, Dec. 10, at 1524 Wisconsin Ave., NW. They tell us it “offers a taste of the Levant with a menu of baked goods, mezze, wood-fired pita sandwiches and specialty drinks. The sweet and savory pastries which blend French technique and Middle Eastern flavors. The coffee program is curated by Coffee Director Ayat Elhag and sourced by Counter Culture. The original location for Yellow opened in May 2020 as a pop-up in the private dining room of Albi, Rafidi’s Michelin-starred Levantine restaurant in the Navy Yard.”

(202) 999-8988 www.georgetown-village.org

(202) 999-8988 www.georgetown-village.org

Chef Gilles Epié of L’Avant-Garde. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Raised in Maryland, Rafidi spent time at other East Coast restaurants, including Blue Duck Tavern in D.C. and Talula’s Garden in Philadelphia. He also staged at chef René Redzepi’s internationally acclaimed Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark, an experience that fostered his appreciation for foraging and other culinary techniques from around the world. But before making his mark on D.C.’s restaurant industry, Rafidi spent six years working alongside Michael Mina as executive chef of the lauded French restaurant RN74 in San Francisco, and as the Mina Group’s Corporate Chef. In this role, he supported the culinary management of the group’s multinational properties and was pivotal in opening eight of those concepts.

Chef Michael Rafidi of Yellow Georgetown. Courtesy Yellow.

Looking for something new in 2023? Do you or someone you know need a little extra help around the house or getting out and about? Ready to fill in your social calendar for the coming year?

BY ROBERT DEVANEY

IN: SHOWFIELDS AT 31ST & M

With a grand opening event set for Dec. 8, Showfields opened the doors at 3077 M St. NW last month in the former Brooks Brothers space as well as retail incubator, Concept 31/M space. Showfields calls itself “a lifestyle discovery store” and “the most interesting store in the world.”

Located at the corner of 31st and M Streets, Showfields brings together, it says, “a unique curation of brands and experiences” in the roughly 20,300-square-foot space, owned by EastBanc, the Georgetown-based real estate developer. The retailer inked a 10-year deal for the three-story property.

“We’re ecstatic to bring Showfields to D.C.,” said Showfields CEO and co-founder Tal Zvi Nathanel. “This store is a great example of how we approach the future of retail — we can take a heritage retail space, re-work it, and create an entirely new environment that’s wholly unique but at its core nostalgic for a classic shopping experience. We re-used a lot of the existing infrastructure of the previous store.”

The Georgetown store is the fourth store for Showfields. Its other stores are in Manhattan, Miami and Brooklyn. The company adds: “Each brand curation lasts six months to keep the experience fresh.”

IN: BOURBON CONCIERGE

The Bourbon Concierge has opened at 2816 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in the former Cafe Tu-O-Tu space. The family-owned business was founded in 1995 and specializes in highend, collectible spirits.

IN: HERBIVORE INDIAN CUISINE

An Indian restaurant opened at 1639 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former Pho Asian Bistro location on Book Hill.

IN: DC TASTY CORNER ON DUMBARTON

DC Tasty Corner opened at 3147 Dumbarton St. NW in the former District Chicken & Gyro location. The South American-style cafe offers empanadas, choripan, specialty sandwiches, home-style soup and hand-crafted espresso drinks.

IN: KABUL CASTLE KABOB

More Middle Eastern food at 28th & M: Sambosa, hummes, manto, wraps, kabobs. Kabul Castle Kabob opened at 2801 M St. NW. Its entrance is on the 28th Street side of the corner building, across from George’s King of Falafel.

COMING: DIG, UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Long awaited at the old Paolo’s side space (once a Little Tavern hamburger joint) at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and N Street NW, Dig is on a mission of mindful sourcing for its ingredients — with bowls of salads or dishes of chicken or meatballs with names like the Autumn Harvest or Lime Leaf Salmon. Adam Eskin opened the first Dig Inn restaurant in New York City in 2011. Among Dig’s investors is restaurateur Danny Meyer.

COMING: NISOLO ON M

Started in 2011, Nisolo is an eco-friendly, sustainable, living-wage shoe brand — with a shop opening at 3251 M St. NW.

TOP BRANDS COMING TO WISCONSIN & PROSPECT

EastBanc, Inc. and Acadia Realty Trust announced last month that leases were signed with top brands for the redevelopment of 1238 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The 30,000-square-foot

Georgetown landmark building was divided into six high-demand retail spaces at the corner of Prospect Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The property previously boasted a Zara store and, before that, Billy Martin’s Carriage House and Tramps Discotheque.

“We chose to redevelop this prominent corner because modern retailers are looking to right-size their spaces and maintain connection with their customers,” said Philippe Lanier of EastBanc.

The brands are Wolford (a collection of athleisure, legwear and accessories), Ever/ Body (cosmetic dermatology), Blank Street Coffee (“limited, quality menu and state-ofthe-art coffee technology”) and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (“good ice cream from good ingredients”).

Showfields has opened at 3077 M St. NW — with a grand opening event set for Dec. 8. Georgetowner photo.

Restaurateur Stephen Starr and Michelin star chef Nancy Silverton will open an M Street restaurant late next year that “will knock the socks off of D.C.” Courtesy Starr Restaurants; courtesy U.S. Embassy.

Send Your Feedback, Questions or Concerns, Tips and Suggestions

Holiday Spirit/Charitable Giving

If you have little ones at home, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992) is a great film to explain the true meaning of the holiday season. It’s hard these days to tell the next generation just how much better giving is than receiving. So, why not let Smithsonian’s own Kermit the Frog do so instead?

