The Georgetowner: January 10, 2024 Issue

SINCE 1954

VOLUME 70 NUMBER 4

Outlook 2024

GEORGETOWNER.COM

JAN 10, 2024 - FEB 13, 2024

Tara Sakraida Parker of the Ci tizens Association of Georgetown.

Business & Community Leaders Forecast

Year-in- Review 2 023 Business Recap Hemingway ’s Key West Kit t y Kelley: ‘Af ter E lizabet h’ GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

1

personalized H O S P I TA L I T Y

The Fitzgerald is a boutique community designed for discerning seniors who relish a slice of tranquility within steps of the best that Washington, D.C. has to offer.

With its imaginative Art Deco-inspired interiors and highly personalized service, The Fitzgerald is where an independent and refined lifestyle meets peace of mind.

O P E N I N G L AT E 2 0 2 4 O F F - S I T E D I S C OV E RY C E N T E R 4 4 1 8 M AC A RT H U R B LV D. , N W WA S H I N GTO N , D.C . 2 0 0 0 7

TAKE A TOUR AT OUR DISCOV E RY CE N TE R WALK-IN S WE LCO M E

202.935.5250 LIFEAT TH EFITZGE R A LD.CO M

2 JANUARY 10, 2023

GMG, INC.

O P E N TO T H E P U B L I C M O N DAY - F R I DAY, 9 : 0 0 A M - 5 : 0 0 P M W E E K E N D S BY A P P O I N T M E N T O N LY

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

3

IN THIS ISSUE

ON THE COVER Overlooking Georgetown and the Potomac River, Tara Sakraida Parker of the Citizens Association of Georgetown echoes the positive outlook of other community groups about the year ahead, while standing on the Watergate balcony of photographer Philip Bermingham.

Photo by Philip Bermingham.

NEWS · 6 - 9 Town Topics 2023 Year in Review ANC Report Crime Report

PUBLISHER Sonya Bernhardt

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robert Devaney

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT & ADVERTISING Kate Oczypok

MANAGING EDITOR Christopher Jones

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT Peggy Sands FEATURE EDITOR Ari Post FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Allyson Burkhardt Lauretta McCoy GRAPHIC DESIGN Troy Riemer Laura Argentieri

EDITORIAL & OPINION · 10

PHOTOGRAPHERS Philip Bermingham Bill Starrels

DIPLOMATIC DIALOGUE · 11

CONTRIBUTORS Mary Bird Susan Bodiker Allyson Burkhardt Didi Cutler Donna Evers Michelle Galler Amos Gelb Wally Greeves Kitty Kelley Rebekah Kelley Jody Kurash Shelia Moses Kate Oczypok Linda Roth Alison Schafer Celia Sharpe Mary Ann Treger

Kuwait’s Ambassador

BUSINESS · 12 Ins & Outs

COVER · 13 - 15 Business Outlook 2024 Community Groups Look Up

REAL ESTATE · 16 ARTS · 18 Artswatch

IN COUNTRY · 19 Hemingway’s Key West

FOOD & WINE · 20 Latest Dish 1310 Kitchen & Bar

SOCIAL SCENE · 21 KITTY KELLEY BOOK CLUB · 22 After Elizabeth

Happy 70th to Us! Who’s a Stakeholder?

A long-time Georgetown resident A recent arrival Show your love of A lover of art and culture A Tik-Tok influencer Georgetown and A political junkie The Georgetowner by A gardener becoming a stakeholder A designer today. With your help, A real estate maven we can continue to A community advocate deliver the news A health fanatic coverage you depend A foodie on...in print and online.

A fashionista Visit us at A trendsetter https://georgetowner.com A traditionalist A student Go to SUPPORT A professor A dog lover A cat person An entrepreneur A business insider A reader, writer or opiner A supporter of local journalism YOU!

LO VE

--Team Georgetowner 4 JANUARY 10, 2023

GMG, INC.

1050 30th Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 338-4833 Fax: (202) 338-4834 www.georgetowner.com “The Newspaper Whose Influence Far Exceeds Its Size” — Pierre Cardin 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 2023.

Please send submissions of opinions for consideration to: editorial@georgetowner.com For advertising inquiries email advertising@georgetowner.com or call (202) 338-4833

The Georgetowner is a Certified Business Enterprise

Please recycle.

Your number-one source for everything Georgetown.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter at georgetowner.com.

WHAT’S ONLINE GEORGETOWNER.COM

SPONSORED CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE to our twice weekly online Georgetowner Newsletter — place your email address in the subscription box on the front page of our website.

RESTAURATEUR TONY CIBEL — 1937 TO 2024 B Y R O B ERT D EVAN EY Tony Cibel at his restaurant, flanked by former Mayors Anthony Williams and Marion Barry.

Courtesy Tony & Joe’s.

CAPS, WIZARDS MOVE BLOW TO BOWSER’S DOWNTOWN PLANS B Y C H R I STOPH ER JON ES Mayor Muriel Bowser holds a press conference Dec. 13 in response to Monumental Sports and Entertainment’s announcement of a move to Alexandria. Courtesy WJLA.

TOP REAL ESTATE STORIES OF 2023 B Y K AT E OC ZYPOK

Community Announcement – January 2024 Since 1989, with strong support from the Georgetown community, Trees for GeorgetownTM (TFG) has planted and cared for over 3,000 trees on the streets of Georgetown. We have inoculated Elm trees on Q Street, prolonging their lives, and have removed dead trees and stumps to make way for new trees. Our mission is to maintain the street tree canopy on the residential streets of Georgetown. For many years, TFG worked with the Citizens Association of Georgetown (CAG) as our fiscal agent, allowing tax-deductible donations to be made out to TFG through their 501(c)(3) entity. CAG has recently informed the Trees for Georgetown volunteer group that it is realigning its priorities and does not wish to sponsor our group and its activities anymore.

The Four Seasons Residences will replace the property that once held the Georgetown West Heating Plant.

Accordingly, Trees for Georgetown is pleased to announce that Casey Trees, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of Washington, DC through tree planting, education, community action, and land preservation, has agreed to step in as our fiscal agent.

PARK SERVICE’S PLANS FOR C&O CANAL REPAIRS

We, the undersigned, coined the name, we designed the logo, we solicited and received funds from many of you and over the years we have worked with private contractors and arborists, with the DC Urban Forestry Division and with Casey Trees to carry out our mission to maintain the tree canopy on the residential streets of Georgetown. We have received more than one award for our work.

B Y C H R I S TOPH ER JON ES Georgetown’s new C&O Canal boat arrived July 11, 2021 in Georgetown. Now the Georgetown portion of the canal will be drained until 2025. Photo by Bill Starrels.

AG SETTLES WITH FORMER FRAT BOSS FOR $100K

We are incorporated as a Domestic Non-Profit and have registered Trees for Georgetown as our Trade Name with the DC Government. We are the rightful owners of this name and will continue to fulfill its purpose.

We are continuing our activities in pursuit of our mission. We look forward to sharing our future plans with you as they develop, via email and on our website: treesforgeorgetowndc.org

T H E G E O R GETOWN ER The former Delta Phi Epsilon frat house at 3401 Prospect St. NW, now a private home.

Georgetowner photo.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO TREES FOR GEORGETOWN Please make out a check to:

The check should be sent to:

“Casey Trees” and write “Trees for Georgetown” in the memo line.

Casey Trees, 3030 12th Street, NE Washington, DC 20017.

If you have any questions, would like to be added to our email list or would like to join our group of volunteers and become active in TFG please contact us at: TreesforGeorgetown@gmail.com Thank you for your support!

Sincerely, Betsy Emes, President Bob Laycock, Treasurer Patrick Clawson, Secretary Christi Cline Karen Cruse Outerbridge Horsey, co-founder

Beth Larson Frank Randolph Flo Stone, co-founder Jackie Weldon William Weldon GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

5

TOWN TOPICS

2023 Town Topics Year in Review Looking on to Georgetown and Key Bridge.

Georgetowner Photo.

BY PEG GY SA NDS What a difference a year makes – even in Georgetown. The top town topics of 2023 are quite different from those of 2022 — except for one.

A NEW GEORGETOWN HIGH SCHOOL

In the 2022 Georgetowner Town Topics yearend review, we reported that not only had plans for the development of a new comprehensive public high school been announced mid-year, but that it was expected to be completed and open by Fall of 2023. And that’s exactly what happened. On August 28, 2023, DC School Chancellor Lewis Ferebee joined just-named Principal Howard McCray and his all-new faculty to welcome some 200 ninth-graders to the first class of the high school rebuilt on the grounds of the old Georgetown Day School at 4530 MacArthur Blvd. NW. Students who almost all graduated from Hardy Middle School in Georgetown, decided they would keep the default name MacArthur High School and chose an imposing Mammoth to be their mascot. Most students ride local busses to the campus (no student cars allowed) with an average half-hour commute.

51 YEARS Every Every Sunday Sunday 8AM 8AM to to 4PM 4PM

1819 35th St NW 6 JANUARY 10, 2023

GMG, INC.

GEORGETOWN IS CITY’S TOP COMMERCIAL DISTRICT IN 2023

There is no refuting that Georgetown is BAAAACK commercially. It was named the top destination in all of Washington for shoppers and diners and family outings. Most all of the empty stores along M Street and Wisconsin Ave. NW have either been filled with new stores and eateries, or are contracted to be so. Construction projects especially on Prospect Street – a burgeoning French gourmet dining, coffee and ice cream destination just off of Wisconsin Ave. – are soaring with luxurious new condos and shopping offerings.

And the Big news of December 2023: Barnes and Noble is returning to its highly popular former three-story store location at Thomas Jefferson and M Streets.

STREATERY AND TRANSPORTATION FLOW STUDIES

Of course all the new attention to Georgetown means the now years-long concerns about parking and safe and easy accessibility to Georgetown’s business amenities and highly desirable and walkable residential blocks have only grown. The expanded sidewalks that

saved so many small Georgetown eateries with accessible outdoor dining areas during the pandemic, in 2023 faced growing complaints that they had become unsightly, dangerous and unnecessary – occupying greatly needed street parking. Traffic gridlocks on both main and side streets were becoming unbearable.

So Georgetown, bowing to its wonky governmental side, commissioned two studies to decide what to do. The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) was granted funds for a two-year study (and new staff) on streateries and expanded sidewalks that a group of former Georgetown Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANC2E) opposed. In addition, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced a year-long transportation study to identify and improve problematic traffic flows including stop signs and one-way streets exclusively in Georgetown residential areas.

THREE SLOWED DOWN RECREATION PROJECTS: JELLEFF, ELLINGTON FIELD AND VOLTA PARK DIAMOND

Three surprise disappointments of 2023 were the sudden slow-down of funded and largely anticipated recreation projects by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR): Jelleff Recreation Center’s long-planned rejuvenation from a handicap-user upgrade project of $7 million, to a full-on renovation project funded at $28.8 million in 2022. But in 2023, plans for the two-court, three-story community recreation center with a renovated swimming pool suddenly seem to have been put on hold. Same with the renovation of the two old field houses plus track and stadium improvements at Ellington Field. Only the $700,000 project to redo drainage and the diamond at Volta Park and add a path to the north end of the “park” (“Is it a playing field or a park?” was DPR’s big question at the last meeting) seems to be happening on time, on budget and maybe done by Fall of 2023.

