T H E 2016
=392+ +9)78 0-78 RISING STARS 40 AND UNDER
&
FOOD: WHERE THE YOUNG AND POWERFUL DINE | DRINK: A GUIDE TO AREA DISTILLERIES FASHION: A DAY AT THE MALL | LUXURY TRAVEL: SKI UTAH WITH ROBERT REDFORD MY WASHINGTON: CHEF ERIC ZIEBOLD OPENS KINSHIP PERFORMING ARTS: ARENA STAGE REVISITS THE GEORGETOWN SALON
PA RT I PA ES! RT PA IE RT S! IE S!
=+0 ;)((-2+7 WHO TIED THE KNOT IN 2015
64 48
38 61
'328)287 MARCH 2016
EDITOR'S LETTER
FEATURES THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST ............
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YGL WEDDINGS ............................................
FYIDC
WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY
INSIDER'S GUIDE...................................... OVER THE MOON Snowbirds Escape.................................................. SOCIAL CALENDAR........................................ .... Russian Ball ....................................................... THE DISH....................................................
Noche de Pasion ..................................................
PERFORMING ARTS......................................
Washington Auto Show..........................................
National Endowment for the Arts Party ......................
POLLYWOOD EMBASSY ROW Arrivals and DeparturesCultural Diplomacy- Singing Maestro.....................
HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC A New Kind of News Magazine ............................. Reception for Colombian President.............................
Washington Post Opening Reception .........................
USO 75th Anniversary Reception ............................
WNO Young Artists Joint Reception ......................... Alvin Ailey Gala..................................................
Fashionable Reception with Minka Kelly .................... Dancing After Dark ............................................. SOME Jr. Gala ................................................... Capitals Casino Night ........................................... David McCallum Book Party.................................. Parties, Parties, Parties! ..........................................
50Years of the Irish Residence ..................................
TRAVEL Utah- The Redford Way .......................
HOME LIFE INSIDE HOMES
LIFESTYLES
Erin Streeter and Chris Israel .............................
FASHION EDITORIAL Shop Girl ................... TREND REPORT Tangerine Dream ................. JEWELRY REPORT Geometric Gems .............
REAL ESTATE NEWS Local Personality...................................................
OPEN HOUSE
High-End Offerings .............................................. LOCAL DISTILLERIES A Taste of Success ............ MY WASHINGTON Eric Ziebold ........................
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ON THE COVER Shawna Thomas, Daniel Lippman, Rebecca Berg and Luke Russert (Photo by Tony Powell). TOP FROM LEFT Robert Redford (Photo by Alfredo Flores));"Shop Girl" fashion editorial (Photo by Tony Powell, see inside for full crew and shopping credits); Irena, Charlie and Paul du Quenoy at the Russian Ball (Photo by Tony Powell). ABOVE: Dolce & Gabbana Sicily medium textured-leather shoulder bag, $1,484, dolcegabbana.com; Erin Streeter and Chris Israel with family (Photo by Tony Brown).