The spirit of the holiday season is not just about giving and receiving, however. It’s about togetherness and putting thought into caring about others. Sure, that may be in the form of a gift to express your love and gratitude, but sometimes it’s as simple as picking up the phone to call and say hi.

Think about your Christmas tree or other holiday decorations. Chances are, you have lots of nostalgic, deep-rooted memories in the ornaments and other accoutrements that adorn your home this time of year. If you haven’t picked up the phone to call the friend or family

member who reminds you of said knickknacks, your heart just might be warmed in doing so.

The holidays are a special time, a selfless time to forgive -- and think about what’s truly important in your life. After all, look what Kevin McCallister managed to do in “Home Alone.” Not only did he get to know his older neighbor “Old Man” Marley (whom his older brother Buzz said was rumored to be a serial killer, scaring Kevin out of talking to him at first), he got him to reunite with his estranged family, including his young granddaughter, whom he loved dearly.

As Kermit the Frog said, “’Tis the season to be jolly and joyous!” No matter how you decide to be jolly and joyous, whether it’s charitable giving, reuniting with family and friends, volunteering or just offering a hello and kind smile on the sidewalk, make it a good one. Happy holidays, Georgetown!

Georgetowners of the Year

DUMBARTON METHODIST CHURCH, NANCY PELOSI, RICK MURPHY, MICHAEL SUSSMAN

Let’s Give Mutual Aid

BY KATE OCZYPOK

Have you heard of Mutual Aid Ward 2? They are a grassroots community-led effort looking to take care of unhoused and lowincome members of our community. The organization is currently fundraising as they are running out of funds.

Without funds, they won’t be able to continue providing neighbors in the area with food, clothes and resources (especially for the upcoming cold winter months).

Since Georgetown is in Ward 2, consider contributing in some way to this incredibly useful organization. Ward 2 Mutual Aid is part of the bigger DC Mutual Aid (DCMA) network. This holiday season, there are so many ways to help:

• There is a hotline staffed by volunteers where Ward 2 residents can call and request assistance.

• A bi-weekly grocery delivery is done for around 150 families who request the aid. There is also a weekly supply drop to around 80 unhoused neighbors.

• Local residents use their leadership skills and networks to check on neighbors, relay needs and help with food distribution and donations.

• Hot meals are offered to neighbors without access to a kitchen or with limited cooking ability.

• Finally, support is given to high risk or immunocompromised community members to drop off cleaning supplies, masks and groceries.

During this time of year where giving back is of the utmost importance, it is crucial to help in any way you can. Who knows, it may turn into a routine to last all year long!

The naming of Georgetowners of the Year has been a tradition of The Georgetowner newspaper for decades. This year’s group — selected by the editorial board — includes a church and its pastor, an iconic Speaker of the House of Representatives, a respected community leader and a dedicated ringmaster of a longtime flea market.

250-YEAR-OLD DUMBARTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND REV. RACHEL CORNWELL

On Christmas Eve, Dumbarton United Methodist Church will celebrate its 250th birthday. It is one of the oldest continuously active Methodist churches in the world. The church located at 3133 Dumbarton St. NW has been a part of Georgetown since 1772. “It all started in a cooper’s workshop in Georgetown before the Revolutionary War,” writes Rev. Rachel Cornwell, pastor of Dumbarton UMC, who returned to the Georgetown church where she got married 20 years ago. “Our church has so much of D.C. history wrapped into its own stories.” Cornwall calls her congregation “historic, progressive, inclusive, welcoming and justiceseeking.” While the churches of the United Methodist Church across America are divided over same-sex marriages and the ordination of LGBT individuals, the Georgetown church continues as “A Reconciling Congregation since 1986.” It is known as the “mother church” for Mt. Zion, Foundry, Capitol Hill and other Methodist churches in the area.

For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Dumbarton United Methodist Church and Rev. Rachel Cornwell are Georgetowners of the Year for 2022.

ANC’S RICK MURPHY: CHAIR EXTRAORDINARE AND ALLAROUND GOOD GUY

A direct, practical lawyer with a wry sense of humor and sharp mind, Rick Murphy took up the chairmanship of the GeorgetownBurleith-Hillandale Advisory Neighborhood Commission a few years ago. He has wisely guided “D.C.’s Best ANC,” as headlined in a parody front page of The Georgetowner newspaper, given to him at a farewell lunch last week. Murphy represented his constituents’ concerns well — whether crime, trash or widened sidewalks — and was always available to the press. He caught a shoplifter three years ago and waited for the police to arrive. But don’t call him a hero, Murphy might say, with his aw-shucks demeanor. He has said one of a commissioner’s main focuses is “maintaining the viability of our current commercial corridor while keeping the balance with the historic nature of the adjoining residential neighborhoods and landmarks.” Summing up his time as commissioner, he quipped: “It has been a joy, almost every day — and I won’t mention the days when it wasn’t!”

For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Rick Murphy is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2022.

NANCY PELOSI: OUTSPOKEN MADAM SPEAKER, OUR NEIGHBOR

Nancy Patricia Pelosi has served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives since 2019 and previously from 2007 to 2011. A Democrat, Pelosi is the first woman elected Speaker and the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress. She graduated from Trinity College, Washington in 1962 and married Paul Pelosi who graduated from Georgetown University the next year; they met while both were students. But we know that. We also know that Pelosi “shattered the marble ceiling and leaves a historic leadership legacy,” as NPR remarked. She has been a dominant political figure, not to be trifled with — least of all from someone like Donald Trump. Pelosi may be giving up her top party position, but she retains those powerful roles such as wife, mother and grandmother. In Georgetown, some of us also know her as a neighbor and fellow Holy Trinity parishioner. Her strength, faith and get-the-job-done spirit will not be forgotten — and will inspire future generations.

