Washington Life Magazine - Summer 2007

LUXURY ESCAPES ISSUE SUMMER

WA S H I N G TO N ’S P R E M I E R LUXU RY L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E S I N C E 1 9 9 1

PARTIALLY YOURS

FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP AND PRIVATE RESIDENCY CLUBS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

WL’S GUIDE TO ALL THINGS

SUMMER!

RUSSIA’S EASTERN SHORE DACHA NO SUBS INCLUDED

TIPS FOR BEING A BETTER HOUSEGUEST GET SHANGHAI’D TANGO IN BUENOS AIRES WITH KEVIN CHAFFEE SPACE OUT!

DUBAI’S PRINCESS HAYA WORLD FOOD PROGRAM ADVOCATE OLYMPIC ATHLETE U N GOODWILL AMBASSADOR AND TRUCK DRIVER?

S! IE !

RT IES PA T E AR IV ! P US IES CL RT EX PA

SUMMER TREND REPORT & JET-SET STYLES THE MOSAIC FOUNDATION CELEBRATES TEN YEARS

S U M M E R 2 0 07 • $3.9 5

PLUS

EXCLUSIVE!

WASHINGTON LIFE

WITH MICHELLE FENTY ANN NITZE LETITIA BALDRIDGE ALI WENTWORTH FRANCO NUSCHESE & MORE

L ET’S M EET AT C A F É DU PA RC .

D.C.’s place to meet for authentic French Bistro cuisine, wine, coffee and conversation, on Pennsylvania Avenue adjacent to the Willard InterContinental® Hotel. With exquisite French pastries, fresh brioche and in-between meal “petits plats,” Café du Parc serves breakfast through dinner on two levels with Parisian-style outdoor dining in the warmer months. Bon appétit!

Do you live an InterContinental life?

Call 202.942.7000 or visit www.cafeduparc.com ©2007 InterContinental Hotels Group. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and/or operated.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING TIMING IS EVERYTHING

(and there will never be a better time than now to join exclusive resorts) (and there will never be a better time than now to join exclusive resorts)

Drew Gilman and Family Members Since 2003 DrewExclusive GilmanResorts and Family

Exclusive Resorts Members Since 2003

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TIMING IS EVERYT In the pursuit of better, more rewarding

any other destination club. And now there’s

vacations, Exclusive Resorts has combined

another reason this is the right time to find

all the advantages—and eliminated the

out what membership could mean for your

(and thereluxury willtravel never better time than1 the now to join ex disadvantages—of options. be a family’ s vacations.

On August prices Our members have more residences to

on all memberships will increase. If you

choose from. More destinations to explore.

join by July 31, you can take advantage of

More amenities and services to enjoy than

current prices before they’re gone for good.

To start enjoying effortless vacations (and take advantage of current pricing) call 866.874.3747 or visit www.exclusiveresorts.com/today.

BEACH Laguna Beach, CA Bonita Beach, FL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Miami Beach, FL Sea Island, GA* Kapalua Bay, Maui, HI* Kohala Coast, Big Island, HI Wailea, Maui, HI Kiawah Island, SC The Abaco Club, Bahamas Little Dix Bay, A Rosewood Resort, BVI Anguilla, British West Indies* Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica Canouan Island, The Grenadines Los Cabos, Mexico Real del Mar, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Turks & Caicos MOUNTAIN Lake Tahoe, CA Snowmass, CO Steamboat Springs, CO* Telluride, CO Vail & Beaver Creek, CO Deer Valley, UT Jackson Hole, WY Whistler, British Columbia French Alps METROPOLITAN San Francisco, CA Chicago, IL* New York, NY London, England Paris, France Florence, Italy LEISURE Scottsdale, AZ Miraval, Life In Balance, Tucson, AZ Carnegie Abbey Club, Newport, RI Bovey Castle, Devon, England Tuscany, Italy Sailing aboard The World *Under Construction

Drew Gilman and Family Exclusive Resorts Members Since 2003 Information current as of 6.1.07. Membership, including refundability of a portion of the Membership Fee, is subject to terms and conditions of Club Membership Agreement. Portfolio of destinations and properties, prices, fees, services and membership plans subject to change at any time. See www.exclusiveresorts.com for current list of destinations and properties and other information. “Make the World Your Second Home” is a service mark of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. Exclusive Resorts and the Exclusive Resorts flower logo are registered service marks of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. ©2007, Exclusive Resorts, LLC. All rights reserved.

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N\cZfd\ kf k_\ nfic[Ëj gi\d`\i [\jk`eXk`fe ZclY% At the heart of it, membership in Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World will change your life. You’ll travel more. You’ll spend more time with family and friends.

You’ll worry less and have more fun while you’re on vacation.

Quintess, LRW takes the country club model and applies it to vacation homes. Our members pay a one-time membership deposit and annual dues, then have access to an amazing portfolio of multimillion-dollar residences — all located in the types of places you want to visit the most. We’ve also designed our Club services to make your life easier, even when you’re not traveling to one of our homes.

Contact us so you can begin creating your own collection of unforgettable Quintess, LRW stories.

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C O N T E N T S S

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EXCLUSIVE

OUR INTERVIEW WITH U A E PRINCESS HAYA BINT AL HUSSEIN

WL TRAVEL

KEVIN CHAFFEE TANGOS THROUGH BUENOS AIRES

PARTIALLY YOURS

ANN GERACIMOS ON FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP AND PRIVATE RESIDENCY CLUBS

EMBASSY ROW

AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR OF RUSSIA’S EASTERN SHORE DACHA

LUXURY TRAVEL WL PURSUITS Space Travel 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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TO DO IN SHANGHAI . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIFE STYLES NANCY GONZALES HANDBAGS. . . . . . . . .

TREND REPORT Light & Airy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL FASHION Jet Set Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TREND REPORT Plaid & Floral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FASHION FOR PAWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EAST COAST LAUNCH OF SPIN DAILY . . . . .

Shoshanna Trunk Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENTERTAINMENT SUMMER READING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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LITERATURE Everyman by Philip Roth. . . . . . . . .

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT by Janet Donovan . . . . . . . .

UP FRONT

EDITOR’S LETTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP One of Quintess’ properties in California’s Napa Valley; Lindsay Czarniak with Hank Wya at Fashion for Paws; Board shorts ($49.50$52.50) and Nantucket flip-flops ($14.50). Available at J. Crew, 3222 M St. NW, 202-965-4090; Jordanian Amb. HRH Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and wife HRH Princess Sarah.

T

he Art of Living

Welcome to Phillips Park Estate Home Sites

Now selling from just over $1 million.

Comprised of 46 exclusive Estate Home Sites, Phillips Park is a new community located on Foxhall Road – one of the most prestigious addresses in Washington.

• Minutes from Georgetown • Beautifully framed by 200 acres of National Parks Please contact Kim Gibson or Susie Gordon Maguire at 888-584-3161 for an appointment 2203 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007

phillipsparkdc.com

63 FYIDC

OUR NATURE’S CAPITAL Washington Treasures THE INSIDER’S GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS . . . . . . . . .

WHO’S NEXT Hot on Dubfire . . . . . . . . . .

SOCIETY How to be a good houseguest . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . .

WL SPONSORED EVENTS

Garden Party at the Meridian House . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mosaic Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Gala . . . . . . . . .

Dinner at the Colombian Embassy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL EXCLUSIVES

Cocktails for Aniko and Nash Schott . . . . . . . . . . .

Young Global Leaders Reception . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revolution Health Reception. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Paul Williams’ Birthday Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIFE OF THE PARTY

Rays of Hope Gala. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Children’s Hospital Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Folger Library Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY

AU REVOIR Marie-Cecile Levitte says goodbye .

EDITOR AT LARGE by Michael Clements . .

NIGHTLIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DIPLOMATIC DANCE by Gail Scott . . . .

OVER THE MOON by Vicky Moon . . . . .

AROUND TOWN by Donna Shor . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Refugees International Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parties, Parties, Parties! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THIS TOWN by Michael Strange . . . . . . . . . . . . .

HOME LIFE

WHAT’S HOT DESIGN Patio Furniture . . . . . . .

OPEN HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RE NEWS by Mary Mewborn . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Maggie silver sequin dress by Reiss ($540).

Available at Reiss, 1254 Wisconsin Ave., NW, 202-944-8565. Assorted silver and gold Bangles ($475 and $525), Oxidized silver earrings by Sandra Enterline ($500), and silver, stainless, and citrine ring by Karel Votipka ($1,350). All from Jewelers’ Werk Galerie, 3319 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-337-3319. Silver clutch by Manila ($695). Available at Saks Fi h Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000. Nüvi 680 Hanheld GPS by Garmin ($899.95). Available at The Sharper Image, 1784M International Drive, Tysons Galleria, McLean, Va., 703-734-9405; Nancy Gonzalez Gold Leaf Tote ($3,750). Available at Saks Fi h Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. 301-657-9000; Septime Webre, Katherine Kendall, Kendall Morgan Rhodes, Aaron Jackson and Zach Hackstock at the East Coast Launch of Spin Daily; Russian Amb. Yuri Ushakov at the Russian Dacha on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

WASHINGTON LIFE MAGAZINE

WA S H I N GTO N ’S P R E M I E R E LUXU RY L I F E ST Y L E M AGA Z I N E S I N C E 1 9 9 1

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Michael M. Clements EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Katie Tarbox ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Clay Gaynor

Exquisite Gold

COPY EDITOR

Claudia Krieger EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Beth Farnstrom COLUMNISTS

Janet Donovan, Dabney Doswell, Renee Drake, Donna Evers, Mary Mewborn,Vicky Moon, Gail Scott and Donna Shor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & EDITORS

Krista Bullion, Lauren Bush, Kevin Chaffee, Steve Chenevey, Anna Croll, Deborah K. Dietsch, Maximo Flugelman, Leah Gansler, Ann Geracimos, Dan Glickman, Ginny Grenham, Fernando Murias, Osmar Nuñez-Vilches and Philip Roth and Libby Wilkinson CREATIVE DIRECTOR

J.C. Suarès

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Stacey McGhee CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGN

Elizabeth Demers and Megan Golden PHOTO EDITOR

Paul Simkin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Edgar Becerra, Immanuel Jayachandran, Jonah Koch, Justin Kriel, Gary Landsman, Bonnie Miller, Vicky Pombo,Tony Powell, Kea Marie Prather, Sue and Ed Primoff, Kyle Samperton, Paul Simkin, Noel Ryan, Brooke Sabin, Gail Scott, Rachel Smith and Max Taylor ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Kelly Ginter NEW YORK ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Sara Padob SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Alexandra Misci ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Anna Croll and Theodore Wilhite SALES AND MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Joseph Losardo EVENTS COORDINATOR

Sarah Croke BOOKKEEPERS

Harvey Droke and Harrison Jett DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Alexandra Kunzig WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT

Ernesto Gluecksmann, Infamia, Inc. INTERNS

Caroline Berson, Anna Dorn, Lee Havlicek, Nia Lindsey, Genevieve Makris, Doris Nhan, Christine Stoddard and Whitney Turco FOUNDER

Vicki Bagley CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD

Gerry Byrne ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Anaïs de Viel Castel CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Soroush Richard Shehabi

Washington Life magazine publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, October, November and December and are hand-delivered on a rotating basis to over 150,000 homes throughout D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland. Additional copies are available at various upscale retailers, hotels, select newstands and Whole Foods stores in the area. For a complete listing, please-consult our website at www.washingtonlife.com. You can also subscribe online at www.washingtonlife.com or send a check for $35.99 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place, NW, washingtonlife.com W us A atSinfo@washingtonlife.com H I N G T O N with L I press F E releases, N OtipsVand E editorial M B Ecomments.

R Copyright ©2007 12 D.C., 20008. BPA audited. Email Washington

by Washington Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial content or photos in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Printed in the United States. We will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

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UP FRONT | EDITORS LETTER

And the living is easy

“T

he world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page,” St. Augustine wisely said, perhaps while in line at a roadside security checkpoint. Having gathered together a number of the aforementioned pages, we invite the adventurous and discriminating Washingtonian to explore the far corners of our travel issue. The globalization of the modern era makes both literal and figurative travel imperative for today’s pilgrim. Be it Marrakesh or Monaco, Budapest or Buenos Aires, humans are no longer confined to their immediate surroundings but can explore an increasingly smaller planet.

Travel brings with it special rules, etiquette and considerations; some are obvious, like remembering your passport and brushing up on local customs.

Others are more subtle; don’t miss WL’s guide to being a good houseguest. Thanks to Deborah Gore Dean, Michelle Fenty, Juleana Glover-Weiss, Letitia Baldridge, Franco Nuchese, Ann Nitze, Jane Stanton Hitchcock, John Mason, and Michelle Haney Maddux for sharing tips that will get us invited back. Russian Amb.Yuri Ushakov and his wife Svetlana Ushakova played the perfect hosts to writer Deborah Dietsch and photographer Gary Landsman at their dacha on the Eastern Shore.

Travel, like anything else, is subject to trends; and Ann Geracimos delves into the latest vacation movement, fractional home ownership and private residency clubs, to explain what it all means.

T

o be well-traveled these days is a must; cover girl HRH Princess Haya, embodies dynamic multiculturalism.We feature her work with World Food Progam (WFP) and the Mosaic Foundation, as well as an exclusive interview with this lorry-driving royal.Thanks go out to all the wonderful ambassador’s wives that make up the Mosaic Founsation, to WFP honorary spokesperson Lauren Bush for her contribution and to Motion Picture Association of America cheif Dan Glickman, who cochaired the WL-sponsored Mosaic Gala’s ten-year celebration.

W

ashington is a town of diplomats, transients and travelers from around the globe. Kevin Chaffee paid tribute to Buenos Aires with the able help of Osmar Nuñez-Vilches and Maximo Flügelman.

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Our Executive Editor, Michael Clements, also offer glimpses of the Orient with a few tips on visiting Shanghai. We even take you into space this issue in “WL Pursuits.”

Narrowing down a destination is one thing. Packing is quite another.

Summer fashion crises are averted as we go mile-high style-wise at Fly Lounge with photographer Justin Kriel. Summer is a time for bright crisp whites and tropical tones, (thanks to Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana and many more) and this summer’s luggage is resplendent in white leather and canvas. We were lucky enough to have chic bags from Gucci and Louis Vuitton to illustrate this point, as well as fabulous jewelry from Liljenquist & Beckstead. Thanks to Chuck Koch, Richard Eidman and Piero Spada from Fly, for your help – and those cute little bags of peanuts.

W

ith what to wear resolved, one can move onto the more intellectual question of what to read. Don’t worry; WL has done the research and compiled a list of the best books for the beach-bound. We’ve also got an exclusive excerpt from literary lion Philip Roth’s Everyman for your delectation. Don’t want to travel or read? No worries, here at-home we’ve got tons of parties.

Check out our coverage of WL-sponsored events such as Meridian House’s Garden Party, the Washington Performing Arts Society gala and El Colegio del Cuerpo’s mesmerizing performance at the Columbian embassy. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for SOARING, the CharityWorks Dream Ball, which will be held on September 29 at the National Building Museum; also, look for coverage of the WL-sponsored Freer-Sackler Gala and the Opera Ball in September. Finally, the highly anticipated second installment of WL’s Wealth List returns next issue – this time, $50-$25 million makes the grade. It’s good information to have when networking at this fall’s big events as detailed in our September Fall Balls & Galas directory.

Readers wishing to get in touch with Nancy, or for those with comments for Washington Life magazine, should email: letters@washingtonlife.com

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Just outside the beltway in Loudoun County is a new community rich with tradition and promise. A sanctuary for 181 families, where custom-built estates are endowed with acres of pastoral land.

Featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and the legendary concierge service of The Ritz-Carlton.

Create the legacy of lifetime, just by coming home.

WRITE YOUR OWN HISTORY. Homesites from $850,000 1-866-391-1669 | creightonfarms.com

This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy residences in states where registration requirements have not been fulfilled. Each purchaser must become a club member. Creighton Farms is not owned, developed or sold by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC. Juno Loudoun, LLC is the owner and developer of the project. Developer will enter into an agreement with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company (R-CHC) or an affiliate for the management of the golf club and master association. Developer has entered into an agreement with R-CHC or an affiliate for a license to the use of The Ritz-Carlton mark strictly in accordance with the terms of said agreement. Prices and terms subject to change without notice.

UP FRONT | CONTRIBUTORS

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1

In 2004, the World Food Programme selected

LAUREN BUSH, a Princeton University

student and international model, to serve as honorary spokesperson for its student campaign created to focus campus attention on global hunger. Since her appointment, she has helped put the cause on the international agenda by visiting operations in Guatemala, Cambodia, Chad and Sri Lanka in 2007. She designed a bag which benefits WFP.

2

KEVIN CHAFFEE, Assistant Features Editor

and Society Editor of The Washington Times, reports on the Best of Buenos Aires.

3

STEVE CHENEVEY, an Edward R.

Murrow and Emmy award-winner, co-anchors FOX5 Morning News. Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, he came to Washington from WPXI-TV, the NBC affiliate in Pittsburgh. Chenevey worked the catwalk for our Fashion for Paws feature.

4 DEBORAH K. DIETSCH writes about architecture, art and design for The Washington Times, The Washington Post, and numerous magazines.

Trained as an architect, she has authored several books and serves on Baltimore’s Urban Design and Architecture Review Panel. Dietsch explores the Russian Embassy’s dacha on the Eastern Shore.

5 Born in Buenos Aires, MAXIMO

FLÜGELMAN currently holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Argentina. He has been a principal in CORFINA Global Advisors, LLC, a successful Washington D.C. firm that raises capital and executes M&A transactions for a client base in industrialized countries and emerging markets, since 1995. Flügelman has traveled extensively, but for this issue writes about tango in Buenos Aires.

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6 LEAH GANSLER is the founder of CharityWorks, a volunteer organization that helps break the cycle of poverty, enhances local education programs and enables families to overcome critical health issues. Gansler puts the spotlight on the CharityWorks’s Dream Ball in this issue.

7 ANN GERACIMOS, who reports on fashion, food, home design and consumer trends in the wine and spirits trade, is the Washington Times Senior Features Reporter. She is well acquainted with the ins and outs of Washington’s social scene. A passionate traveler, Geracimos writes about fractional ownership vacation homes.

8 Former Secretary of Agriculture and a former

Kansas Congressman, DAN GLICKMAN became president and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) in September 2004. He co-chaired this year’s Mosaic Gala.

9 GINNY GRENHAM has more than 20 years of experience in the health care and advocacy fields, where she has represented “Fortune 500” companies, non-profits, and privately owned businesses in the areas of women’s health, mental health and Hispanic issues. Grenham, serves as senior vice president for Revolution Health, which recently honored Jane Seymour.

10 JUSTIN KRIEL grew up in Johannesburg and now lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. He operates Contrast FX, a photography service that specializes in interiors and portraits. Kriel photographed our travel fashion feature.

11 GARY LANDSMAN, co-owner of David Michele, specializes in wedding and portrait photography. He has been shooting commercially worldwide for over 20 years, capturing advertising images, presidents, CEOs and, most recently, a campaign for Gilbert Arenas. Landsman recently traveled to the Eastern Shore to photograph the Russian Embassy’s dacha.

12 FERNANDO MURIAS is managing partner of the Greater Washington Area Practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Murias contributes to our event spotlight on CharityWorks.

13

OSMAR NUÑEZ-VILCHES moved to Washington, D.C., from Buenos Aires in 1999. In 2005, he and Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld opened Maté, Georgetown’s hip Latin-sushi lounge. He plans to open two more lounges in the upcoming year, as well as La Martina, an Argentinean polo shop. He lives in Foxhall with his pug dog Chu-Cha and contributed to the feature on his home city.

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PHILIP ROTH’s work Everyman (Houghton Mifflin) received the 2007 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. Roth is the first writer to receive the PEN/ Faulkner Award three times, the first time in 1994 for Operation Shylock and again in 2001 for The Human Stain.

Everyman is excerpted in our summer reading feature.

In the June ’07 issue on pg. 14, Cynthia Helms, Robert Hormats, Kay Kendall, Lloyd Hand, Ginger Laytham, Debbie Nash, Bill Press, John Roberts, Jane Staton Hitchcock were misidentified. On pg. 64,WL identified Randi-Lynn Cohen as Randi-Lynn Cohen Harris.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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FYIDC

the nsider guide to the region’s latest and greatest | International affairs, summer homes and guests, pizzerias and more

Our Nature’s Capital Jack’s Boathouse Treasure it: For over 60-years, the tiny family-run canoe and kayak rental business “Jack’s Boathouse” has been an urban oasis with a cast of characters right out of another – probably better – time. Nestled directly under the Key Bridge in Georgetown, Jack’s ambiance smacks of Mayberry’s Sheriff Taylor and Aunt Bea. There’s an old hand-painted mural on the red-roofed building, which bears a less than subtle Caribbean motif. Painted in garish yellows, blues and greens complete with a lifesized, fruit-hatted Carmen Miranda, the place stands in stark contrast to the staid rowing club next door. The owners, Frank and Anna, and

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SUMMER

their patrons like it that way. They do their best to keep things “the way they’ve always been,” as Frank proudly says. Jack, a one-time D.C. cop, and his wife Lee, gave up the ordinary city life to raise their three boys on the water, following in the footsteps of Jack’s late father, who founded the boathouse after WWII. While you can’t escape the planes nosily winging their way to the airport, you can with a few well-placed paddle strokes easily find your way into the center of the city and the monuments. Go the other way, past a couple of river bends and be – as Anna suggests – “far away from everything and everyone.” Customers at Jack’s run the cosmic gamut from gear fetishists who paddle their

| washingtonlife.com

own four thousand dollar Kevlar and graphite sea-kayaks to complete boating neophytes. The Gore-tex-clad types get a kick out of showing the new folks how to get started, and the firsttimers gawk at the experts as they perform tricks like Eskimo rolls. All types mesh at Jack’s.

Tip: Get to Jack’s while you can. There’s been gossip on the dock that the National Park Service is moving to tear down the beloved boathouse. cost: full-day canoe rental $35; hourly rate $15 includes boat, paddles and lifejacket.

Get there: Jack’s is located at 3500 K St. NW, 202-337-9642 or visit www.jacksboathouse.com – Text and photo by Paul Simkin 19

FYIDC | LOCAL TREASURES

The Billy Goat Trail is located just south of the scenic beauty of Great Falls. It’s a strenous hike that takes about 2-3 hourato complete.

Afterwards garb a bite at the Old Angler’s Inn. Photo by Paul Simkin

amusement park – except here, one of the amusements could be spotting Sen. Barbara Mikulski dancing the tango with Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan in the picturesque Spanish Ballroom.

Tip: Glen Echo Park contains the Adventure Theatre, The Discovery Creek Children’s Museum, Glassworks, Photoworks, the Yellow Barn Gallery, The Young Creative Spirit and much more.

Get there: Visit www.glenechopark. org or call 301-634-2222. The park is located at the corner of MacArthur Blvd. and Goldsboro Rd.

The Billy Goat Trail Treasure it: Sprawling across four miles, the trail is conveniently marked with blue painted rocks. Hiking its length beomes an adventure and treasure hunt at the same time. Watching the raw power of the Potomac churning its way through the crags and peaks of Great Falls is second only to the thrill of frequent extremesports-sightings: Olympic kayakers, rock climbers, and mothers of small children juggling trail mix, sunblock and Neosporin.

Tip: Evoke James Fenimore Cooper’s Last of the Mohicans days of yore by choosing the more strenuous “A” route of the trail (Hikers may choose between A, B and C levels of difficulty, rather like on a ski slope).

Get there: The Billy Goat Trail is located in Potomac, Md. From I-495, take exit 41 and turn left onto MacArthur Blvd. Visit www.nps.gov/choh/ Meridian Park Drum Circles Treasure it: In the midst of this little piece of the neo-Italian Renaissance treasure – imposing statues of Joan of Arc and Dante Aligheri, a human-chess-board in the style of 18th century French court games and 13 basin-cascade fountains – local squads of diehard footballers, dogwalkers, perambulator pushers and sun worshippers share real estate.

Festive Sunday-night drum circles create a family reunion atmosphere with the rhythm of a block party.

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Tip: The drum fun begins around sunset; shoes are frowned upon, even for lawyers.