CRIME IN D.C. AND GEORGETOWN

The 2022 Town Topics Review ended with the report that crime was down in Georgetown except for some incidents of “shoplifting” and “theft from autos,” and more bizarre kinds of criminal behavior (an odd kidnapping attempt, for instance). Unfortunately, in 2023 that report has been turned around.

Crime, especially mass daytime robberies at local stores such as CVS and Safeway and carjackings by masked youths, was top local and national news. Our Ward 2 Councilwoman Brooke Pinto — now in her second term — is a key figure to finding a solution as head of the District’s “Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety.”

GEORGETOWN INTIMATELY INVOLVED IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS IN 2023

Georgetown plays a unique role in U.S. international affairs due to the presence of several embassies within Georgetown itself and the engagement of their ambassadors in Georgetown enterprises, projects and events.

Last year’s report mentioned the intimate presence of the Ukrainian Embassy on M Street.

Sweden’s modernistic embassy at the waterfront is always a source of events including, in 2023, debates on European defense and NATO, as Sweden becomes its latest member.

The poignant mural of life-size photos of over a dozen wrongfully detained Americans in the alleyway between 31st and 30th streets on M St. was the 2023 site of three ceremonies celebrating the return of several detainees including pro basketball star Brittney Griner.

By year’s end, the mural had faded – as the artist intended – and was removed as planned. In December, Georgetown University, after some initial negative incidents, turned the debate between Jewish and Muslim students and professors about the war in Gaza into a model of campus civil free speech.

TOWN TOPICS

First ANC Meeting of 2024 Confronts Crime and Bagels

BY PEG GY SA NDS The first 2024 meeting of the GeorgetownBurleith-Hillandale Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 2E) on Jan. 8 dealt with last year’s continuing problems as well as looking to the year ahead.

Rising crime in Washington, D.C., included more incidents in the first days of 2024 that included at least two armed robberies at small shops on Q and P Streets NW – plus the 6 p.m. high-jacking on Jan. 5 of a jeep with its engine running and a four month-old baby inside, while her mother was in a store on the 3000 block of M St NW. The baby was dropped off in its carseat at a stranger’s house in the 1500 block of 28th St. SE after one hour. Police have not found the stolen car nor the hijackers; the mother has not been identified. Police urged residents not to leave their cars idling or with things of value (like babies, perhaps?) in them.

The live crime update included: Mass robberies reportedly down at local CVSs and Safeway – perhaps because of increased police presence. Residents were asked to orient their surveillance cameras not only to cover their entrance doors, but also the street to better help police identify package thieves.

As for increased parking enforcement, Commissioner Daniel Chao was told by city officials that Georgetown had more enforcement officers than most communities (three instead of two), although one had been absent for maternity leave but was coming back soon. The same story of not enough resources to enforce laws was the focus of a report about the explosion of the amount of medical cannabis business applications. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office reported that the deadline to have an approved cannabis medical business license in D.C. is Jan. 29. No unlicensed shops are to be allowed after Jan 30. [See the pot shop story on page 9.]

The spokesperson for Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto, chairperson of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, urged commissioners to push for support of the mayor and Pinto’s two

new proposals to tighten up detention policies and to add more mediation training for police: the Active Amendment Act of 2023 and the Safer Stronger DC initiative. Money for recruitment of new police officers? Not clear.

The updates of governmental agencies this month were mostly incomplete so early in the year. The Department of Transportation reported that its exclusive Georgetown “Circulation and Traffic Study” that had gotten off to a fast start last spring and was supposed to be finalized in November of 2023, now might not be finalized until February. An interim report showing new data is available.

The longest item on the ANC agenda was a proposed resolution dealing with resident complaints about the popular bagel shop, Call Your Mother, on the corner of 35th and N Streets NW. Its original application for a variance commercial permit in a residential area had been controversial in 2019, although the corner with the bright pink building also has Coffee Republic, which serves students and staff from Georgetown University. The problem now is that the shop is so successful that dozens of people line up on weekends to order, then stay and eat, sitting on the steps of private homes.

“It’s not a typical corner store where people buy things and return home to consume them,” said Commissioner Paul Maysak. “The owners have cooperated with daily trash pickup, put up signs not to sit on private property, early closing hours and the like. But there is only so much you can do with crowds of customers.”

The matter may be coming up for a zoning complaint hearing at the end of the month, but the ANC does not have an advisory voice there on zoning complaints, ANC Chair Gwen Lohse said. Nevertheless, Commissioners voted 7 to 2 to pass a resolution voicing concern about other possible problems. “But this is really about the number of customers on weekends,” Maysak said. “I don’t have a solution for that.”

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

7

TOWN TOPICS

Crime: Baby Returned After Georgetown Car Theft; Armed Robbery at Sara’s Market shortly after 6:00 p.m., in front of Le Labo

BY CH RISTOP HER J O N E S

A Jan. 5 car theft in front of Le Labo on M St. left a mother frantically searching for her baby.

WJLA screen capture.

FRANTIC SEARCH BEGINS ON M STREET

In the first week of the new year, Georgetown and surrounding neighborhoods have not been spared the city’s recent waves of violent crime. On Thursday, Jan. 4, a

daytime gun robbery at Sara’s Market alarmed the community and on the following evening along M Street, a car was stolen with a baby girl on board.

Georgetown winter shoppers were enjoying evening shopping along M Street when

JANUARY 12–14, 2024 PREVIEW NIGHT PARTY: THURSDAY, JAN. 11

washingtonwintershow.org WWS2024_Georgetowner_4.9x5.54.indd 1

8 JANUARY 10, 2023

GMG, INC.

11/29/23 11:53 AM

perfumery at 3005 M Street NW, a white Jeep SUV – with engine idling – was stolen with a 4-month-old baby girl inside while the baby’s mother was inside the store. After receiving “frantic calls” from the mother, according to police, and an hour intensively searching for the child, MPD reported the 4-month-old found safe, 7 miles away in the Dupont Park neighborhood of Southeast. An unknown person had dropped the child off – still in her car seat – on the porch of a house in the 1500 block of 28th St. SE, apparently knocked on the door, then fled quickly in a vehicle, according to police.

“Safe and sound,” began Jackie Benson’s News4 report on the baby’s reuniting with her mom. “The 4-month-old baby girl reunited with her mother was wrapped in a blanket provided by the very kind and very shocked residents at the home on 28th St. SE.” Speaking to a man named José, Benson said he told her “family members [had] heard knocking at the front door around 7:00 p.m. and opened [the door] to see a little baby girl in a pink snow suit sitting on the front doorstep.” But then he “saw a car pull away so fast it looked suspicious…. Police rushed [the baby’s mother]… to the home in Southeast where the baby was found. They processed evidence and took pictures of the baby.

Officials would not confirm whether the car thief left a note with the baby indicating he was sorry for taking the child… Police went door-to-door in Georgetown looking for a business that might have security camera images of what happened.”

Assistant Police Chief Darnel Robinson said, according to the Washington Post, the “child was checked by fire department rescue personnel and appeared in good health,” and “the girl and her mother were reunited.”

Neither was identified, according to Robinson, who also urged motorists to avoid leaving vehicles idling and unattended. Police are still searching for the stolen vehicle in the case.

Photo of police outside Sara’s Market.

Courtesy Elizabeth Miller.

ARMED ROBBERY AT SARA’S MARKET

Just the day before at around 3:15 p.m., Sara’s Market at 3008 Q St. NW fell victim to an “armed robbery of an establishment” by a “suspect [who] brandished a handgun and demanded cash from the clerk.” According to MPD’s Second Watch Commander, the suspect – a “Black male, approximately 5’ 8”, wearing a black puffy jacket with fur-lined hood” – then took “a bottle of wine” and fled “on foot.” No injuries were reported.

According to a later MPD report, “the suspect did not receive any money because the establishment is cashless.”

From former ANC2E Chair, Elizabeth Miller, The Georgetowner received the photo above of police outside Sara’s Market taken by her from her vehicle. MPD Second District detectives announced Jan. 6 a search for the Sara’s Market suspect who is also believed to have “brandished a handgun” on the evening of Jan. 5 in a cash and property robbery in a business in the 2400 Block of 37th Street NW. MPD released surveillance video of the suspect on their youtube channel, @OfficialDCPolice.

TOWN TOPICS

Georgetown ‘Pot Shops’ Flourishing as City Licensing Delayed

BY CH RISTOP HER J O N E S As many have noticed, cannabis “gifting shops” and dispensaries have been scrambling energetically – and often furtively – to set up shop behind Georgetown storefronts, to the delight of marijuana consumers across the region and the chagrin of concerned residents, businesses, ANC commissioners, and many officers in the Metropolitan Police Department.

A little background: Since 2011, a handful of medical marijuana dispensaries have

Taste Budz’s store window on Wisc. Ave. Photo by Chris Jones.

operated in the District under strict licensing and health protocols. In 2014, however, the D.C. Council passed Initiative 71, or “I-71” to legalize recreational marijuana use in the city.

A legal gray area in the legislation forbidding the direct sale of cannabis but not explicitly ruling out “giving it away” then sparked a widespread marijuana “gifting economy” throughout the city. Now retailers could “sell” a non-cannabis item to a consumer while “gifting” a “free” amount of recreational marijuana in the same transaction.

Then, in 2022, the D.C. Council passed the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act which blew the doors open further to retail cannabis sales. The legislation allows existing retailers in the cannabis “gifting” market to apply for medical marijuana dispensing licenses.

Except now, medical dispensing will be much easier for the consumer. A buyer can simply self-declare a medical marijuana necessity – essentially write their own doctor’s note.

In addition, an extended non-enforcement timeframe against retail “gifting” dispensaries was added to the legislation, further fueling the retail scramble. The legislation “does not permit enforcement action until 315 days after the law takes effect, which is [on]

Jan. 31, 2024,” said Leslie Malone, public affairs specialist at the city’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA).

So, the “law encourages unlicensed operators to enter the legal market by making additional medical cannabis business licenses available and permitting [the current retailers] to apply for a license during an open application period.

The open application period for unlicensed operators – i.e., those that have been engaged in commercial cannabis transactions from a location in D.C. since Dec. 31, 2022 – opened on Nov. 1, 2023, and closes on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024,” Malone said. “Available license types for retailers include Cultivation Center, Internet Retailer, or Retailer,” Malone added.

Enforcement against current cannabis “gifting” retailers, however, is quite murkily delineated. According to Malone, “ABCA does not have the authority to inspect unlicensed operators, those businesses may be inspected or investigated by other agencies for reasons under their purview.” Additionally, she said, “no medical cannabis retailer applications for unlicensed establishments have been accepted thus far by ABCA for Georgetown.”

So, right now, unlicensed cannabis “gifting” retailers may be subject to ANC protests or regulated “by other agencies” – just not yet

by ABCA.

AN ANC COMMISSIONER’S RESPONSE

One ANC Commissioner particularly concerned with the rampant proliferation of cannabis “gifting” retailers in Georgetowner – especially near schools, parks and community centers – is Topher Mathews (2E03). In monthly ANC meetings he’s spoken on the issue frequently and written extensively about it in his newsletter, The Georgetown Metropolitan.

In April, 2023, Matthews described the scramble of the cannabis retailers as a “wild west” environment in which such shops “have popped up overnight like a field of mushrooms after a spell of rain.”