For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Nancy Pelosi is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2022.

MICHAEL SUSSMAN: 50 YEARS FLEAING FOR GEORGETOWN

Now next to Hardy Middle School at 34th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, the Georgetown Flea Market began in 1972. The friendship and camaraderie between founder Michael Sussman, who is also a lawyer, and vendors may be the reason for the friendly, authentic this-is-for-real atmosphere of the market, which offers antiques, collectibles, art, furniture, rugs, pottery, china, jewelry, silver, stained glass, books, photographs and more. Sussman gladly mentions, “Larry McMurtry, who ran a bookstore in Georgetown, based his novel ‘Cadillac Jack’ on our market. Many prominent local, national and international personalities visit the market. The crowd is as diverse as the items for sale!” Indeed, this marché aux puces is not to be missed. It is its own scene, maintaining its worth and bargains for decades. “I am happy that many of the vendors here have made livable serious businesses out of their flea market enterprises,” Sussman said. “It’s one reason — plus the fun I have — that I’ll keep doing it as long as possible.”

For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Michael Sussman is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2022.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Through Jan. 22, 5-10:00 p.m.

Georgetown GLOW, Georgetown Commercial District. Experience the magic of light in the region’s only curated outdoor public light art experience set against the backdrop of D.C.’s oldest neighborhood. For more info go to Georgetownglowdc.com.

Dec. 16, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

A Christmas to Pye For, Dumbarton Oaks, 2715 Q Street NW. For more info see Dumbartonhouse.org.

Dec. 17, 10-11:30 a.m.; 2-3:30 p.m.

Gingerbread Workshop, Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW. For more info see Tudorplace.org.

Dec. 17, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Brunch with Santa, Cut D.C. at Rosewood, 1050 31 St. NW.

Dec. 17, 12-3:30 p.m.

Holiday Teddy Bear Tea, Four Seasons, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Dec. 18, 10-11:30 a.m.; 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Wreath Workshop: Historic Greenery, Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW. For more info see Tudorplace.org.

Dec. 18, 8-9:00 p.m.

A Very Scary Christmas: Ghosts and Early American Christmas Traditions, Dumbarton Oaks, 2715 Q Street NW. For more info see Dumbartonhouse.org.

Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m.

Next Meeting: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E. See Anc2e.com for virtual meeting agenda.

BY ALLYSON BURKHARDT

The District proper is open for business. Retail numbers are strong but that doesn’t mean all is whole from the past few difficult years. If you’re in the giving mood, why not do so in fold? You can use your purchasing power to show your appreciation in a way that supports our community. Afterall, the best of the best is at your fingertips. Georgetown has a world class mix of enchanting shops and eateries laced through its delightfully decorated historic corridors. The retailers would love to meet you in person and show you their offerings for the season. Many of them

give back to the community, as well, through special causes to which they contribute from items they sell. The Four Seasons is “Lighting Up the Season” to benefit Children’s Hospital. The courtyard is transformed into a magical dreamscape featuring a charming curation of local vendors and creators. The festive displays are sure to ring in the holiday cheer while you peruse the select assortments in support of a good cause. This is a time to celebrate community. Let’s give with intention this holiday season. Shop Georgetown and all it presents.

TUCKERNUCK

ANN

EVERARD’S

VERONICA BEARD:

THE

SHOP

GEORGETOWN

SHOWFIELDS:

A

MAJOR:

GEORGETOWN

TARGET:

Four Seasons Holiday Market

ICONS DC

NATIONALS PARK FRAMEABLE PRINT

$49

Featured above is limited print of the popular “President’s Race”. Ballpark fans know that after the 4th inning, the Washington Nationals hold the race around the stadium. Giant foam caricatures of the four Mount Rushmore President’s compete to win the sprint.

DEVINE HANDZ

DEVINE

$20

JALAPENO GREEN APPLE RIESLING

This wonderful sweet and spicy preserve adds a gourmet experience to any social gathering. In fact, each flavor of their small batch jellies has a unique taste with a smooth delightful aroma of wine. Taste it, love it, Share it!

FARM & FEAST

HAMPTONS ICE BUCKET WITH BAMBOO HANDLE $82.00

The glass ice bucket with woven bamboo handle is a beautiful addition to any bar. The natural accents add to the visual ambiance and to the organic interaction of gathering.

5

LET’S GET DRESSED

ALEXANDRA DE CURTIS, AMALFI MIDI RUCHED TOTE $545

The Italian Handbag Collection is a hallmark of exceptional Roman craftsmanship with a clean, attractive design. This medium size tote is lightweight and versatile, perfect to carry your daily essentials.

BEARY SENSITIVE

OAT BEHAVE GENTLE EXFOLIATING SOAP $8

Specially designed to leave your skin with softness and freshness by cleansing away the impurities. This soap is enriched with oats that possess tremendous exfoliating properties to reveal vibrant and luminous skin.

6

MINDFUL GIVING

VOLUSPA JAPONICA ARCHIVE 12 VOTIVE GIFT SET $85

Spoil a loved one or yourself with these beautifully packaged exotic fragrances. This scent-sational set features a taste of each scent from the Japonica Collection - including Goji Tarocco Orange, Baltic Amber, Forbidden Fig, French Lavender. Burn one, blend two or scatter them around the home- no wrapping required!

7

HICKS & HEXILE

FUR DIVA DYED FOX FUR EARMUFFS $295

Gift a bit of luxe to keep warm and fashionable throughout the cold weather days. The cozy muffs can be tailored to your taste with a variety of furs and colors available.

A manuscript from George Washington, Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” from a private collection, a rare U.S. Liberty Head coin that sold for twice its asking price, and a Picasso portrait of “Jacqueline au chapeau noir” round out this year’s selections.