Get there: Meridian Park is bordered by 16th St., Euclid St., 15th St. and W St. NW Glen Echo Park Treasure it: The Maryland approximation of a ’60’s-era, San-Fran artists’ colony, Glen Echo Park offers puppet shows, carousel rides, ranger-guided historic tours and a myriad of art classes. Originally a Chautauqua-style retreat, it’s best billed as a classic

Old Angler’s Inn Treasure it: Pop in for a snack or a tasty beverage after a demanding trail hike.

One of the most charming and romantic dining spots in the area, the Inn recently added a “canal eats” tent, offering such hearty fare as Wisconsin bratwurst and Saint Louis-style ribs.

Tip: In the evening, the quaint stone terrace makes dining under the stars a feast for the senses in more ways than one.

Get there: Visit www.oldanglersinn.com. The Inn is located at 0801 MacArthur Blvd. in Potomac, Md.; for more information, call 301-299-9097.

Summer supplements • Sail the worthy vessel Sea Gypsy with your family on a swashbuckling pirate adventure in Annapolis Harbor. www.chesapeakepirates.com • Take a historic tour of St. Michael’s. Md., lined with homes and shops built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Make sure to stop by the Chesapeake Maritime museum, www.cbmm.org and www.baydreaming. com/stmichaels.htm for more information.

• Run, blade or bike the scenic Capital Crescent Trail, which winds between Georgetown and Silver Spring, Md., www.cctrail.org • Summer concerts are hotter than ever at Wolf Trap; bring a blanket and enjoy Aretha Franklin, The Steve Miller Band, Diana Krall and more, www.wolftrap.org • The Bard is back, and he’s bringing it outdoors with Shakespeare in the Park at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park, www.shakespearetheatre.org

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Baltimore Summer Antiques Show we added one day

Thursday, Aug. 30 – Sunday, Sept. 2, 20 0 7 Labor Day Weekend B A LT I M O R E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R Downtown at the Inner Harbor One West Pratt Street — 2 main entrances — West Pratt Street Lobby & Charles Street Lobby

27TH YEAR WITH 55O INTERNATIONAL DEALERS INCLUDING A 60-DEALER ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR SILVER • ASIAN ART & ANTIQUES • FURNITURE • PORCELAIN • CERAMICS & POTTERY OBJETS D’ART • ANTIQUE & FINE JEWELRY • PAINTINGS • TEXTILES • WATCHES • CLOCKS • SCULPTURE BRONZES • ORIENTAL CARPETS • ART GLASS • OTHER ANTIQU ITIES & 20TH CENTURY DESIGN

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N 5 6 1 - 8 2 2 - 5 4 4 0 WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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FYIDC | INSIDER’S GUIDE TO METRO LIFE

THE SUBTITLE SAYS IT ALL

W

e don’t want to give away any secrets, but we’re pretty sure you can figure out the benefits of reading Earnestine Hackett’s book Propelling: A simple & therapeutic mental technique that helps you move beyond any distressing situation you can’t move beyond independently ($19.75), from the title alone. For more information or to purchase Propelling, please visit www.propellingbook.com.

Å BABY NEWS

Congratulations to MSNBC chief Washington correspondent Norah O’Donnell and her restaurateur husband Geoff Tracy on the birth of twins

Grace O’Donnell Tracy (6 pounds 8 ounces) and Henry O’Donnell Tracy (5 pounds 2 ounces), who were delivered May 20 at Washington’s Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Ñ ART IN THE PARK

On the first weekend of every month this summer, Pershing Park (14th & Pennsylvania Ave., NW in front of the Willard InterContinental Hotel) is the site of a festival showcasing the work of talented Washingtonarea artists, performers and musicians.

Programming will vary from month to month.

June 1-3, July 6-8, August 3-5, September 7-9, and October 5-7; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

É RHINESTONE PRIMARY

When it comes to presidential races, it’s never too early to speculate on the winner. At Ann Hand, they’re selling presidential pins ($48), and the early results are interesting, to say the least. Shown below are the top six in sales – read into it what you will. 1. Barack Obama 2. Mitt Romney 3. Hillary Clinton 4. Rudy Giuliani 5. John McCain 6. John Edwards Available at Ann Hand, 2900 M St. NW, 202-333-1529 ; and 4885 MacArthur Blvd. NW, 202-333-2979.

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FYIDC | INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Summer here, some are there When it heats up in the back yard, hop across the pond.

Burning Man 2007 AUGUST 27 – SEPTEMBER 3

Monte Carlo

Individuals will gather to contribute ingenuously, through any medium, to the 2007 theme – “The Green Man”. www.burningman.com Mercedes-Benz Challenge Cup JULY 21 – AUGUST 4 Mercedes-Benz Challenge Cup

UNITED STATES Aspen Music Festival JUNE 21 – AUGUST 19

A nine-week festival celebrating the impact of jazz on classical music. www.aspenmusicfestival.com

The Bridgehampton Polo Club opens to the public in honor of this prestigious social summer event. www.sportpolo.com/ Spectators/bhpolo.htm Travers Stakes AUGUST 26

Enjoy a day at the oldest major race in the United States, located at the famous Saratoga track. Contact 518-584-6200

Santa Fe Indian Market AUGUST 13 - 19

This festival provides a forum for buyers to purchase unique items directly from the Native American artists. www.swaia.org

ANTIGUA Celebration of Fifty Years of Carnival JULY 21 – AUGUST 7

This colorful crescendo of street

marches, music and formal evening spectaculars epitomize the Caribbean flavor. www.antiguanice.com

FRANCE Tour de France JULY 2 – 24

British Open 2007 JULY 19 – 22

Watch the triumph of mind over body as these world-class athletes bike across the French countryside. www.letour.com

Travel to England’s Carnoustie Golf club to experience the pinnacle of golf games. www.opengulf.com

Venetian Festival JULY 1 – SEPTEMBER 1

ENGLAND

GREECE

The Renaissance Festival familiarizes visitors with history, music and architecture – and coincides with a wine festival! www.greeka.gr

Telluride Film Festival AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER

This weekend of cinematic immersion is a haven for film buffs. www.telluridefilmfestival.org

MONACO Tanglewood Jazz Festival AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 2

Energetic jazz performances sponsored by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. www.tanglewoodjazzfestival.com

Monte Carlo Red Cross Ball AUGUST 4 Tour de France

Dance the night away at one of Europe’s largest annual charity events. Contact: 377 92 16 36 36

Indulgence begins at The Signature suites. mgmgrand.com | 1-800-929-1111 WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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FYIDC | WHO’S NEXT

Hot on

Dubfire

B

etter known as one half of the Grammy Award-winning musical duo Deep Dish, Arlington’s own Ali “Dubfire” Shirazina has also become an internationally, critically acclaimed DJ in his own right. After working with Madonna, The Rolling Stones and Dido, Shirazina has now released his first solo album, Dubfire GU31 – Taipei, which is being played at nightclubs from here to Ibiza to Brazil.

WASHINGTON LIFE What is your greatest fear?

ALI SHIRAZINA Going deaf!

WL Favorite time of day?

AS Nighttime; after midnight usually when the

phones aren’t ringing and everyone’s gone to bed.

WL Drink of choice?

AS Lychee martini WL Song last played on your iPod? AS Editors ‘Munich’ WL Most memorable DJ experience?

AS Recently, it would have to be in Reykjavik

at a club called NASA with a visit to the healing powers of the Blue Lagoon earlier that day. Iceland is simply a magical place.

WL What do you love about Washington?

AS The energy and the diversity of the people.

WL The nightlife scene here is …

AS Still not edgy enough for me.

WL Do DJ’s have groupies?

AS Often times they’re nerdy music geeks!

WL What musical artist do you most admire?

AS Radiohead, Richie Hawtin ... basically any

artist who is able to successfully balance art and commerce.

WL Any other artistic talents?

AS I’ve managed to get away with singing on

two songs!

WL Where do you go to get the best deep

dish pizza in D.C.?

AS Besides Domino’s? That’s easy: the Sicilian slices at The Italian Store in Arlington.

Ali Shirazina at his home studio in Arlington, Va. Photo by Jonah Koch

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We Are Audi

Pre-Grand Opening Special! Drive an all New Audi A3 from $299/month. Stop in for details.

Currently under construction.

The newest and finest Audi facility in the US will be opening Fall 2007.

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Audi TRUTH IN ENGINEERING

FYIDC | SOCIETY

10 Tips for House Guests Packing for Ethel’s house in Hyannis or jetting off toVernon’s house on Martha’s Vineyard?

A few tips and gifts to make sure you get invited back for next year

Name

Advice

Favorite Host Gift

“Just pretend you’re in a play. Act well and get off the stage before they want to give you the hook.”

A thoughtful book

“Arrive when you say you’ll arrive and leave when you say you’re going to leave.”

Kiehl’s Unusually Rich But Not Greasy Hand Lotion ($15.50). Available at Kiehl’s, 3110 M St. NW, 202-333-5101.

“A good house guest brings earplugs – but we keep an industrial size box at home in case guests show up unprepared. This way we don’t have to continually shush the kids when they rise and shine in the pre-dawn hours.”

Fruit and pastries for the morning after the party.

“Don’t bring your diet and your restrictions with you. Suffer through the meals and don’t put your host through a frenzy of action, buying for your special needs.”

Gourmet cheese and crackers ($40).

Available at Dean & Deluca, 3276 M St. NW, 202-342-2500.

“There are certain taboos when staying at a friend’s house: An important no-no is not to stridently oppose your host’s political opinion – save that for when you aren’t a house guest anymore or staying at a hotel.”

Tickets to the theater

Jane Stanton Hitchcock

Michelle Fenty

Juleanna Glover Weiss

Letitia Baldridge

Franco Nuschese

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Name

Advice

Favorite Host Gift

“It’s important to have your own transportation so you can be independent about shopping and sightseeing, or be helpful by taking the kids for ice cream or drive another house guest.”

A case of personalized wine ($150). Available at www.personalizedwine.com.

“Always be self-sufficient. Never look to the hosts to entertain you.”

Monogrammed towels (starting at $24). Available at Restoration Hardware, 1222 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-625-2771.

“Sharing a house with someone for a short time does not make you best buds. Don’t tell stories out of school, share secrets or stay up discussing intimate details of yours or anybody else’s sex life.”

Beach Box by Mrs John L Strong ($125). Available at Gore Dean 3338 M St. NW, 202-625-919.

Ann Nitze

Ali Wentworth

Deborah Gore Dean

When Mason was staying on Denise Rich’s yacht last summer in the south of France, he brought along a leather backgammon set to leave behind as a “thank you.”

Asprey’s leather backgammon set ($3,200). Available at Asprey of London, 800-883-2777.

John Mason

“Make sure to write a thank you note. The best thing to do is write one while you are there and leave it on the bed.”

“When I go to the beach, I bring my guests a beach bag filled with water bottles, a good book and a cute towel.”

Michelle Haney Maddux

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• Personal Shopping

• Style Management

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• Gift Buying Services • Destination Shopping

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• Special Event Styling

• Made-to-Measure

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Clothing

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800.562.5103 www.lanaorloffstyle.com

LIFE OF THE PARTY

WL’s sponsored﹐ exclusive and must-see events | The Opera Ball, The Mosaic Foundation, Washington Performing Arts Society and Meridian House

Stuart and Gwen Holliday with Lila and Italian Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta at “An Evening in Amalfi,” the first spring garden party for the Meridian International Center on May 18.

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Carrie Hale, Grover Norquist and Christina Carter

Winifred Nichols and Christine Arundel

Steve Kupka and Stuart Holliday

Mai Abdo, Gwen Holliday and Jennifer Camel-Toueg

Virginia Culver

Amy Bischoff and Judy Heisley Bishop

Dorthy Browning and Amb. Timothy Towell David and Hope Bass

WL SPONSORED

AN EVENING IN AMALFI May 18 • Meridian International Center

BY GAIL SCOTT PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Lorenzo Fonda with Italian Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta and wife Lila

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THE EVENT A Spring Benefit for Meridian International Center that raised over $70,000 for this non-profit organization, which promotes international understanding through the exchange of people, ideas and the arts. THE SCENE Under the honorary patronage of Italian Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta and his wife Lila, this enchanting garden party celebrated the opening of Meridian’s “Sprint into Shape: Contemporary Italian Sculpture” exhibit which continues through October 28. Georgetown’s Café Milano catered the Italian buffet. THE GUESTS: Meridian President Stuart Holliday and his wife Gwen, Laura Bush’s Chief of Staff and Advisor to the President Anita McBride and her husband Tim, Meridian Trustee Judy Heisley Bishop and her husband Leland, Ambassadors of Argentina, Egypt, the Dominican Republic and Monaco with their spouses, Jennifer and Karim Camel-Toueg, William and Anne Nitze, Pamela and Mike Peabody and Jack and Susanna Quinn.

Nevine Hassouana

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Diane Ray Brown and Jim Quinn

Rima Al-Sabah and Rim Abboud

Christ’l Safieh, May Sumaidaie and Iraqi Amb. Samir Sumaidaie WL SPONSORED

MOSAIC’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA May 9 • The National Building Museum

BY GAIL SCOTT PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

THE EVENT The Mosaic Foundation, the highly successful non-profit organization created by the wives of 17 Arab ambassadors, works to promote understanding between the U.S. and the Arab world and to improve the lives of women and children faced with poverty, hunger and disease worldwide. THE SCENE Colorful lighting and lush drapery set the scene for this celebration, which raised over $1.5 million, plus a surprise pledge for $1 million from HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the Unitetd Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai on behalf of his government. His wife, HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, daughter of Jordan’s late King Hussein and the first Arab and the first woman to serve as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the World Food Program, was the guest-of-honor. THE GUESTS 750 guests including ambassadors or deputy chiefs of mission from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Senegal, Syria, Tunisia, the UAE, and Yemen; Former U.S. Ambassador to Oman Francis Cook; benefit commi ee chairs Dan and Rhoda Glickman; and American Red Cross Chairman Bonnie McElveen-Hunter.

H. R. H. Princess Haya bint Al-Hussein

Nevine Hassouna

Clay Sell, Lisa Barry and Dan Sullivan

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Paul Tergat and Paul Clayton

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Dan Glickman and Diana Negroponte

WHY THE WORLD FOOD PROGAMME MATTERS

Rafif and Imad Moustapha

Jeff Kesler and Maria Trabocchi

BY DAN GLICKMAN

I

became involved with the World Food Program as the former Secretary of Agriculture. The department was actively involved in donating food to those in need. After I left, I joined the board of the Friends of the World Food Program, which works to provide additional funding for the organization’s many projects. Since I left the Department of Agriculture, I have not yet been able to travel to areas that are suffering since I left the Department of Agriculture, but I have enough experiences through others to know that these efforts are making a difference.

On May 9, I attended the Mosaic Gala as the co-chair of the benefit committee, representing the Friends of the World Food Program. The Gala generously donated significant funds to the organization. While the money can be used in so many ways, the event also served as a resource to get the message of world hunger to hundreds of people who may not have realized the extent of the issue.

It is estimated that at least twenty percent of the world is in a state of hunger or severe state of malnutrition. The World Food Program serves as a conduit to allocate resources and provide meals to people in areas like Asia and Africa.Without the help of the program, an additional tens of thousands of people or more would die of hunger and malnutrition every year.

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Josette Sheehan

Egyptian Amb. Nabil Fahmy

Huda Farouki and Fatima Farouki

Ethiopian Amb. Samuel Giselleand Theberge Assefa his wife,Jeppson, Arnaud and Alexandra de Aster Hidaru Borchgrave with Willee Lewis

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Jordanian Amb. H.R.H Prince Zeid Ra’ad AlHussein and his wife, H.R.H. Princess Sarah

Farah Atassi and Fariba Jahanbani

Carol Sakoian and Maria Felice Mekouar

Carol Schwartz and Salma Al-Ghaillani

Rep. John Tanner, Maxine Champion, Ed Gabriel, Buffy Linehan and Betty Ann Tanner

William Arnold, Janet Howard and Lebanese Amb. Farid Abboud

Hervé Houvré, Francoise Champey and guest

Caroline Seikaly and Iman Al-Thani

FEED A CHILD FOR A YEAR

BY LAUREN BUSH

F

EED is a project I initiated to help fight child hunger. For the past three years I have been an Honorary Spokesperson for the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), the foodaid arm of the UN humanitarian forces.

Throughout my time as a volunteer, I have traveled to seven countries around the world (Guatemala, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Chad, Lesotho,Tanzania, and Honduras) that are receiving food aid from WFP.The people I have met struggle each day to obtain one of the most basic human needs-food. It breaks my heart to think that every five seconds a WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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child dies of hunger and malnutrition.

The most hopeful thing I have seen during my travels is WFP’s school feeding program, where children are given a lunch meal in school each day. This is incentive enough for kids to attend classes when they might not normally do so, and the meal is nutritious enough for them to stay healthy and engaged in their studies. It is truly inspiring to see children born into extreme poverty who are eager to learn and improve their lives!

The FEED bag is a sturdy, reversible tote made out of natural burlap and cotton

| washingtonlife.com

materials. Its design was inspired by the big bags of food that I have seen being distributed to schools around the world. Besides being cool, it is a tangible way to make a difference in the fight against child hunger. Every one we sell will feed a child for a whole year in school.

With your help we will be making a big difference in children’s lives around the world, one at a time. So wear your bag with pride!

To purchase the FEED bag ($59.95), visit www. Amazon.com.

Honorary spokesperson for the World Food Program, Lauren Bush wears the FEED bag she35designed

LIFE

OF THE

PARTY | EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Truckin’ for Good Dubai’s young socially conscientious Haya Bint Al Hussein show-jumped at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia but now she’s helping the World Food Program and the U.N. overcome the obstacle of world hunger. She sat down with WL in this exclusive interview to discuss this and her love – of all things – trucks.

act either as individuals or by forcing our governments to give these organizations the tools they need. It is important to make people recognize that their small solutions, small steps will make a difference..

WL The WFP was the beneificary of the Mosaic Foundation Gala this year. How was that?

HRH I am so grateful to the Mosaic Foundation for dedicating their 10th anniversary gala dinner to WFP. Through their work, the members of the Foundation have harnessed the power of giving as a real force for good in the world.

Princess Haya’s truck driver’s license has come in handy at the WFP.

WASHINGTON LIFE How did you get involved

with the World Food Program (WFP)?

HRH PRINCESS HAYA BINT AL HUSSEIN I was approached by the previous WFP director, James Morris, whom I have huge respect for, and of course the post was an enormous honour coming from an organization so well known for delivering on the ground when needed and Josset Sheeran, the new WFP Executive Director, is doing an amazing job and I salute her for her enthusiasm and dedication.

Actually I found hunger before hunger found me. My late mother (HM Queen Alia), a year before she died, started to work on a dream of hers which was to create an NGO specially geared towards the hungry. Unfortunately with her passing, the dream died too. Until about 15

36

yrs ago when I started working with my father to make her legacy, her dream come true, by the creation of the first food relief NGO in the Arab World Tikyet Um Ali. WL What’s the biggest challenge to

providing children the food they need?

HRH Apathy. The biggest challenge is man’s inertia to his fellow man and to the children of the world. We have to awaken the sleeping giant which is the moral conscience of the world and try to make individuals realize that they cannot simply devolve their individual responsibility on issues such as hunger, to their government.

We also need to help people to recognize that this problem is beatable. ‘We the people’ must

I applaud them.

WL You once said in an interview,

“achievements are not because of who [one is] but what [one] can do.” How can people like you in the spotlight use fame for positive change?

HRH The best advice I can give from personal experience is to forget the spotlight altogether, it confuses you with your direction, and as long as you try to stay within its bright circle you forget to light the darkness that surrounds it..

WL We’ve read that your father, King

Hussein, insisted that you learn sports’ inner workings.

HRH My father realized that I never grew out

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to your late father’s objective to position sister. [Truck drivers] are the vein and artery Jordan as a leading health destination in network of any nation. I have fun with them; they are the most genuine people I know. the Arab World?

HRH My belief that the fields of both health and education are the benchmarks for any evolving WL What are some personal non-philanthropic nation, very much came from my father. I grew goals have you set for yourself? up when he was creating the industrial boom HRH I am determined to qualify for the world in Jordan in the ‘80s, which is something very championship games in Kentucky [the Alltech similar to what Dubai is going through now.The FEI World Equestrian Games] in 2010 and the hospitals’ infrastructure dictated even the road Olympic Games in London 2012. Also, I’d like works.That made a to get a PADI huge impression on [Professional me. My husband Association Sheikh Mohammed of Diving are the vein and artery network of any has asked me to Instructors] nation. I have fun with them; they develop the health license, because strategy for Dubai. are the most genuine people I know.” I cannot believe I am working with that I have lived the Department of next to the sea Health and Medical Services in Dubai and the for four years and can only snorkel. I also Ministry of Health. It’s original and inspiring want to get private flying lessons and have work, because unlike any other sector in been looking at doing a Ph.D. online, in the Dubai, this is an area that cannot be viewed as field of human development. exclusively a problem of the state or approached as a business opportunity for the country. It’s WL What are some of your favorite things a strategy for health that will serve the whole to do in Dubai? region and indeed the world.

HRH There is so much to do in Dubai – enjoying some time on the lovely sandy WL What’s with truck driving? It’s not exactly beaches or being able to walk through the souk in the Madinat Jumeirah. The safe, multicultural something a princess’ occupation.

HRH When I was a kid, I told my father, atmosphere of the city provides for unique “When I grow up I want to become a experiences, from the art galleries and concerts king or a truck driver!” Driving in Europe, to going falconing in the desert and having a I used to love watching the big trucks pass traditional meal in Bab Al Shams. on the highways. I developed a passion for heavy machinery: cars and trucks. When I got my truck-driving license, it was because I needed to understand how to ship live cargo by myself. In particular, I needed to transport horses. Amazingly my qualification as a truck driver has aided me with the UN. I understood many of the logistics needed in emergency response situations. From growing up with the truck driving union, I have no trouble with the terminologies used in dealing with emergency situations.

After I got my license, I was made President of the land transport union in Jordan. Since then, I have spent some of my happiest In 2000, Princess Haya competed in the times with the truck driving community in Sydney Olympics, riding her late father’s mare ‘Lucilla II’, and was nominated by the Jordan – they treat me like their youngest delegation to be Jordan’s Flag Bearer in the

“[TRUCK DRIVERS]

Princess Haya with her husband HH Sheikh Mohammad.

of my dream to become an Olympic athlete, which started when I was six years old. He wanted me to be clear on the commitment and the discipline that accompanies that life.

So, like any loving, caring father, he insisted on my finishing university first; that was a pre-condition to continuing training. Once in training, I was only allowed to perform. My equestrian career counted as public duty, and I could only do public duty for the royal family with specific permission from my trainers. I think my father was very much aware of the fact that the Olympic Games was not a game, or something to play at doing; he was realistic about my chances and insisted that I be totally serious about achieving my goals.

WL How does you and your husband Sheikh Mohammed’s love of equestrian pursuits affect your relationship?

HRH Horses balance us. They are a means for us to express ourselves; when we are around horses, we are our most genuine selves.

There are people in the world who have a destiny or a fate or a link with something in life. We have a link to horses. We were born somehow attached to them. He is one of best long distance riders in the world, and this endurance is very illustrative of his character.

WL In addition to WFP, you are heavily involved in health care. Is this a legacy

Opening Ceremony. © Pierre Costabadi

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Esther Coopersmith, Susan Blumenthal and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

Luis Villegas, Colombian Amb. Carolina Barco and Jorge Botero

Kay Kendall

WL SPONSORED

EL COLEGIO DEL CUERPO PERFORMS April 30 • The Residence of the Colombian Ambassador

BY GAIL SCOTT PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

THE EVENT Colombian Amb. Carolina Barco along with WL’s Nancy Bagley and Soroush Shehabi hosted an inspiring evening of dinner and dance featuring Colombian dance ensemble El Colegio del Cuerpo (or “The College of the Body”) with Democratic members of Congress (though several had to cancel to a end services for the late Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald in California).

THE SCENE Founded in 1997 in Cartagena by renowned Colombian dancer Alvaro Restrepo and French dancer and educator Marie-France Delieuvin, this unusual dance organization professionally trains talented Colombian youths to dance, thus offering them a way out of poverty. Their 30-minute performance was described as “courageous,” “sensual,” “hypnotic,” “passionate,” “mesmerizing” and “powerful.” This company has performed in Europe, Latin America and recently debuted in the U.S. THE GUESTS Esther Coopersmith, Rep. John and Debbie Dingell, Luis Villegas, Jorge Botero, Luis Guillermo Plata, Mariana Pacheco and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.