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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
T H E I N S I D E R’S G U I D E TO P OW E R , P H I L A N T H R O PY, A N D SO C I E T Y S I N C E 1 9 9 1
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Nancy Reynolds Bagley EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Virginia Coyne SENIOR EDITOR
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Matt Rippetoe PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Tony Powell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ben Droz, Alfredo Flores,Vithaya Phongsavan, Kyle Samperton and Jay Snap
PUBLISHER & CEO
Soroush Richard Shehabi ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
John H. Arundel ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
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Mason Hammond Drake, Greenberg Traurig LLP INTERNS
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Vicki Bagley CREATIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS (*)
J.C. Suarès CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD
Gerry Byrne Washington Life magazine publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, 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 $79.95 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place NW, Washington D.C., 20008. BPA audited. Email us at info@washingtonlife.com with press releases, tips, and editorial comments. Copyright ©2011 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. *deceased
EDITOR’S LETTER
YOUNG STARS
F
or our 11th annual The Young & the Guest List we photographed nearly 50 of the city’s movers and shakers age 40 and under – an impressive group of politicians, reporters, doctors, lawyers, philanthropists, artists, chefs, athletes and more. Our feature offers a glimpse into their busy lives – from their biggest accomplishments and whom they admire — to what they do in their free time. Their responses are both informative and fun to read, and our photoshoots at the cool, expansive iStrategyLabs (where dogs roam free and sometimes jumped into our shots!), the beautiful Carlyle Hotel and adjacent The Riggsby restaurant, the White House and on Capitol Hill left us truly enchanted by our subjects’ accomplishments and personalities. Speaking of enchantment, many of those featured in 2015 were married in the last year, and we have scouted out all the details. From Rachna Choudhry’s gorgeous California A four-legged visitor photobombs our YGL shoot. wedding, planned in three weeks, to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s traditional vedic Hindu ceremony in Hawaii, associate editor Erica Moody highlights some of our favorite “YGL Weddings” of the year. On the culinary front, the millennials’ refuse-to-settle mentality is paying off in a big way as Washington’s food scene has experienced a full-blown transformation over the past decade. T-bones and steak tartare are hardly the only options when it comes to power dining, as local choices have greatly expanded (now 2,000 restaurants strong) to include favorites such as Spanish neighborhood restaurant SER and Cava Grill’s Middle Eastern fare for those-on-the-go. The local fashion scene has also been transformed of late and in this issue, we highlight a more youthful look, blending affordable clothing with high-end jewelry in a whimsical “Day at the Mall”themed feature photographed at the luxurious Tysons Galleria. In Inside Homes we showcase National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Communications Erin Streeter and
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lobbyist Chris Israel’s light-filled and color-infused abode in Alexandria’s Belle Haven neighborhood. The duo used design firm Ivy Lane to help mix patterns and pastel hues to create a very unWashington house that’s perfect for both entertaining power players and making brownies with the kids. Chef Eric Ziebold tells us about his two new restaurants, Kinship, and Métier, in My Washington and in Peforming Arts, theater critic Chuck Conconi looks at how Arena Stage’s continues to reflect the politics of our city. For our travel feature this month, we head out West, where associate publisher John Arundel scored a rare interview with Hollywood legend Robert Redford, who at the ripe age of 80 still skis regularly at his Sundance Mountain Resort near Provo. Redford told us he’s a fan of Washington Life: “Your magazine has been covering Sundance since before Sundance was cool,” he said. We also learn that big changes are afoot in Park City, which only recently was purchased by Vail Resorts. Peruse our pages to find coverage of the season’s most wondrous events, including the ever-dramatic Russian Ball, a dinner in honor of the President of Colombia, a patriotic reception for the USO’s 75h anniversary, Alvin Ailey’s opening night gala and the Washington Auto Show’s VIP reception.
Nancy R. Bagley Editor in Chief Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her at nbagley@washingtonlife.com
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
The Insider’s Guide to Washington BY Erica Moody
ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN THE DISTRICT
IRISH TIMES
PRETTY IN PINK
You know spring has arrived when throngs of tourists begin to flood the District for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. For more than 100 years, the pale pink blossoms have bloomed on the National Mall and other spots around town. and you can celebrate the occasion with festivities ranging from a family day to an elegant pinkthemed soirée from March 20 to April 17.The annual Cherry Blast party produced by Events DC brings “Japanese sights, sounds and tastes” to the Carnegie Library on a night focused on gaming, anime and cosplay. The Pink Tie Party at the Ronald Reagan Building encourages pink cocktail attire and Family Day at the National Building Museum presents interactive activities that connect people to parks to get them excited about the outdoors. Other events include an opening ceremony concert and a kite festival. Find the full list of activities at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org..