WESCHLER’S

U.S. LIBERTY HEAD 1896 $10 GOLD

COIN

ESTIMATE: $700-$900

SOLD FOR: $1,400

This gold coin circa 1896 sold for twice its asking price. The coin was part of Weschler’s Metro Online: A Timed Auction.

DOYLE

WALT WHITMAN LEAVES OF GRASS

ESTIMATE: $70,000-$100,000

SOLD FOR: $75,000

This highly collectible copy of the first edition in the first binding of Walt Whitman’s 1855 “Leaves of Grass” is from the Selections from the Private Collection of Barbara and Ira Lipman. Mentioned in The New York Times, this particular copy was sold as part of the respected collection of Gertrude Cowdin.

SOTHEBY’S

PABLO PICASSO “JACQUELINE AU CHAPEAU NOIR“

ESTIMATE: $70,000-$100,000

SOLD FOR: $189,000

From an important Private East Coast Collection, this Picasso is signed in pencil and numbered “22/50.” It was executed in 1962 and published in 1963.

BONHAMS

GEORGE WASHINGTON MANUSCRIPT

SOLD FOR: $252,375

An autographed document signed “Go: Washington” White Plains, 1776,” with additional inscriptions. Gen. Washington wrote a series of orders to General Lee, in command of the biggest portion of the Continental Army during the first year of the American Revolution.

Modern Luxury In The Heart of Georgetown

THE ELLIOTT 3255 PROSPECT ST NW WASHINGTON, DC 20007

ANNE HATFIELD WEIR 202-255-2490 HEIDI HATFIELD 202-258-1919 JAMIE PEVA 202-258-5050 CRAIG DAVITIAN 202-333-2225

GEORGETOWN 2 2 1 $1,495,000 $1,450,000

GEORGETOWN 2 2 $1,399,000 $1,400,000 2716 O St NW

GEORGETOWN 3 1 1 $1,350,000 $1,350,000 1629 33rd St NW

GEORGETOWN 3 3 $1,349,000 $1,342,500 1015 33rd St NW #709

GEORGETOWN 2 2 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 3071 Canal St NW

GEORGETOWN 1 1 $995,000 $1,125,000 2516 Q St NW #E101

GEORGETOWN 1 1 $699,000 $675,000 3100 N St NW #4

GEORGETOWN 1 1 $550,000 $550,000 3241 N St NW #5

GEORGETOWN 1 1 1 $545,000 $540,000

GEORGETOWN 1 1 $419,000 $419,000 2500 Q St NW #326

2111 Wisconsin Ave NW #501

GEORGETOWN 1 1 $385,000 $385,000 2500 Q St NW #543

GEORGETOWN 1 1 $320,000 $280,000 2100 Dunmore Ln NW

PHILLIPS PARK 5 5 2 $5,149,000 $5,100,000 3520 Edmunds St NW

OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 7 7 1 $5,495,000 $5,000,000 5257 Watson St NW

KENT 6 5 1 $4,999,000 $4,300,000

SPRING VALLEY 6 6 2 $4,195,000 $4,195,000 1813 Hoban Rd NW

4913 Upton St NW

FOXHALL 4 4 1 $3,995,000 $4,125,000 4409 Klingle St NW

WESLEY HEIGHTS 7 6 2 $4,995,000 $4,000,000 3509 Macomb St NW

CLEVELAND PARK 8 4 1 $3,495,000 $3,650,000 3310 Ross Pl NW

CLEVELAND PARK 5 5 1 $3,200,000 $3,500,000 1712 19th St NW

DUPONT CIRCLE 6 5 1 $3,500,000 $3,300,000 3126 Woodley Rd NW

LOGAN/DUPONT 4 3 1 $2,995,000 $2,995,000

WOODLEY PARK 5 4 1 $3,250,000 $3,100,000 1414 S St NW

CHEVY CHASE 6 4 1 $2,975,000 $2,800,000

DUPONT CIRCLE 5 4 1 $2,750,000 $2,600,000

Georgetown’s Annemarie Ryan

Featured at Art Basel Miami

BY MADDIE RENNYSON

Malcolm Gladwell gave life to the widely accepted phenomenon that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert at anything.

Annemarie Ryan is almost there, clocking in roughly 7,000 hours of painting. Most esteemed artists work at their craft over decades, their talents backed by prestigious degrees from the handful of elite art institutions. As a selftaught artist, however, Ryan defies this notion and has dedicated her life over the last 3 and a-half years to studying and creating art. And she’s gotten world-wide recognition for her vibrant, eclectic abstract work. On November 30, Ryan’s masterpiece “Sun, Beach, Water, & Sky” was previewed at Art Basel in Miami –one of the top art shows in the world.

Annemarie Ryan was born into a large family of eight children in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Some of her earliest memories creating art are the cartoon sketches she would draw of her parents attempting to manage chaos at the dinner table. Ryan grew up drawing and painting but decided to pursue a career in national politics to make a living. She would not revisit art until recently yet has now become a sensation.

In just a few years, Ryan has completed over 300 paintings and gotten the attention of many high-profile institutions and art collectors. One of her first major events was a spot at the Van Der Plas Gallery in Lower Manhattan where she was invited to show her work as part of an exhibition called “A Changing Landscape: The Female Eye.” Her painting “Unfinished Conversations” was featured as a tribute to her late mother who unexpectedly died when Ryan was in her twenties. Although Ryan’s paintings are sometimes an expression of grief and loss, they burst off the canvas with bright colors and intricate lines and shapes.