Philip and Melanne Verveer

Alvaro Restrepo and Juan Mayr

Gwen and Stuart Holladay

El Colegio de Cuerpo gives a mesmerizing performance

The dance troupe, which hails from Colombia, recently made its U.S. debut

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Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld

Roberto and Patricia Steiner

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Christine Warnke and Richard Desonier

Dan Abrams

LIFE

of the

PARTY

Eileen and Robin West with Lily West

Chris and John Kirkpatrick

NATIONAL COALITION FOR CANCER SURVIVORSHIP RAYS OF HOPE GALA May 2 • Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Carmen Marc Valvo, Alma Powell, Elizabeth Edwards and Ann Hand

Bruce Karatz and Lilly Tartikoff

Sen. Byron Dorgan

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THE EVENT While art imitates life, occasionally it improves upon it. Honorary Gala chairs Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan and Lilly Tartikoff were joined by master ofceremonies Dan Abrams in honoring Louis Vui on, eveningwear guru Carmen Marc Valvo, jewelry designer Ann Hand, the authors of the book Nordie’s at Noon and other fashionistas whose flair for the aesthetics is matched by their care for the cancer community. THE GUESTS Bruce Karatz, Alma Powell, Elizabeth Edwards, Chris and John Kirkpatrick, Jacques Dessange, Richard Desonier, Christine Warnke, Eileen and Robin West, Lily West, Sen. Byron Dorgan, Pamela G. Bailey, Ted Kennedy Jr., Sonji Robinson and Natasha Bryson.

Heather Vandenberghe, Daniel Lalonde and Lilly Tartikoff

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LIFE

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Dan and Tanya Snyder with Edwin K. Zechman Jr.

Liz and Paul Dougherty

CHILDREN’S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER BALL April 14 • Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

THE EVENT Jazzy Canadian chanteuse and Grammy winner Diana Krall brought more than “The Look of Love” to the enthralled black-tie crowd assembling to raise funds for the Kids Care Fund. She, and the guests, showed that love means never having to say “Sorry, I’m tapped out” when a great charity needs support. THE GUESTS Co-chaired by Paul Dougherty and Henry Fonvielle, the event featured a live auction and dinner for, among others, Diana and Stephen Goldberg, Anthony Lanier, Kristin and Nels Olson, Stephanie and Ian O’Neil, Ed Romanoff, Tanya and Dan Snyder and Regina and Joe Ste inius.

Kim Schiff and Stephanie O’Neil

Bobby Schwartz and Sharon Dougherty

Susan Dyes, Jacqueline Briscoe and Maurice Higgins

Pam King Sams with Diana and Stephen Goldberg Christina Culver

Ashley and Dan Shiff

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Henry and Lee Fonvielle

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Giselle Theberge Jeppson, Arnaud and Alexandra de Borchgrave with Willee Lewis

Finlay Lewis, John Jeppson and Belgium Amb. Dominique Struye

Nash and Aniko Schott

WL EXCLUSIVE

CROSSING THE POTOMAC AND A CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP April 16 • The Residence of John and Giselle Theberge Jeppson

BY DONNA SHOR PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

DESIGN. BUILD. REMODEL.

THE EVENT A spring soirée to celebrate Nash and Aniko Scho ’s crossing of the Potomac from Alexandria a er years spent yearning for just the right D.C. residence (Realtor Giselle found them a not-yeton-the-market home at Ba ery Kimble Place). Also celebrated was Giselle and Aniko’s thirty-year friendship, which began when they met at a magazine shoot set up by a mutual friend. Giselle decided to do the shoot because she and her late husband Jim Theberge had just returned from his ambassadorship to Nicaragua, and it told everyone they were back in town.

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John and Jo Ann Mason with Dominican Amb. Flavio Espinal and wife Minerva

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LIFE

of the

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Propelling will help everyone (adolescent & older) obtain many other mental, emotional, and social benefits.

Propelling is authored by an honors graduate of a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program (Mental Health Concentration & Family Therapy Specialization) that has been ranked the #1 MSW Program in America by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Graduate Schools Edition.

Lady Manning

Dina and Rick Powell Finlay Lewis, John Jeppson and Belgium Amb. Baron van Daele

To learn more about Propelling, and how to get your very own copy, please visit www.propellingbook.com

Nash and Aniko Schott

2007 FOLGER GALA April 23 • Folger Shakespeare Library PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

The

Fishburne

experience L E A D E R S H I P

F O R

L I F E

THE EVENT An elite group gathered to commemorate the Folger Shakespeare Library’s 75th birthday. Guests experienced arresting performances by Sam Waterston, Ken Howard, Roger Rees, Andre DeShields, the Folger Consort, and numerous local actors. Later in the evening, guests sat to dinner in the library’s ornate reading room.

SM

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Wesley Williams

Chris Connelly and Michelle Whitty

Jim Johnson with April and John Donnelly and Maxine Issacs

ENTERTAINMENT Media Spotlight﹐ Pollywood﹐ Fine and Performing Arts | Summer reads, Will on the Hill and Philip Roth’s “Everyman”

Reading is Sun-damental Bury your toes in the sand – and shade your sunburnt nose in a book – during the hot summer solstice.

“W

e should read to give our souls a chance to luxuriate.” Controversial, salacious scribe Henry Miller’s words embody the spirit of summertime as pertains to literary lazing. Wherever one’s travel-yen points – zipping along in the TGV between Paris and Nice, stretched cat-like on the white sands of a Caribbean beachhead or quietly communing with crickets and fireflies while be-hammocked in a Nantucket nook, the classic “good read” is the ultimate summer accessory. After the frantic fracas a Washingtonian worker faces, why not kick back with some relaxing and locally relevant reads? Nothing complements a tan like a book.

TASTE ACQUIRING WHAT MONEY CAN’T BUY

by Letitia Baldridge

As the former Chief of Staff for Jackie Kennedy, Baldridge is more than qualified to offer advice on how to cultivate good “taste” – just think of all those delicious little pill-box hats and owlish sunglasses.Told through a series of enchanting anecdotes, Baldridge offers tips for all.

GOD IS NOT GREAT HOW RELIGION POISONS EVERYTHING

by Christopher Hitchens

Captivating his reader with intriguing rationale, Hitchins dismantles religion, arguing for its classification as the product of a desperate society.

Challenge or reaffirm your beliefs with this well-written, irreverent manifesto.

THE DIANA CHRONICLES

by Tina Brown

A renowned journalist and former editor-in-chief for Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, Tina Brown offers scintillating and factual insight into the life of Princess Diana and the Royal Family for those craving a regal read.

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LUNCHEON OF THE BOATING PARTY

by Susan Vreeland

Reminiscent of Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, this novel brings the figures depicted in the title masterpiece by impressionist painter Renoir to life.The novel’s commitment to historical accuracy makes this a great pick for both serious art enthusiasts and for a more general reader – be sure to check out the real thing at D.C.’s Phillips Collection (www.phillipscollection.org).

THE ASSAULT ON REASON

by Al Gore

Gore believes that reasoned argument is under attack by fear bred in the modern political realm. To combat this, he has written a manifesto for the use of internet forums and blogs to encourage truth through self-government.

TWICE AS GOOD CONDOLEEZZA RICE AND HER PATH TO POWER

by Marcus Mabry

Mabry’s extensively researched biography offers insight into Rice’s dramatic ascent to the Alpine summits of power. Maybe he’ll talk about the genesis for those killer boots, too.

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ENTERTAINMENT | LITERATURE

The Beginning of the End Philip Roth’s Everyman brings a family together for a “grave” reckoning

“I

n my end is my beginning”: words first made famous by Mary Queen of Scots and T.S. Eliot. Now, Nobel prize laureate Philip Roth totes the familiar, weary load of ruminative mortality, opening Everyman – taking its name from a 15th century allegorical morality play wherein Death summons man to a final reckoning – with funereal pomp and circumstance. Since being released in 2006, Everyman has garnered Roth the prestigious Pen/Faulkner award, which recognizes the best work of fiction in any given year.

Enjoy this excerpt from the first chapters of Everyman.

The next to throw dirt on the lid of the coffin was Howie, who’d been the object of worship when they were children and in return had always treated him with gentleness and affection, patiently teaching him to ride a bike and to swim and to play all the sports in which Howie himself excelled. It still appeared as if he could run a football through the middle of the line, and he was seventy-seven years old.

He’d never been hospitalized for anything and,

President of PEN/Faulkner, Jackson Bryer chats with John Dufresne at the 2007 PEN/Faulkner Gala on May 12 at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

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though a sibling bred of the same stock, had remained triumphantly healthy all his life.

His voice was husky with emotion when he whispered to his wife, “My kid brother.

It makes no sense.” Then he too addressed everyone.“Let’s see if I can do it. Now let’s get to this guy. About my brother …” He paused to compose his thoughts so he could speak sensibly. His way of talking and the pleasant pitch of his voice were so like his brother’s that Phoebe began to cry, and, quickly, Nancy took her by the arm. “His last few years,” he said, gazing toward the grave,“he had health problems, and there was loneliness – no less a problem. We spoke on the phone whenever we could, though near the end of his life he cut me off for reasons that were never clear. From the time he was in high school, he had an irresistible urge to paint, and after he retired from advertising, where he’d made a considerable success as an art director and then when he was promoted to be a creative director – after a life in advertising he painted practically every day of every year that was left to him. We can say of him what has doubtless been said by their loved ones about nearly everyone who is buried here: he should have lived longer. He should have indeed.” Here, after a moment’s silence, the resigned look of gloom on his face gave way to a sorrowful smile. “When I started high school and had team practice in the afternoons, he took over the errands that I used to run for my father after school. He loved being only nine years old and carrying the diamonds

in an envelope on his jacket pocket onto the bus to Newark, where the setter and the sizer and the polisher and the watch repairman our father used each sat in a cubbyhole of his own, tucked away on Frelinghuysen Avenue. Those trips gave that kid enormous pleasure. I think watching those artisans do their lonely work in those tight little places gave him the idea for using his hands to make art. I think looking at the facets of the diamonds through my father’s jewelry loupe is something else that fostered his desire to make art.” A laugh suddenly got the upper hand with Howie, a little flurry of relief from his task, and he said,“I was the conventional brother. In me diamonds fostered a desire to make money.”Then he resumed where he’d left off, looking through the large sunny window of their boyhood years.

“Our father took a small ad in the Elizabeth Journal once a month. During the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, he took the ad once a week. ‘Trade in your old watch for a new one.’ All these old watches that he accumulated – most of them beyond repair ¬– were dumped in a drawer in the back of the store. My little brother could sit there for hours, spinning the hands and listening to the watches tick, if they still did, and studying what each face and what each case looked like.That’s what made that boy tick. A hundred, two hundred tradein watches, the entire drawerful probably worth no more than ten bucks, but to his budding eye, that backroom watch drawer was a treasure chest. He used to take them and wear them – he always had a watch that was out of that drawer. One of the ones that worked. And the ones he tried to make work, whose looks he liked, he’d fiddle around with but to no avail – generally he’d only make them worse. Still, that was the beginning of his

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Philip Roth’s Everyman was awarded the 2007 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and $15,000.

He is the only author to have received this award three times.

using his hands to perform meticulous tasks …

There was the Depression, there was the war, but there were also the weddings, there were our salesgirls, there were the trips to Newark on the bus with hundreds of dollars’ worth of diamonds stashed away in envelopes in the pockets of our mackinaws. On the outside of each envelope were the instructions for the setter or the sizer written by our father.There was the five-foot high Mosley safe slotted for all the jewelry trays that we carefully put away every night and removed every morning … and all of this constituted the core of my brother’s life as a good little boy.” Howie’s eyes rested on the coffin again.“And now what?” he asked. “I think this had better be all there is.

Going on and on, remembering still more … but why not remember? What’s another gallon of tears between family and friends? When our father died my brother asked me if I minded if he took our father’s watch. It was a Hamilton, made in Lancaster, P-A, and according to the expert, the boss, the best watch this country ever produced.

Whenever he sold one, our father never failed to assure the customer that he’d made no mistake.

‘See, I wear one myself. A very, very highly respected watch, the Hamilton. To my mind,’ he’d say, ‘the premier American-made watch, bar none.’ Seventy-nine fifty, if I remember correctly.

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Everything for sale in those days had to end in fifty. Hamilton had a great reputation. It was a classy watch, my dad did love his, and when my brother said he’d like to own it, I couldn’t have been happier. He could have taken he jeweler’s loupe and our father’s diamond carrying case. That was the worn old leather case that he would always carry with him in his coat pocket whenever he went to do business outside the store: with the tweezers in it, and the tiny screwdrivers and the little ring of sizers that gauge the size of a round stone and the folded white papers for holding the loose diamonds.

The beautiful, cherished little things he worked with, which he held in his hands and next to his heart, yet we decided to bury the loupe and the case and all its contents in his grave. He always kept the loupe in one pocket and his cigarettes in the other, so we stuck the loupe inside his shroud.

I remember my brother saying, ‘By all rights we should put it in his eye.’ That’s what grief can do to you. That’s how thrown we were. We didn’t know what else to do. Rightly or wrongly, there didn’t seem to us anything but that to do, Because they were not just his – they were him … To finish up about that Hamilton, my father’s old Hamilton with the crown that you would turn to wind it every morning and that you would pull out on its stem to turn to move the hands … except when he was in swimming, my brother wore it day and night. He took it off for good only forty-eight hours ago. He handed it to the nurse to lock away for safekeeping while he was having the surgery that killed him. In the car on the way to the cemetery this morning, my niece Nancy showed me that she’d put a new notch in the band and now it’s she who’s wearing the Hamilton to tell time by.”

Excerpted from Everyman by Philip Roth published

by Houghton Mifflin Company. Copyright © 2006 by Philip Roth. Reprinted by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

| washingtonlife.com

Sen. Feingold’s platform emphasizes his ties to Wisconsin both physically and through his political stance.

FINDING OUT FEINGOLD Author Sanford D. Horwitt takes an in-depth look at idealistic, Democratic Senator Russ Feingold’s life.

Feingold: A New Democratic Party, Simon & Schuster.

A

n idyllic, apple-pie childhood in smalltown Wisconsin predicated a career built upon fierce reformist urges. Horwitt compares Feingold to progressive Senator Robert La Follette; the Cheesehead is billed as “a hero to grassroots Democrats and Independents,” unique in today’s political environment in his willingness to take strong, outspoken stands on issues including oppositions to the war in Iraq. The only senator to vote against the Patriot Act, he is also responsible, along with John McCain, for the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform of 2002, which banned soft money contributions.As one of the most outspoken critics of the war in Iraq and of the Bush administration, Feingold delivered a speech on the senate floor in which he said, “‘The administration’s arguments just don’t add up . . . to a coherent basis for a new major war in the middle of our current challenging fight against the terrorism of al Qaeda and related organizations. Therefore, I cannot support [it].’” However, Feingold has also criticized Democrats for being too tentative and blurring lines between Democratic and Republican ideologies. Horwitt’s book makes it clear that Feingold represents “those who believe the modern Democratic Party should become the party of bold ideas and reform” against “those who think it should continue to play it safe, and with rare exceptions, accept the status quo.”

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ENTERTAINMENT | MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Summer Blockbusters A-List parties, outsized personalities and what your poo could be telling you

BY JAN ET D O N OVAN

Where’s the beef?

Guests at The Week party at The Phillips Collection’s movie series fantasized about taking home the ultimate goody: something from the museum’s modern art collection. But don’t touch the goods warned the jovial board chairman George Vradenburg. As part of their ongoing Capital Classics, this night featured Chris Matthews’ pick, Dave. “Not exactly his favorite movie,” insisted Washington Bureau Chief Margaret Carlson. “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is, but Chris wasn’t in that one.”The “high brow” guests included Ben Bradlee, Matt Cooper, Mandy Grunwald, Rep. Jane Harman, Michael Kinsley and Shelby Coffey.

King of the Night It was hard to tell if Larry Flynt had received any hot tips on his search for political sex scandals by the time he arrived at The Larry King Cardiac Foundation’s annual gala. In D.C., we wonder why he needs to offer $1 million for such information. This is Washington, we

Elton John with the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation Leadership Award. John thanked those gathered for recognizing his work against AIDS.

46

leak for free. Fran Drescher had been on the Hill earlier in the day leaking all kinds of information on cancer to Rep. John Conyers – a push for her nonprofit organization Cancerschmancer.

Michael Jackson publicist Romaine Bain was there but not leaking anything on her client – bummer. The King Bruce Sudano and Donna Summer with brigade rocked to Donna Summer, Shawn and Larry King at The Larry King including young sons Chance and Cardiac Foundation’s Annual Gala.

Co-author Josh Cannon, who already know how to upstage their famous parents. Good thing they Richman sees it differently: “One of our goals had “handlers.” was to get rid of this social stigma and throw it out there that this is normal to talk and learn about.” Guests Michael Isikoff, Mary Ann Akers, To Sir with love Rep. There were no “Crocodile Rock” moments Linda Sanchez and Nicole Boxer didn’t when Sir Elton John received the National seem to mind; nor did Kimball Stroud, who Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation hosted the book party at Leftbank with Carrie Leadership Award on June 11th. The usually Foster and Jill and Nathan Daschle. flamboyant superstar was subdued in bright red pants and black topcoat – over the top for That’s What Friends Are For K Street, funereal when compared to his usual Author Tina Brown has lots of girlfriends. guise. Grateful for being recognized for his work “She’s a girl’s girl,” said Beth Dozoretz, who fighting AIDS, he graciously thanked broadcasters hosted a book party for the fiery Brit at her for calling attention to the disease. Guests were home with co-hosts Kathy O’Hearn, Susan in awe. This was, after all, the man who sang at Mercandetti, Elsa Walsh and Kyle Gibson.“She’s Princess Diana’s funeral, the man who has raised the most divine girlfriend,” added O’Hearn. $120 million for AIDS relief, the man who has So, did Diana, Princess of Wales, have any won Grammies and an Academy Award. Joined girlfriends? In The Diana Chronicles, her female by jazz singer Oleta Adams, Inside Edition host relationships are described as “a formidable Deborah Norville and Miss America 2007 Lauren female cast: Diana’s sexually charged mother, Nelson, the megastar had a charming moment. her scheming grand-mother, the stepmother she If you looked closely at the monitor you could hated … and bad-girl Fergie, her sister in law.” see what appeared to be a safety pin holding his There are 486 pages of riveting tidbits – was there anything scandalous left out? “There are a glasses together. Just like us. couple things I would not put in there,” Brown said. “Diana was a pretty naughty girl at times.

Say it isn’t so Someone actually wrote a book about poo. I didn’t want to get her into too much trouble Pop culture and college humor aside, partying posthumously.” Attending male friends: Bob amid toilet paper and copies of What’s Your Woodward, Bill Press, Mandy Ourisman, David Poo Telling You? wasn’t for the squeamish. Corn, David Adler and Chris Wallace.

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From the distinct Asian-Inspired cocktails, unique sake, and extensive champagne list, to the futuristic pixel wall and custom mood lighting, Lotus is truly and uniquely an experience.

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“My goal is to promote new innovations in Japanese food, not only by providing fresh and unique ingredients, but also through the actual process of eating; ambience, lighting, conversations, and everything in between...”

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LUXURY TRAVEL the world is your oyster | Explore Buenos Aires, Shanghai, Hollywood and Space. Plus! All you need to know about membership resorts

ESSENTIAL

BUENOS AIRES

Heat up your summer with a trip to Argentina’s remarkably cosmopolitan (and inexpensive) capital

BY KEVIN CHAFFEE

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rgentina’s capital sizzles with style how about $30 for two (a fifth of the price and sophistication. As if that weren’t in New York)? Only the tip-top hotels are as enough, it’s incredibly sexy, too. Even better – pricey as everywhere else (if you simply must and you are wondering what could be better have five stars). Not that you’re likely to be – it’s almost embarrassingly inexpensive. It’s spending much time in your room with all the one of the few places in the world where the cafés, bars and shopping expeditions.

Truth be told, Buenos Aires is not a dollar is king.

Think about it: twenty-minute taxi rides for museum town, although there are a few $7 versus $40 in London for the same distance; worth visiting. It’s far more likely you’ll be dinner with wine in an excellent restaurant – sleeping much of the day if you plan to test W A S H I N G T O N L I F E | S U M M E R | washingtonlife.com

The health club at the Alvear Palace Hotel offers guests a heated pool and sauna, fully equipped gym and massage services. Other perks include personal butlers and a breakfast buffet in the skylit Orangerie Restaurant.

the incredible night life, especially the clubs and tango parlors (milongas), where the action doesn’t get started until well after midnight no matter what day of the week it is.

Now, back to the sexy stuff. No doubt about it, this city has the most gorgeous people you’ve ever seen this side of Tinseltown or the beaches of St. Tropez in high season.

Beautiful, affordable, sensual B.A. – what are you waiting for? Viva Buenos Aires!

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LUXURY TRAVEL | BUENOS AIRES

The Faena Hotel+Universe is made of bricks transported from Manchester, England, a century ago at the height of the Belle Époque. To this day the building is a landmark in Buenos Aires.

DO

renovated into an impossibly chic Park Hyatt Hotel.

out” of this necropolis containing the remains of city’s most prominent families. The mausoleums are a morbid but fascinating tourist attraction best avoided on weekends, when the crowds looking for Evita Peron’s crypt can be off-putting. (Tip: buy a copy of City of Angels, a guide filled with delicious tidbits about the entombed. My favorite: Senor Gath, “said to be buried with an electric can opener in his hands in case he wakes from death. Something we presume he has not used to the present time.”) Guided tours in English at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Junin 1760, Recoleta, 4803-1594.

This impressive modern structure boasts works by Diego Rivera, Wilfredo Lam and other modern Latin American artists. Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Palermo, 4808-6500, www.malba.org.ar.

Museo de Latinamericano de Cementerio de la Recoleta Wags like to say it’s “harder to get in than to get Buenos Aires ﹙MALBA﹚

Recoleta Walking Tour

Explore the architectural masterpieces of the city’s grandest neighborhood; start at the imposing Belle Epoque French Embassy (Cerito 1399), then take in the Palacio Pereda, now the Brazilian embassy (Arroyo 1133). Nearby Avenida Alvear boasts the imposing Vatican embassy (No. 1637), next to the Palacio Duhau (No. 1661), recently

Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo

This sumptuous 1911 mansion provides a fascinating glimpse of the style in which Argentina’s wealthy upper class once lived.

(Tip: don’t miss works by El Greco and Manet.) Av. de Libertador 1902, Recoleta, 4806-8306.

Plaza de Mayo Area

Don’t miss a stroll through B.A.’s colonial heart, especially the Casa Rosada presidential palace and famed balcony (where Evita “cried for Argentina”), Catedral Metropolitana and several museums. (Tip: if you are in the Plaza on Thursday at 3:30 p.m., be sure to watch the famous “Mothers of Reinvention,” a dwindling group of elderly ladies who continue to protest the disappearance of family members during the military government of the 1970s.)

Museo Evita This somewhat creepy museum will fascinate anyone interested in the life and times of Argentina’s most famous daughter. Lafinur 2988, Palermo, 4807-9433.

Feria de Mataderos

This wonderful festival in a barrio near the western city limits features local food, live music, chacareras folk dancing and skilled gauchos riding their criollo breed horses. An utterly charming experience. Open Saturdays (Jan.-Mar.), 6 p.m.-1 a.m.; or Sundays (Apr-Dec.), 1-7

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Many Argentinean notables, including First Lady Eva Peron, have been laid to rest at the Cemererio de la Recoleta

p.m. (Tip: Arrange your return taxi in advance.)

Lisandro de la Torre and Av. de Los Corrales, Matade, Mataderos, 4374-9664.

STAY Faena Hotel ﹢ Universe The hottest place to stay in B.A., especially if you’re young, hip, beautiful and rich.The buzz never stops about this ultra-chic, beau monde hangout, starting with Philippe Starck’s dark, dramatic hallways and minimalist guest rooms dressed with heavy red velvet portières, white leather furniture and cut-glass mirrors. If you’re wondering about the “Universe” part, that’s creator Alan Faena’s concept of cocooning each guest within an environment of restaurants, boutiques, nightly tango cabaret, top notch spa, gym and sexy outdoor pool where individual “relationship managers” fulfill every need (via your own hotel cell phone) rather than pesky desk clerks and concierges. (Tip:Avoid rooms facing poolside unless you like throbbing house music until 2 a.m.) Rooms $500-600; apartments (many privately owned) $750-$5,000 (plus 21 percent tax).