The Georgetowner spoke with Mathews about his concerns over the proliferation of these shops. The current scenario is a “bit of a gold rush,” he said, because “existing I-71 shops get a little bit of first-come-firstserved [treatment]” to obtain the medical marijuana retail license. “ So, “that has been my understanding of why there’s been this huge influx of gifting shops in the last year or so. Their goal is to be a fully-licensed retailer at the end of this process.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON GEORGETOWNER.COM.

Auctioneers & Appraisers

Georgetown Consignment Day Tuesday, January 23

Experience the same level of expertise that brought success to The Estate of Mary Ellin Barrett. Doyle recently sold a spectacular sapphire that once belonged to Ellin and Irving Berlin for nearly a million dollars. Our Specialists are currently collecting Fine Art, Jewelry, Watches and more for upcoming auctions. Contact us to schedule a private in-person or virtual appointment.

Information & Appointments

Samira Farmer Samira.Farmer@Doyle.com 301-348-5282 New York Beverly Hills Boston Charleston

Ellin and Irving Berlin Platinum, Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Sold: $998,000. From The Estate of Mary Ellin Barrett. Van Cleef & Arpels Gold, Mystery-Set Sapphire and Sapphire ‘Ludo Hexagone’ Bracelet, France. Sold $100,800.

Chicago

Connecticut

New Jersey

North Carolina

Palm Beach

Pennsylvania

Washington D.C.

doyle.com

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

9

EDITORIAL & OPINION

Georgetown’s 2024 Resolutions As 2024 begins, Georgetown has so much to be thankful for. Sparkling vibrancy has returned to our indoor and outdoor commercial retail, shopping and dining spaces, as our “Business Ins & Outs for 2023” indicates.

Georgetown’s civic agencies, volunteer groups, and political representatives all brim with positive ideas for improvement.

But, the new year ushers in a time of reflection. In that spirit, we offer these resolutions for Georgetown in 2024: We published an editorial last May entitled “Georgetown’s Spring Cleaning Should Be for Everyone,” praising our local shopkeepers and restaurants who work hard to present clean and attractive spaces for the community, but calling out some of the wealthy corporations in our business corridors who don’t seem to be putting in the effort. Let’s all resolve that – for our businesses, our residences, and ourselves – we’ll put on our best faces for the public.

In November 2021, we ran an editorial “To Help Local Business, Journalism and Democracy, Support the Journalism Sustainability Act” to highlight the threat to small local papers such as ours – now beginning our 70th year – in Georgetown.

An AP report from Nov. 2023 highlights how much more dire the situation has become indicating, “The nation has lost one-third of its newspapers and two-thirds of its newspaper journalists since 2005.” For 2024, Georgetown businesses and enterprises might resolve to help keep our local journalism

alive by purchasing advertising from us and appreciating all we do to report on local developments.

In our various stories on the controversies surrounding widened sidewalks and outdoor streateries, we’ve noticed a lot of “us vs. them” commentary, as if visitors, tourists, students, and “undesirables” are somehow not welcome in Georgetown. Let us resolve to be more generous in how we think about those who come to appreciate all Georgetown has to offer, and to help keep our local businesses and restaurants afloat. Remember, our commercial spaces are public not private and should reflect a welcoming spirit.

Now, here’s a wish-list for 2024 we received from a longtime resident: Now that Barnes & Noble is coming back, Georgetown could really serve its residents with: • A cheese monger • A fish market • More reasonably priced locally owned restaurants • Residential parking restrictions (like other D.C. neighborhoods) • One-way streets • More residential street lighting • More civic events like the dance classes on the waterfront If you have resolutions or ideas for improving Georgetown, send them to us at Editorial@ Georgetowner.com.

On Aging & Term Limits It’s an election year – some would say the most important of our times. Attention has turned not only to the quality of our likely 2024 presidential nominees, but to their advanced ages, with a likely rematch of the 2020 election looming between former President Trump, 77, and current President Biden, 81, the oldest president in our nation’s history.

We are also concerned about the persistence in high office of senior elected officials, not only in the presidency, but at all levels of government.

Our main preoccupation is an old one – “old” as in the possibility of too much longevity in office, too much careerism, too much power accumulated, and a natural loss of perspective and competence with aging. Though Franklin D. Roosevelt was a remarkable president, there was wisdom in the 22nd Amendment limiting future presidents to two full terms in office after his four presidential elections.

When is it time to “leave the fair?” Think Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Senator Diane Feinstein whose deaths in office in their late 80s not only challenged their earlier legacies but symbolized our government’s ever-slowing 10 JANUARY 10, 2023

GMG, INC.

circulation of fresh faces, new perspectives, and youthful, creative problem-solving in office.

Though D.C.’s Delegate to Congress has a proud record of service over 32 years in office, might our city – with all of its struggles – benefit from a new representative?

Is it time for a D.C. ballot initiative on term limits and to consider national limits as well?

Limiting the time an elected official is in office to two terms or 6 to 8 years is an idea that is, unsurprisingly, broadly favored by voters and people of all ages who would like to run for office; but, not favored so much by elected officials who want to cling to power. While term limits may automatically push out effective lawmakers, the experienced ones can always run for other positions or serve the public as experts, consultants, authors or educators.

Our first president George Washington set the cherished precedent of holding office temporarily by returning to his Mount Vernon farm as a private citizen after his two elected terms as president. Let us continue to be inspired by his rejuvenation of democracy and turning away of power.

Time to Think of Creative Solutions to Prevent Homicide As the new year rolled in, readers of the Washington Post were greeted by this frontpage story: “2023 Was District’s Deadliest Year in More Than Two Decades: The City Recorded 40 Homicides per 100,000 Residents …” This is a horrifying headline by any measure. Sadly, it’s not new news. Although urban crime has decreased throughout the country, it’s on a precipitous rise here.

Carjackings, shootings, retail “shrink” from organized theft, and other examples of gratuitous violence and misery elicit a lot of hand-wringing concern, but concrete, actionable solutions are in short supply. It’s been the same-old, same-old with about the same expected effect.

More law enforcement? No money and tough recruiting. Rehabilitation? Poorly managed programs and mixed results at best.

An invigorated justice system? Prosecutors are not prosecuting. More store security guards? Please. Unless they’re SEALs in disguise, their presence is hardly a deterrent.

Community interventions. Too small to scale.

It’s time for some fresh thinking and thinking big. Time for all good citizens to come to the aid of their city. And so we turn to you, dear readers, for your thoughts. If you were in charge, what would you do?

Some ideas to get us started: 1. Put students to work. Back in the early, scary days of Covid, medical and nursing students who had not yet graduated were called to the front lines to help support beleaguered physician and nursing staffs to manage patient care. It was an unqualified success.

Why not do the same now? Recruit legal, medical, social work, education and other public service student professionals to work alongside the prosecutors/defense attorneys, teachers and others to fill in staffing gaps as they perfect their skills. And let’s not forget the humanities. Artists of all genres are encouraged to apply.

In return for their labor, their universities could award extra credits and their lending institutions could forgive a portion of their loans. A two-fer.

2. Create a sense of ownership. We all know that downtown is a ghost town and the city needs housing. What if the building trades, architecture firms, lenders, commercial landlords and others banded together and hired un- or underemployed residents and taught them the art and skill of converting offices into homes. The workers would learn a trade (construction, plumbing, property management, design) and perhaps earn some sweat equity in a future home. The professionals would receive some financial or other incentive for their efforts. Win-win.

3. Get kids off the street. Like crime, truancy is on the increase and likely there’s a connection. Many families are struggling with their kids and having trouble keeping them in school. So, let’s put our money and talents into programs that reach students where they are. If not in school, where else can they attend class?

Community centers? Barber shops? Parks?

Empty store fronts? Libraries? Wherever they gather, that’s where their education should take place. Rethink the curriculum and worry about test results later. Find ways to balance what they need to learn with what they want to learn. Challenging times call for creative measures.

Yes, God is in the details. These may be great ideas or a total waste of time. But we can’t sit back and wail about the state of the District without designing new solutions to old problems.

Government leaders are exhausted. People are anxious and disheartened. It’s time for all of us to come to the aid of our city.

Send your ideas to Editorial@Georgetowner. com. We will publish them and keep the conversation going.

Letters to the Editor “Well done on the picks for Georgetowners of 2023. Maurice Brown and Vivien Tsang represent the best in customer service, professionalism and community spirit. They are among the reasons that small businesses can thrive in Georgetown, and it is always a pleasure to support and have a reason to do business with them.

Kudos to Sahar Kassem and John Michael Kushner for their good judgment. “

On our new interactive map, which you can find here: https://georgetowner.com/discovergeorgetown/ “Brilliant! I have lived here 35 years and needed this for just as long. Thank you. “ — Linda Hales

—Harriet Hentges

Send Your Feedback, Questions or Concerns, Tips and Suggestions to editorial@georgetowner.com or call 202-338-4833.

DIPLOMATIC DIALOGUE

Kuwait’s History-Making Ambassador Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah

BY D IDI CUT L E R I recently met with Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United States. She presented her credentials to President Biden on April 19, 2023 and is the first Kuwaiti woman to serve in this role. She is accompanied by her husband and has three children: a son in Los Angeles, a daughter in New York, and a son in Kuwait.

The Ambassador considers the United States a second home. She studied journalism at Boston University and received an MFA from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. Now, she follows in the family tradition of public service. Not only did her father serve in the Ministry of Defense, but several of her uncles served as Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United States.

Prior to serving as ambassador, Al-Sabah served as Secretary for Youth Affairs in Kuwait. While there, she drafted the country’s first National Youth Policy. During her tenure, Kuwait was named the Youth Capital of the Middle East by the Arab League.

She also founded the award-winning organization, National Creative Industries Group (NCIG) to teach and to share media tools enabling entrepreneurs to produce films reflecting their cultures. This, the Ambassador

believes, helps both nations and cultures better understand each other. Under her tenure the company partnered with Netflix as well as signing with the Creative Arts Agency (CAA), leading entertainment and sports agency in the United States.

In the United States she worked at ABC News with Peter Jennings and went on to produce “Journey to Mecca,” which premiered at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, and “Amreeka” (“America” in Arabic), featured at the Sundance Film Festival.

As we talked on, Ambassador Al-Sabah shared her thoughts on current diplomacy. She mentioned that although we have learned a great deal from the past, it is now time to move forward, to be creative. She feels strongly that diplomacy should not be restricted to the current political reality, but rather incorporate as well “emotional intelligence”— an understanding of the human feelings involved.

Ambassador Al-Sabah has won several awards including the “Leadership Medal for Excellence” in the field of Youth Service, the Arab Award for “Inspirational Woman of the Year 2015,” and the Distinguished Alumni Award for “Service in Profession,” from Boston University.

Just before leaving, I asked the Ambassador

An Invitation to Consign Weschler’s is always accepting quality consignments!

Property from a Georgetown Estate to be offered in our Feb 6 Metro Auction

Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United States. Courtesy photo. what she most appreciates about America.

In listing the multiculturalism and diversity of the country, the economic power, and the creative industries in film, TV, and the wider media, she made me proud to be an American.

With her extraordinarily varied background, Ambassador Al-Sabah seems uniquely

WINTER RESTAURANT WEEK Jan. 15-21 For details on dining specials and reservation info, go to Ramw.org/Restaurantweek.