Through showcasing her work on Instagram, Ryan caught the eye of revered artist and collector J. Stephen Manolis, founder of Manolis Projects Gallery, home to some of the most renowned artists, including the late Wolfe Kahn and Hunt Slonem. Ryan soon after joined the gallery and Manolis serves as a mentor and source of inspiration as she pursues her passion. Although Ryan has experienced a quick rise through the ranks, it has not come without a lot of practice and very unglamourous hard work. As Manolis

puts it, “talent without hard work is not good enough,” something Ryan has surely proven in establishing her bold, yet graceful presence in the art world.

This past week, Annemarie Ryan achieved one of her biggest life goals: to be featured at Art Basel in Miami, a world-class art event attracting the best artists and collectors from

around the globe. “It’s an honor to participate and a pinnacle to reach for every artist,” Ryan told The Georgetowner. For some, Art Basel may be the height of their career but for Ryan, it’s only the beginning as she hopes to grow her presence as an artist, share her work with the world, and enjoy this new chapter of her life.

December ArtsWatch

BY KATE OCZYPOK

The December ArtsWatch includes Theater J awards, new Olney Theatre hires, a big donation to a Smithsonian Museum in development and finally, our last Cultural Leadership Breakfast of 2022 — you won’t want to miss it!

THEATER J PLAYWRIGHTS HONORED

Itamar Moses was awarded the 2022 Theater J Trish Vradenburg New Jewish Play Prize for his play “The Ally.” The play examines when Middle East politics are university politics. This is the third year Theater J awarded the prize, made to recognize a new play that “explores, celebrates and/or struggles with the complexities and nuances of the Jewish experience.” The prize awards $15,000 to an established playwright in honor of a new Jewish play, and is dedicated to the memory of Trish Vradenburg. Vradenburg was a playwright, philanthropist, and Alzheimer’s research advocate.

Alicia Louzoun-Heisler won the 2022 Patty Abramson Jewish Play Prize for her play “Bashert,” a love story that celebrates queerness and Judaism. The Patty Abramson Jewish Play Prize awards $3,000 and a stage reading to a promising, emerging female playwright. The award is given to a play for the same reasons as the Vradenburg Prize.

OLNEY THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES

Olney Theatre Center has hired Hallie

Gordon to be its senior associate artistic director and T. Pope Jackson to be director of production. Gordon hails from Kansas City Repertory Theatre (where she served as director of artistic development). Jackson comes from The Shed, an arts center in New York City. He worked as production manager there since 2018, and in 2019 helped oversee the opening of the high-profile venue.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO GIFTED $1 MILLION

The upcoming Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino recently received a $1 million gift from the McDonald’s Corporation. The donation makes the food giant one of the museum’s founding donors. Museum Director Jorge Zamanillo said in a press release the support of McDonald’s “will enable us to share the Latino experience with audiences and visitors of all ages.”

OUR NEXT CULTURAL LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST: CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY’S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Don’t miss The Georgetowner’s next Cultural Leadership Breakfast with Artistic Director of the Choral Arts Society Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan. The breakfast will be December 15 at 8:00 a.m. at The Tabard Inn. This year marks Dr. Saplan’s first season with Choral Arts, which includes three ensembles: a youth choir, chamber singers and symphonic chorus.

Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova, Georgetown artist Annemarie Ryan, who donated artwork to Ukraine House, and CAG President Tara Sakraida Parker. Courtesy CAG.

Experience Venice Via Carpaccio

BY MARY ANN MCNAMAR

An ideal opportunity to enjoy the splendors of Venice without leaving Washington can be found at The National Gallery of Art this season. Master works of Vittore Carpaccio (1465-1525), a Venetian Renaissance painter, will be on display through Feb. 12, 2023. The exhibit is the first retrospective of Carpaccio’s work outside Italy.

Carpaccio had both the good and the bad luck to be born in the flourishing city-state of Venice when the Italian Renaissance was in full bloom. Churches, guild halls, and wealthy private citizens all commissioned splendid works of art. Although Carpaccio was a talented and successful artist in Venice, he never received the worldwide recognition of some of his compatriots -- Michaelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, et al. In another era with less magnificent competition, he probably would have been celebrated far beyond Italy.

The exhibit is a treat for a variety of reasons. The sheer beauty of the paintings is foremost amongst its pleasures. Carpaccio’s colors are vibrant, deep and rich. The oranges, reds and pinks are perfect — intense without being overdone. How is it possible that after 600 years, the colors are still arresting and so deeply moving? The show consists of 45 paintings and 30 sketches, a manageable number of works for visitors without risking museum overload.

Carpaccio is known foremost as a storyteller. The paintings are accessible to the viewer who becomes part of the narrative. Three of Carpaccio’s large narrative series are extant and included in the exhibit. They include “The Life of the Virgin Mary” and the “Martyrdom of St. Stephen.” I particularly liked the “Virgin Reading” in the “Life” series. In this painting, a young woman is clothed in fashionable 15th-century Venetian dress. There’s no halo to identify her as the Virgin. While some critics argued that it wasn’t the Virgin, the cut edge of the painting shows a portion of the baby Jesus,

so the consensus is that it is indeed Mary. Somehow, envisioning the Virgin Mary as a local Venetian citizen makes her more accessible. What did the residents of Venice know of the Holy Land? Bible stories were well known but few Venetians had actually visited. Carpaccio solved this problem by using Venetian landmarks as his backdrop, even for Biblical scenes. He provided context

by adding an occasional palm tree or in one instance, a menorah to a painting.

Venice was a Maritime capital and the crossroads of East and West. Money was available to commission works of art and sophisticated viewers appreciated allusions to mythology and religion in the paintings. However, not everyone was literate and the narrative paintings conveyed moral lessons visually. Carpaccio not only included religious and mythological references in his works but also represented the natural world of that region of Italy. Rabbits, likely a fertility symbol, show up in several paintings. In “Birth of the Virgin” and “Visitation,” Carpaccio depicted miraculous pregnancy and birth in elderly women.