Martha Salotti 445, Puerto Madero, (54-11) 40109000, www.faenahotelanduniverse.com.

Alvear Palace Hotel

If your idea of heaven on earth is the Paris Ritz, you’ll love this hotel in the heart of the Recoleta shopping district. Artwork, antiques and superior service are the hallmark of any “palace” hotel

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The Alvear Palace Hotel in Recoleta first opened its doors in 1932. Notable guests include HRH Prince Charles of Wales, Ted Turner, Henry Kissinger and Donatella Versace.

would easily be two to three times more expensive elsewhere.) Alvear Palace Hotel,Av.Alvear 1891, Recoleta, 4808-2100.

Oviedo

Home Hotel

Top Spanish chefs Martín Rebaudino and Ramón Chiliguay are known for the best paella in town. (Tip: an excellent and reasonably priced wine list makes this the place to splurge on vintage Malbec.) $25 per person.

Beruti 2602, Recoleta, 4822-5415 wwworviedoresto.com.ar.

There’s no place like Home, especially if you’re sipping a cocktail with a hot date in this sleek hotel’s beautiful patio garden. (Tip: the infinity pool is a cool place to dip your feet after a long day of sightseeing or shopping). Honduras 5860, Palermo Viejo, 4778-1008. www.homebuenosaires. com.

DRINK Cafe Tortoni and the Alvear rarely disappoints — one reason why it remains a perennial favorite for visiting royalty, heads of state, top business executives and established film and music stars. True, the rates are among the highest in town, but many attractive amenities are included: a gargantuan buffet breakfast in the beautiful skylit Orangerie Restaurant, spa and indoor pool, a cut-rate ($20) half-hour massage, fresh flowers and fruit, personal butler service, in-room Jacuzzis, 500thread Egyptian cotton bed linens and a neverending supply of Hermès toiletries. (Tip: great people watching during cocktail hour in the Lobby Bar.) Rooms $550-$590; suites $630$4,500 (plus 21 percent tax). Av. Alvear 1891, Recoleta, (54-11) 4808-2100, www.alvearpalace. com.

EAT El Obrero This run-down but lively cantina in trendy La Boca quarter is a classic hangout for neighborhood types (and hip celebs like Bono) who come for parrilla (barbecue) and other traditional dishes. Dinner about $10 per person.

Agustin Caffarena 64, La Boca, 4362-2433.

La Bourgogne

Acclaimed French chef Jean Bondoux’s extensive menu will hit the spot for those in search of primo gourmet fare. (Tip: $100 average dinners are very high for Argentina, but similar cuisine

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school waiters and an ever-changing cast of characters whiling away the hours over their newspapers and café con crema. Av. de Mayo 722, Micro Centro, 4342-4328.

The city’s oldest (1858) traditional cafe boasts dark paneled walls, old

La Biela

Supreme people watching on the terrace of this famed Parisian-style café near Recoleta Cemetery.

Av. Quintana 600, Recoleta, 4804-0449.

Milión

This lively, late-night hangout for the capital’s beautiful people is located in a classic French mansion stunningly transformed by stage lighting, Filled with lofts, bars and restaurants, the Puerto Madero neighborhood is located on the east side of Buenos Aires and is connected to the city by a series of bridges.

Out on the Town

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uenos Aires has some of the most exciting nightlife in the world.The portenos (that’s what we call the city’s residents) love to go out every night of the week – but you have to remember that nothing much gets underway until 1 a.m.

Get started at Tequila, where the glitterati – including the international polo crowd on Wednesdays in November and December – stop by for a drink before going clubbing. Av. Costanera Norte and La Pampa, 4781 6555.

On Thurday night, Rumi, in the northern suburb of Nunez, is the best dance party in town (after 1:30 a.m., of course). Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 6442, 4782-1307.

I also like Asia De Cuba (good on Wednesdays), where you can have dinner around 10 p.m. and then stay on for the night scene ‘til 5 a.m. Pierina Dealessi 750, Puerto Madero, 48941328, www.asiadecuba.com.ar.

Crobar is the capital’s biggest club. It’s great on weekends, and you can get lost exploring the many dance areas and VIP rooms. Av. del Libertador 3883, Palermo, 4778-1500. www. crobar.com. – Osmar Nuñez-Vilches is the co-owner of Georgetown’s Maté Lounge.

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LUXURY TRAVEL | BUENOS AIRES

Menswear

Balthasar Unique shirts and scarves of the finest quality. Gorriti 5131, Palerma Viejo (among other locations), 4834-6235, www. balthasarshop.com.

Etiqueta Negra Uber-cosmo duds with polo panache.

Posadas 1229, Recoleta (among other locations), 4814-7430.

Leather

Guido Stock up on high-quality, handmade shoes at onethird the U.S. price. Av. Quintana 333, Recoleta (among other locations), 4812-3939, www.guidomocasines.com.ar.

Equestrian

Arandu Exquisite leather saddles, boots, jackets and hats; hand-tooled silver. Paraguay 1259, Recoleta, 48166191, www.tal-arandu.com.

Perhaps the most colorful part of the city, the Barrio de la Boca has a more bohemian feel. With brightly colored houses, the area showcases artists of all kinds.

hip art and a lush garden. (Tip: tables are often reserved by regulars, so ask your concierge or a well-connected friend to book for you.) Parana 1048, Recoleta, 4815-9925.

SHOP I went early to the famed Sunday morning flea market in the San Telmo neighborhood’s Plaza Dorrego but soon fled the crowds, heat and noise to browse in the antiques emporiums on nearby Defensa street.Try HB Antiquedades (Defensa 1016, 4361-3325) for high-end furniture. Also visit Silvia Petroccia (Defensa 1002, 4362-0156), where Michael Jackson stocked up on Phantom of the Opera-style mirrors and candelabras. Above all, don’t miss the world-class Art Deco furniture, sculpture and art glass (Lalique, Daum, Schneider) at Guevara (Defensa 982, 4362-2418).

For the ladies The stylish grandes dames of Recoleta swear by the following for chic apparel: Martin Churba Tramando You’ll definitely make a statement in this designer’s colorful Andean-style clothing. Rodriguez Pena 1973, Recoleta, 4811-0465, www.tramando.com.

Paula Cahen d’Anvers Women who wear white swear by the leather handbags and clothing made from supremely soft cotton. Av. Santa Fe 1619, Recoleta, 4811-3176.

Trosman Jessica Trosman’s cutting-edge designs are the talk of le tout B.A. Patio Bullrich, Av. del Libertador 750, Recoleta, 4814-7411, www.trosman.com.

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The Rojo Tango, in the Fanea Hotel+Universe, features a tango dance show with live music, performers and dancers.

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Tango Fever

here are basically two choices to savor tango in Buenos Aires: the “tango show” and the tango parlors (locally known as milongas). If visitors have more than one evening in Buenos Aires, the best plan might be not to make a choice, but do both.

The city’s superlative tango show is “Esquina Carlos Gardel.” Named after the legendary 1930s tango crooner and heartthrob and located in the somewhat gentrified Abasto neighborhood (the city’s equivalent of Les Halles in Paris), the production caters to upscale tourists (and their Argentine hosts) in a large 1930s-period hall. The tango is first class; the dancers, orchestra and singers are excellent and attractive, and the pace of the program equally diverse and entertaining. The so-called “VIP lounge” is worth booking. One can dine there around 10 p.m., and enjoy the show (which ends around midnight) with the best balcony view of the stage.

The parlors are traditional meeting places for local tango enthusiasts.The best-known of them (El Beso, Grisel, Porteñito Bailarín, and Confitería Ideal, among others) hosts a particularly popular milonga, or tango party, at least once each week. Hotel concierges generally know which are the “hot” parlors on any particular night. My favorites are Confitería Ideal, with a decaying décor reminiscent of a Parisian restaurant/dance parlor (Suipacha 384, 5265-8078); and Porteño y Bailarín (Ríobamba 345, 4932-5452), with a charming brothel-like ambiance and terrific dancers – from twenty-somethings to experienced seniors in their 60s and 70s.

– International businessman Maximo Flügelman lives in Washington and Buenos Aires.

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LUXURY TRAVEL | WL PURSUITS

Space Travel 101 Private space exploration has become the ultimate vacation for the ultra-wealthy

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he final frontier was once accessible only to a highly trained, elite few: astronauts. Vienna, Va.,-based Space Adventures, a commercial space flight group, is changing that.Theoretically, private space exploration is available to anyone; but besides astronauts, it’s still only available to an elite few: the very wealthy. Case in point: Charles Simonyi, the billionaire former Microsoft engineer who recently spent 14 days on the International Space Station (ISS) during a privately funded mission facilitated by Space Adventures. The company’s next mission is scheduled for fall 2008.

Interested? WL tells you what it takes. cost: An Orbital Space Flight (what

ABOVE : The Soyuz TMA spacecraft readying for launch. RIGHT: Charles Simonyi experiences zero gravity during a training flight.

Simonyi opted for) goes for $20-25 million. Space Adventures has other lowerpriced experiences (one might consider them stocking stuffers): zero gravity flight – $3,500; or a suborbital spaceflight – $102,000. For the truly big spender, the first private expedition to the moon is slated for 2011 for a nifty $100 million. training: Orbital candidates train over

900 hours at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, where they familiarize themselves with the Soyuz TMA (the spacecraft currently in use). Once participants are flight certified they launch to the ISS from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Bang for your buck:

Space Adventures’ clients spend more than a week in the ISS orbiting the earth.

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8-10 days in space aboard the ISS, where you orbit the Earth at approximately 26,720 kilometers per hour.

Travel buddies: You may be riding shotgun,

but who’s driving? Highly trained professional Russian cosmonauts, of course. Simonyi flew with Russian Expedition 15 crew members. accommodations: The space station is equipped with microwave ovens and refrigerators, allowing for many “normal” types of food.You sleep aboard the station in a vertical compartment. risk factor: Discounting the obvious (you’re being launched into outer space inside a speeding rocket – there must be some inherent risk, right?), the Soyuz TMA is recognized as the world’s most reliable spacecraft. It is also the longest-serving manned spacecraft in the world.

– Clay Gaynor For more information on Space Adventures call (888) 85-SPACE or (703) 524-7172 or email info@spaceadventures.com.

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LUXURY TRAVEL | VACATION TRENDS

PARTIALLY Fractional home ownership and destination clubs are the newest luxury vacation trend, but how does it all work? A N N G E R A C I M O S takes a look at the industry leaders – Exclusive Resorts, Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World (LRW) and The Ritz-Carlton Club – and explains the ins and outs of this booming business.

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Yours

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LEFT PAGE: The infinity pool and villa at Exclusive Resorts’ Tuscan property. ABOVE: The manor house and putting green at Bovey Castle in England, where Exclusive Resorts members can stay in one of eight private stone lodges. Exclusive Resorts recently surpassed the $1 billion mark in the value of its owned residential resort real estate. RIGHT: The infinity pool and exterior of Quintess’ Las Casitas, a four-bedroom, four-bath beach home in Los Cabos, Mexico. Quintess, LRW provides members with access to 60+ multimillion-dollar residences in 30+ international resort and city destinations. With more than 375 members, the Club’s member-to-home ratio is six-to-one.

“

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ocation, location, location” goes the real estate mantra.

So, too, goes the siren call of the burgeoning number of fractionals, destination clubs and combination fractional interest/private residence clubs that are heating up the luxury travel market.

The word “club” is used loosely in many cases – but the mission of these decidedly upscale ventures is consistent: mainly shared ownership arrangements that provide service, serenity, and, in some cases, a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded souls tired of the responsibilities involved in independent ownership of a second or third home.

Fancy staying in a multi-million-dollar home in a restricted enclave with annual fees (“dues”) of five and sometimes six figures? Or owning from one-seventeenth to one-quarter in a so-called “fractional,” assuring you of deeded real estate that comes with a certain number of guaranteed vacation days a year? The locales are typically eye-popping, well-maintained sites chosen for their diversity and views.

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New vacation options for the wealthy have brought about a new vocabulary with definitions that are fluid, depending on the source. A fractional is definitely one up over a time share, which implies buying time rather than real estate. Holders of fractional deeds have limited ownership interest in a specific property, whereas destination club owners buy membership rights for up to 30 years to stay in different properties at different times.

And some clients buy homes or villas outright that then can be rented out and serviced as part of a membership arrangement.

Exclusive Resorts, Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World, (LRW) and the RitzCarlton Club are among the leaders with a large stake in the trend. They offer members the chance for a luxury level vacation at an ever-increasing number of locations where top-notch service and facilities are key.

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uintess, LRW, which merged with Dream Catcher Retreats last year and signed a partnership in December with The Leading Hotels of the World Ltd., owns over 60 homes in over 30 destinations and has another 30 homes under development totalling over $375 million in real estate. Membership fees are between $195,000 and $790,000, plus annual dues between $15,250 and $55,000 depending on the plan selected.

“We believe that being member-owned, member-managed and member-driven is key to our leadership in the luxury destination club market,” said Quintess, LRW Founder and EVP. “Nearly half of our members have made a separate financial decision to invest in Club Holdings LLC, the parent of Quintess, LRW. This aligns the interests of our shareholders and members in a very powerful way.”

Members, who choose among 12 plans, then get to stay at different club homes or residences

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LUXURY TRAVEL | VACATION TRENDS

of Potomac, Md., semi-retired grandparents 61 and 59 years of age respectively, to the club. They paid close to half a million up front for 45 vacation days a year and feel “like kids in a candy shop.�

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between two weeks and up to 60 days a year.

There are over 375 members to date, with the number to cap at 1,000. Because the organization is based in Colorado, Quintess, LRW draws a great many clients from the West, but available destinations include apartments in London and Paris as well as homes in Florida and Mexico.

The average home’s list price is $4 million and sized up to 5,000 square feet; city properties are between 1,200 and 1,500 square feet.

Typically, according to Addoms, a member is 35 to 45 years old, has an average net worth of over $3 million, and likes to travel with friends and extended family. “Our family just outgrew hotels,� says Ben Scharpf, of Denver, Colo., having just returned from trips to St. Thomas and Cabo San Lucas with children aged 22, 17 and 15. He praised the extra services available, such as having the choice of cooking at home (groceries pre-ordered and in place ahead of arrival), hiring a chef, or taking a chartered boat trip for the day (all at extra cost).

T

he five-year-old Exclusive Resorts operates on a similar principle, offering its members – several thousand at present, who average seven trips a year – the right to use some 300 vacation homes in 35 destinations for stays up to 45 nights a year by joining one of three plans.

The upfront cost is $239,000 to $459,000 with annual dues ranging from $13,900 to $34,900.

The average home site is worth $3 million and

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itz-Carlton Clubs (and Residences) is a fractional/private residence operation attracting several thousand members overall, although with fewer sites on tap at present.The company, part of the Marriott Corporation, plans to develop at least two new locations a year The view from the deck of Exclusive Resort’s Megeve Chalet in the – most of them freestanding properties French Alps. Exclusive Resorts is part of Steve Case’s Washington, DC-based Revolution LLC. Onsite concierges see to every detail – and makes a strong case that its “brand� during your vacation – whether it’s stocking the pantry with your elevates its offerings beyond competitors. favorite foods before your arrival, scheduling a private chef or running a late-night errand.

They like to speak of the Ritz-Carlton “lifestyle.� One singular advantage of the comes equipped with the finest amenities money brand idea is a qualified reduction of up to 30 (on a wholesale basis) can buy.The organization percent for stays in Ritz hotels.

Fractional owners sometimes decide to buy is part of Steve Case’s Washington, D.C.-based wholly-owned homes on club sites so they can Revolution LLC. “Exclusive Resorts’ members can plan participate in benefits on an a la carte basis. The a perfect vacation in under one minute – we handsomely landscaped Ritz-Carlton Golf Club take care of everything – allowing them to relax and Spa in Jupiter, Florida, near West Palm Beach, with family and friends,� said Donn Davis, ER contains villas, residences and estates within a CEO. “We are proud to have an astounding 95 walled community of 285 acres that became percent member satisfaction rate – unheard of fully operational just two years ago. It is marked in the luxury hospitality industry.� Quintess, only by a single entrance, guarded by a friendly LRW – and the industry as a whole – has similar gentleman in jacket and tie.

Curious onlookers aren’t welcome; nor are member satisifation rates.

As District resident and member Tom Evans casually interested buyers invited for a short stay states, “they are very focused in North Americaâ€? unless they are close to signing up.This reporter, and, like Quintess, LRW include New York, Miami, Mexican and Caribbean sites as well as Exclusive Resortsďš• By the Numbers homes in numerous Western U.S. locations for a comprehensive grouping of beach, mountain and ďš? members metropolitan sites. There is a castle in England, a villa in Tuscany, and apartments in Paris. Mr.  of the luxury destination club market Evans, president of a small investment banking firm, heard about ER through associates who then introduced him to one of the founders.

residences While not the family’s only vacation choice, he gets help from his 16-year-old twin daughters,

residences under construction who like researching ER destinations on the ďš? total vacations delivered Web.They gave up a second home in Manhattan for ER members five or six years ago. “I didn’t like being tied down,â€? he says.

out of

people that joined any residence The wide choice of destinations is what club this year joined Exclusive Resorts attracted Richard and Mary Ellen Stieglitz

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the beach, the city or the mountains Exclusive Resorts www.exclusiveresorts.com 866-863-2688 Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World www.quintess.com 800-550-0324 The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences www.ritzcarltonrealestate.com 800-850-6674 LEFT The Ritz-Carlton “lifestyle”: the water and golf course, as seen from the hot tub of one the company’s Jupiter, Fla., residences. BELOW The course and several residences at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter, Fla. $20,000 in annual dues pays for twice-daily housekeeping, maintenance, insurance and taxes on clients’ fractional investments.

visited for one night as a company guest to experience the Ritz brand firsthand and to meet and talk with clients.

Mary Lockhart of Westchester, N.Y., visiting with guests for an all-girl spa weekend, likes having to fly only four hours to enjoy her family’s fractional ownership – a four bedroom house – and says she knows people who have bought “more than one share to get more time.”

The relatively low number of destination choices is just fine with her since “how many vacations can you take in a year?”

A bachelor healthcare business executive in his 40s bought into Jupiter on the grounds that the weather would always be better than at his Cape Cod home, and he calculates that he can be on the driving range the very afternoon he arrives. His 35-day annual one-twelfth share week (Saturday to Saturday), affords him the valuable downtime – “I come for the quiet” – he craves. But it was the emphasis on a healthy active lifestyle that sold him. A retired New York City couple bought a house on the property and pay extra for the service touches.They liked not feeling the sense of discrimination that they said often accompanies private clubs in Manhattan.

Primarily a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf resort, the land also contains, among other amenities, a five-acre Bald Eagle preserve, a large spa, tennis court, bike trails, a children’s program and door-todoor golf cart service. (Golf membership is $55,000 for fractional owners; different from those in socalled wholly-owned residences.) A shuttle takes members one mile to the ocean but the curving

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pool seems as central to action as the club house.

Most members rent a car at the airport but private pick-up service can be arranged in advance.

The $20,000 annual dues pay for twicedaily housekeeping, maintenance, insurance and taxes. There are two restaurants with the main one focusing on steak one night and Italian food another. The staff, complete with six concierges, is chosen as much for personality as hard-wired experience. Furnishings tend to the baronial: brass, marble, granite and typical Ritz touches like having no fewer than six pillows on a queen bed. A covered outdoor jacuzzi and kitchen are routine. There is even a special humidor for home-baked chocolate and macadamia nut cookies available each afternoon in the members’ lounge. Complaints? Perhaps less music blaring poolside and some more flexibility regarding distribution of allotted days –minor gripes on a blissful late spring afternoon.

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wenty-five sales personnel work at the Ritz’ Jupiter resort alone to ensure success, but what the future holds for the ever-shifting and expanding high-end resort market as a whole is anybody’s guess. Dick Ragatz of Ragatz Associates, who studies the market out of Oregon, says he has seen the extra-exclusive private residence clubs – prime real estate – grow by 92 percent in just a short period. Perhaps overkill might dampen somewhat the “exclusivity” label and crowd the scene. How many unspoiled powder sand beaches and untrammeled mountain trails can be left?

Doubtless, these ventures and dozens of other luxury vacation properties being advertised with flashy blue-sky-all-the-way promo materials count on customers’ viewing them as just desserts for a hard-working life. It is the club experience that never requires attendance at a meeting. Carefree in a way – as long as the “club” managers are watching the controls.

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LUXURY TRAVEL | TEN TO DO SHANGHAI

Enter the Dragon Shanghai has changed immensely over the past 10 years … actually, it’s change immensely over the past 10 minutes – the following tips are timeless (for now)

BY MICHAEL CLEMENTS

Shanghai’s “Bund” as viewed from the Pudong side of the Huang Po atop the 88th floor of the China’s tallest building, the Jin Mao Tower. In the foreground, Shanghai’s iconoclastic Pearl Tower. Pudong a former sleepy plot of farm land is fast-developing modern city-within-a-city.

1

Spa by day

Recharge at Banyan Tree Spa (The Westin Shanghai, www.banyantreespa.com) considered one of the best in the city. Try the two-hour “Feng” session tailored to the season you travel (US$145).

The Evian Spa (No.5 The Bund. 2/F, www. threeonthebund.com) is a ladies-only contemporary facility offering French beauty treatments, Eastern holistic therapies and advanced color and water therapies. The signature Evian Royal Synchronized therapy features three therapists at teh same time (60min. US$210). With its spectacular rooftop pool, the Four Seasons Spa (500 Weihai Rd., www.fourseasons.com/shanghai) is a luxe urban oasis (60min. massage, $130.) Dragon Fly Massage (12 different locations, www.dragonfly. net.cn) is a local luxury spa chain preferred by Shanghai’s burgeoning new rich, who tend to shy away from higher-priced hotels (one-hour head and shoulder massage, $7; full-body lavender oil massage, $25.)

2

Feast on contemporary art

Urban contemporary art in Shanghai doesn’t get better than the warehouses and art

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galleries of 50 Moganshan Lu. ShangArt (50 Moganshan Lu, Bldg. 16 & 18, www.shanghart. com) is one of the originals but Art Scene Warehouse (2/F, Bldg. 4, 50 Moganshan Lu, www. artscenewarehouse.com) is the area’s coolest and largest site. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) (People’s Park, www.mocashanghai. org) offers a more polished art-going experience – as well as a nice café.

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Shop, shop, shop

Xintiandi (www.xintiandi.com) is Shanghai’s answer to Covent Garden. The converted old residential quarter in the French Concession features charming Shanghai Shikuman architecture, which dates to the 1860’s. Highlights include Miss Sixty, French Connection, Benetton, Shanghai Tang, Sisley, and Vivienne Tam, among others.) Refuel with an aromatic and nourishing stew or tea at Herbal Legend (South Block, Xintiandi Plaza) or stop for drinks at trendy TMSK (North Block Xintiandi, www.tmsk. com). Shopaholics should stay nearby at the chic boutique hotel 88Xintiandi (www.88xintiandi. com). Superior rooms run $288 per night.

4

Sing a Soong

History buffs will love the former residence of Soong Ching Ling (1843 Huaihai Rd.). One of the three famous Soong Sisters of Shanghai, the owner was the widow of the republic’s founder Sun Yat-Sen. Her younger sister Soong Mei-ling married Chiang Kai-shek. A Wesleyan graduate, Madame Ling addressed Congress before Word War II to gain U.S. support for China’s war against the Japanese. The residence houses hand-written correspondences with world leaders of the times, including Joseph Stalin.

5

Jet set tables

YongFu Elite (200 Yongfu Lu, www. yongfooelite.com) is an exclusive member’s only club located in the grandiose former British Consulate in the heart of the French Concession.

The beautifully re-furbished mansion offers private dining rooms, hidden drink cubicles and Shanghainese cuisine. Have your concierge book a table on the verandah at least one month in advance. Barbarossa (231 Nanjing Rd.West, www. barbarossa.com.cn) sits on a small lake in People’s

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LEFT: On a clear night, The Grand Hyatt’s Cloud 9 on the 87th floor of the Jin Mao Tower has the city’s chicest view of the Bund. RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: The entrance to Yong Fu Elite, an exclusive French Concession member’s only club and lounge located in the refurbished former British Consulate; escape the city with a day trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zhouzhuang; and a park café in the Luwan district of the French Concession.