MEETING OF THE OLD GEORGETOWN BOARD Feb. 1, 9:00 a.m.

401 F St. NW, Suite 312.

Filing Deadline: Jan. 11.

WARD 2 BUDGET FORUM Jan. 16, 7-8:00 p.m. (Zoom) Council member Brooke Pinto wants to “hear directly from neighbors about priorities for next year’s D.C. Council budget.” For info go to BrookePintoDC.com.

THE 2024 STORY: THREATS TO DEMOCRACY, WEEKLY DISCUSSION WITH GU POLITICS FELLOW LAURA BARRÓN-LÓPEZ Feb. 6, 2-3:30 p.m.

Institute of Politics and Public Service.

Georgetown University. On campus at 37th and O Streets NW, Healy, G-18.

MEETING OF THE COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS Jan. 18, 10:00 a.m.

401 F St. NW, Suite 312.

Filing deadline for next meeting: Feb. 15.

info@weschlers.com | 202-628-1281 www.weschlers.com

MEETING OF ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION (ANC2E) Jan 29, 6:30 p.m.

For info go to ANC2e.com.

Timeless Treasures, Time-Honored Trust - Uncover Your Legacy at Weschler’s

Editor’s note: This interview was conducted before the death of Emir Sheikh Nawaf last month. The Georgetowner extends condolences to the people of Kuwait.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Weekly Metro Online Auctions Quarterly Capital Collections Auctions Monthly Valuation Days

Weschler’s Auctioneers & Appraisers Since 1890

qualified to play her important diplomatic role as Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States.

VALENTINE ARTISAN MARKET Feb. 11, 3:00 p.m.

Capitol Cider House, 3930 Georgia Ave. NW. Join Capitol Cider House as they “welcome a wonderfully talented lineup of local artisans!”

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

11

BUSINESS

INS & OUTS

BY R OBE RT DEVA NEY

The upscale Kyojin opened at 3315 Cady’s Alley.

WOLFORD

2023 INS — SARA’S MARKET

In May, Vivien Tsang and John Michael Kushner, co-owners of Dent Place Market, reopened Sara’s Market at 3008 Q St. NW which had closed its doors in June 2022. The market was established in 1919.

CAFE CON BAGEL

Pablo Salazar opened his coffee and bagel joint at 1332 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former space for Petite Soeur.

BOAT HOUSE APPAREL

Samantha Ring opened Boat House Apparel along the C&O Canal at 1061 31st St. NW during the summer.

EVER/BODY

Ever/Body opened at 1242 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

VAN LEEUWEN

Van Leeuwen, the Brooklyn-born brand of ice creams, opened in May at 3245 Prospect St. NW.

AWAY

Away, “original disruptor” of the travel goods industry, opened its first retail storefront in Georgetown at 3237 M St. NW in September.

CURATED BY CECILIA

Cecilia Cassini opened Curated by Cecilia in September at 1259 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

BLANK STREET COFFEE

Blank Street Coffee at 3241 Prospect St. NW — next to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream — opened in September.

HINGHAM SAVINGS

Hingham Savings opened in a renovated townhouse at 1061 Thomas Jefferson St. NW during the summer.

BAKER’S DAUGHTER

Baker’s Daughter opened in October at 1065 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The boutique café comes from the team behind Gravitas and Michele’s.

SAY CHEESE!

Owner Suzy Nabil opened a new place for serving her grilled cheese sandwiches, salads and soups at 1071 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, which formerly housed the Curios shop.

CLARE V.

Last month, the Los Angeles-based Clare V. set up shop at 1238 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

ARCAY CHOCOLATES

Anabella Arcay de Berti and husband Dario Berti opened Arcay Chocolates in May at 3211 O St. NW. 12 JANUARY 10, 2023

KYOJIN

GMG, INC.

Wolford, the Austrian apparel and skinwear brand, opened its first Washington, D.C., boutique in January 2023 at 1234 Wisconsin Ave. NW

COMMONWEALTH PROPER

Haberdasher Craig Arthur von Schroeder opened Commonwealth Proper at 1355 Wisconsin Ave. NW, above the bakery, Maman, next to Compass Coffee.

FUEL BODY LAB

Fuel Body Lab began its 13th year in Georgetown at a new location — 3003 P Street NW, next to Morgan’s Pharmacy.

MÈO MAISON

We have another cat cafe.

The kitties are at the window of 1336 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former Goodyear tire shop.

VUORI

The California-based apparel company, Vuori, opened in November at 3222 M St. NW.

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE

French clothing brand Zadig & Voltaire opened at 1227 Wisconsin Ave. NW, the former site of leather goods retailer Ecco.

Tako Tataki at Kyojin — named Restaurant of the Year by Eater Washington, DC. Photo by Alexa Burch.

B&B ITALIA

DISTRICT DOUGHNUT

B&B Italia, the contemporary design furniture group, brought its iconic furniture to a threestory flagship in Georgetown at 3330 M St. NW in the former Baker Furniture store.

District Doughnut, formerly at 3327 Cady’s Alley NW, reopened at 3333 M St. NW, once home to Sweetgreen, and before that, a Little Tavern.

Started in 2011, Nisolo — an eco-friendly, living-wage shoe brand — opened its secondever store at 3251 M St. NW.

FANGYÁN

ALO YOGA

SLEEP NUMBER

MAMAN

OAKBERRY

An eatery for smoothies and açai bowls, Oakberry opened at 1560 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

NISOLO

Minnesota-based Sleep Number set up shop at 1239 Wisconsin Ave. NW, next to the Apple store.

THE POPPY

The Poppy Georgetown Guesthouse and Gardens at 2616 P St. NW opened in June, replacing the Avery. TBC Hotels acquired the property in February 2022.

THE TOX

The Tox opened on the second floor of 3003 M St. NW — “Bringing NYC’s Famous Lymphatic Experience to Georgetown.”

PASHA CASTLE

Pasha Castle Sweets & Tea opened in June at 3279 M St. NW.

DOLCE VITA AT WISCONSIN & O

East Asian fashion store Fangyán opened in June at 1057 Wisconsin Ave. NW. French bakery and café, Maman opened at 1353-1355 Wisconsin Ave. NW on Valentine’s Day and features its signature sweet and savory treats — along with a room, “The Study,” for Georgetown students.

TIACHI BUBBLE TEA

Next to Maman, Tiachi Bubble Tea at 1357 Wisconsin Ave. NW opened in February.

STUDS

Calling itself “a fresh take on ear piercing & earrings,” Studs opened at 3288 M St. NW.

STREETS MARKET

The well-stocked grocery store opened in the former 7-Eleven space at the northwest corner of P and 27th Streets in April. It is the seventh Streets Market store in Washington, D.C.

Dolce Vita — Steve Madden’s upscale brand for women’s boots, flats and sneakers — opened in December at 1400 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

DIG

HOME COURT

ALKOVA

Home Court — “Buy, Sell, Trade,” as in sneakers — took over the space vacated by the Showroom at 1363 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

GEORGETOWN GARDEN SHOP

Owner Caroline Ervin opened the Georgetown Garden Shop at 3214 O St. NW.

LUGANO DIAMONDS

Lugano Diamonds & Jewelry, designer and manufacturer of high-end jewelry, took over the space once held by Eno Wine Bar at 2810 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, next to the Four Seasons Hotel.

Dig opened in April at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and N Street NW. It offers bowls of salads or main dishes of chicken or meatballs.

Alkova opened at 1510 Wisconsin Ave. NW and offers yoga in a co-working setting.

VILLA YARA

Villa Yara opened over the summer in the former Le Pain Quotidien at 2815 M St. NW. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine.

The yoga clothing and accessory company Alo took over the space previously occupied by Banana Republic at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street — 3200 M St. NW — in June.

MUGSY

Mugsy — not the basketball player, but the super smooth jeans maker — opened at 2922 M St. NW.

MANSE

Manse, “a housewares and lifestyle store focused on carrying unique and artisan-made products” from Old Town Alexandria, opened at 3210 O St. NW.

FRAME

Frame opened at 3105 M St. NW. Founded in 2010, it is an American fashion-retail company that designs and sells high-end clothing.

ROBIN’S GALLERY

Artist Robin Sutliff has become the proud proprietor of Robin’s Gallery at 1054 31st St. NW.

FRANK DARLING RINGS

The new retailer at 1305 Wisconsin Ave. NW is another jeweler with new ideas and oldfashioned crafts.

STRETCH LAB

Along the ground floor retail row under Safeway, Stretch Lab opened at 1855 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite B.

2023 OUTS —

HITCHED

Hitched — it has nothing to do with Will Smith — is a wedding shop at 1663 Wisconsin Ave. NW. It’s not about dresses, either, but about wedding rings.

READ BUSINESS OUTS ON GEORGETOWNER.COM.

COVER

Outlook 2024

Photo credit: McCaffery, Inc.

T

he most anticipated businesses coming to Georgetown in 2024 include the return of Barnes & Noble and Reverie, both to their original locations. New to Georgetown, is Stephen Starr’s Osteria Mozza in the former Dean & Delucca space and Hakan Ilhan of Brasserie Libertie and many others is opening Alara in the former Paulo’s space. Thankfully, Georgetown is experiencing a retail renaissance.

BARNES & NOBLE

Gone from Georgetown since 2011, the United States’s largest national bookstore chain will return to its original location at 3040 M St. NW, having signed a 33,754-square-foot lease for the same three floors. As expected, it will sell books, newspapers, magazines, music and gifts — and contain a café.

REVERIE

Chef Johnny Spero’s Reverie will return to service in February, he says. An August 2022 fire shut down the Michelin-starred and intimate restaurant at 3201 Cherry Hill Lane NW.

OSTERIA MOZZA

Restaurateur Stephen Starr is partnering with Michelin-star chef Nancy Silverton to bring an Italian restaurant to the former Dean & Deluca space at 3276 M St. NW and added, “I am confident that what we create together will knock the socks off of D.C.” Osteria Mozza will include an Italian market, mozzarella bar and restaurant within more than 20,000 square feet in the historic Georgetown Market building.

ALARA

The long-shuttered Paolo’s Ristorante space at 1303 Wisconsin Ave. NW, most recently High Street Grill, will become Alara, a Turkish restaurant by Hakan Ilhan. It will focus on Mediterranean cuisine.

LA BONNE VACHE

La Bonne Vache, “The Good Cow,” will open at the corner that held the beloved Booeymonger for 50 years. As Georgetowner food writer Olga Boikess writes, “Vibrant restaurant pros Claire and Ari Wilder (Chaplin’s, Kappo DC) are transforming the former Booeymonger space at 3265 Prospect St. NW, into an imaginative, French-accented wine bar/bistro, with a menu highlighting burgers dressed up with a Gallic touch.”

GRECO

An authentic Greek fast casual restaurant is ready open at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Dumbarton Street — 1335 Wisconsin Ave. NW — in the building which previously housed &pizza, a 5 Guys burger joint and, before that, Au Pied de Cochon.

FILOMENA EXPANDS

With the departure of Ching Ching Cha Tea Room at 1063 Wisconsin Ave. NW, next door Filomena Ristorante is taking over the space with its new Filomena’s Georgetown Emporium, offering pick-up and catering and pastas and sauces for sale — along with an elevator to the dining room at the lower level.