Another favorite is the huge “St. George and the Dragon.” The dragon is ferocious, the princess terrified and St. George, handsome and brave, his courage captured by the highly detailed pieces of the dragon’s earlier victims scattered half-eaten upon the ground.

Carpaccio’s paintings were large, primarily so they could be seen from the seats in the

church or hall. Tragically, a number of his larger works have been cut and parts lost. However, careful restoration uncovered several figures painted over. Six centuries is a long time and many of the churches that displayed Carpaccio’s alter pieces no longer exist.

His painting style was meticulously crafted and realistic. The sketches give insight to the planning that went into his large canvases and are outstanding works on their own. The drawings include rough sketches for paintings presented in the exhibition, along with meticulous preparatory drawings for works too large to move from Italy to the United States.

So, allow Carpaccio to take you on a quick gondola ride through Venice and follow it up with a cup of something warm in the National Gallery’s Court Cafe, a perfect winter treat.

For more information on “Vittore Carpaccio: Master Storyteller of Venice,” now through Feb. 12, 2023, go to Nga.gov.

Vittore Carpaccio, The Flight into Egypt, 1516/1518, oil on panel, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Andrew W. Mellon Collection. Courtesy National Gallery of Art.

Cocktail of the Month

BEJEWELED WONDERS INSPIRED BY

BY JODY KURASH

“In my heart is a Christmas tree farm where the people would come to dance under sparkling lights,” croons Taylor Swift in her holiday classic smash “Christmas Tree Farm.” The carol is about remembering when the yuletide season was a simpler time. In this case, Swift reminisces about her childhood growing up on an evergreen nursery in Pennsylvania “where every wish comes true.”

Unfortunately, many D.C.-area fans who were wishing for T-Swizzle concert tickets in their stockings this year are going to have a blue Christmas. First, the Queen of Bridges, skipped the Capital City on her tour schedule. Next a horrible debacle by Ticketmaster left many fans unable to purchase tickets. During the pre-sale phase, the company’s website — unable to keep up with the unprecedented demand — crashed, leaving countless fans heartbroken. Two days later, Ticketmaster announced that ticket sales

to the general public were canceled due to insufficient ticket inventory.

Legions of Swifties have been left out in the cold with feelings akin to the opening line of her holiday hymn, ‘My winter nights are taken up by static, stress, and holiday shopping traffic.”

Not all hope is lost, however. Fans can “shake it off “and drown their sorrows by channeling T-Swift in a pop-up bar this December, inspired by the music video for her latest knockout video “Bejeweled.”

Creative mastermind Adriana Aspiazu has transformed the popular Navy Yard wine bar Maxwell Park located at 1346 4th St. SE into a Christmas Prince- and Taylor Swift-inspired wonderland for guests to enjoy all season long, without the wait on Ticketmaster.

Pop-up bars are nothing new in D.C. The trend started in 2014 with Derek Brown of Drink

Company’s festive Noel-themed “Miracle on 7th Street” in Shaw which spawned several imitators. Brown parleyed that success into other wildly popular get-in-before-they’re-gone watering holes channeling cherry blossoms, the musical band Gwar and Game of Thrones.

Aspiazu has reproduced the dazzling Cinderella ball atmosphere from Swift’s fantasy video “Bejeweled” by filling the wine bar with twinkle lights, jewels, glass, glitter and a plethora of sparkly things. The music will feature seasonal songs along with Swift’s music on repeat. Instagrammers can record themselves emulating Swift’s dance moves before a glimmering backdrop.

However, the true treasures at this twinkling tavern are the themedcocktails. The menu features some holiday standards such mulled wine, eggnog and Champagne. On a charitable note, $1 from every peppermint shooter purchase will be donated to “Girls on the Run,” a national non-profit organization, that designs curricular programming that “strengthens third- to eighth-grade girls’ social, emotional, physical and behavioral skills to successfully navigate life experiences.”

Swift devotees can also drink their way through her playlist with tipples named after some of her biggest hits. The “Fearless” is a smoky twist on an old-fashioned forged from Filibuster bourbon, bitters and oolong tea. The “Midnight Rain” espresso martini features Three Olives Vodka, Luxardo espresso and cold brew. You won’t lose any sleep over “Champagne Problems,” a riff on the French 75, and those who are stressed out from the holiday season can try a “You Need to Calm Down,” a hot gluhwein comprised of red wine, Grand Marnier, Luxardo and amaretto mulled with aromatics.

Like Swift herself, the Bejeweled bar, promises to be immensely popular.

In addition to cocktails, there’s a small menu of party favorites. This destination opened on Nov 23 and will remain so until New Year’s Eve. Groups have the option to reserve an Instagram-worthy private outdoor heated hut. Tis’ the season to eat, drink and bejeweled.

Maxwell Park is located in Navy Yard at 1346 4th St. SE.

Maxwell Park at Navy Yard.

THE LATEST DISH

SPEAKEASY & SPORTS & PASTA = RX FOR GREAT NEW RESTAURANT OPENINGS

BY LINDA ROTH

Paul Brito and partner will open Code RED in Adams Morgan, featuring eclectic upscale food with a nod to the 1930s at 2440 18th St NW where Bom (and before that Millie & Al’s) used to be. The 74-seat speakeasy will even require a code to enter. It’s slated to open in early Q1 2023, by the grace of the permit gods. But we’re not a bar — we’re a celebration of freedom that transports you back into the Prohibition Era while embracing modernity with classic cocktails, eclectic cuisine, and outstanding service. From the moment you enter until the moment you don’t want to leave, we curate a unique experience that takes you on a journey into the past while breaking the bounds of the present. Make meaningful connections, great conversation, and a bad decision or two at Code RED.