Park near the Shanghai Art Museum. This relaxed Moroccan lounge caters to cosmopolitan twenty and thirty-somethings. For the city’s best “morning after” brunch and Spanish cuisine try Azul (18 Dongping Rd., +86-21-6433-1172).

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Cruise at night

The best way to experience the Bund’s beauty and Pudong’s towering skyline is at night by boat ($7) with Pujiang River Tours (239 Zhongshan Dong’er Rd., +86-21-637-4446).

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Day trip

Step back in time and visit Zhouzhuang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This “water town” of canals and cobbled streets is located 90 minutes from Shanghai.The Old Town has official residences, temples and gardens and is completely pedestrian-friendly. Buses to Zhouzhuang from Shanghai (four services daily, more frequently on weekends) leave from Terminal 25 at the western end of Shanghai Stadium (tours start at $49).

8

Do the Bund

The iconic row of hulking century-old banks and offices along the west bank of the Huang Po river stands proudly today as it did when Shanghai was the “Pearl of the Orient.”

Many have been restored to their former glory and converted into upscale shops, restaurants and offices. THREE on the BUND (www. threeonthebund.com) is a perfect example. It houses international-level restaurants Laris (continental), Whampoa Club (Cantonese), Bar JG (cocktails) and Jean Gorges (continental).

Expect to leave with a hefty bill. The building also includes the Shanghai Gallery of Art, the Evian Spa and upscale shopping at THREE Fashion where you’ll find Giorgio Armani and YSL in a modern loft-like space. Cross the street

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to M on the Bund (www.m-restaurantgroup.com) and M The Glamour Bar. This sophisticated lounge attracts hip globetrotters who want a bit of classic, chic Shanghai. Dolce and Gabbana resides at No. 6 on the Bund and at Bund 18 you’ll find high-end shops like Cartier and Zegna.

9

Walk the French Concession

Mostly inhabited by French expatriates prior to 1930, these quaint tree-lined neighborhoods spread over various districts and are classified by architecture and historical connections. It includes Luwan and parts of Xuhi, Xintiandi and Jing’An. Take a walking tour down Fuxing Road for a quintessential French Concession experience. Estimated time 23 hours. At 200 Taikang Lu you’ll find yourself in the artsy heart of the Concession where cafés and eclectic shops cater to the Boho-chic.

Hungry? Try Saleya (570 Changle Rd., +86-215403-6957) for home-cooked French food.

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Play in Pudong

Cloud 9 on the 87th floor of the Jin Mao Tower (88 Shi Ji Da Dao, www.shanghai. grand.hyatt.com) is a must, especially in a storm when you can feel the building sway as you sip champagne and nibble on olives. The view of the Bund is amazing if the clouds aren’t too heavy. There is even a roaming fortune teller who will read your palm for US $10. Club Jin Mao on the 86th floor serves tasty and pricey Shanghainese. For a more terrestrial treat, explore the Riverside Promenade along the banks of the Huang Po in front of the Shangrila Hotel (33 Fucheng Lu, www.shangri-la.com). Al fresco favorites include Red Dot for sunsets and light meals at reasonable prices and Paulaner Braeuhaus (www.bln.com.cn/english) for beers and Schnitzel.

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GET THERE Fly Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic. com) and connect through London where you can refresh at the sprawling Heathrow member club. (Upper class $9,000; economy $1,700). China national tourism board: www.cnto.org/shanghai.

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LIFE STYLES

What’s hot in fashion﹐ beauty﹐ travel﹐ trends and food – la dolce vita! | High-flying fashion , swimsuits and summer scents

CROCODILE SHOULDER BAG IN OLIVE ($3,250) and CROCODILE TOTE IN PASTEL GREEN ($3,600) by Nancy

Gonzalez. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000.

Couture de Colombia Ambassador Carolina Barco recently told WL why she is a fan of handbag designer and fellow countrywoman Nancy Gonzalez WASHINGTON LIFE Why Nancy Gonzalez is so important to Colombia …

AMB CAROLINA BARCO Nancy is not only a fantastic designer, but a champion of Colombia. Behind her beautiful designs is a commitment to her country, evident in her “made in Colombia” logo as well as the creation of hundreds of jobs, primarily for women heads of household. Every Nancy

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Gonzalez bag is a work of art, made with pride by women whose lives have improved and who work with hope and confidence for a better future.

are never trendy and don’t go out of style, yet they are always fashionable. I love the materials like cashmere and the straw weaving made by Colombian artisans.

WL What do you think of her new handbag designs?

BARCO The bags are classical yet modern, with impeccable attention to detail. Her styles

WL Which bag is your favorite?

| washingtonlife.com

BARCO I like the clutches very much, and

received a lovely one as a gift from Nancy when we hosted her at the embassy.

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LIFE STYLES | TREND REPORT

LIGHT & AIRY

MILLY

DIANE VON FURSTENBURG

MILLY

D

esigners DIANE VON FURSTENBERG and MILLY show that a day at the beach no longer means rubber flip-flops and terry-cloth cover-ups. Take a walk on the wild side with an exotic animal print, or show a light and airy look in a cover-up that can take you from the beach to the boardwalk. And don’t forget to include your favorite accessories! – Krista Bullion PROTECTIVE SUN FLUID by Rene Furterer ($29). Available at Toka Salon, 3521 Prospect St. NW, 202-333-5133.

HEIDI KLEIN TUMI TOTE BAG ($295). Available at Tumi, 1246 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-298-6670 or visit www.tumi.com

LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT LOUIS VUITTON DJERBA FLAT THONG ($590). Available at Louis Vuitton, 5481–C Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-654-1101.

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HEIDI KLEIN SARONGS ($123). Available online at www.heidiklein.co.uk

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LIFE STYLES | FASHION

jet-set STYLE

What works for jaunts to the Hamptons is all wrong for Paris. Pack light, bright and neutral for sunny trysts. Stick to black, gray and a shot of white for urban escapes. The must-haves this travel season? Oversized sunglasses, a great watch, a light-weight trench-coat for layering, flats and a coordinated carry-on. Gucci and Louis Vuitton are classics in travel luggage but this summer’s newest style comes in the form of white-textured leather or canvas.

P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y J U S T I N K R I E L A T F LY L O U N G E STYLING B A R B A R A M C C O N AG H Y M A K E U P A N D H A I R J A M E S C O R N W E L L A N D S E A N S T R E DW I C K F O R P R @ PA R T N E R S A S S I S TA N T P H O T O G R A P H Y G A R E T H E H R L I C H F A S H I O N A S S I S T A N T L E E H AV L I C E K TA L E N T B Y T H E A R T I S T A G E N C Y

Dogstooth wool jacquard coat by MICHAEL KORS ($2,395) and black patent leather heels by DOLCE & GABBANA ($495). Available at Nordstrom, 8075 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, Va., 703-761-1121. Sunglasses ($390), black and white bangles ($325 each) and black patent leather bag ($1,695) all by CHANEL. All available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-6579000. Santos 100 watch by CARTIER ($4,950). Available at Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, 1798M Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va., 703-448-6731. The Croc upright rolling luggage by ALEXANDER McQUEEN FOR SAMSONITE BLACK LABEL ($750). Available at Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700.

Gray shirt ($175), white linen suit by ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA ($1,095), and black patent leather loafers by GUCCI ($525). All available at Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Store, 5300 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 202-363-2059. WW.TC Financial watch by GIRARD PERREGAUX ($12,750).

Available at Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, 1798M Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va., 703-448-6731.

Steel ring by BETTINA DITTLMANN + MICHAEL JANK ($2,100). Available at Jewelers’ Werk Galerie, 3319 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-337-3319. Black leather passport case from inside the BULGARI black country calf and palladium trolley bag ($1,850). Available at Bulgari, 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-986-8610. LXT Discovery black wheeled carry-on luggage with extending metal handle by TUMI ($995).

Available at Tumi, 1246 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-298-6670.

White trench coat ($1,395) and black miniskirt ($1,045) by PRADA. Silk scarf ($315) and black and white leather tote bag ($1,695) by CHANEL. Sunglasses by OLIVER PEOPLES ($340). All available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301657-9000. Happy Sport watch by CHOPARD ($17,090). Available at Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, 1798M Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va., 703-448-6731.

Tan shortened trench coat ($540), short-sleeved cotton henley shirt ($90), grey pants ($200) and white scarf ($90) all by REISS. Available at Reiss, 1254 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-944-8565. Rose gold watch by FERRARI

BY PANERAI ($24,900). Available at Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, 1798M Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va., 703-448-6731. Aviator sunglasses by BULGARI ($349). Available at Bulgari, 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-986-8610.

Silver ring by BETTINA DITTLMANN + MICHAEL JANK ($1,100). Available at Jewelers’ Werk Galerie, 3319 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-337-3319. Beige top handle duffle

by GUCCI ($2,875). Contact Gucci, 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-986-8902 for ordering details.

Dress by CHLOÉ ($2,920), Bronze sandal by GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI ($550), straw hat by ERIC JAVITS ($300). All available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301- 6579000. No 7 watch by BEDAT & CO. ($9,950).

Available at Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, 1798M Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va., 703-448-6731. Astrate sunglasses ($650), Monete Antiche yellow gold ring with coin ($3,300), Monete Antiche yellow gold bracelet with coins ($10,700), and Monete Antiche yellow gold necklace ($8,900) all by BULGARI. Available at Bulgari, 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301- 986-8610. Monogram Canvas Keepall ($920) and Monogram Canvas Alize ($2,050)

by LOUIS VUITTON. Available at Louis Vuitton, 5418 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-654-1101.

Black leather jacket ($795), t-shirt ($145), luggage bag ($500) and sunglasses ($185) by HUGO BOSS. Available at Hugo Boss, 1517 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202625-2677. Rattrapante watch by FERRARI ($12,000).

Available at Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, 1798M Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va., 703-448-6731. Silver ring by BETTINA DITTLMANN + MICHAEL JANK ($1,100). Available at Jewelers’ Werk Galerie, 3319 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-337-3319.

S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O : R I C H A R D E I D M A N , C H U C K K O C H A N D P I E R O S P A D A F R O M F LY L O U N G E ( W W W. F LY L O U N G E D C . C O M ) , E R I N K I L D AY F O R L I L J E N Q U I S T & B E C K S T E A D , A N D N ATA S H A L AW S F O R P R @ P A R T N E R S . A D D I T I O N A L T H A N K S T O T H E S T Y L I S H A N A I S D E V I E L C A S T E L , FA S H I O N I N T E R N G E N E V I E V E M A K R I S A N D P H OTO G R A P H Y I N T E R N D O R I S N H A N .

P R O D U C E D BY M I C H A E L M . C L E M E N T S .

PLAID & FLORAL

PARKE & RONEN

DDCLAB

PARKE & RONEN BOARD SHORTS ($49.50-$52.50) AND NANTUCKET FLIP-FLOPS ($14.50). Available at J. Crew, 3222 M St. NW, 202-965-4090.

SUUNTO VECTOR WATCH ($199). Available at Hudson Trail Outfitters, 4530 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-363-9810.

COACH MEN’S TENNIS HAT ($98). Available at Coach 3259 M St. NW, 202-333-3005.

DDCLAB

M

en, take your cue from designers like DDCLAB (www.ddclab.com ) and PARK & RONEN (Barneys

Co-op-Georgetown 3040 M St. NW, 202-350-5832 www.parkeandronen.com) and keep it haute at the RALPH LAUREN CLASSIC AVIATOR SUNGLASSES ($190).

Available at Ralph Lauren, 1245 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-965-0905 or online at www.ralphlauren.com.

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beach this summer with trendy trunks and wicked accessories. Make waves with a colorful plaid trunks or be playful in a floral design. Whatever you decide on for your look, be sure to show individual style with groovy glasses, swank sandals and a hip hat. Surf’s up! – Krista Bullion 69

LIFE STYLES | FASHION EVENT

Dan Cohen and Shelly Cohen

Juere Park and Callie Mellonelly

Wendy Adeler and Gregory Hall

Meredith Hope and Sara Goulder

WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY PRESENTS “FASHION FOR PAWS” April 14 • French Embassy PHOTOS BY RACHEL SMITH

Wes Grenwell, Pat Castle, Danny Aimge and Dan Castle

THE EVENT Chaired by Andrea Rodgers and Heather Guzy, the Washington Humane Society’s first annual fashion fête featured 40 local personalities stru ing the runway in designer duds and chic pups in-tow. Nine hundred fashion/pet lovers filled the embassy to view spring 2007 ready-to-wag designer doggie couture and women’s and men’s ready-to-wear spring 2007 apparel. Some of the models participated in a friendly fundraising competition leading up to the show with Jennifer Cheadle and Justin Magazine winning top dog honors. THE SCENE Once the really really beautiful people finished playing Zoolander, DJ Seyhan Duru barked late with revelers Wendy Adeler, Tara deNicolas, Jeff Dufour, Keri Ann Meslar, Andrea Rodgers, Ashley Taylor and Paul Wharton.

Caption

Ashley Taylor with Romeo

Lindsay Czarniak with Hank Wyatt 70

Caption

Jennifer Cheadle

Andrea Rodgers with Gatsby

Kathryn Minor

Paul Wharton WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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John Barnett and Alexandra Cousteau

Tom Snedeker, Katherine Kennedy and Reed Landry

Justin Magazine and Suzanne Mehlhouse

A TALL TAIL B Y S T E V E C H E N E V E Y FOX DC AM ANCHOR

A

fter ten years of being on television I’m pretty comfortable in front of the camera, or at least I thought I was. With about two dozen still photographers clicking away, 900 fashion lovers looking on, 60 of the city’s most attractive (and well known) personalities walking the runway, and, just for good measure, half a dozen dogs dressed in designer duds, suddenly I realize that I’m a bit out of my element.

Somehow, my participation in the Washington Humane Society’s inaugural Fashion for Paws benefit grew from being a guest model to emcee of the event.

Somewhere along the way an attractive stylist (Lana Orloff) convinced me that appearing before D.C.’s social scene in a too-snug outfit was a good idea. I also learned that nothing humbles an amateur “model” more quickly than having the pro, Paul Wharton, straight out of VH1, label you as his “problem child.”

My plan was to walk with the largest dog available, Kaiser the German shepherd, to put the spotlight (and there were many) squarely on him, which was only fair, as Kaiser was seeking a new home. As we say on TV, “stay tuned” for more on next year’s event, and now to prepare, I must go practice my walk.

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Nuri Yurt and Kendall Arney with Elsie Blackford

Michael Clements with Keri Ann Mesler

Pamela Brown

Matt Landsburg and Wendy Adeler

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LIFE STYLES

Laura Bode with her daughters

Dabney Doswell, Katherine Kendall and Septime Webre

Aaron Jackson and Mary Haft

EAST COAST LAUNCH PARTY FOR SPINDAILY June 1 • M Café PHOTOS BY EDGAR BECERRA

THE EVENT MaxMara hosted the East Coast launch party of video fashion blog SpinDaily, which started in Los Angeles in February. The guests of honor were cousins and cohorts Katherine Kendall, host of the blog, and Kendall Morgan Rhodes, founder and editor of the site.

THE SCENE Family, friends and fans of the fashionistas gathered to celebrate and enjoy champagne, cocktails and Italian antipasti at M Café, whose open wall-to-wall and floor-toceiling “windows” allowed them to enjoy the mild summer air and move easily between the patio and indoor areas. Partygoers listened to lively music and danced throughout the evening. THE GUESTS Katherine Kendall, Kendall Morgan Rhodes, Kay Kendall, Septime Webre, Annie Lou Bayley and Diana and Bill Garner.

Katherine Kendall and Kendall Morgan Rhoades

Mark Vershbow, Marjo Talbott and Jack Davies

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Dianne and Charles Bruce

Kay Kendall with Devon and Lauren Talbott

Mark and Lyn McFadden

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Katherine Kendall with her mother Kay Kendall

KATHERINE KENDALL DISHES ON SPINDAILY WASHINGTON LIFE You work in film, so what inspired you to

create a fashion blog?

KATHERINE KENDALL I’ve always been secretly obsessed with

fashion. Growing up in D.C. in the ’80s, it wasn’t cool to be into fashion, but I couldn’t help myself, I had to keep it a secret.

The trick is, you finally start to realize who is the fashion god saying what’s cool and what’s not – there isn’t anybody else.

We’re all just making it up. I like the Internet because everyone can contribute their thoughts. No one’s paying me to publicize them, so I get to find what I want and play dress up all day.

WL How do you find the clothes, accessories and trends that

you highlight and discuss on your site?

KK I’m always clocking cool stores, and I love looking through magazines and seeing what people are wearing. It’s meditative for me. There’s no running out of ideas because there’s always something new. It’s endlessly creative.

WL What makes SpinDaily differently from other fashion

blogs?

KK One difference is that it’s a video blog. It’s especially great

for people who respond to visuals and audio better than the written word.

WL What does the East Coast Launch mean for SpinDaily?

KK It means that we’re announcing our business and that we’ve

gotten to a point where we feel good about what we’ve done.

We’re in a good place now. We want to share it and spread the word.

Lindsay Buscher and Soshanna Lonstein WL SPONSORED

SHOSHANNA TRUNK SHOW April 12 • Urban Chic Georgetown and Maté PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

THE EVENT Once known as the flame of Jerry Seinfeld, a now grown up SHOSHANNA LONSTEIN GRUSS has developed into a savvy businesswoman with a successful eponymous fashion line. Urban Chic hosted the designer and showcased her Spring 2007 collection, which includes flirty dresses and swimwear. THE SCENE Shoppers enjoyed a 15 percent discount on purchases, a fashion show and cocktails before heading to Maté for the a er-party. THE GUESTS Samantha Goldstein, Dyana Goldman, Colleen Leinweber, Liz Gallagher, Kelly Boyle and Roby Penn.

Roby Penn, Brooke Daley, Chris Coleman and Megan Hood

McKay Elliott and Anella Bokhari

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WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y Editor-at-Large﹐ Around Town﹐ Diplomatic Dance﹐ Night Life﹐ Over the Moon﹐ and parties﹐ parties﹐ parties!

A

Au Revoir

s Marie-Cécile Levitte prepares to leave Washington to join her husband, former French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte, who was suddenly called back to be President Nicolas Sarkozy’s diplomatic advisor (see “Diplomatic Dance”), she reflects on her love for America: “The first image I have of being six or seven years old was my father coming home from a trip to America with a little transistor radio for me and I thought, ‘That’s the United States.’ The U.S. is part of my education, my childhood and my family. My father served in World War I and World War II, and I knew everything about ‘D Day.’ He told us how the Americans helped save France.

And, through a French-American marriage generations ago in my family, I have distant relatives in NewYork, Detroit and Aspen. Over the years, they have visited me in Paris.

I was thrilled to come here in 1981 when Jean-David was posted to the UN. I love the New York spirit where everything is possible.

You have such freedom in thinking; everyone is less judgmental.That first time we returned to Paris, I shocked everyone on the street by roller skating like I did in Central Park. Here in Washington, I’ve loved living and entertaining in this beautiful residence, playing make-believe soccer with our grandson Adrien in Mitchell Park, enjoying this city’s greenery by taking walks through Georgetown’s littlest streets, strolling by the Potomac and, most of all, meeting and getting to know all the warm, generous Americans. My life is in the United States.That’s my problem. I love your country.” – Gail Scott

Marie-Cécile Levitte, wife of departing French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte, on the grounds of the French residence. Photo by Gary Landsman FASHION CREDITS: Vichy cotton blouse ($790) and white cotton pants ($995) by YVES SAINT LAURENT. Available at Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-652-2250. Magic Alhambra 16 Motives Necklace ($12,900); Vintage Alhambra Earrings ($2,300); Vintage Alhambra Yellow Gold, Mother Of Pearl Small Watch ($4,800); and Frivole Ring ($5,600). All available at VAN CLEEF W A S H I N G T O N L I F E | M AY | washingtonlife.com 75 AND ARPELS, 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-654-5449.

WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y

EDITOR AT LARGE

Behind the Scenes Of deadlines, Shakespeare and film festivals missing a red-carpet buzz

At “Fashion for Paws” with stylist Lana Orloff and Fox 5 am anchor Steve Chenevey (right) where Tara deNicolas and Keri Ann Meslar attempted to accessorize me with a dog collar.

P

events crammed into April and May? Poor February, only 28 days and so few places to go.

I loved “Shakespeare in Washington.”

Conceived by Michael Kaiser, president of the Kennedy Center, and curated by Michael Kahn, artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, it brought close to 500 Shakespearean related activities to the city. Due to “deadline,” I missed 495 of those. However, The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Titus Andronicus, was, (severed) hands down, my favorite of the festival. Meat pies and all, this is not an easy production to pull off.

Kahn’s modern-day staging of Hamlet was brilliant as well, although Hamlet was too high strung for my taste – a bit like Crispin Glover on Red Bull.

Alongside Washington National Opera’s Placido Domingo and Washington Ballet artistic director Septime Webre, Kahn rounds out Washington’s triumvirate of mainstream creativity. The Studio Theatre’s Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead was masterful as well, and The Tempest at the Folger Theatre was well acted – although I think Will tends to lose the plot with this play. But what do I know, I’m just a copy jockey.

Warner Bros.’ pre-screening of Ocean’s 13 at Gallery Place Cinema wasn’t Shakespeare, but it was entertaining nonetheless. (But WB, can you bring George Clooney and Brad Pitt next time?

WL will provide the party. Promise.) The night got me thinking: having moved here from L.A. – where opening nights resemble the mayhem

eople like to ask about my job. They think it’s interesting. It can be if you focus on the entertaining bits: the events, the people, the travel articles … Rima Al-Sabah’s all-star soirées. People don’t ask ab out deadlines. I don’t blame them.

It’s like talking to an actor about memorizing lines. Editors’ lives are driven by deadlines. Most people know this. Especially wise PR reps like Janet Staihar and Barbara Martin who only call after the magazine has gone to print.

Deadlines have their positives too – it can be like a snow day. Looking to pitch your story (again)? “I’m on deadline.” Need your photo in the magazine (again)? “I’m on deadline.” Works like a charm. But it’s a slippery slope. Editors are information hubs – without their informed spokes, they’re merely uninformed copy jockeys, which doesn’t sound nearly as glamorous. More often than not,“I’m on deadline” is used truthfully and begrudgingly.The best parties always seem to happen the night before we go to print. I guess it’s the universe’s way of balancing out snow days.

Luckily, I was able to hit a Warning: the “hunting lodge” at number of fetes this spring and Ambassador Ushakov’s Eastern Shore we still got the magazine out.Was Dacha is not for hunting. See our exclusive look at his Eastern Shore it just me, or were there 2,000

of the quarter-mile long line outside Bloomberg New’s annual White House Correspondence Dinner after party – film screenings and festivals in Washington just seem to fall short.

In no way do I wish for the Los Angelofication of Washington – L.A. is best left on the West Coast – but we could use more buzz at our film events. Take the 5th annual SILVERDOCS documentary film festival in Silver Spring. The AFI/Silver – great organization. The Discovery Channel – we love learning about nature and how to build a kitchen in an hour. As much as I want to see SILVERDOCS work, it just doesn’t.

Not yet, at least. Nothing against Montgomery County (it’s wonderful), but Telluride, Park City, Venice, Tribeca, Cannes … you get the picture?

Film buyers like to work where they play. I can’t even get “Hollywood on the Potomac” columnist Janet Donovan to drive out there. So, I’m going out on a limb and saying SILVERDOCS and the DC International Film Festival should merge to create a permanent stop on the world film festival circuit (with George Clooney who can organize a Darfur rally afterwards). I doubt either SILVERDOCS festival director Patricia Finneran nor D.C. International Film festival director Anthony Gittens would like this idea. It’s probably too “Washington-centric” for Finneran, who told me she was “trying to market SILVERDOCS more in New York this year.” Doesn’t New York already have Tribecca, Patricia? Either way, the documentary film festival’s future is very bright, and the openingnight documentary Pete Seeger: The Power of Song was entertaining even without any red carpet arrivals (at least last year we had Martin Scorsese.) Ina Ginsburg was there; she’s better than any movie star in my book. Missed closing night though, I was on deadline … really.

Readers wishing to get in touch with Michael or for those with comments for Washington Life magazine should email: letters@washingtonlife.com.

Dacha in Embassy Row. Photographer Gary Landsman instigated this picture.