JINYA RAMEN

Sam Shoja will open a seventh location in the Washington area when he brings Jinya Ramen to 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, formerly the space for Via Umbria, the Italian restaurant, market and event space.

TATTE BAKERY

Tatte Bakery will take over the former Capital One Bank building at Wisconsin Avenue and Q Street. Empty since May 2022, the property at 1545 Wisconsin Ave. NW was purchased for $3.15 million by Roadside Development and Waterview Capital Management.

SPORTS & SOCIAL

The former Ri Ra space at 3125 M St. NW is expected to become a Sports & Social, a sports restaurant that’s into wide-screen TVs, burgers, tacos, salads — and betting.

SKIMS

Founded in 2019 by Kim Kardashian, shapewear brand Skims is looking to open a store at 3300 M St. NW. Skims — which sells loungewear, undergarments and other clothes — is a brand valued at $4 billion.

M.M. LAFLEUR

Getting ready to open at 1344 Wisconsin Ave. NW at the corner that once held Doc Dalinsky’s legendary Georgetown Pharmacy is the women’s clothing store, M.M. LaFleur.

BROMPTON BIKES

Brompton bikes will open a shop at 1214 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The three-part-fold, lightweight bikes were introduced in 1975 by London engineer Andrew Ritchie.

NEW BALANCE

A New Balance footwear store will open at 3139 M St. NW, the former space of America Eats Tavern — and Old Glory for 26 years before that.

OUTERKNOWN

Another cool, sustainable clothing store is coming to 1240 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

CITIBANK CENTER

Citibank Center will open at 1258 Wisconsin Ave. NW, the former Gap space, next to Martin’s Tavern. The historic building will contain, among other amenities, a Citigold lounge. The top floor will reportedly be residences.

PURE SWEAT + FLOAT STUDIO

Pure Sweat + Float Studio, “a communityfocused retreat for health, healing and connection within,” will open its first studio in Georgetown at 3345 Prospect St. NW, formerly a corner dry cleaners.

GOLD’S GYM

Gold’s Gym — with 700 fitness studios worldwide — is coming to Georgetown.

The 24,000-square-foot facility will be in Georgetown Park, located at 3222 M St. NW.

EAGLEBANK, EATERY

The shuttered Eagle Bank at 3143 N St. NW will become a fast-casual eatery, according to business insiders.

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

13

COVER

New Year Is Looking Up Community Groups Comment

ANC 2E’s Gwen Lohse. Courtesy photo.

ANC 2E: GEORGETOWN IS ‘THE DESTINATION’

Georgetown’s sense of community, architectural charm, unique commercial offerings, walkability and abundant green spaces make us THE DESTINATION. From an advisory neighborhood commission perspective, I predict collaboration on:

C O M P I LED BY TH E ED ITOR S The Georgetowner asked top community groups to assess the year ahead. We will be asking these and other groups to report in throughout 2024. The following are comments received by our deadline. Thanks to all — and more groups will have their reports in these pages soon.

Happy New Year!

Public Safety and Enforcement: Addressing Public Safety challenges with visible, traceable solutions for protecting both personal safety and property.

of Georgetown-based designers and artists, our reputation as a place for preservation and cutting-edge design will grow. (The role of the proliferation of cannabis shops is TBD.)

Transportation: This spring, our community will receive city-sponsored recommendations for change; residential feedback will be CRITICAL. Be ready to engage in tradeoffs for prioritizing needs (walking, parking, loading/unloading, buses, micro-mobility, etc.) along with other potential uses of our streets.

On a larger scale, the re-envisioning of how to have a modern, safe, Metro seems inevitable, including a Georgetown connection. Funding is the question here, and everywhere.

Accountability and Public Space: The Georgetown BID’s pandemic-era wider sidewalk pilot (aka Jersey barriers) remains unchanged; 2024 will test if the pilot adapts post-pandemic.

Construction, Preservation and Design: Beyond our undeniable residential renovation boom (yes,impact is a challenge), projects to watch include: • The kick-off of the Jelleff Community Center multi-year upgrade • Completion of several multi-unit buildings • Progress on the new Four Seasons (West Heating Plant) residences • Work on the C&O Canal • The opening of new restaurants With all this construction and the success

Gathering Spots: These are “on-trend” – especially during a national election cycle: • Our range of religious and non-profit institutions • Local farmers markets • Corner markets like Scheele’s, Dent, Stachowski’s • Our schools • Innovative programming at Tudor Place, CAG and our beautiful library • Music at Dumbarton Concerts and Blues Alley • Our cafes and classics like Martin’s Tavern and Thomas Sweet ANC 2E represents you. We meet monthly.

Email me at 2e06@anc.dc.gov with ideas.

— Gwendolyn Lohse, Chair, GeorgetownBurleith-Hillandale ANC 2E

GEORGETOWN BID: ‘REMARKABLY POSITIVE’ Georgetown’s 2024 outlook is remarkably positive. We expect more than 35 new openings including Outerknown, Gold’s Gym, Rails, Club Pilates, Brompton Bikes, New Balance, Osteria Mozza, Le Bonne Vache, Tatte, Alara, Residents Café, Greco, Afghania, Barnes & Noble and Skims. (Prediction: a Kim Kardashian sighting in Georgetown.)

Georgetown’s retail and restaurant vacancy rates are at pre-pandemic levels, with true vacancies at 6 percent — half of what it was two years ago.

A great challenge in 2024 will be office occupancy. Ongoing work-from-home combined with some offices deciding to move into downtown Trophy or Class A spaces (which barely exist in Georgetown) is taking a toll on our submarket. Look for more office conversions to hotel and residential in coming years.

The BID received a two-year permit extension for Georgetown’s streateries and 14 JANUARY 10, 2023

GMG, INC.

sidewalk extensions until December 2025. We now have sufficient time to work with DDOT and the community to design, engineer and pilot more attractive sidewalk extensions that are more appropriate for the historic district

GBID’s Joe Sternlieb. Courtesy GBID.

- while still supporting the thriving outdoor dining scene that has transformed Georgetown for the better.

The BID is working to expand our arts and culture programming in 2024 with both old and new events. And as the National Park Service begins its multi-year project to fix locks and walls along the C&O Canal, our partner, Georgetown Heritage, will fill the void of the C&O Canal boat with new walking tours that explore various themes along the Canal.

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that you can never predict what’s next. (Except more construction on K Street.

That’s a pretty safe bet.) Nonetheless, we are optimistic as we start the new year and look forward to working with all our partners as Georgetown continues to evolve and prosper.

— Joe Sternlieb, CEO & President, Georgetown Business Improvement District

CITIZENS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGETOWN: SAFETY A TOP CONCERN

Since our founding roots in 1876 to the present, the Citizens Association of Georgetown (CAG) has been at the forefront of preserving, protecting and sustaining our community. Over the years, Georgetown has remained timeless. This is one of the reasons people from all backgrounds and generations choose to make this community their home. While embracing change and addressing current challenges, CAG is committed to our mission and financial sustainability to preserve this legacy for generations to come.

As 2024 unfolds, CAG’s most pressing priorities continue to be public safety, historic preservation and zoning, urban landscaping and sustainability, and public health.

This entails testifying before public bodies, commenting on governmental policies and studies, providing community education, and caring for Georgetown’s environment and aesthetics. Also, it is important to foster community through concerts, gatherings and activities that celebrate Georgetown’s unique history. What is not as visible, but extremely important, is CAG’s work on alcohol and beverage control, and our collaboration with other local community stakeholders.

Safety is a matter of particular concern. It is a visible example of how CAG has been working closely with the Georgetown community.

Today, the District is challenged to meet the safety needs of the entire city. As part of those important efforts, CAG will continue to focus on 1) connectivity through our Block Captain Network, MPD, neighbors, and community stakeholders; 2) enhancing security measures with increased cameras, lighting, and signage; and 3) amplifying this neighborhood’s voice by testifying and advocating on public safety legislation, such as the ACTIVE Amendment Act and Safer Stronger Amendment Act. Neighborhood participation is essential to keeping our community connected and safe. CAG wants to hear from you; we ask all our neighbors to join us in this important work and mission.

To learn more, visit www.cagtown.org.

— Tara Sakraida Parker, President, the Citizens Association of Georgetown, and Brittany Sawyer, Executive Director, the Citizens Association of Georgetown

CAG’s Brittany Sawyer and Tara Sakraida Parker. Georgetowner photo.

COVER FRIENDS OF VOLTA PARK: ‘REPAIR WORK, NEW PLANTINGS’

The vibrancy of Volta Park as an urban oasis is celebrated and shared by so many.

This past year’s events were attended by countless familiar and new faces: from the Fall Festival, Breakfast with Santa and the revival of afternoon concerts hosted by our friends at the Citizens Association of Georgetown.

For 2024, we have much of the same to look forward to, with spring additions including a celebration close to Easter, welcoming warmer weather and a community tennis tournament.

While there is repair work planned for 2024, including the city’s project that will focus on the west side baseball field, we hope some of the field will be accessible, with certainly the east portion recreation areas open for use. In partnership with the city’s urban forester, local landscape advisors and the Garden Club, the trees, shrubs and native plants will receive love and attention this coming year. New plantings opposite the basketball court will

FORP’s Gail Daubert (left). Georgetowner photo.

FRIENDS OF ROSE PARK: ‘MORE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES’

Engagement at multiple levels. We feel it’s important to bring more interactive experiences to Rose Park so that Georgetowners can fully immerse themselves in the environment and the Wednesday market. We hope to bring interactive experiences to the weekly market, including cooking demonstrations and lessons in seasonings combined with tips and information on selecting produce and fish and other market goodies. Caviar tasting anyone?

Let us know. And, of course, tennis tournaments and potentially pickleball at some point.

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY: ‘A GREAT 2024’ Members of the Friends of Volta Park Board, from left to right, front row: Michelle Johnstone, Carrie Hoffman, Darcy Nauman, Saraya Arnold, Elizabeth Reid; back row: Alison Garback and Ashley Burke. Courtesy FOVP. beautify the walkways.

The Friends of Volta Park will again host its annual cocktail party at the George Town Club on June 1, 2024. We look forward to seeing the community at this and our many other fun-filled events.

— Saraya Arnold, President, Friends of Volta Park A picture is worth more than a thousand words but who’s counting unless you have a word limit. We are blessed: Andy Cline is an excellent photographer and is so giving to the community. Friends of Rose Park believe that documenting events in the park through photography is important to our community.

So, expect to see more of Andy as he seeks to capture special moments so that parents and children can savor the moments, and future generations can look back and reflect on what life was like in Georgetown in 2024.

Influencers are essential for the effective promotion of events and activities. Don’t be surprised if a FORP Board member stops you on the street and asks you to “post” your photos from the park on Instagram. We plan to tap into neighbors, students and vendors to broaden awareness and support inclusiveness for all events in Rose Park.

In 2024, we encourage neighbors to join a mailing list, follow us on social media, and volunteer.

We are looking forward to a great 2024.

The new year will be a key time for “Called to Be: The Campaign for Georgetown,” a campaign in which we invite our exceptional community of alumni, family and friends to help Georgetown University answer its calling with action and impact.

In the coming year, the university will continue investing in developing its physical infrastructure across all its campuses, including downtown. We continue to develop our Capitol Campus, which will provide new facilities and expanded opportunities for the McCourt School of Public Policy, Law Center, School of Continuing Studies, CALL (Capitol Applied Learning Lab) program, Earth Commons Institute and School of Health. We are also hard at work modernizing our Hilltop campus through the construction of the new residential village on the site of the former Henle Village residential complex.