Tom Ryan, creator of Smashburger, opens his latest creation, Tom’s Watch Bar, at 781 Seventh St. NW in Chinatown where Circa used to be, with 300-plus seats, 120 highdef screens, three giant stadium screens and personalized audio at every table. Sports fans will discover “elevated sports bar fare,” as well as a Topgolf Swing Suite — featuring a simulator for virtual golf, hockey, baseball, football, soccer and carnival games. Expansion plans call for additional locations at National Harbor, and near Nationals Park.

Co-owners/chefs/spouses Gabe and Katherine Thompson plan to open Thompson Italian restaurant in Old Town, Alexandria where Hank’s Oyster Bar (aka Hank’s Pasta Bar) used to be at 1024 King Street, by the end of the Q4. Lucy Dakwar, chef de cuisine at their Falls Church restaurant, is the executive chef. Expect Middle Eastern flavors to complement the Italian cuisine, based on her Palestinian heritage. The dining room seats 77 with an additional 20 seats at the bar.

Chef/owner Candice Mensah will open a brick-and-mortar site for her Hedzole, featuring West African food (her roots are

from Ghana), at 5505 Colorado Ave. NW where Social Kitchen used to be, in Q1 2023.

The intimate space seats 12.

Serial restaurateur Stephen Starr ( Le Diplomate, St. Anselm, just in D.C.) and Nancy Silverton ( La Brea Bakery, Campanile, Chi Spacca) will take over the Dean & Deluca

space in Georgetown Park at 3276 M St. NW, to open an East Coast location of her Los Angeles-based restaurant, Osteria Mozza as well as an Italian marketplace. Stephen has targeted D.C. for expansion and plans to open El Presidente Mexican restaurant in late Q1 2023 and Pastis at Union Market in Q2 2023.

Quick Hits: City Lights of China at 1721 Connecticut Ave. NW in Dupont Circle will relocate to 2443 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan…. A new sushi restaurant will open in Tysons near The Archer hotel, across from Capital One Center.

Bill Fuchs of Wagshal’s market and deli, plans to launch Wagshal’s Grand Bodega in downtown D.C. at 1747 Pennsylvania Ave., NW filling the shoes of the late, great Breadline, for office catering as well as for bread and pastries.

Wagshal’s has a location at 3201 New Mexico Ave. NW and operates Pitmasters Back Alley BBQ at 4818 Yuma St. NW.

Just opened: Ellington Park Bistro at The Gregory Hotel at 2033 M Street NW where Tredici Enoteca used to be with Chef Frank Morales (Oval Room, Zola) at the kitchen helm. Mixologist Taha Ismail ( Willard , Zaytinya), directs the bar program.

Linda Roth is Founder & CEO of Linda Roth Associates (LRA), a D.C.-based public relations and marketing firm that specializes in the foodservice and hospitality industries. Follow her at: @LindaRothPR, #LindaRothPR, or www.lindarothpr.com.

Holiday gift

Thompson Italian. Facebook photo. Join local author, Pasquale A. Carlucci as he explores family and friendship through the eyes of a keen observer of the Na�onal Pas�me. The games seem like minutes, but the memories last forever

BA S EBA LL BI R THRI GH T . C O M

Available on Check out our review in this month’s !

City Lights of China is, “the Nations Capitol go to institution for takeout.” Courtesy City Lights of China.

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Kennedy Center Honors Glitzes Up Weekend

BY ROBERT DEVANEY

The 45th Kennedy Center Honors, held Dec. 4, lit up parts of the town Sunday night and days leading up to the glitzy event. Georgetown was humming from its top hotels, such as Four Seasons and the Rosewood, to restaurants like Fiola Mare, Cafe Milano and Peacock Cafe. It seemed as if the signal towers of art, celebrity and commerce were illuminated anew to convey the message, “All is normal again.” So, it was — more or less. One could sense it walking the streets of Georgetown this weekend.

While the Bidens hosted the Macrons at Fiola Mare on Nov. 30, the day before the White House state dinner, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff dined with George Clooney and his wife Amal as well as with Bono of U2 at Cafe Milano on Friday, Dec. 2. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her husband Paul, recovering from a home invasion in October, went to Sunday brunch at Peacock Cafe on Dec. 4. She told co-owner Shahab Farivar, “This is the first restaurant Mr. Pelosi has been to since the attack.” The Pelosis later attended the Kennedy Center Honors, seated three chairs from the president.

A Star-Studded Portrait of a Nation Gala

BY ROBERT DEVANEY

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and its Director Kim Sajet welcomed more than 750 stars and luminaries from across the country to the nation’s capital for the 2022 Portrait of a Nation Gala Saturday, Nov. 12. At the red carpet event, seven honorees received the museum’s Portrait of a Nation Award for their wide-ranging transformative contributions to the United States and its people. With portrait debut, honorees were José Andrés, Clive Davis, Ava DuVernay, Marian Wright Edelman, Anthony Fauci, M.D., Serena Williams, and Venus Williams.

BY ROBERT DEVANEY

The Sixth Annual Light Up The Season at the Four Seasons Washington, benefitting Children’s National Hospital, opened last week. This year, inspired by CNH patients, Kehoe Designs create an elegant and joyful winter wonderland, adorning the hotel lobby and the entire block throughout the holiday season. Each glowing tree tells the story of a child patient. All are welcome to visit and enjoy the decorations. Also happening are the Holiday Market, Teddy Bear Tea as well as Chalet Suites at Bourbon Steak.