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IL LU STRATION BY J.C. SUA RÈ S

BY MICHAEL CLEMENTS

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NIGHTLIFE

Raise the Roof Summer in the city – what’s hot besides the weather? Roof-tops and night clubs.

W

here are you going tonight?

As the D.C. nightlife scene burgeons, making this once simple decision becomes practically impossible. The city’s party seekers now have a vast array of restaurants, bars, lounges, clubs and “hybrids” from which to choose.As the warm months creep up on us, multiple outdoor temptations are available to cure the stuck-in-theoffice summer blues of the young professional.

An oldie but goodie is the waterfront in Georgetown (3000 K St. NW) where most opt for either Tony and Joe’s or the Sequoia, both with beautiful harbor views of the Potomac and the Kennedy Center by night. The openair balcony at Gazuza (1629 Connecticut Ave. NW) overlooks the sleepless streets of Dupont Circle and provides unparalleled ambience. Sushi, hooka and drinks, paired with the laid back mix of lounge and house music, draw a seemingly endless flow of guests every night of the week.

On the other side of town, the owners of Lima (1401 K St. NW) have taken their posh hybrid restaurant/nightclub to a new level. A 400-square-foot patio with comfortable outdoor couches and tables now adorns the sidewalk, and beginning everyday at 5p.m., approximately 30 loungers can watch passers-by while enjoying a bar menu and drinks.

The Glass Terrace offers a picturesque dining experience at trendy Tabaq bistro.

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Lima’s new patio offers guests one-of-a-kind outdoor lounging

Bringing fun to a new height – and lending the art of hanging out a scenic touch – are rooftops, which have become hotspots all over town. On the top of Tabaq Bistro (1336 U St. NW) the only thing better than the breathtaking view of the Capitol is the delicious Berri Martini made with fresh blueberry juice.

On Tuesday nights, join the crowd on the patio of 18th Street Lounge (1212 18th St. NW) for an evening of out-of-this-world grilling and eclectic DJ sounds: reggae, soul and all the classics.

For those who still like the roof over our heads, there are plenty of fabulous indoor venues to keep you cool. Fly Lounge (1802 Jefferson Pl. NW), D.C.’s first “concept bar,” recently celebrated its first anniversary with an exclusive two-night soirée complete with kitschy invitations in the form of Balsawood toy airplane kits.

Fly’s incredible mix of music is a

guaranteed good time – if you can find a way in, it’s usually a full flight.

Young D.C. recently turned out for Dragonfly’s farewell bash – the minimalist sushi lounge, with the help of promoters JetSetMafia. com, recently bade guests a fond farewell. But when one door closes, another opens; Current, a joint venture between the owners of Fly and Local 16, will soon slide into Dragonfly’s empty slot. This “concept bar” will have a year-round outdoor patio upstairs; below deck, Dragonfly’s erstwhile sushi chefs will remain at the helm, but with an expanded menu.

There are a few other hotspots to look for before that ship sets sail; for example, the newly opened Lotus lounge (1420 K St. NW) draws both sushi-lovers and partiers throughout the day. For those interested in larger clubs, don’t forget to check out Ibiza (1222 First St. NE), opening late June, for a fancy twist on the typical club scene. Also, whispers are becoming roars regarding a change of scenery at some of D.C.’s favorite venues like Lima and Indebleu.

Keep watching, have fun and stay cool.

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XLI HIGO PMQE

XLI HIGO

XS[R LEPP

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Aaron McMillan, Chuck Koch, Jackie Cook and Steve Swetlow

Piero Spada, Dimple Shah and Richard Eidman

FLY’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY PARTY May 11 • Fly Lounge PHOTOS BY JUSTIN KRIEL

The Fly Ladies with Quintrell McCrealy

‘DJ Enferno’ Eric Jao

Heather Higginbottom, Rocia Inclan and Aja Roberts

Fletcher Gill, Leyla Ballantyne, Carl Becker and Paige Lemann

Alain Kalantar and Danny Davis

DRAGONFLY CLOSING PARTY May 25 • Dragonfly Lounge

Lauren Marquez and Karina Lopez

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Whitney Milhoulides and Melissa Cartagena

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JETSETMAFIA COM

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Sanjay Daswani and Divya Devaraj

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DIPLOMATIC DANCE

Diplomatic Surprises Sarkozy Picks Levitte, Hillary Comes to CARE and Condoleezza Rice Praises Iranian Art

BY GAIL SCOTT

“Diplomator” à l’Elysée

Le Monde has dubbed Jean-David Levitte, former French ambassador here and now Nicolas Sarkozy’s diplomatic advisor and “Sherpa”(the one who does the heavy lifting at the G8 Summit), “Le Diplomator” for superhuman qualities that make him “the pros’ pro” in diplomacy. In a glowing profile by Corine Lesnes, he is noted as the diplomat who is so perfect and precise that he is almost like stainless steel that doesn’t even tarnish. “He is always positive,” it reads. “He knows how to explain a problem in two sentences and suggest a solution.”

When the call came from Sarkozy, Levitte was in Chicago; his wife Marie-Cécile in New York. When he called and said, “We’re going home,” she thought he meant Washington.

Almost immediately he flew to Paris, not to

return until mid-July for official farewells and, of course, the embassy’s huge Bastille Day celebration.

Marie-Cécile will follow by the month’s end. Their loyal staff is sad but proud. But one relative complained loudly: his four–year-old grandson Adrien, after seeing grandpa speaking from his fancy new office on French TV. “Grandma,” their only grandchild called from France, crying,“Why Departing French Amb. JeanDavid Levitte, recently named didn’t ‘Jean-David’ new French President Nicolas wave to me or say Sarkozy’s diplomatic advisor.

‘Bonjour, Adrien?’”

Even “Le Diplomator” can’t please everyone all the time.

… so they may pursue their own dreams,” Clinton said.Washington’s own Sheila Johnson – a CARE Ambassador and Middleburg philanthropist – was awarded the organization’s “International Award for Global Change” by CARE President Helene Gayle for “being a real catalyst.” Johnson vowed to involve her women’s basketball team and “the entire WNBA” toward reaching CARE’s major goal of “empowering women globally and erasing poverty.”

Hillary’s Old Friend

We should have guessed that the former Arkansas first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton might show up to praise the state’s wellknown actress and women’s advocate Mary Steenburgen for winning CARE’s “Global Vision Award” at the inter national Shamim Jawad and Anita McBride at Aschiana’s kite soiree, humanitarian held at the German residence.

Photo: Kyle Samperton organization’s 61st anniversar y celebration, held this year at the Colombian embassy. The senator Aschiana at Germany from New York surprised With Laura Bush as honorary chair for the her friend of 30 years and third year and her chief of staff Anita McBride CARE’s VIP crowd, announcing a long-awaited $100,000 aid grant, Actress Mary Steenburgen; Sen. too. “Mary is a fierce the Aschiana Foundation USA was again blessed Hillary Rodham Clinton; and Helene Gayle, CARE president advocate for people with a beautiful night when German Amb. and CEO; at the Colombian who need one and a Klaus Scharioth and his wife Ulrike opened residence for the CARE Ball. strong defender and their residence for the organization’s annual champion for women Kite Soirée on May 25.

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Sir David Manning came through one at Bruton’s Kalorama residence for the EU’s 50th Birthday. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had just left town after endless festivities and much pomp. Bruton was telling his British colleague how surprised Prince Philip was to see him on this side of the Atlantic. The Royal Consort reportedly said, “Oh, What are you doing here in Washington?” Bruton, the former prime minister of Ireland, quipped with his trademark self-deprecation, “I may have been put out to pasture.” But the crowds he attracted to Europe Day showed British Amb. Sir David Manning that this was clearly not the case. Since (center) with EU Commission Amb. John Bruton and his wife Sinola his arrival in 2004, the Irish politicianBruton at reception for the EU’s turned-diplomat has worked tirelessly 50th birthday. Photo: Gail Scott in this coveted diplomatic assignment to strengthen ties across the Atlantic.

Kite flying, a favorite pastime of Afghan children once banned by the Taliban, has now returned to Afghanistan and thus is the symbol of this Washington charity.

Aschiana, which means “the nest” in Farsi, runs six inner-city centers in Kabul for 2,500 of the capital’s 60,000 street children, aids 3,000 more children in refugee camps and helps integrate child soldiers back into society.

In less than three years, Marie Kux, the French wife of former American diplomat

Dennis Kux, and two dozen French, Afghan

Meridian’s scores diplomatic coup

and American friends have raised over $650,000 to support Aschiana’s relief efforts for the smallest victims of Afghanistan’s civil war. These children – many of whom are orphans – receive a daily hot meal, a safe and nurturing place to learn life skills and land mine awareness, plus warm clothes for winter.

Afghan Amb. Said Tayeb Jawad thanked Mrs. Bush for visiting Kabul and Aschiana in 2005 and supporting the country’s next generation. Afghan President Hamid Karzai was represented by his two sisters and one sister-in-law.

It’s not everyday that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice takes time to visit an art exhibit. But “Wishes and Dreams,” the Iranian art show at Meridian International Center now showing until July 27th was a diplomatic opportunity not to be missed.

“I have so enjoyed seeing the work of these great artists, all under the age of 40,” she told Meridian President Stuart Holliday, “They are representing so well the great culture that Iran has – the great culture that goes back for so many centuries but that is brought here today so that the American people can see another side of Iran.” A musician herself, the secretary noted that music and all art are the universal language.

“I think today we are making art a language of peoples who need to know each other and talk to each other.”

Surprising the Prince

Most agree that Washington receiving lines can be boring and tedious. But European Union Commission Amb. John Bruton spiced things up when outgoing British Amb.

Do You Know Embassy Row?

Diplomats enjoy Washington summers when the livin’ is easier; the pace, slower.

• Before the advent of air conditioning, Washington used to be considered a “hardship post” for its humid, hot summers and gigantic mosquitoes.

• The reflecting pond on the front lawn of the German Residence was originally designed to be a swimming pool.

• An increasing number of ambassadors remain here for part of their summer to enjoy their classy digs: swimming pools, tennis courts and guest quarters.

Meridian President Stuart Holliday greets Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at “Wishes and Dreams” Iranian art show at Meridian International Center.

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• Others, like Danish Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen, his wife Birgitte Wilhelmsen and their three children head out on an all-American cross country road trips. First thing in the car: Ambassador Petersen’s fishing rod.

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OVER THE MOON

The Swing of Things Polo and parties: de rigueur for summer in horse country

BY VICKY MOON

SUMMER SWING News Flash from Horse Country … the polo season is in full swing since the debut of the America’s Cup of Polo. There are now more polo options than ever in the Middleburg area. The contagious nature of this perilous “Sport of Kings” has led to a 25 percent increase in the number of venues in the region over the past five years.

Leading the field this season will be Maureen Brennan at her family’s Llangollen Farm, home base for the new Virginia International Polo Club. The 1,200-acre estate owned by her parents Patricia and Donald Brennan is best known as the former home of the late socialite horse breeder Elizabeth “Liz” Whitney Tippett.

Mary Ann and James McGowan and Patti and Phil Thomas hosted a reception at Llangollen in honor of the new owners. The McGowans are very involved with polo; in fact the family makes up an entire team: James Sr., James Jr. (a four goaler), Brian and Michael.

Kevin Dougherty, who fields his Irish Mist Team and attorney Dick Riemenschneider (the dean of local polo) were among the guests along with attorney Bucky Slater and her

Betsy Manierre at one of the art gallery showings at Morven Park during the Field Hunter Championships

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A young player contemplates the summer polo season in Middleburg

husband Nick Slater.

A large white tent was set up behind the 13,000-square-foot manor house. Sandy Lerner, who lives practically across the street, came over from her Ayrshire Farm. Sheila Johnson was there as well as several members of the fox hunting community, including John Coles and Tad Zimmerman.This summer polo professional German Noruera, a dashing three goal player from Chile, will offer lessons for students of all ages and levels.There are currently 80 ponies on the grounds.

There will also be a number of league matches at Llangollen and elsewhere. Eric Steiner, Garrick Steele and Nelson Gunnell also have their own fields.

The point … on any given day, a polo aficionado can find a place to “stick and ball.”

The Seager Family has several polo fields in a drop dead gorgeous setting at Chetwood Park, where Martin Maldonado is head pro.They play there on Friday evenings.

Over in The Plains, Great Meadow Polo Club is the place to be on Saturday night when everyone gathers for chukkers and a tailgate.

(And a lively post game gathering too). John Gobin and J.B. Olinger are the players to watch.

Doug Barnes, a three-goal wonder from Texas, runs Destination Polo School at Willow Run Farm right up the road. City slickers take note … sunset rides are available to rejuvenate your engines and soothe the soul.

SWINGING ALONG Enough about polo. For anyone who has not read Jan Neuharth’s latest mystery,

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The entrance to Chetwood Park

The Chase, you might want to pack it for summer reading. Jan won a gold medal in the Independent Publisher Book Awards for Best Regional Fiction in the Mid-Atlantic. The regional “IPPY” Awards, designed to spotlight the best titles from around North America, are judged on their quality and regional significance.

The spring party circuit included a private reception for Middleburg artist Dana Volkert at the Ralls Collection in Georgetown; an outing at Baileywyck Farms to meet Dada Suvak and Corina Elgin for the Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding Program; twilight in Donna Hackman ’s breathtaking garden at Highland Spring for the benefit of the Middleburg Beautification and Preservation; and finally … some foot stompin’ fun at the Cowboy Hats and Caviar benefit for the

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Loudoun Symphony.

The fox hunting crowd from all corners of the land gathered at Morven Park for the finals of the Field Hunter Championships – part of the 100th anniversary of the Masters of Foxhounds Association. Stuart Sanders, a student at Virginia Tech, rode off with the grand title and a new saddle.

Penny Denegre and Viviane Warren worked months to arrange a whirlwind weekend which included a hectic social schedule of competition and parties (including a picnic dinner with a magnificent horn blowing performance as well as numerous sporting art exhibitions).

Rae Stone, a veterinarian who owns a business called Dolphin Quest, and Susan Fitter were among the guests gathering for a reception at the National Sporting Library as part of the hunting festivities. Jacqueline Mars, Larry Davis and Paul Cronin, along with Malcolm and Gail Matheson and Mary and Manuel Johnson also attended. They were all able to view the stunning Alfred Munnings paintings and a special showing of “The White House Horses” exhibit.

IN FULL SWING Finally, we’re off to British Open Golf and then Saratoga. The fall social season will soon be upon us … so mark your calendars for September 8, when the 50th Anniversary

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Party of the Fauquier SPCA honors the organization’s founders: Betty Maloney, Polly Howard and Joe Trundle at Clovercroft.

Barry Dixon is doing the decorating and the orchestra will swing ... just like those polo players with their mallets.

Where to “Stick and Ball” this Season 1. Great Meadow Polo Club Visit www.g reatmeadowpoloclub. com or contact 540-253-9844 or info@greatmeadowpoloclub.com

2. Virginia International Polo Club Visit www.vipoloclub.com or contact 540-592-7474 or info@vipoloclub.com

3. Destination Polo Visit www.destinationpolo.com or contact 540-229-7656

4. Chetwood Park Contact ChetwoodFarm@aol.com Tad Zimmerman and John Coles at Llangollen for a party held in honor of the new estate’s owners, Patricia and Donald Brennan.

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WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y

AROUND TOWN

Around Town On the House/Noblesse Oblige/Brass and Remembrance/Four Hundred Dollar a Bottle Scotch/Paint it Delicious

BY DONNA SHOR

ON THE HOUSE With cocktails in hand, the hardiest of the 450 guests at the Georgetown House Tour patron’s party climbed four flights to the roof of historic Dodge House for its panorama of the Potomac. Downstairs, an equally lovely view: the sylph-like brunette Kate Michael, Miss DC 2007, who attended with party host Bill Dean, the young construction company head who recently restored the Q Street mansion and grounds. The tour and a later book signing by architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen benefited St. John’s Episcopal Church and its charitable outreach. Masterminding it all, as usual, was G’Town’s 91-year-old dynamo, Frida Burling. Seen: Page Evans, Clare Miller and Georgia Shallcross, all with houses on view; Georgetown designer Christian Zapatka; Ed and Betsy Eames; Nancy Taylor Bubes; tour chairwoman Constance Chatfield-Taylor ; Jennifer Mottershead and Katherine Doyle of tour benefactors Doyle New York; and Reid Dunavant of its local office.

NOBLESSE OBLIGE When Viscountess Gertrude d’Amecourt hosted the visiting Archduke Michael and Archduchess Christiana HabsburgLothringen, the Archduke proved not only charming (a Habsburg trait) but frank as well.

At the reception, after a short description of the planned 1,000-pupil school in Budapest for which he is traveling to raise funds, Hungarian-born Aniko Schott asked “How has the fundraising gone so far?” His answer was a disarming “I’m just starting it here tonight.”

By coincidence, the evening was Gertie’s birthday, unannounced, but celebrated a week later with a party at Lolo Sarnoff’s

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Friday Burling, chair emeritus of the Georgetown House Tour, with Bill Dean and Miss DC Kate Michael, at Dean’s house tour patron’s party.

and a luncheon at the Cosmos Club given

by Brenda de Suze (just back from Madrid, where she sits on the board of one of Europe’s biggest business colleges).

BRASS AND REMEMBRANCE There were medals in abundance at the elegant black-tie-and-candlelight dinner author and political analyst Francis Drath hosted at DACOR Bacon House in commemoration of VE Day. The changing ties in U.S.European relations, seriously frayed, were frankly discussed.

Former Under Secretary of State Thomas Pickering, the keynote speaker, said the United States must

“ a c k n ow l e d g e the European Union’s central role in the region, and its growing global role,” and must also systematically convince the European Union to drop the idea that the U.S. is a primary threat to world peace.

Picker ing has served as ambassador to six countries and the United Nations, and (the opposite of Graham Greene’s “ugly American”) speaks Arabic, French, Hebrew, Spanish and Swahili—plus English.

Major General Roger Lempke , president of the National Guard Association, and the French, British and German military attachés present, Major General Jean-Luc Delon, Col. Neil Fairclough and Brigadier General Henning Hars, agreed

Hostess Viola Drath and Henry von Eichel at a VE-Day commemoration held at DACOR Bacon House.

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Joan Hisaoka, WUSA’s Andrea Roane and Dame Phyllis Frucht at “The Art of Food.”

on the importance of reinvigorating our transAtlantic partnerships. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry challenged the guests to consider “who we are as a nation, and where we are going as a people, and as an international community;” and Carmella La Spada, of the White House Commission on Remembrance, stressed the communal effort, saying one party and one nation cannot achieve peace. That “rests on the cooperative effort of the whole.”

Will Norton , a strong supporter of international relations and dean of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of

Dean Will Norton and Capt. Michael Smith at DACOR Bacon house for a VE-Day commemoration.

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Journalism, spoke of the “Viola Her ms Drath Jour nalism Scholarship” at the university, which enables two students to intern in Washington this summer.

FOUR-HUNDRED-DOLLAR-A-BOTTLE SCOTCH That’s what was poured freely, among other single malt offerings, when Taste/DC’s genial Charles Adler hosted a tasting of fine Scotches. This was one of the dozen food/ wine evenings he posts each month on the Internet.“I got interested in wines and food as a teenager living in New Orleans, when my father always let me choose the wines at family meals. Now I organize global and regional dinners with wine pairings at restaurants and embassies here.” The fun part, amid the aged 40-and 50-yearold liquor, was hearing participants discuss the subtle differences between the scotches aged in casks that had once held sherry compared to those aged in Napoleon brandy casks.

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Dame Noura Pouillon of Restaurant Nora & Asia Nora with Carol Cutler and Rebecca Linder at “The Art of Food.”

PAINT IT DELICIOUS Les Dames d’Escoffier’s “The Art of Food” black-tie dinner produced spectacular culinary interpretations of the Color Field school of painting that first put Washington on the art world map in the ’70s. The Dames, a non– profit group of professional women of high achievement in the culinary field, support educational programs, scholarships and grants.

Seen: Les Dames president Joan Hisaoka; Andrea Roane of WUSA9; author and Dame Carol Cutler and editor husband B.J.; and François Dionot of L’Academie de Cuisine.

Twelve chefs, headed by Nora Pouillon and Ris Lacoste, prepared the dishes whose swashes and fields of color evoked the art movement being celebrated at the same time by more than 30 Washington area museums, galleries, art organizations and businesses.

If there’s an upcoming event Around Town should know about, send advance word to donnashor@aol.com

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Karen Hughes, Betsey Fischer and Mike Allen

H. R. H. Prince Jaime de Bourbon- Parme, Johann Koss and H. R. H. Prince Zeid Raad Al Hussein

WL EXCLUSIVE

RECEPTION FOR YOUNG GLOBAL LEADERS April 19 • State Department PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

THE EVENT The newly formed Young Global Leaders, an international community of outstanding individuals under the age of 40, quaffed drinks on the Kennedy Center Roof Terrace a er participating in a policy roundtable. The international commi ee, headed up by Jordan’s Queen Rania, selects 200300 individuals each year who are considered destined for future greatness.

Current U.S. representatives include former Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Dina Habib Powell, Sen. John Sununu and Zain Verjee.

THE GUESTS Prince Zaid Raad Al Hussein; Mark Lemley; Klaus Schwab; Michael Machatschke and Subhash Dhar from Infosys Technologies.

Andres van der Horst Alvarez, Collen Gwiyo, Dina Habib Powell and Siamak Namazi

Cheryl Bernard and Zalmay Khalilzad

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Barbara Barrett and Reem Al-Hashimy

Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and Manfred Reichl

Randall Tobias and Trevor Neilsen

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LIFE

Mary Bush and Betty Bigombe

Aniko Gaal Schott, Jim Roland and Margot Bush

Hadassah Lieberman with Michael and Mariella Trager

of the

PARTY

Sarah Petrin

Standing: MaryAnn Kaswell, Susan Eisenhower and Eric Haseltine; Seated: Mary Louise Fazzano and Nini Ferguson

REFUGEES INTERNATIONAL May 3 • The Italian Embassy

BY GAIL SCOTT PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE EVENT 28th Anniversary Dinner of this DC-based humanitarian advocacy organization, hosted by Ambassador Giovanni and Lila Castellaneta at the Italian Embassy, which raised $600,000. THE SCENE Law and Order star Sam Waterston emceed the event and Former Deputy-Secretary General of the UN Sir Mark and Lady Trish Malloch Brown received the 2007 McCall-Pierpaoli Humanitarian Award for their dedicated service. THE GUESTS Canadian Amb. Michael Wilson, former U.S. Ambassadors Be y King and Morton Abramowitz; RI Board Chair Emeritus Jim Kimsey; Gala Co-chairs Nini Ferguson, Eileen Shields-West and Julia Ta , RI Board Chair Farooq Kathwari and his wife Farida and RI Founder Sue Morton.

Bruce and Sandy Werness Farooq Kathwari, Italian Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta, Ken Bacon and Sir Mark Malloch Brown

Robert Boja Carmona

Sam Waterston

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Caption Jane Seymour’s “Heart and Soul”

Susan Jaquet

JANE SEYMOUR TALKS

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evolution Health sponsored a reception at the home of Ginny Grenham to honor Jane Seymour and Dr. Susan Bennett, a leading cardiologist and one of the founders of the women’s heart group. Both Jane and Dr. Bennett have been leaders in The Heart Truth Campaign, the campaign symbolized by red dresses to draw attention to the importance of women and heart disease.

Chris Downey, Susan Blumenthal, Jane Seymour and Ginny Grenham WL EXCLUSIVE

REVOLUTION HEALTH HONORS JANE SEYMOUR

GINNY GRENHAM

April 26 • The Residence of Ginny Grenham and Paul Zevnik PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

THE EVENT Always the medicine women, former Dr. Quinn star Jane Seymour was honored with the “From the Heart” award at a reception hosted

by Revolution Health and the Association of Women’s Heart Programs for her raising awareness of heart disease. The actress’s art which appears on her handbag line and features women in red dresses, an icon associated with the cause. THE GUESTS Pamela Marcovitz, Susan Benne , Joseph Cahalan, Monty Johnson, Natasha Desai, Molly Easterlin and Michelle Tresseler.

Phyllis Ahern and Kim Russo

How did you become involved with the Association of Women’s Heart Programs?