We will continue working with the neighborhood and Washington, D.C., community to enhance safety, respond to

concerns and create opportunities for university and neighborhood engagement. I’m excited to return to Georgetown this January and continue working with our neighbors and the broader D.C. community.

— Cory Peterson, Vice President of Community Engagement and Local Government Affairs

G.U.’s Cory Peterson. Courtesy photo.

— Gail Daubert, President of Friends of Rose Park

GEORGETOWN MAIN STREET: ‘OUR BEST YEAR YET’

We’ll see a continued national business interest in Wisconsin Avenue NW, which will add to the ever-increasing pressure to support our independent shops. We must all make intentional decisions on where we spend our dollars.

Georgetown will remain a primary retail and tourism destination in the region with exciting new and existing restaurants, one-ofa-kind retailers and charming side streets.

Georgetown Main Street will have our best year yet for community events, business support and community engagement.

— Rachel Shank, Executive Georgetown Main Street

Director,

GMS’s Rachel Shank. Courtesy GMS.

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

15

REAL ESTATE

January Auction Block

BY KAT E OCZ Y P OK Our new year kicks off with an eclectic mix of highlights, including a mid-19th century oil painting by Vincent De Vos, Pee-Wee Herman’s “treasured bike,” a Tiffany lamp from Christie’s, a Monopoly-inspired pop-art piece and more.

BONHAMS

CHRISTIE’S

Paul Reubens Pee-Wee Herman Promotion Used Custom Bike from “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure”

DOYLE “Three Dogs at Rest” by Vincent De Vos

SOLD FOR: $140,200 The centerpiece of the beloved Tim Burton movie, Pee-Wee’s treasured bike leads up across the country into all kinds of adventures.

The bike, part of Bonhams’ “Pop Culture Then & Now” auction, sold for $140,200. It is painted in glossy red and white with chrome components and grills.

ESTIMATE: $1,000-$2,000 SOLD FOR: $10,080 This signed oil on canvas is from the estate of Renee Meyers from a Manhattan apartment decorated by Albert Hadley. The painting sold at almost 10x the estimate value. Vincent De Vos was a Belgian artist who specialized in the painting of scenes with animals, particularly dogs, cats, and monkeys.

See the full list at georgetowner.com. Listed from highest to lowest sold.

PROVIDED BY WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES

JAN. 2024 REAL ESTATE SALES

ADDRESS 2221 30th St NW 2900 K St NW #601 78 Kalorama Cir NW 3150 South St NW #3F 3321 Prospect St NW 2101 Connecticut Ave NW #85 5163 Tilden St NW 1803 Kalorama Sq NW #2 1816 45th St NW 2735 Cathedral Ave NW 4915 Western Ave NW 1177 22nd St NW #9C 2117 Leroy Pl NW 1717 Swann St NW 4735 Rodman St NW 3209 Cleveland Ave NW 3324 Reservoir Rd NW 3031 O St NW 49 Observatory Cir NW 1632 15th St NW 4420 Fessenden St NW 3438 34th Pl NW 4200 Massachusetts Ave NW #1008 1929 Calvert St NW 3303 Water St NW #2M 4606 Foxhall Crescents NW 4531 Garrison St NW 1108 16th St NW #PH701 1745 Willard St NW 3508 Winfield Ln NW 5111 42nd St NW 1111 23rd St NW #2D 4500 Verplanck Pl NW 4536 Broad Branch Rd NW 3408 O St NW 1451 S St NW #2 3420 O St NW 3420 O St NW 4009 Van Ness St NW 3116 Rodman St NW 16 JANUARY 10, 2023 GMG, INC. 1349 28th St NW 2017 Flagler Pl NW 1414 22nd St NW #42 219 Morgan St NW

Tiffany Studios, Dogwood Table Lamp

WESCHLER’S “Get Out of Jail” Limited Edition 42 of 500 Giclee Print on Canvas by Nelson De La Nuez ESTIMATE: $600 SOLD FOR: $2,200 Nelson De La Nuez is one of the most soughtafter modern pop artists today. He produces distinct, colorful, mixed media artwork like this riff on the Monopoly man. De Le Nuez incorporates commerce, pop culture and advertising in his work.

ESTIMATE: $50,000-$70,000 SOLD FOR: $126,000 A Tiffany Studios Dogwood table lamp, circa 1902, sold for over $50,000 the estimated price.

It’s made of leaded glass and patinated bronze.

The shade is impressed with “Tiffany Studios New York” and the base with “Tiffany Studios New York 25883,” with the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company monogram.

THE POTOMACK COMPANY Pair of Continental Egyptian Revival Figural Porcelain Candlesticks ESTIMATE: $200-$400 SOLD FOR: $3,500 The Egyptian Revival candlesticks are both formed as semi-nude kneeling maidens holding bowls in their laps with semicircular bowls to each side. From the estate of Bonner Field in Washington, D.C.

SUBDIVISION/NEIGHBORHOOD MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE HEIGHTS GEORGETOWN KALORAMA GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN KALORAMA SPRING VALLEY KALORAMA BERKLEY WOODLEY PARK AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK WEST END KALORAMA OLD CITY #2 SPRING VALLEY WOODLEY GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN OBSERVATORY CIRCLE DUPONT CIRCLE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK CLEVELAND PARK WESLEY HEIGHTS KALORAMA GEORGETOWN BERKLEY AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK DOWNTOWN DUPONT CIRCLE GEORGETOWN NORTH CLEVELAND PARK WEST END AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK FOREST HILLS GEORGETOWN OLD CITY #2 GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN MCLEAN GARDENS CLEVELAND PARK GEORGETOWN BLOOMINGDALE WEST END MOUNT VERNON TRIANGLE

BEDS 9 4 4 4 4 3 7 4 5 6 6 3 6 5 5 6 4 3 5 4 6 4 2 8 2 5 5 2 5 3 4 2 6 4 4 2 2 5 6 3 1 4 2 5

FULL BATH 12 4 5 4 4 2 4 3 6 6 6 3 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 2 7 2 5 4 2 5 4 4 2 4 4 3 2 1 4 5 3 1 3 2 3

HALF BATH 3 2 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 3 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LIST PRICE $16,500,000 $8,950,000 $5,995,000 $5,499,500 $4,995,000 $3,750,000 $3,500,000 $3,595,000 $3,495,000 $3,575,000 $3,375,000 $3,795,000 $2,995,000 $2,995,000 $2,795,900 $2,800,000 $2,895,000 $2,650,000 $2,450,000 $2,575,000 $2,475,000 $2,100,000 $2,195,000 $2,249,000 $2,200,000 $2,195,000 $1,985,000 $1,995,000 $1,985,000 $1,995,000 $1,950,000 $1,850,000 $1,949,000 $1,795,000 $1,725,000 $1,650,000 $1,650,000 $1,650,000 $1,695,000 $1,465,000 $1,650,000 $1,590,000 $1,624,900 $1,595,000

CLOSE PRICE $12,250,000 $8,575,000 $5,750,000 $5,100,000 $4,895,000 $3,700,000 $3,600,000 $3,595,000 $3,400,000 $3,300,000 $3,225,000 $3,050,000 $3,000,000 $2,995,000 $2,795,900 $2,775,000 $2,748,072 $2,650,000 $2,505,000 $2,500,000 $2,425,000 $2,200,000 $2,195,000 $2,095,000 $2,060,000 $1,995,000 $1,985,000 $1,970,000 $1,962,000 $1,950,000 $1,950,000 $1,865,000 $1,850,000 $1,800,000 $1,725,000 $1,660,000 $1,650,000 $1,650,000 $1,635,000 $1,625,000 $1,600,000 $1,590,000 $1,588,000 $1,555,000

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

17

ARTS

Artswatch New Directors at Washington Ballet, Planet Word and GALA Hispanic

BY KAT E OCZ Y P OK

THERESA MCCULLA DEPARTS SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Theaster Gates.

Courtesy National Building Museum.

THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM ANNOUNCES 2023 VINCENT SCULLY PRIZE RECIPIENT

Artist and social innovator Theaster Gates was awarded The National Building Museum’s annual Vincent Scully Prize in November. The prize, established in 1999, recognizes excellence in practice, scholarship, or criticism in architecture, urban design and historic preservation. Gates’ global practice (rooted in Chicago) translates the complexities of Blackness through sculpture, space theory, land development and sculpture.

PLANET WORD GETS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Planet Word, the interactive museum of language, has announced a new Nikki DeJesus Sertsu. executive director.

Photo by Shannon Nikki DeJesus Finney.

Sertsu, who was previously Planet Word’s senior director of exhibits and special projects, joined the organization in 2017. In 2021 and 2022, DeJesus Sertsu managed the creation of Lexicon Lane, a word puzzle themed, escape room like experience. Currently, Sertsu is the head of the Exhibits and Special Projects team, which works to advance Planet Word’s mission-driven visitor experience. Planet Word opened in 2020.

D.C. COMMISSION ON THE ARTS & HUMANITIES AWARDS OVER $26.6 MILLION IN GRANTS

A variety of arts and humanities projects across all of D.C.’s eight wards will be funded this fiscal year 2024. The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities announced the awarding of 1,025 grants totaling nearly $30 million to individuals and non-profits in the area.

18 JANUARY 10, 2023

GMG, INC.

Theresa McCulla departed the National Museum of American History Nov. 3. She is now the curator of Mars, Incorporated at their corporate headquarters in McLean.

During her time there, McCulla worked on the American Brewing History Initiative at the museum. In a farewell letter, she said: “It has been a tremendous honor to research and document the people and histories of American beer and give their stories a home at the Smithsonian.” The American Brewing History Initiative concluded with McCulla’s departure.

THE PUPPET CO. HAS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Glen Echo Park playhouse The Puppet Co. has welcomed a new executive director.

Isabel Dawson relocated to the area from Moline, Illinois, where she was executive director for Genesius Guild, and helped to produce free outdoor classical theatre. “I am so excited to welcome Isabel into the Puppet Co. family,” Artistic Director Elizabeth Dapo said in a press release. “Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and bubbling personality are a great addition to our staff.”

CAMP ARENA STAGE MULTI- ARTS DAY CAMP

WHERE COMMUNITY AND ART MAKE MAGIC

THE WASHINGTON BALLET NAMES EDWAARD LIANG AS NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Edwaard Liang has been named The Washington Ballet’s new artistic director.

Liang is an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer and administrator who is the fourth artistic director in the company’s history.

Liang also is the first person of color to head the organization. He was born in Taiwan and raised in California and began his career with the New York City Ballet. He discovered his passion for choreography while invited by former Czech dancer Jiří Kylián to dance with Nederlands Dans Theater. Liang is an Emmy Awardwinner for the short dance film Elie Glyn. Photo by “Vaulted.”

Sandra Sellars © 2023.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON GEORGETOWNER.COM.

AGES 8-15 2- AND 3- WEEK SESSIONS BACK IN

GEORGETOWN THIS SUMMER!