CRAFT COCKTAIL TOUR
MAGICAL MIXOLOGY
Superfly, the folks behind Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, are bringing the nation’s first craft cocktail tour to Washington for a unique fusion of food, drink, magic and music. Delicious libations will be paired with bites from top bar/restaurants, including Barmini, Copycat, The Dabney, Eat the Rich, Rose’s Luxury and The Gibson. Magicians including Jon Armstrong, Matthew Holtzclaw and Noah Devine will entertain guests and DJ’s Vacationer and Baio will provide the tunes. Proceeds help provide college students with internships in the entertainment industry, since a portion of the profits go to the Well Dunn Foundation. March 12. General admission is $124.50 with a limited number of early bird tickets available for $99. Additionally, a limited number of “First Pour” tickets at $159.50 allow access to the event 60 minutes prior to doors officially opening to all patrons. cocktailmagic.com. 10
ROCK’N’ROLL MARATHON
RUNNING FOR CHILDREN Equal parts marathon and music fest, the event comes to Washington each March and remains the only marathon of its length (26.2 miles) that runs entirely within the District of Columbia. You’ll experience the thrill of high-energy local bands and cheer teams along the way. The stats are impressive: since 1998 nationally, runners have raised more than $310 million for participating charities including this year’s St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital. Rock’n’Roll DC is also partnering with wear blue: run to remember, a running community that honors U.S. military vets, with a special tribute blue mile. March 12, visit runrocknroll.com for details.
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CHERRY BLOSSOMS BLOOM
Wherever you live in the Washington metro region, there is opportunity to catch a St. Patrick’s Day parade and show your Irish pride on March 17. The parade the weekend before goes down Constitution Avenue with elaborate floats, pipes, Irish dancers and pub specials all along the route.The family-focused Alexandria parade includes classic car and dog shows. Or head to Historic Annapolis for a ten-day extravaganza devoted to the Emerald Isle. “Irish Week” features a parade with 90-plus floats, an Irish Coffee competition and plenty of chances to throw back a Guinness.
FREER SACKLER EXHIBITION
CLIMBING ‘TURQuOISE MOUNTAIN’ Formed at the special request of Prince Charles and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai,Turquoise Mountain has transformed an Old Kabul slum into a vibrant cultural mecca — and resurrected the artistic heritage of a war-torn country in the process. Bringing together woodworking, calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry and other crafts, the artisan community is the focus of a new Freer|Sackler show that will transform the museum’s International Gallery “into a visit to Old Kabul.” Turquoise Mountain: Artists Transforming Afghanistan, March 5 – Jan. 29, 2017. Freer|Sackler Galleries, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. 202-633-4880, asia.si.edu. WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| march
2016
| washingtonlife.com
c o c k ta i l p h oto f r o m c lov e r c lu b n yc by da n i e l k r i e g e r , c h e r r y b lo s s o m s p h oto c o u rt e sy o f n p s , p h oto c o u rt e sy o f wa s h i n gto n i r i s h f e st i va l , i m ag e c o u rt e sy o f t u r q u o i s e m o u n tai n , Th i s ca l l i grap h y wa s c r e at e d by a t e ac h e r at t h e Tu r q u o i s e Mo u n ta i n I n st i t u te i n Ka b u l . T h e In sti tu te h a s tra i n ed m or e th a n 4 5 0 a rti sa n s s i n c e i ts f o u n d i n g e i g h t y e a rs ago.
FYIDC
FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR
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Tom and Linda Daschle N Street Village Gala (2015)
MARCH TH EARC’S WACKY AND WHIMSICAL TEA
Join organizers Katelin Haney, Kris McBrady and Eun Yang for a Sunday afternoon packed with fun for the whole family. In addition to games, activities and entertainment, there will be a silent auction and high tea for all to enjoy. All proceeds from the event go to Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 2 p.m.; afternoon tea attire; $100 per child; $175 per adult; sponsorships start at $500; contact Janet Stone, 202-889-5901, jstone@thearc.org.
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TEACH FOR AMERICA BENEFIT Teach for America’s gala sixth annual benefit will celebrate the organization’s 24 years of service in the Washington area.The event draws leaders and champions for educational equity who help spread knowledge of the great cause. Proceeds help fund community educators whose work impacts over 48,000 students in the region. Omni Shoreham Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $1,000; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact Allison Cramton, 202-552-2400, Allison.cramton@ TeachForAmerica.org.