JANE SEYMOUR I became passionate about the issue of women and heart disease when I first learned of the shocking statistics. Did you know that heart disease kills more women than breast cancer and the next seven diseases combined?? Most women don’t know that. I certainly didn’t!

GG The world knows you

as an actress. When did you become a painter?

JS Art has always been a passion for me, and painting helped me through some difficult times in my own life – it was something I turned to as

almost a therapeutic outlet during a challenging time for me, and I truly enjoy it. I decided to use my art as a medium to help raise awareness and spread the message.

I became aware of my own heart problems during the birth of my last child, and I’m in a position to share my experience with other women.

Many people think you have to be very large and overweight to have heart problems – nobody would ever know to look at me that I have had heart problems. Taking care of my heart is a number one priority for me.

GG What is the significance of the red dresses in each of the paintings?

JS By using the heart-inspired red dresses in my paintings and my limited edition scarves and pocketbooks, I want to remind women to take care of themselves.

Groups like the Association of Women’s Heart Programs and Revolution Health are important, and I hope that my art inspires women to live their best lives.”

You can find Jane Seymour’s books, handbags, hand-painted pillows and scarves on the internet at janeseymourhome.com.

Borjanka Oljaca-Leiboff

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Cathy Merrill Williams and Paul Williams

Winston Bao Lord and Rebecca Canan

Michael Saylor with Juleanna and Jeffrey Weiss WL EXCLUSIVE

PAUL WILLIAMS’ 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY April 21 • Mansion on O Street PHOTOS BY VICKY POMBO

Michelle Olson and Kim Klein

THE EVENT Paul Williams celebrated his 40th birthday with wife Cathy Merrill Williams – the recently appointed Washingtonian head honcho – in 1960s style and entertained the birthday crowd by taking the stage with his band “Looking for Lester.” THE SCENE The 150 guests got peace signs, bu ons, and light-up guitars to complete their 1960s-era ensembles and were then given the chance to sample sweets in the dessert room and tour the unique venue. Following the tours, Looking for Lester, with Williams on guitar, played three sets of 1960s-inspired songs. THE GUESTS Jim Woolsey, Julie and Martin Whitmer, Dan “C.D.” Mote, Nels and Kristen Olson, Jim Lambright, Dave and Liz Roberts and Michael Saylor.

Meredith Burnett and Garry Burnett with Mona Dhillon

Looking for Lester performs

Michael and Piper Beveridge

Kristin Canavan, Cathy Merrill Williams and Whit Wilson

Carter and Amanda Hood

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Å ABOVE: GEORGE H W BUSH JAMES BAKER and DAVID RUBENSTEIN at “A Celebration of Reading,” sponsored by The

Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy on May 9. TOP RIGHT: RONDE BARBER MARVIN BUSH and TIKI BARBER at the organization’s fourth annual gala at The Music Center at Strathmore. RIGHT: DORO BUSH KOCH, founder of the Maryland Initiative of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family literacy, with TRICIA REILLY. Photos by Sue and Ed Primoff

Ç MADELEINE ALBRIGHT SEN HILLARY RODHAM

CLINTON GERALDINE FERRARO REP NANCY PELOSI and SEN MARY LANDRIEU were recognized as historic

first women at the Sons of Italy Foundation Gala on May 25 at Grand Hyatt Hotel. Photo by Max Taylor

Å On April 17, BOB MALONEY, pictured here with REP ELIJAH CUMMINGS and REP JESSE JACKSON JR , was honored by the Congressional Black Caucus at a private reception at the Capitol. Photo by Kea Marie Prather

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Ç SUSAN BLUMENTHAL and JANE SEYMOUR take in a screening of “Running Dry,” a documentary about the global water crises, on May 1 at the Cannon Caucus Room. Photos by Edgar Becerra

Å ABOVE: JIM VALENTINE XIE SHUMIN KATHY KEMPER

and Chinese Ambassador ZHOU WENZHONG at a dinner on May 16th at the Chinese Embassy to honor Kemper’s friendship and work for understanding between China and the U.S. BELOW: JUDY WOODRUFF and TOM FRIEDMAN

Å BRENT THOMAS RHONDA BUCKLEY LOU CARDENAS

and DIANA GOLDBERG at former Sen. Lamar Alexander’s piano recital and talk about music education at the Sitar Arts Center on April 16. RIGHT: LAMAR ALEXANDER engaged the audience. FAR RIGHT: BITSEY FOLGER applauds as her friend takes the stage. Photos by Edgar Becerra

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Å THEO ADAMSTEIN ROBERT LIOTTA MARY NOBLE OURS and DANA TAI SOON BURGESS at the 15th anniversary celebration of Dana Tai Soon Burgess and Company at SomaFit on May 3.

Photo by Brooke Sabin

Å Party hosts JOHN MAHSHIE STACIE TURNER and HANS BJORKLUND,

all of Tutt, Taylor and Rankin Sotheby’s International Realty, treated the crowd to bellinis, kir royals and orange sorbet mimosas for the opening of The Grant.

ABOVE: JOSEPHINE HOLLIDAY JEFF PETIZON ELLEN BURDETTE and MICHAEL RANKIN at the preview for The Grant, a classic art deco building that was recently restored with contemporary finishes, on May 16.

ABOVE LEFT: Developers of The Grant JOHN MEEKIN and TOM FAUQUIER, of The Hamilton Group, showcased the new condominiums, which start from $190,000. Photos by Darren Santos

HOME LIFE Luxury real estate﹐ market news and home design | Embassy Row – Russia’s Dacha and plush patios

Dacha sweet Dacha Russian Ambassador Yuri Ushakov and his wife Svetlana continue the Russian tradition of summer escapes and family bonding on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

BY DEBORAH K DIETSCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY LANDSMAN

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HOME LIFE | EMBASSY ROW

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ussians cherish the dacha, a word meaning summer house or cottage. During summers and weekends, millions of them leave the stress of congested city life for the solace of a cabin or house in the countryside.

“It’s a Russian tradition,” explains Yuri Ushakov, ambassador of the Russian Federation.“You will find Moscow empty on Saturdays and Sundays, even in winter. A dacha is a good place to spend time outdoors with family and friends.”

Since arriving in Washington eight years ago, the Ushakov and his wife Svetlana Ushakova have kept up this tradition on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.They spend nearly every weekend and longer stretches during the summer at the embassy’s three-story brick dacha fronting the Chester River. While the 1920s Georgian-style house doesn’t exactly look Russian, it offers the couple the same pleasures as their dacha outside of Moscow, especially the chance to spend time with their 10-year-old grandson Misha,

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Ambassador of the Russian Federation Yuri Ushakov, his wife Svetlana and grandson Misha, followed by dog Simon, stroll the lushly planted grounds of the Eastern Shore dacha.

grilling shashlik (Russian shish kebob), with friends, or relaxing in the bania, Russian for steam room.

“Because we have such a hectic life in Washington, we need a place to hide for awhile,” says Ushakova on a recent tour of the dacha, accompanied by Simon, her west highland terrier. “This is the best spot for really being alone with your family. Of course, we entertain friends, colleagues and officials here but not as much as we do in the city.We prefer to host small gatherings where you can really talk, exchange opinions and enjoy each other’s company.”

Strolling the grounds of this park-like setting, lushly planted with magnolias, cypress and boxwood, it’s easy to understand why these diplomats treasure their getaway. It is located right on the waterfront with all the amenities of a resort. Within a short walk from the main house are a swimming pool and cabana, tennis court and waterfront dock. While the 57-yearold ambassador’s wife likes the seclusion of the

pool near the river, her husband, a fit 60-yearold, prefers swatting balls on the tennis court, boating on the river or cycling around the grounds with his grandson in tow. The couple can also be found browsing the antique shops in nearby Centreville, Chestertown and Easton, looking for the porcelains that Ushakova collects or the old books treasured by Ushakov, who also collects red wine.

Some of the finds from those trips, along with a phone from a Soviet submarine, adorn the one-room “hunting lodge” where the couple hosts special visitors. “No one really hunts but that’s what we call it,” Ushakova says with a laugh. This shingled shed with its outdoor fireplace, one of many outbuildings on the property, is tucked off the tree-lined lane leading to the house. Inside, a long wooden table under timber ceiling beams and glass beer steins hanging from a rack create the feeling of

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“A DACHA IS NOT JUST about entertaining,” Ushakova says. “It’s about uniting people in a very spiritual way, because you are in nature.”

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Off the living room, the walnut-paneled library incorporates built-in window seats and shelving holding books in Russian and English. The oriental rug and tapestry-upholstered bergere are typical of the furnishings throughout the house.

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HOME LIFE | EMBASSY ROW

From the rear flagstone patio, a view of the Chester River beckons through clustered boxwoods.

Dacha – A Russian tradition

T

he dacha has been integral to Russian life for centuries, surviving revolution, and coups.

It dates back to medieval times when tsars gave parcels of land to their noblemen. (In archaic Russian, dacha means “something given.”) Peter the Great started the modern concept of the dacha by not only handing out tracts in St. Petersburg, but instructing the recipients to build grand houses and gardens.These country retreats were used by the aristocracy for social and cultural gatherings, including masquerade balls and fireworks displays.

In the 1800s, the Industrial Revolution led to modest dachas for the middle class, as growing urban populations sought to escape polluted cities, at least temporarily.Writer Anton Chekhov popularized the country retreat by setting many of his plays in one. His own whitestucco dacha in Yalta, as well as dachas owned by Russian writers Leo Tolstoy, Boris Pasternak and others, are now museums.

After the 1917 revolution, dachas were distributed among Communist party leaders and their followers. Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, who spent summers in a green mansion on the Black Sea, built dacha settlements as a reward for loyal service. A dacha, however, didn’t always provide an escape from politics. Nikita Khrushchev was booted from power in 1964 while relaxing at his seaside hideaway and Mikhail Gorbachev was arrested in 1991 at his Crimean vacation home during an aborted coup by hardliners.

Since the collapse of communism, the dacha has become a status symbol freely bought and sold on the real estate market. And it is now indispensable for good PR. President Vladimir Putin often hosts visiting dignitaries at the official dacha, Novo-Ogaryovo, outside Moscow.

He joins millions of dachnikis or summerfolk who consider their retreat to the woods or the waterfront as an essential place to relax, recharge and get in touch with Russian roots.

To learn more about this tradition, the book Summerfolk:A History of the Dacha, 1710-2000 by Stephen Lovell (Cornell University Press, 2003) is an excellent resource.Washingtonians seeking to experience the real thing can visit the Hillwood Estate where a one-room dacha, built in 1969, will re-open with a new art exhibition this fall. –Deborah K. Dietsch

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a rustic pub. A colorful mural of Russian and American sailors clinking their beer glasses decorates the back wall; the Russian wears a naval hat inscribed with “Ushakov.”

The lodge is one of several recent renovations to the sprawling estate once known as Pioneer Point Farm. The current 45 acres originally belonged to a 700-acre land grant from Britain in the 1600s. In 1702, the farm was purchased by Richard Tilghman and remained in his family until 1925 when it was sold to John J. Raskob, an executive with Dupont and General Motors. Tombstones dating from the early 1800s still remain on the property, but the first wood-framed dwelling on the estate is long gone. Raskob built the current brick mansion where the front door knocker, inscribed with “Hartefield House,” bears the only witness to that original home. For his 13 children and their friends, he also constructed an equally grand, neighboring brick house, which is now being restored by the Russian government.

After Raskob died, the estate was sold to a succession of owners in the decades following World War II. The Soviet government purchased the two houses and surrounding land in 1972 and later obtained more acreage after a land swap with the State Department, which in return received property in Moscow.

The deal, however, wasn’t initially well received by the locals who were worried about suspicious foreigners. “It was during the Cold War and people around here were afraid that the Russians would bring their battleships,” Ushakova says. “But then they realized that it wasn’t so bad because Russians started coming to the local shops to buy food and everything.

They realized that there was no danger and saw that we took care of the house and property.

Moreover, they realized that the Russians were friendly and hospitable.”

For more than two decades, the Eastern Shore property served as a dacha for Anatoly Dobrynin who was the Soviet ambassador during the Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan administrations until he returned to Moscow in 1986. Dobrynin preserved the Flemish-bond red brick and ornate painted ironwork of the Raskob mansion and kept many of the furnishings that came with the house. Fourteen rental cottages,

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some built in Finland and shipped to the site, were added for embassy staff.

Much of the original flavor of the house remains intact. The formal living and dining rooms flanking the wide center hall retain their teak floors, oriental carpets and impressive crystal chandeliers. An archway on one side of the living room leads to the walnut-paneled library where built-in shelves hold many of the ambassador’s favorite books. Off the other side, a glass-enclosed porch overlooks a brick-walled courtyard where a fountain gurgles quietly. A two-story screened porch, set behind the rear colonnade of the house, provides a river view between nearly century-old boxwoods.

Upstairs, reached by a grand, sky-lit stairway, the second floor is reserved for family.The master suite with its own porch and sitting room adjoins a bedroom reserved for grandson Misha, who is currently attending Russian and British schools in Washington, and his mom, the couple’s 33-

Wrought ironwork accents the brick facade fronting the side courtyard off the enclosed living room porch. A dainty figurine (top left) represents the home’s impressive collection of German and Hungarian porcelains. A round skylight illuminates the grand staircase (top right) leading to upper-floor bedroom suites.

HOME LIFE | EMBASSY ROW

year-old daughter, Tatiana. On the third floor, four guest suites are fitted with small kitchens and some of the home’s 13 fireplaces.They share a lounge where Gothic-style wooden doors and wall paneling, and a niche for an altar, now adorned with a Russian icon, testify to the room’s original use as the Raskob family chapel.

Though the big house remains largely unchanged since the Dobrynin days, its current occupants have added comfortable furniture reflective of their more laid-back style. Many of the spaces feature still life and landscape paintings

by Russian artists and decorative Russian touches, including a samovar and porcelain figurines. True dacha living is best represented

in the basement where recent upgrades have turned storage spaces into recreation rooms for playing table tennis, shooting pool and watching movies; the now stationary elevator may be turned into a bar. Down the hall is a lounge, where the ambassador and his buddies can share a glass of his favorite red wine after taking a sauna next door. “The steam of bania is the gift of God,” a sign over the doorway to the steam room proclaims in Russian.

As an offshoot of the embassy, the dacha is frequently used for official functions. Every May, the entire staff is invited to celebrate Victory Day, a Russian holiday commemorating World War II, and on Labor Day, the Sailing Club of

the Chesapeake arrives to enjoy an annual fête.

“The main mission for us has been to keep the house and grounds alive,” Ushakov says.

On weekends, the couple prefers hosting smaller gatherings and house parties of no more than 10 people. Menus include fish freshly caught from the Chesapeake and salads tossed with lettuces, cucumbers and tomatoes picked from the vegetable gardens on the property.

“People can relax and open up in way that they never do in the city,” Ushakova says. “A dacha is not just about entertaining. It’s about uniting people in a very spiritual way because here you are in harmony with nature. That’s why the dacha is so powerful for Russians.”

A painted mural of toasting Russian and American sailors decorates the rear wall of the rustic hunting lodge, a former outbuilding converted by the ambassador and his wife for entertaining.

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GEORGETOWN LONG & FOSTER

Colonial Village, DC

SPECTACULAR stone English Tudor Estate on 1/3 acre. Total renovation w/period details. Sumptuous MBR w/Juliet balcony overlooking 2-story, 31’ Great Rm w/massive stone FP. Impressive 22’ Foyer w/3 Palladian doors to walled stone courtyard/glorious pool. 2-car gar. $2,100,000 Dianne Bailey 301-980-5354;

Chevy Chase Office 202-363-9700.

Massachusetts Avenue

Impressive custom-built french limestone & stucco residence on magnificent level lot distinguished by its superb craftsmanship, high-ceilinged grand rooms & European accents. Property is fully gated & pristine condition. Indoor spa w/50ft. pool, splendid wine cellar, media room, terraces, privacy & lots of light! A rare opportunity! Only 6 years old. $8,750,000 Edna Wolf

202-337-8877; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Palisades

Chevy Chase

GLORIOUS LIVING IN DC! Custom built in 2003. Magnificent home with 6 bedrooms, 4 l/2 baths, family room, 2-car garage offering nearly 8,000 square feet of luxury for today’s modern lifestyle. Close to Rock Creek Park and ten minutes to downtown.

Well-priced at $2,200,000. Terri Robinson 202-966-6223;

Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Observatory Circle

Build 2600 additional sf & add parking to tandem Palisades buildings. C1 zoning -- office - studio - residence. Open spaces, marvelous views, 3 terraces, panoramic roof deck. Superior concrete & masonry construction. Splendid gardens, 3 pking spaces. Starbucks adjacent to lot. Purchaser of 5171 ($1,600,000) has first right of refusal for 5169 ($899,000).Denise Warner

Located in Observatory and within minutes to Georgetown, downtown & the National Cathedral, this property has been newly renovated - in 2007! Five bedrooms, 5.5 baths, including 2 master bedrooms, fabulous custom country kitchen with sitting/ breakfast room, top-of-the-line appliances. Four finished levels and separate garage. $2,395,000 Stephen Vardas 202-744-

202-487-5162; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

0411; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Cathedral Heights

Splendid “New York City Style” quiet corner apartment of grand proportions and elegant floorplan! Gracious foyer with antique mirror (conveys), step down living room, large, formal dining room, library with wall of bookshelves, custom gourmet kitchen with table space and pantry with wet bar.3 bedrooms, 3baths, overlooking park. $1,095,000 Jeanne Livingston

202-321-2600; Susan Daves 202-236-5958; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Berkley

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION! An exceptional home, privatelysituated, with ample living and entertaining space. The gracious foyer, highlighted by a lovely curved stiarcase, leads to the large living room with floor-to-ceiling windows that look upon the rear garden. In addition, there is a gourmet kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, and a large family room on the lower level opening to the garden. Pam Murdock 202-338-0696; Eric Moorhead 202-256-1885 ; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Georgetown Long & Foster Real Estate 1680 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20007 202-944-8400

Bethesda, MD

EXCLUSIVE BETHESDA OPPPORTUNITY! Gorgeous sun drenced home in super location on cul-de-sac. Tons of upgreades in this 5BR, 3BA home with cathedral ceilings, huge fenced back yard, garage and more! Easy access to shops and restaurants of Downtown Bethesda, Wildwood and Georgetown Square. Minutes to 355, 495, 270! Visit www.skygroupteam.com Chana Sky 240-447-7000;

Bethesda Avenue office 240-497-1700.

HOME LIFE | DESIGN

SOAK UP THE SUN Create a patio oasis with outdoor furniture B Y D A B N E Y D O S W E L L

ÉYODA SECTIONAL SOFA

This sectional has a steel frame and hand-woven rattan stalks which serve as natural spring for your back. ($5,700). Muléh, 1831 14th St. N.W., 202-6673440.

LEGEND BOOKCASE This Asian-inspired limited edition piece mimics the outdoors. It is made of solid Bourgogne oak and then lightly stained ($11,575). Roche Bobois, 5301 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-686-5667.

E

veryone loves to lounge stylishly outdoors. It’s why we travel to destination resorts or relax at the beach. So why not spice up your backyard, too? I have selected a few pieces that will transform your garden into an instant oasis – the perfect place to relax and entertain in style.

ÇOASI CHAIR My favorite chair is simple and well designed. The curves make it unique and edgy ($5,070). Fendi Casa, 300 D St. SW, Suite 610, 202-479-0990.

RAIN OR SHINE RUGS These practical rugs are made from polypropylene and are mold and mildew resistant, colorfast, extremely durable, machine washable and they dry in a flash ($34 for a 2’ x 3’). Available at Urban Country, 7801 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda Md., 301-654-0500.

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MCLEAN, VA

A rare offering. $17,500,000.

Ruth Ellis Jonathan Taylor Michael Rankin

Magnificent 27,000 sq ft chateau built with exceptional craftsmanship and design.

Extraordinary and elaborate details throughout.

703.582.4254 202.276.3344 202.271.3344

KALORAMA

Two spectacular residences created out of one extraordinary circa 1910 mansion at the top of Kalorama’s most handsome street.

Completely rebuilt to perfection with style and luxurious details. Both with more than 5,000 square feet, double garages, incredible rooftop terraces and first floor verandas. $3,200,000 and $3,695,000.

John Vardas 301.807.1119

POTOMAC

much more. $2,500,000.

Kimberly Casey

WATERGATE

Elegant renovation of this 3,060 sq ft unit overlooking garden/pool/ river. Master suite with double closets, padded silk walls and imported bathroom tiles & fixtures.

Custom-made Italian Gourmet kitchen w/top of the line appliances. $2,950,000.

Julia Diaz-Asper 202.256.1887

ARLINGTON

BETHESDA

BETHESDA

KALORAMA

CHEVY CHASE

KALORAMA

FOGGY BOTTOM

Potomac Falls home with 7 bedrooms, 5 baths (including a 2 bedroom, 2 bath in-law suite), pool, tennis court, $1m + addition in 2001, 2 car garage and 202.361.3228

The thoughtful Five bedrooms, renovation of this five bathrooms 1933 French Colonial with family Chateau was in keeping room and large with the original formal living and architectural integrity dining rooms. of the stately home Magnificent rear which is perfectly sited garden, lot size on two lots consisting of mature trees, rolling lawns, gardens 16,500 sq ft. 2 car garage. Wood Acres, Pyle and and a beautiful terrace. $1,799,000.

Whitman schools. $1,395,000.

Greg Gaddy 202.421.4734 Rick Leverrier 202.957.7777

Elegant and spacious Recently built, wellduplex penthouse with constructed home, breathtaking views of never lived in. the city and beyond.

Minutes from DC/ Well appointed with MD line, 5000 sqft, an open floor plan, 6BR/4.5BA, 3 levels, vaulted ceilings, fam. room, highgourmet kitchen, end kitchen, huge fireplace, hardwood floors throughout and master bedroom master suite. Whitman school district. $1,395,000. with balcony. $1,095,000.

Jonathan Taylor 202-276-3344 Monica Belizan 202.306.6111 Tessa Morris 202-236-9543 Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

Gracious 3BR/ 2.5BA flat in prominent architectural building with over 1700 sq. ft. of impeccably finished space.

From the travertine entry foyer, expansive living room with gas fireplace, separate dining room and professionally appointed kitchen, this spectacular residence leaves little to the imagination. $949,000.

Michael Moore 202.262.7762

LOGAN

Beautiful 2,100 square foot two bedroom, two and a half bath with spacious dining room, large kitchen with breakfast bar, office area with built-in desk/bookshelves and fabulous views from rooftop deck. $915,000.

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

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Sprawling 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home on a corner lot overlooking Rock Creek park. Great entertaining spaces with cathedral ceiling living room, family room & recreational room, 2 fireplaces, and a lovely patio yard. $1,049,000.

Mahshie and Turner Group 202.939.1229

A brilliant renovation of a classic Art Deco building, The Grant has been renewed to today’s expectations.

Floorplans that make the most of the interiors combined with an impeccable location make this an excellent value.

Hans Bjorklund 202.256.0987 Mahshie and Turner Group 202.939.1229

4UTT 4AYLOR 2ANKIN 3OTHEBYS )NTERNATIONAL 2EALTY $OWNTOWN 7ASHINGTON $ #

'EORGETOWN 7ASHINGTON $ #

-ARYLAND

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Š MMV Sotheby’s International Realty AfďŹ liates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Les Bords de l’Epte a Giverny, used with permission. Sotheby’s International RealtyÂŽ is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty AfďŹ liates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal

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HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE

Summer Homes Gracious getaways on the market ITALY IN EASTON GREGORY ROAD EASTON MARYLAND

WHO DOESN’T WANT THEIR OWN VINEYARD?

San Sano, a waterfront Italian-style villa in Easton, Md., combines the sensuous order and flow of 16th century Palladian architecture with the stately southern charm of Jeffersonian design. The home harmoniously coexists with a natural environment that wraps you in privacy and seclusion. San Sano sits on 134 acres of some of the most coveted waterfront property on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and boasts 1,400 feet of shoreline complete with a private vineyard.