Kennedy Center Honoree George Clooney and Amal Clooney. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Friends, supporters and employees from the Four Seasons and Children’s National Hospital welcomed the season at the decorated and illuminated lobby of the hotel. Photo by Daniel Swartz.

Awardees Venus Williams and José Andrés at the Portrait of a Nation Gala. Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for National Portrait Gallery.

‘Shirley Hazzard: A Writing Life’

AN ENTERTAINING, EDIFYING LOOK AT THE UNDERAPPRECIATED AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR

REVIEWED BY KITTY KELLEY

Shirley Hazzard’s first short-story submission was plucked from a slush pile of 30,000 unsolicited manuscripts at the New Yorker by fiction editor William Maxwell. And then, just like an unknown Lana Turner being discovered while sipping a soda at Schwab’s drugstore, a star was born. The Hollywood star married eight times, and the writer only once, but Hazzard wrote about love the way Turner pursued it — as something perishable that, in the reshaping of our minds, becomes permanent: “the only state” in which “all one’s capacities are engaged.”

(So ends the stretched connection between the MGM star from Idaho and the Australian writer who moved to New York in her 20s and eventually traveled in the city’s intellectual circles with Lionel Trilling, Muriel Spark, Alfred Kazin and Dwight MacDonald.)

Shirley Hazzard (1931-2016) died at 85, sadly of dementia, but left behind six books of nonfiction, four novels (“The Transit of Venus” being her masterpiece) and two story collections. In two of her nonfiction books,

she blasted the United Nations, where she had worked in the “dungeons” for several years. She emerged from that experience disillusioned and dyspeptic, and lambasted its supporters, including Margaret Mead and U.N. Under-Secretary-General Brian Urquhart. He, in turn, dismissed Hazzard as a no-nothing, unpaid secretary.

In 1980, she wrote an article for the New Republic exposing the Nazi past of Kurt Waldheim, which had allowed him to rise to become U.N. secretary-general from 19721981 and president of Austria from 19861992. Hazzard’s exposé failed to galvanize public attention, but things changed five years later when writer Jane Kramer expanded on Hazzard’s Waldheim revelations.

At first, Hazzard was offended at having been overlooked in bringing the story to light but was “slightly mollified” when Kramer wrote to her: “You deserve enormous credit for being… as I now know the only person to have persisted in publishing the truth about that odious man over all these years when it was convenient to pretend he was decent.”

Hazzard’s fiction garnered impressive prizes, including the O. Henry Award, National Book Award, William Dean Howells Medal, Miles Franklin Award and National Book Critics Circle Award. Yet for all her literary achievements, she was not as celebrated as some think she deserves to be, and that includes her biographer, Brigitta Olubas.

A literary scholar at the University of South Wales, Olubas has been researching her subject for three decades. Among other works, Olubas wrote “Cosmopolitanism in the Work of Shirley Hazzard” (2010); “Shirley Hazzard’s Capri” (2014); “The Short Fiction of Shirley Hazzard” (2018); and “Shirley Hazzard’s Post-War World” (2020). Now comes “Shirley Hazzard: A Writing Life,” Olubas’s full-throated chronicle of the writer advertised as “the first biography of… a writer of ‘shocking wisdom’ and ‘intellectual thrill.’ ” Those last two quotes come from a 2020 New Yorker profile of Hazzard and are heartily underscored in this work.

Olubas seems determined to prove that Hazzard is to Australia what Joan Didion is to America: a literary icon. Growing up in Sydney with a bipolar mother and an alcoholic father, Hazzard was devastated when her family had to move to New Zealand because her sister, her only sibling, was ill with tuberculosis. As a youngster, Hazzard was surrounded by wounded WWI veterans, and she saw the devastation of Hiroshima at 16, which infused her novels with inevitable loss.

Her later years with husband Francis Steegmuller, a quarter-century her senior, were her happiest and most creative. Steegmuller, a Flaubert scholar, and Hazzard divided their lives between Capri and Manhattan, becoming significant figures in their rarified circle of academics, poets and writers. During this time, they befriended Graham Greene, a relationship Hazzard later memorialized in “Greene on Capri.” Yet Greene’s widow later dismissed Hazzard as a know-it-all harpy and

claimed her husband felt Hazzard “intruded herself too much” and “had a tendency to talk a great deal.”

Olubas describes Hazzard, with her limited formal education, as “an exquisite stylist, skilled linguist and fiercely intellectual autodidact.” She acknowledges Hazzard’s dominant (at times domineering) personality and insistence on commandeering conversations and reciting endless reams of poetry. Hazzard spoke in long paragraphs, as if being filmed; she disliked television and read Herodotus over lunch. She commanded attention in her starched shirts, Chanel tweeds, and a beret that covered her teased bouffant. She bemoaned growing old, especially during her last years as a widow, ailing and alone.

Given complete access to Hazzard’s diaries and journals, Olubas was able to climb into her subject’s mind and heart and find the answers to how Hazzard felt at various times and why she said what she said and did what she did — the kinds of questions that perplex many biographers, forcing them to guess and surmise.

Brigitta Olubas has made glorious use of her years as a Shirley Hazzard scholar, too, and in this biography, she eloquently presents all that was won and lost in Hazzard’s writing life.

Georgetown resident Kitty Kelley has written several number-one New York Times best-sellers, including “The Family: The Real Story Behind the Bush Dynasty.” Her most recent books include “Capturing Camelot: Stanley Tretick’s Iconic Images of the Kennedys” and “Let Freedom Ring: Stanley Tretick’s Iconic Images of the March on Washington.” She serves on the board of BIO (Biographers International Organization) and Washington Independent Review of Books, where this review originally appeared.