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PREVENT CANCER SPRING GALA This popular black-tie affair attracts guests from the government, diplomatic, sports and business communities to raise awareness of and funds for cancer research. This year French Ambassador Gérard Araud, will be recognized as Honorary Patron at the “La Vie en Rose”-themed event. Chairman Fred Upton and Representative Diana DeGette will receive the 2016 Cancer Champion award. National Building Museum; 7 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships start at $7,000; contact Melissa Farnum, 703-519-2103, Melissa. Farnum@preventcancer.org.
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CASINO NIGHT FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Supporters and friends of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington will
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gather to recognize the organization’s unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of children. Guests at Casino Night will enjoy a buffet dinner, music, dancing and, of course, plenty of table games. “Gamblers” can use funny money they collect for a chance to win great prizes. Ritz-Carlton, Tyson’s Corner; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $100 per individual; $180 per couple; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact Jessica Dawley, Jessica.Dawley@cox.com.
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will be recognized for her personal and professional dedication to the cause along with clients who have shown leadership, persistence and determination. Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 6 p.m.; business attire; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Sara Conklin, 202-9392071, sconklin@nstreetvillage.org.
SAVE THE DATE :/ 6321625(' (9(176
LEUKEMIA BALL
As one of Washington’s largest nonpolitical events, the Leukemia Ball sponsored by PhRMA never disappoints.This year, guests will enjoy a musical performance by Barenaked Ladies and a stand-up act from Kathleen Madigan while raising funds for the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. Additionally, the silent auction will showcase over 400 offerings. Walter E. Washington Convention Center; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $1,000; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact Korey Lindesmith, 703-3992957, Korey.Lindesmith@lls.org.
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APR 13: GREAT LADIES LUNCHEON
& FASHION SHOW APR 15: CHILDREN’S BALL APR 19: INNOCENT’S AT RISK
GALA APR 20: MEDSTAR NATIONAL
REHABILITATION NETWORK GALA APR 26: REFUGEES
INTERNATIONAL ANNIVERSARY DINNER APR 28: TRUST FOR THE
N STREET VILLAGE BENEFIT Join Richard Gere in honoring individuals, clients and friends who embody the spirit of N Street Village’s mission to support homeless and low-income women in the Washington, D.C. metro area. This year Melissa Maxfield of Comcast NBCUniversal
NATIONAL MALL BENEFIT LUNCHEON APR 29: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF
WOMEN IN THE ARTS’ SPRING GALA APR 30: CATHOLIC CHARITIES
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
GALA
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
FYIDC | the dish
The Young and the Hungry Exploring where today’s hipsters can be spotted dining on any given Friday night.
M
illennials are described many ways, but perhaps the word that most often is associated with this generation is “entitled.” In one arena, that might not be such a bad thing. With the ushering in of the Obama Administration seven years ago came an overwhelmingly young new crop of consumers who refused to settle for what the Washington, D.C. food scene had to offer: stuffy steak houses and pretentious French bistros on every corner. Thanks in part to the entitled millennials’ dining desires, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area has seen a food revolution in the last decade, leading to a more diverse restaurant portfolio, both in terms of cultural offerings and sheer volume.
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n Bryce Harper. Tom Wilson. Nate Schmidt. These are just a few of the many fans of Cava Grill, the fast casual chain serving Middle Eastern food Chipotle-style. The first location opened in 2006 and there’s been no stopping it since: there are 11 Washington-area branches so far, with five more coming in 2016. Braised lamb and beef meatballs are among the offerings, alongside such diverse flavors as spicy Harrissa and hummus. “Forty seven percent of Generation Z is from an ethnic minority,” Cava Grill CEO Brett Schulman says. “This growing diversity means palettes are broadening and younger generations are seeking more robust f lavors and culinary adventure.” Most popular dish: Grain bowl with chicken n Consistently named among Washington’s best restaurants by magazines, bloggers and associations alike, Ripple made a splash from day one. The menu varies by season, with a focus on local ingredients, but the housemade pastas are perennially popular. “I make the food that I would want to get if I went out,” says chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley. “Food should be simple and good and that is what we do here.” Hardest night to get a reservation: Saturday, but with Meek-Bradley’s success so far on this season of “Top Chef,” we suggest booking sooner rather than later on any night of the week.