ART | DANCE | THEATER | MUSIC | WRITING | FILM

REGISTER TODAY! ARENASTAGE.ORG/CAMP OR CALL 202-488-3300 ARENASTAGE.ORG/CAMP

IN COUNTRY

Key West: Hemingway’s Haven

BY TR IS H F OX W EL L One of Florida’s most unique and appealing islands, located on the state’s southernmost tip is the famed Key West, with its abundant literary and presidential history and an array of outstanding outdoor adventures. After all, singer songwriter Jimmy Buffett and literary legends Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams all fell under its spell.

For the traveler, Key West is a unique mix of beautiful weather, fascinating history and a host of exceptional outdoor activities. Its compact size allows easy exploration and puttering. Old Town Trolley Tours provide a 90-minute hop on/ hop off tour, just the way to skirt around town and take in its charms.

Here are some other “Key” highlights: The Ernest Hemingway House on Whitehead Street put Key West on the literary map. A tour through the lovely Spanish Colonial house designed by marine architect Asa Tift allows visitors to see where the acclaimed writer lived and worked from 1931 to 1961. Remarkably, the estate where he penned “A Farewell to Arms” and “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” is largely as Hemmingway left it, as one of the most important literary hideaways in the United

H I G H A C R E FA R M

Hemingway’s house in Key West. Photo courtesy Trish Foxwell.

States. For any Hemingway fan a visit is a must.

Tours are offered every day throughout the year A walk through the house reveals many of Hemingway’s most prized personal possessions including his African hunting trophies.

Everything on display belonged to him. The carriage house, right behind the main house, was his literary sanctum and proves the most intriguing spot on the tour. He spent most of his mornings working on his novels and stories first in longhand and then on the Royal typewriter that sits on his desk nearby. Photographs and books surround the intimate room’s interior.

Hemingway recalled how special the writing studio was to him: “I wrote the “Snows of Kilimanjaro” in the studio and by the time I finished, I had put into the material four novels, distilled and compressed -- nothing held back...”

If his mornings were spent writing, he spent afternoons on his boat “The Pilar” with his friends Charlie Thompson and Joe Russell, on

The Plains, Virginia • $6,500,000

Leesburg, Virginia • $3,965,000

Upperville, Virginia • $1,195,000

U P P E RV I L L E L A N D

1 4 0 9 C A P I TO L S T R E E T S W

263 acres between Middleburg and The Plains | c. 1909 brick Georgian main residence | Gorgeous millwork & fine finishes | 7 fireplaces | 4 bedrooms | Lovely rolling land with mountain views | Mix of usable land and mature woods | Extensive stone walls, notable formal garden & terraces | 3 tenant houses and multiple farm buildings

Custom built brick home, 6,000 sq ft | 5 BR, 4 ½ BA, 2 FP, 3 car garage | 50.72 acres | 6 stall barn w/tack room, feed room & large hay loft | 3 run-in sheds,7 fenced paddocks, full size riding ring, trails throughout the property | Turn key equestrian facility | Farm office building w/ 2 oversized garage doors | Stone terrace w/fire pit

Total of 44.55 acres of which 15 acres were producing grapes | Prime location w/mountain Views & privacy | Vineyard infrastructure still remains &includes fencing, irrigation system and computerized well | Perc site for 4 bedroom home. Property is in conservation easement | Property can be converted to Residential use.

Paul MacMahon Helen MacMahon

Paul MacMahon Brian MacMahon

Paul MacMahon Brian MacMahon

Completely renovated with all new systems & highend touches throughout | Open floor plan and all of the modern conveniences | 2 BR, 2.5 BA, & 2 parking spaces | Located in the heart of the Southwest Waterfront, across from Nationals Park near the shops & restaurants at the Wharf & Capitol Riverfront, just south of Capitol Hill & the National Mall | Access to commuter routes and metro

(703) 609-1905 (540) 454-1930

B A R TO N P L A C E

S O U T H PA W P L A C E

fishing expeditions and sometimes stopping in the original Sloppy Joe’s for an afternoon drink. When walking around the grounds, be on the lookout for one of the six-toed cats that freely roam the property. A ships’ captain gave Hemingway a cat as a pet and in no time the colony of cats grew into what it is today.

The house, largely saved due to his son’s efforts after Hemingway’s death, is a National Historic Landmark and continues to be one of the areas’ most visited sites.

Playwright Tennessee Williams also made Key West his home from 1941 until his death in 1983. His cottage, whom he called the Mad House, is privately owned and was his literary hideaway where he worked on “Summer and Smoke” and “Night of the Iguana.” Williams arrived in Key West just ten years after Hemingway put down roots. Like Hemingway, Williams loved the warm weather and remarked in an interview, “I could swim in the winter and

I came to Key West – it was the southernmost point and I was immediately enchanted by the place.” Fellow writer Truman Capote was often a guest at the hidden hideaway. The Friends of the Libraries USA donated a plaque outside the cottage with the quote: “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers” from Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

For a peek into presidential history a visit to the Truman Little White House is a must.

Originally a naval station during the SpanishAmerican War, Truman visited and stayed in the house eleven times beginning in November 1946 until March 1952. When the chilly weather hit Washington, Truman packed his bags and left the Oval Office for Key West. He loved to swim, go for outings on his yacht “The Williamsburg” and play poker with his buddies.

Other Commanders-in-Chief who visited the house included Dwight Eisenhower in 1955 and John Kennedy in 1961 and 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Outdoor excursions also abound on Key West.

No visit to the island is complete without taking in a sunset from Mallory Square or going snorkeling – sometimes with dolphins – in the crystal waters on the Coral Reef. For birding and nature enthusiasts, Fort Zachary State Park is a stones’ throw from the Hemingway House. A variety of species, from the Magnificent Frigate Bird, Black Skimmer and the Painted Bunting can be glimpsed. Be sure to pack binoculars and a camera on this outing.

(703) 609-1905 (703) 609-1868

Brian MacMahon

(703) 609-1868

Arlington, Virginia • $840,000

Leesburg, Virginia • $784,900

Purcellville, Virginia • $600,000

S A I N T LO U I S R O A D

L E E D S M A N O R R OA D

3BR, 3.5 BA brick townhouse in the heart of Clarendon | Main level features a half bath, a fireplace, hardwood floors | Second level laundry room | Oversized private outdoor balcony on third level | All exterior maintenance is taken care of by the Condo Association | Easy access to the Courthouse and Clarendon metro stations, Rocky Run Park, shops, restaurants, and major commuting routes

Historic 1798-built farmhouse on 17.5 acres of rolling pastures, features 2 ponds and is surrounded by large tracks of land | The tastefully updated and restored home features 4 bedrooms, 2 updated bathrooms, an updated kitchen, & historical charm | Easy access to area wineries & breweries, downtown Leesburg, Lucketts the Potomac River, the MARC train, & commuting routes. Zoned AR-1

Hard to f ind 9.58 acres between Middleburg and Purcellville | In the process of obtaining 4 bedroom certif ication letter f rom Loudoun County Health department | Mountain views, woods and pasture with frontage on Beaverdam Creek. No HOA

Classic farmhouse on 1 acre, constructed in 1899 | Traditional floor plan | Sitting area, large living room & family room | Galley kitchen extends to the dining room & sunroom w/views of the countryside | Upstairs, there is a primary bedroom, 2 additional bedrooms, a full bath, & a sleeping porch | Basement contains a rec room , ample storage | Spacious backyard, 2 large outbuildings

Brian MacMahon

Brian MacMahon

Paul MacMahon

Marqui Simmons

(703) 609-1868

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

HIDDEN POND

(703) 609-1905 (703) 609-1868

Washington, DC • $948,000

(703) 609-1868

(540) 687-5588

(703) 609-1905

Markham, Virginia • $549,900

(703) 774-6109

110 East Washington Street Middleburg, Virginia 20117

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

19

FOOD & WINE

THE LATEST DISH Doubling Down on Adams Morgan

BY LINDA ROT H Omar Popal and The Popal Group now own the building where Havana Village used to be at 1834 Columbia Rd., NW in Adams Morgan, where they plan to open a new restaurant, Maison. They’re not new to the ‘hood, as they also operate Lapis, across the street on Columbia Rd. Maison will be focused on wines and cocktails with some small bites from Chef Matt Conroy. They’re targeting a Q2 2024 opening. That’s in addition to Pascual,

Grilled Octopus and Fingerling Potatoes. Courtesy Roofers Union.

the Mexican restaurant they plan to open this month on Capitol Hill at 732 Maryland Ave. NE. Roofers Union in Adams Morgan will reopen in mid-January with new management and new menu. Chef Jose Molina, a Michelin Guide-nominee from New Heights restaurant, will lead the culinary program and Nik Namdar and crew will run the front of the house. Sister operations include New Heights in Woodley Park and Code Red in Adams Morgan.

Right Proper Brewing Co. of Brookland and Shaw plans to open its third location in Eckington Yards development at 1625 Eckington Pl. NE in Q4 2024, with seating for 180. Owners Thor and Leah Cheston continue to offer lighter, experimental ales, lagers and saisons. Executive Chef Jonatan Bohr will serve his popular dishes from the Shaw location, as well as wine on tap and cocktails.

The mezzanine level will be available for private events.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers opens its first urbanformat restaurant, geared towards travelers, at Union Station this month. Their first Raising

Cane’s opened in Sterling in Dec. 2022. Plans call for a Q1 2024 opening in Bowie at Crain Highway and Heritage Blvd., and Q3 2024 opening in Falls Church at Leesburg Pike and Patrick Henry Dr. Shawn Malone, for merly of Magnolias at the Mill in Purcellville and Tuscarora Mill in Leesburg, plans to open Bistro on the Porch where Front Porch Market & Grill was in The Plains. The plan is to reopen the recently closed Fauquier County restaurant in February.

Quick Hits: Jinya Ramen Bar plans to open its seventh store in the D.C. metro area, in Georgetown at 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW where Via Umbria and Officina used to be. It will seat 150. A Q2 2024 opening is planned….

David Guas of Bayou Bakery in Clarendon will open Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen at 6641 Old Dominion Dr. in McLean in Q2 2024, serving classic American, locally sourced food…. Recently opened Sixty Vines in Reston will open its second location in the DMV, in Foggy Bottom in Q2 2024…. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar plans to open in Kingstowne Towne Center where Romano’s Macaroni Grill is. It will seat 186 indoors and 62 on the outdoor patio. Lazy Dog also has

Roofers Union. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Instagram restaurants in Fairfax and Chantilly.

Just Opened: Long Shot Hospitality (Dauphine’s, The Salt Line) and former Top Chef winner Gabe Erales opened Ometeo, a Tex-Mex restaurant in Tysons…. Stefanos Vouvoudakis, Tom Tsiplakos (ForFiveCoffee) and Joe Ragonese (Philippe Chow) opened Balos, a Greek restaurant aka “estiatorio” at 1900 N Street NW with Athens-based chef Jean-Charles Métayer at the kitchen helm….

Danielle Harris opened Almeda, an Afrofusion restaurant in Petworth where Crane & Turtle used to be.

Linda Roth is Founder and 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.

1310 Kitchen & Bar’s New Vibrant Vibe

BY OL GA BOIKESS

Chef Maziar and brother Shahab Farivar

Jenn Crovato, the resourceful chef/owner of 1310 Kitchen & Bar, gives her Georgetown brunch haven at 1310 Wisconsin Avenue a vibrant vibe with arresting photos of “women in song.” Her recent redo of the spacious, sundappled room features distinctive, action shots of popular female entertainers. There’s an airy, modern feel to the space with its sweeping windows and subtle earth tones. Now, she can host receptions and private dinners for groups – receptions for as many as 110 people, seated dinners for 80 and smaller spaces for 40.