ASKING Listing Agent: Daniel Corr W.C. & A.N. Miller, a Long & Foster Co. Contact: 202-274-2390 or email daniel.corr@longandfoster.com

Listing Agent: Doc Keane W.C. & A.N. Miller, a Long & Foster Co. Contact: 202-441-2343 or email doc.keane@longandfoster.com

PROVENCE IN MCLEAN

STREET NORTH MCLEAN VIRGINIA BE SWEPT AWAY BY THIS RIVERFRONT HOME

BEACH PENT HOUSE COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY MD

THE USUAL FOUR BEDROOMS SUNDECK TALKING HIDDEN WINE CAVE

Owned by a Sheraton Hotel family heiress, this penthouse condo is being sold fully furnished. The free-flowing space is washed in soothing natural light. The 4,228-square-foot floor plan features four bedrooms, baths and balconies. The most talked about room is the hidden wine cave: there is a fireplace, water-fall, genuine fossils, fog, thunder and a voiceover narrative from a ghost who tells the story of the wines the guests are drinking. Visit www. perduepenthouse.com for more details.

ASKING Listing Agents: Angela or Nicole Eliopoulos Global Owner Team, Long & Foster Realtors For information call 202-339-9439 or email info@globalowner.com

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This re-creation of a French chateau features an authentic carriage house with reclaimed, hand hewn beams, tiled eaves and beautiful hardwood doors.

The manicured courtyard and stone walk lead to the finely detailed residence, surrounded by rustic stone walls. The interior has an open, flowing floor plan that blends the grand scale and luxuriousness of the formal rooms with the warmth of the comfortable living areas. Authentic details such as the “genoises� trim of the Spanish tile roof, state-of-the-art amenities and fine finishes are featured throughout. Floor to ceiling windows and doors, a wrap-around terrace and verandahs accentuate the panoramic Potomac River views available from almost every room in the home.

ASKING

Listing Agent: William F.X. Moody Washington Fine Properties Contact: 202-243-1620 or email williamfx.moody@wfp.com

Listing Agent: Robert Hryniewicki Washington Fine Properties Contact: 202-243-1622 or email Robert.H@wfp.com

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Bethany Beach, Delaware

OCEAN FRONT • NORTH BETHANY This ocean front 4 BR, 3 BA south end, furnished Townhouse is beautifully remodeled with the finest materials and finishes. A rare unobstructed view of the ocean where you step off your deck onto a pristine lovely beach. $1,895,000

OCEAN BLOCK • SOUTH BETHANY Location, Location, Location! This original 3 BR, 1 BA cottage is all about location. Situated only 3 lots off beach front, this property will impress any beach enthusiast. A fantastic opportunity to build with views of the ocean. $1,025,000

IN TOWN • BETHANY BEACH Practically new 4 bedroom with loft, 3.5 bath home on a quiet corner location in the town of Bethany with many fine finishes. $895,000

Feel The Difference

800.851.8997 Pam Adkins

Leslie Kopp

Cell 302.858.7997

302.542.3917 Cell

Sales Associate

pam@bestofbethany.com leslie@bestofbethany.com WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Office: 302.539.9040 x 207

www.BestofBethany.com

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KRYSTYNA LITWIN PRESENTS...

Potomac, Maryland $3,950,000

Truly a magnificent home masterfully created by the renowned builder Patrick Cullinane. High two story ceilings, furniture-quality custom built- in cabinetry, custom moldings, wainscoting and oversized fireplaces set a tone throughout the six bedroom home of luxury and understated elegance. Elegant foyer, exquisite two story library, grand living & dining rooms, a warm and elegant family room, new gourmet English kitchen recently featured in Architectural Digest Magazine, reflect the expert craftsmanship found throughout the home.

Bethesda, Maryland $3,500,000

An ambiance of understated elegance pervades this spectacular residence, perfectly sited and beautifully presented on a onehalf-acre extremely private & lavishly landscaped lot.

A magnificent two story marble foyer and a circular staircase introduce the luxury finishes that have been lavished throughout the 10,000 square foot interior. Custom moldings and high ceilings stylishly compliment the banquet sized dining room, elegant living room, gorgeous mahogany library, family room overlooking the grounds and a gourmet chef’s kitchen. Nothing short of fabulous this property is located within a five minute drive to Bethesda shops and restaurants and carries the prestigious Bradley Boulevard location.

Bethesda, Maryland $2,995,000

Welcome to this exquisite Arts and Crafts Style home nestled on a fabulous professionally landscaped lot, finished to perfection, custom built by the renowned Augustine Homes with terraced flagstone patios, a magnificent pool and spa enhanced by waterfall fountains. Enter into a gracious two story foyer accented by a dramatic stair case encased by oversized windows. The main floor opens to the spectacular flagstone patios by french doors on all sides. This home boasts a gracious gourmet kitchen with a beautiful sun filled breakfast room that opens to a show stopping family room featuring a coffered ceiling, floor to ceiling wainscoted wall and dramatic fireplace with a fitting oversized mantle. No detail has been overlooked in presenting this home of distinction. Artfully blending formal and informal rooms in an arrangement perfectly suited for modern living, this three year young home combines high ceilings, custom millwork, oversized windows, french doors, and oak flooring in a spectacular rendition of Craftsman style. This fabulous home is centrally located in close proximity to downtown Bethesda, I-495 and I-270.

Krystyna Litwin

Top 1% Nationwide 301-299-6098

HOMELIFE LIFE| |RE NEWS RE NEWS HOME

LEFT: Washington Redskin Fred Smoot paid $1.65 million for 954 Seneca Rd., in Great Falls. The sellers were George Nemr and his wife Marcelle Nemr. ABOVE: Grande dame Marion Oates “Oatsie� Leiter Charles has sold her manse at 3259 R St., N.W., for approximately $8.3 million.

Real Estate News Who’s buying, who’s selling, and who could be your new neighbors

BY MARY K. MEWBORN

THE DISTRICT Grande dame Marion Oates “Oatsieâ€? Leiter Charles has sold her manse at R Stďš’ďš? Nďš’Wďš’, for approximately $8.3 million. A designated historic landmark, the house is almost as renowned a Georgetown fixture as its longtime resident.

Officially known as The Dougal House, the circa 1854 Italianate residence was designed by architects Adams and Haskins and has hosted such illustrious guests as Ian Fleming, who named one of his Bond characters Felix Leiter in honor of Oatsie’s first husband Thomas Leiter, an heir to the Marshall Fields retail empire. Princess Michael of Kent and John Kerry have also been among the privileged visitors to this doyenne’s domicile. In fact, a young John Kerry is said to have orchestrated anti-war protests from the comfort of this handsome home which was then occupied by Mrs. Charles and her second husband, the late Robert Horne Charles, a McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft executive. Situated on almost an acre, the estate boasts six bedrooms,

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staff quarters, a guesthouse and a two-car garage.

It was listed by Washington Fine Properties agents Michael Sullivan and Jamie Peva. Rumor has it that the new owner is a Mr. Hunt, but apparently not one of the Texas oil Hunts.

In April, political activist Dal LaMagna announced his candidacy for president of the United States. Now the Democratic hopeful from Washington State has purchased a historic home in Washington, D.C. LaMagna is the founder of Tweezerman, Inc., which champions social responsibility in the production of its personal care products. He is also the founder of the Progressive Government Institute. In August of last year, he joined a delegation of American citizens to confer with Iraqi leaders in Jordan and compiled a plan to improve the situation in the Gulf. LaMagna has also helped produce films including The War Tapes and Iraq for Sale. Dal’s new home was listed by Washington Fine Properties’ William Moody

| washingtonlife.com

and Robert Hryniewicki. The four-story Queen Anne-style residence was designed by its first owner, Ferdinand Schneider, a relative of famed architect Thomas Franklin Schneider and is located at th Stďš’ďš? Nďš’Wďš’ The sellers, Douglas Johnson and Bre Copeland purchased the 6,000 square-foot, 1903 single family dwelling in the fall of 2002 for just under $1,000,000 and after some thoughtful updates and “fairly major facade renovationâ€? placed it back on the market with an asking price of $2,450,000. Among the notable accoutrements are second and third floor wrought iron balconies connected by an external spiral staircase, and its 450-plus square-foot rooftop garden with splendid panoramic views.

Realtor Jim Bell, of Washington Fine Properties, and Mark Sco , a mortgage lender with SunTrust Bank, have purchased penthouse #2C at the Ritz-Carlton Residences at rd Stďš’ďš? Nďš’Wďš’ Their luxurious “triplexâ€? has over

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HOME LIFE | RE NEWS

ABOVE: Jim Bell and Mark Scott have purchased penthouse #2C at the Ritz-Carlton Residences located at 1155 23rd Street, N.W., for $1.995 million. TOP RIGHT: Michael Barone now owns unit 303 at The Columbia Residences, located at 2425 L St., N.W. He paid the seller, Shakour Shalaan, $1,412,500 for the property. BOTTOM RIGHT: Douglas Johnson and Brett Copeland have sold 1918 17th St.,N.W., to Dal LaMagna for $2,450,000.

2,400 square feet of interior living space plus three levels of private terrace space. It contains three bedrooms, three baths and a third story great room appointed with hardwood floors and recessed lighting. The seller is Millennium Partners. The price is believed to have been $1.995 million.

Thanks to Long & Foster realtor Terri Robinson,Washington businessman Jim Manzi and his wife Jane now own a stunning home in the heart of Cleveland Park. Built at the turn of the century at Newark St﹒, their perfectly restored house cost $2,750,000. The sellers are developmental psychologist Sybil Wolin and her husband, psychiatrist Steven Wolin. Together the Wolins have directed Project Resilience, a private organization in Washington that advises schools, clinics and prevention/intervention agencies on how to promote well-being among those in their charge. The Wolins are authors of The Resilient Self: How Survivors of Troubled Families Rise Above Adversity. Since the Wolins began their work at Resilience in the late 1980s, they have conducted more than 200 workshops worldwide and have appeared on numerous television shows including Oprah Winfrey’s.

Political analyst Michael Barone now owns unit 303 at The Columbia Residences. The recently constructed complex at L St﹒﹐ N﹒W﹒

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VIRGINIA!

at " Seneca Rd﹒ Smoot spent four seasons with the Redskins from 2001-04 and in 2003 became the first player in Redskin history to individually lead the team in interceptions for three straight seasons. He played for the Vikings in 2005-06, only to return to Washington as a free agent this April at age twenty-eight (in the wake of some bad press about a boat party he and some Minnesota teammates attended). During his college career at Mississippi State, Smoot was one of the nation’s premier defensive backs. He also earned a reputation for being a loquacious and charismatic showman on and off the field.

In 2002, the cornerback served as a spokesmen for Redskins All-Stars, a program designed to get kids involved in community service. Smoot also has sponsored a youth football team in Ashburn, Va., called the Little Redskins. His new home was built for entertaining and features a gourmet kitchen with built-in coffee bar, lower level with recreation room, commercial size bar area, media room with surround sound and a dance floor.The 7,000-square-foot home was listed at $1,749,000

by Long and Foster luxury real estate specialists Barbara and Diane Lewis.The sellers were George Nemr and his wife Marcelle Nemr.

Recently re-acquired by the Washington Redskins, Fred Smoot has acquired a $1.65 million, five-bedroom house in Great Falls

Please send real estate news items to Mary_ Mewborn@Yahoo.com

is comprised of two spectacular new buildings set astride the magnificently renovated 1915 neoclassical Italianate structure which had been the Columbia Hospital for Women. Barone is a senior writer at U.S. News & World Report, the co-author of The Almanac of American Politics and a contributor to FOX News. In May, his book, Our First Revolution:The Remarkable British UpheavalThat Inspired America’s Founding Fathers, was published.

His 2,000 square-foot condominium has two bedrooms, a den and two and a half baths, plus a large corner balcony and two parking spaces. He paid the seller, Shakour Shalaan, $1,412,500. Long & Foster’s Terri Robinson listed the property.

MARYLAND In the Potomac area, Hemingway Homes Bethesda Corp. has sold Brickyard Rd﹒, to Susan S. and Michael J. Ru ahr for $2,049,900.

Mr. Rufkahr is a partner who specializes in tax and estate law for Arnold and Porter, LLP. The Rufkahrs’ newly constructed Montgomery County home has five bedrooms and five and two half bathrooms.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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WFP.COM

HICKORY HILL, MCLEAN, VIRGINIA The Robert F. Kennedy family home for over 50 years, previously owned by President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, historic Hickory Hill stands less than 2 miles outside of Washington, DC. The stately 19th century residence sits on almost six prime acres with majestic trees, pool, pool house, stables, movie theatre and tennis court.

W. Ted Gossett 703-625-5656 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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16 Kalorama Circle, NW Far More Than a Great Address More Than a Great Address The evidence of the past is an asset to the future.

Bobbie Brewster Fine Historic Properties H 202-588-5816 O 202-471-5261 Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated

OPPORTUNITY

Wesley Heights

$2,995,000

The discreet neo-classical facade of this house belies its lavishly appointed interior.

The first floor comprises a vast living room adjacent to a spectacular sunroom looking on to a beautiful streetscape, a library, dining room, breakfast room and a serious cook’s kitchen. A pergola covered-deck leads to a patio and a large brick terrace. Upstairs, a master suite w/his & hers baths & dressing rooms, a large bedroom with bath en-suite, and a third bedroom. Two bedrooms & bath on the top floor with an enormous playroom in between. The lower level is ideal for a media room. Its antique ceiling timbers lend the space character. There is also a nanny suite downstairs. St Albans is a five minute walk from the house as are numerous urban amenities, not least among them, The Whole Foods Market. The house was treasured by the same family for 50 years and a thorough and thoughtful restoration has just been completed.

HANS BJORKLUND (202) 256-0987

UMANZOR & ASSOCIATES Bethesda Gateway Office Office (301) 907-7600 Cell (240) 606-8294 juan@longandfoster.com

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ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

“Bellapais on River Farm” One of the largest private estates on the Potomac River near DC. Mid-19th century Federal-style residence on 25+ acres. $9,750,000

William F. X. Moody Robert Hryniewicki

202-243-1620 202-243-1622

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MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

Handsome French country home with dramatic 2 story foyer & great room, pool w/cabanna, 6 BRs, 6.5 BAs. .83 acre landscaped yard. $3,200,000

Linda Rogers Jeanne Shaw

703-627-6776 703-623-4845

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MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Meticulously restored & maintained farm enjoys absolute privacy on 463 acres. Elegant 18 room Colonial.

Classic Virginia farmhouse dating from the mid-19th Century. $14,500,000

Anita Sisney

703-973-1987

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MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

NEW LISTING, This stunning 2 year old romantic waterfront château overlooks the Potomac River on the Gold Coast of McLean. 5 BR 7 BAs. $7,995,000

William F. X. Moody Robert Hryniewicki

202-243-1620 202-243-1622

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SPRING VALLEY, WASHINGTON, DC

Spectacular Restoration & Addition! Tudor stone & stucco w/ hdwd floors & custom moldings, large formal, family rooms, gourmet kitchen, magnificent master, 5 BRs all w/ bath. Deck & terrace. $3,675,000

W. Ted Gossett

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703-625-5656

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CLEVELAND PARK, WASHINGTON, DC

WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC

Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir

Jamie Peva A. Michael Sullivan, Jr.

Inviting front porch has views of the Cathedral.

Wonderful 5 BR home w/large, gracious rooms, huge lot, pool, artist studio & garage. $3,899,000

202-243-1634 202-243-1635

Sunny Fieldstone on large lot on quiet cul-de-sac. 5 BRs+ maids BR, 4.5 BAs, new table space kitchen, library, sunroom & playroom. 2 car garage. $2,525,000

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LEESBURG, VIRGINIA

First Time Offering- “Oatlands Hamlet” a 54 acre estate owned by the same family 100+ years. 6 BR, 5.5 BA main house w/pool; charming 3 BR, 3 BA stone guest house & 3 BR ranch house. $3,900,000

Gloria Armfield

202-374-8618

202-258-5050 202-365-9000

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MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

50 acres of beautiful rolling land w/views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Orange County Hunt territory.

Lovely stone 2-story house w/4 BRs, manager’s house, stone garage, pond and 4 stall stable. $3,400,000

Gloria Armfield

202-374-8618

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WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORGETOWN MARYLAND VIRGINIA

202.944.5000 202.333.3320 301.983.6400 703.317.7000

WashingtonFineProperties.com

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K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC

K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC

K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC

Eileen McGrath

Ellen Morrell Patrick Chauvin Matthew B. McCormick

Jamie Peva A. Michael Sullivan, Jr.

Historic Manse-namesake of Wyoming Ave. Extraordinary property w/fabulous pedigree. All architectural elements preserved in renovations. 4 finished levels, 2-car garage, In-law suite. $2,195,000

202-253-2226

Stately home on double lot w/5 BRs, 4.5 BAs, formal living & dining rooms, kitchen, library, garage & pool.

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WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC

KENT, WASHINGTON, DC

Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir

Ellen Morrell Patrick Chauvin Matthew B. McCormick

Paradise found. Private & enchanting property on 1/2 acre, glorious views of Battery Kemble Park, elegant spaces, one of the prettiest pools in DC. $3,995,000

202-243-1634 202-243-1635

202-728-9500

Spectacular Georgian-style house by Waddy Wood in 1925. Extensively renovated 6 BR residence with staff quarters, garage & wonderful gardens. $5,900,000

Exquisite home w/6 BRs, 4.5 BAs, kitchen/family room, library, living & dining rooms & garden with pool.

202-728-9500

202-258-5050 202-365-9000

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KENT, WASHINGTON, DC

Stunning 5 BR, 5 BA home has large rooms with exquisite fixtures and detailing, covered porches & balconies.

Spectacular master suite & kitchen with fireplace.

Heidi Hatfield Connie Carter MIDDLEBURG, VA WASHINGTON, VA

202-243-1634 202-491-61713 540.687.6395 540.675.1488

ArmfieldMillerRipley.com

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ORLEAN, VIRGINIA

4 BR brick colonial built in l985 on 78 acres. Spacious rooms with hardwood floors. BRs w/baths en-suite.

Charming 1 BR guest cottage, 2 car garage with apt, second 2 car garage & 3 stall stable. $2,750,000

Carole Miller

703-705-9110

PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA

Elegant 4,650 sq ft home on 5.6 acres with views. Lovely stream & pond. Gourmet kitchen, 1st floor master suite, home theater, library, 3 car garage. $1,599,000

Rick Lowe Anita Sisney

703-509-3962 703-973-1987

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

6.9 acres with paddock and run-in shed. Extensive moldings, 4 fpls, brick walkways. Family room w/ cathedral ceiling, glass wall to patio. $1,499,000

Rick Lowe Anita Sisney

703-509-3962 703-973-1987

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113

WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y

THIS TOWN

Marrieds Only

BY MICHAEL STRANGE

M

weekend nights alone and men so damaged they don’t make the cut at match.com. Call me cruel, but you know I’m right.All the straight men here are married, no matter what.They choose death before divorce, but if they do separate it’s only to jump from one lily pod to another (younger or richer) lily pod. The odds are against the single woman. They so outnumber the men that any marginally acceptable male is hooked and landed before dawn.

And nobody is less interested in the single woman’s plight than her married sisters.

One of my big social mistakes here happened early on. I invited an unmarried woman to a dinner party and got phone calls the next morning from wives who blasted me for the transgression.

The “extra woman” in question is my investment adviser: a smart and pretty pal, who seemed a good fit at a table of business and legal titans. It was as if I’d tempted hungry bears with a fresh pot of honey. “All John did was flirt with her all night,” I was scolded. “How could you? If you

intend to do that again, please don’t invite us.”

When I shared the fall-out with the reviled guest, she consoled me. “I was surprised when you asked me,” she said. “No one invites me to dinner parties. I’m simply not welcomed. But if I married a member of Al Qaeda tomorrow, the wives would be comfortable with me in the room.” Before ringing off, she said, “Thanks for seating me well. Usually, I’m placed between two women or men so old they barely have a pulse.”

There wasn’t much I could say to Delaney to offer encouragement. Hunting the small herds of eligible bachelors requires a divining rod to find the real deal among the closeted gays, the damaged divorced, the over eager, the truly bonkers, and my faves: the men who simply hire a professional. Just ask the DC Madam, who chose Washington over New York to set up an “escort” business because the men here were, well, good for her bank account. It’s a business transaction, which rocks in a town where everything has a price. Larry Flynt recently offered $1 million for proof of any Washington official’s illicit sex play. I offer assurances that if the dirt is marital infidelity, the marriage will survive. Just look at Gary Hart, Dick Morris and Bill Clinton, among others.

My parting gift to my friend was some upbeat advice: if she wants to live in the most married city in America, and be happy with a reliable partner, she has two clear choices – go young or go gay.

OTHER THAN DAY-OLD

French bread, nothing dries up faster in this town than a woman without a constant man.

114

Readers wishing to get in touch with Michael can email her at: mstrange@washingtonlife.com

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SUMMER

| washingtonlife.com

IL LU STRATION BY J.C. SUA RÈ S

y friend Delaney dropped a bombshell the other day that was so provocative and scary I wondered if she might need some rehab. Her call was urgent.

“Meet me at Sulgrave at one. Cancel whatever else you’ve got,” she said breathlessly, adding,“I must see you.” Later, by a sunny window, sipping minted iced tea and picking at buttery popovers, she gave me the news:“D” and her blue blooded, well-funded but otherwise colorless spouse had quietly split after reaching an amicable and profitable (for her) settlement. Well, okay, I said.

“But more important: where will you live now?”

That’s when she shocked me.

“Here in Washington, of course.”

“Oh, no,” I gasped, “you can’t. You have to get out of here as fast as possible.” Logical though it may seem, to remain in Washington was a decision that could ruin her still vital life. There is no rational reason for a woman who is smart, attractive, but on the other side of 30, to live here if she is unwed. Other than day-old French bread, nothing dries up faster in this town than a woman without a constant man.

When my lecture was finished, dear Delaney sobbed that she would shred the divorce agreement if her ex hadn’t already gone and declared himself besotted with his new “life coach,” an Oregon earth mother named Feather. “Look, I was more alone with him than I’ll ever be without him.” (Hmmm.

That’s what she thinks.)

I only told her what any right-minded woman in her middle years should already know: this town is strictly “marrieds only.” That is, unless you are gay, or are seriously into cats,Tivo,

WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORGETOWN MARYLAND VIRGINIA

202.944.5000 202.333.3320 301.983.6400 703.317.7000

WashingtonFineProperties.com

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K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC

DUPONT CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DC

KENT, WASHINGTON, DC

Jim Bell

Jim Bell

Louise B. Williams

Exquisite, historic Kalorama residence. Fully renovated, ornate moldings & millwork, 7 BR, 5.5 BA, Grand & formal entertaining rooms, Solarium, private patio & garden. 3 fpls, 2 car garage. $2,750,000

NEW PRICE! Grand Federal Dupont Circle Mansion.

Grand reception rooms, original details, new master suite, 7 BRs, 5.5 BAs, garage parking, garden, patio & porch, 6 fpls, 2 fabulous in-law suites. $2,195,000

202-607-4000

K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC

Exquisite and Grand Condominium at The Chancellery.

Expansive living room/salon, library, formal dining room, grand solarium, 3 BRs, fpl, hdwd floors, abundant sunlight. $1,395,000

Jim Bell

202-607-4000

202-607-4000

K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC

NEW LISTING! Stylish, sophisticated 1,800 sq ft 2 BR, 2 BA at the coveted Altamont. Formal living & dining rooms, large kitchen, original architectural details throughout. $950,000

Carrie Carter

202-421-3938

Stunning renovation & expansion of classic, center hall Colonial in sought after Kent neighborhood.

Completely new from top to bottom with attention to detail & only top quality features and fixtures.

WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC

Sun-filled Tudor with views of parkland. Renovated in 2000, includes deck, garage, 5 BRs and 3 BAs.

Ellen Morrell Patrick Chauvin Matthew B. McCormick

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC

POTOMAC, MARYLAND

Ellen Morrell Patrick Chauvin Matthew B. McCormick

Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir

Priscilla Ryan

Completely renovated 3 BR, 2 BA Victorian row house with gourmet kitchen, living & family room, office, patio garden and 2-car garage.

202-728-9500

Elegant sun-filled 2 BR 2.5 BA row house with large 3 story addition, soaring spaces and deep, glorious garden with pond. $1,350,000

202-243-1634 202-243-1635

703-405-4880

202-728-9500

POTOMAC FALLS - Classic colonial with spacious rooms for entertaining sited on a beautiful two-acre private lot. 4 bedrooms, 3 full & 2 half baths. Impeccably maintained. $1,725,000

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202-262-6585

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OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER ROLEX

OYSTER PERPETUAL AND DATEJUST ARE TRADEMARKS.