Bold flavors distinguish Chef Crovato’s menus. Several new vegetarian dishes – including an eggplant take on short ribs and ratatouille lasagna – reflect her flavor-forward ethos. Tried and true favorites like chicken

BREAKFAST EVERYDAY UNTIL 4:00 Reservations for Valentine’s Day, birthday celebrations, lunch and dinner. Call 202-625-2740

Re-imagined dining room at 1310. Courtesy 1310.

20 JANUARY 10, 2023

GMG, INC.

pot pie are in heavy demand – “even in August,” she says. At her incredibly popular brunch, eggs shakshuka (baked in a zesty Mediterranean tomato sauce) and egg white omelets (paired with fries) fly out the kitchen door. Huevos rancheros are another staple.

Dinner highlights include a burrata and caponata starter and a fish stew sparked with red coconut curry. Peruvian chicken, burgers and braised short ribs stoke hearty appetites.

Old-fashioned ice cream sundaes gussied up with caramel sauce, Oreo crumbs, housemade snickerdoodles and whipped cream arrive at many tables. Dessert pies in jars are popular orders to-go, as are her signature savory mealsized pies.

A close look at the photos on the walls is well worth the effort. (Ask for the “map.”)

These are not glamorous, posed portraits.

Music lover Crovato has hunted down unusual action shots that show the “bad ass/tough” character of many of the music stars. In one street shot, beguiling Billie Holliday holds a handbag in one hand and a trumpet in another.

Miley Cyrus lets her hair down, so-to-speak, as she belts out a song. Like Chef Crovato herself, they embody intrepid spirits with distinctive styles.

For more on 1310 Kitchen & Bar go to 1310kitchendc.com

SOCIAL SCENE

FORD’S THEATRE Rita Moreno received the Lincoln Medal at Ford’s Theatre’s Annual Gala June 11.

Rita Moreno and her daughter, Fernanda Luisa Gordon at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala June 11.

Photo by Norwood Photography.

2023 Social Scene Wrap Up

BY THE G EO RG ETO WNER

WOLF TRAP

TUDOR PLACE

Wolf Trap’s 2023 Ball, “The Golden Hour,” was September 23.

Tudor Place’s 31st Annual Spring Garden Party honored Diana Prince.

Wolf Trap Ball co-chairs Hillary Baltimore and Karen Schaufeld (first row L to R), Wolf Trap Foundation Board Chairman Daniel A. D’Aniello and Wolf Trap President and CEO Arvind Manocha (second row L to R), Gideon Malone, Manocha’s partner (third row). Photo by Tony Powell

Garden Party co-chairs Julia Cottafavi and Paige Shirk with Board of Trustees President Mary Moffett Keaney and Daisy Prince Chisholm, daughter of honoree Diana Prince. Photo by Jay Snapp-La Dexon Photographie. Courtesy Tudor Place.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS The National Museum of Women in the Arts spring gala took place at the Italian Embassy last year.

Gwen Holliday, Jamie Dorros, Amra Fazlic, Ashley Davis, Grace Bender, Cindy Jones, Amy Donnelly, and Kristen Lund. Photo by Tony Powell, courtesy of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 10, 2023

21

KITTY KELLEY BOOK CLUB

‘After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?’

A BRASH YOUNG AUTHOR OFFERS DUBIOUS ADVICE TO THE CROWN. R EVIEWE D BY KIT T Y K E LLE Y “After Elizabeth” purports to be the first lifesaving buoy tossed to a drowning monarchy.

“We’ve been conning ourselves,” writes author Ed Owens, a Brit now living in France. “Just as historians of the (royal-backed) Commonwealth have revealed it to be a hollow organization… the monarchy exists as a kind of screen on to which the UK public has been encouraged to project ideas of perpetual national greatness that simply don’t bear the weight of scrutiny.”

No knighthood for this young man, who announces he’s “under 40” and part of the generation most opposed to “a pampered royal elite.” In reassessing royalty, Owens writes: “Given its loss of real-world economic and geopolitical power, Britain has comforted itself by focusing on a rear-view mirror that offers a romantic rose-tinted vision of past glories.”

Claiming that “opinion poll after opinion poll” revealed more than half of the country was uninterested in the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023, Owens writes that peak viewership was “just 20 million, roughly

two-thirds the size of the audience that tuned in for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. This was less than one third of the entire UK population.”

The author recognizes, as do the royals, that the greatest threat to the crown is not its loudest critics but rather its slow slide into irrelevance.

Despite the 2,300 guests invited to Westminster Abbey to witness Charles’ coronation, the ceremony may have disappointed the son who does not attract his mother’s masses. Swathed in an ermine-trimmed red velvet robe, satin sash, and diamond-encrusted crown, the 75-year-old king looked like he was playing dress-up in the queen’s closet. On that particular day, the St. Edward’s crown itself became a problem. “We practiced putting it on and securing it down twice a week over four months,” the archbishop of Canterbury told the New York Times recently. “It’s a wobbly old thing.”

While the Most Rev. Justin Welby addressed the literal problem of securing the crown on the king’s head, Owens addresses the figurative

A highly trained and experienced Nurse Practitioner.

Suzy French, MS, CRNP

LET ME HELP YOU LOOK YOUR BEST! Our services include IPL, Laser Hair reduction, Laser Vein treatments, Chemical peels and non-ablative skin resurfacing and more. Call or book online!

WWW.HELIOSLASERCENTER.COM (202) 4502230 4900 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 320 Washington, DC 20016

22 JANUARY 10, 2023

GMG, INC.

problem of getting rid of the “wobbly old thing.” But his arguments in this book are themselves too wobbly to be of much concern to the House of Windsor. Royalists will be relieved to learn that for all the author’s talk of “a new kind of democratic kingship,” Owens still intends to crack a knee to the king, whereas Republicans in the U.K., still a minority, seek to replace the monarchy with an elected head of state. No crowns, no curtsies.

For U.K. Republicans, this means a clean sweep of the British class system with its dukes, marquesses, earls (counts), viscounts, and barons. Sitting atop this stratification of British society today is Charles Philip Arthur George — king of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms — whose net worth is conservatively estimated to be $747 million, with a real estate portfolio valued at $21 billion, most of which is tax-exempt and hidden from the public.

Trying to straddle the royalist-Republican divide, Owens proposes a “Monarchy Act” that would put in writing the role of the crown in constitutional politics. This is how he attempts to explain his convoluted proposition: “Although the Monarchy Act could be introduced as part of a much wider codification of the constitution if there was support for it, it could just as easily exist as part of the hybrid constitution (partly written, partly unwritten) that currently exists in Britain, where some parts of government have their function articulated clearly in writing.”

Whew!

Presently, Britain has no fully written constitution, and getting one in the aftermath of Brexit seems as likely as blue birds flying

over the white cliffs of Dover. Yet the author suggests that King Charles III, who’s waited decades to wear the crown, might voluntarily initiate a public discussion on the future of the monarchy and seek to diminish his own imperial role.

This challenges credulity — somewhat like expecting a death-row prisoner to willingly oil the coils of the electric chair — yet Owens insists that if the monarchy doesn’t radically reinvent itself, which “will require root-andbranch reform,” Britain will devolve into a republic. The author leaves no doubt about how distasteful that would be.

Readers of this dense book full of rambling run-on sentences might be well advised to catch the final six episodes of “The Crown” and dwell in the bubble of fashion and money and gossip and intrigue that defines the same House of Windsor young Ed Owens seeks to reform and rehabilitate.

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.

Meet the Breast Medical Oncology Team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Every patient is unique, and so is their cancer. Our nationally recognized breast cancer specialists are here to diagnose and treat your cancer, offering a variety of treatment options that address your specific cancer.

Through our research partnership with Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center—the area’s only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute—we are offering tomorrow’s treatments, today.

Our multidisciplinary team prioritizes compassion, respect, and empathy through every interaction because that’s the kind of care we’d want for our family members.

Meet our team.

Seated: Elaine Walsh, MD; Beth Strand, NP. Standing from left: Theresa Harrington Stukus, NP; Candace Mainor, MD; Miriam Jacobs, MD; Joyce Slingerland, MD; Nadia Ashai, MD; Claudine Isaacs, MD

If you would like to schedule an appointment or consultation with a member of our breast medical oncology team, part of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, please call 202-444-2223.

Georgetowner Oncology Ad 10 x 11.25.indd 1

GMG, INC.

2:10 PM JANUARY 10,3/2/23 2023 23

202.944.5000

WFP.COM

D GEORGETOWN

$7,750,000

3255 Prospect St. NW #PH-5 Washington, DC

Jamie Peva 202-258-5050 Anne Hatfield Weir 202-255-2490

$6,850,000

GEORGETOWN

KENT

$6,825,000

GEORGETOWN

$5,500,000

Nancy Itteilag 202-905-7762 Chris Itteilag 301-633-8182

$6,100,000

3065 University Ter. NW, Washington, DC

1015 Basil Rd., McLean, VA 22101

Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813 The Nancy Taylor Bubes Group

Ben Roth 202-465-9636 The Roth Team

W. Ted Gossett 703-625-5656

UNDER CONTRACT 2900 K St. NW #607, Washington, DC

DOWNSCREST

1633 31st St. NW, Washington, DC

$4,850,000

KALORAMA

UNDER CONTRACT GEORGETOWN

$4,745,000

2122 S St. NW, Washington, DC

3318 N St. NW, Washington, DC

Liz D’Angio 202-427-7890 The Nancy Taylor Bubes Group

Liz D’Angio 202-427-7890 The Nancy Taylor Bubes Group

GEORGETOWN

$4,495,000

3115 O St. NW, Washington, DC

Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813 The Nancy Taylor Bubes Group

PRICE IMPROVEMENT COUNTRYSIDE

$4,250,000

903 Countryside Ct, McLean, VA

W. Ted Gossett 703-625-5656

GEORGETOWN

$1,995,000

3303 Water St. NW #3M, Washington, DC

Sassy Jacobs 202-276-5449 Ben Roth 202-465-9636

$3,495,000

LOGAN CIRCLE

1501 S St. NW, Washington, DC

Robert Hryniewicki HRL Partners 202-243-1620

GEORGETOWN

1305-1315 30th St. NW #1A Washington, DC

$1,690,000

Nathan Guggenheim 202-333-5905 HRL Partners 202-243-1620

GEORGETOWN

Robert Hryniewicki HRL Partners 202-243-1620

CHEVY CHASE

Kathy Kiernan 301-523-7926 Kay McGrath 202-276-1235

BRINGING YOU THE FINEST

GMG, INC.

$1,449,000

5600 Wisconsin Ave. #1-1502 Chevy Chase, MD

AGENTS • PROPERTIES • EXPERIENCE

24 JANUARY 10, 2023

$2,850,000

3525 Winfield Ln. NW, Washington, DC

FOXHALL

$1,995,000

4501 Foxhall Cres. NW, Washington, DC

W. Ted Gossett 703-625-5656 Jean Smith 202-255-8167

SOUTHWEST/WATERFRONT$775,000

1410 Carrollsburg Pl. SW, Washington, DC

Cody McBeth 228-324-7894