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n Whether it’s at their first location on the bustling 14th Street corridor, or the branch in Cathedral Heights close to both American and Georgetown universities, Barcelona is a firm favorite for late night diners. Noted in particular for its bar scene, it has a vibrant night life, with signature cocktails like the Whiskey Root. The Byrrh Quinquina, a unique wine-based aperitif, adds an interesting complexity to the drink. Don’t miss the crispy brussels sprouts with smoked paprika and red onion, the chicken pimientos or the butternut squash soup with grilled radicchio and a pumpkin seed garnish. The vibe: Energetic, but not too noisy with a great ambiance. The heated patio (with blankets on offer for added warmth) has become the place to see and be seen with a hot date. n It would be hard to find a more quintessentially Washington restaurant than Lincoln, with its f loor made of pennies bearing the much-loved president’s profile and drinks with names like Emancipation Punch No 6. Perhaps that’s why it has attracted the likes of President Obama and the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. With sister restaurant Teddy and the Bully Bar thriving downtown and the soon-to-come Declaration opening in Shaw, PRG Hospitality co-founder and principal Alan Popovsky has certainly corned the “Presidential-themed” restaurant market in the nation’s capital. Signature Drink: Gettysburg Address- Square One Botanical vodka, VeeV Acai liqueur, housemade beet purée, ginger syrup, fresh lemon and aromatic bitters n SER (which means “to be” in Spanish) is not just another Spanish tapas restaurant; in fact, it doesn’t sell tapas at all, but if you’re into sharing, you might want to try the Cochinillo (whole suckling pig). Barely a year old, this Ballston newcomer has already hosted Cuban trumpet player Arturo Sandoval and has been likened to everything from “a gastronomical journey” to a friend’s home in Marbella, Spain. Big draw: The sherry-infused Bloody Mary served at Saturday and
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| march
2016
| washingtonlife.com
To p l e f t C ava G r i l l’ s c u s to m i z a b l e b o w l s ( P h oto c o u r t e sy C ava G r i l l ) ; B a r c e lo n a’ s 1 4 t h St . p a t i o ( P h o t o b y A n t h o n y I s t r i c o ) ; G e tt y s b u r g A d d r e s s C o c k t a i l ( P h o t o c o u r t e s y L i n c o l n ) ; I b e r i c o h a m ( P h o t o c o u r t e s y SER )
B Y C l a i r e H a n d s c o m b e a n d L a u r a Wa i n m a n
FYIDC | PERFECT PITCH
ARENA - A VERY POLITICAL - STAGE BY CHUCK CONCONI
T
he recent Arena Stage production of “The City of Conversation,” harkens back to a recent past when Washington power brokers would meet socially in one or other grand Georgetown residence to discuss and reach political decisions that had national, even world-wide ramifications. That world of dynamic hostesses has mostly disappeared, but it was fun to look in on it in “The City of Conversation” on Arena’s Fichandler Stage and have some idea of what it might have been like to have been a player in that heady atmosphere. Arena, under the direction of Molly Smith, has taken the lead in looking at and dramatizing some of the more recent political events that have impacted the Washington and the world, because what happens here reverberates elsewhere. “Since coming to lead Arena Stage nearly 20 years ago, I have searched fiercely for D.C.’s voice in theater. I’ve become convinced that our unique voice is political. Politics is Washington and Washington is politics – it’s our red meat. It’s in our blood,” Smith explains. “We are the city that loves to talk politics from the first moment waking up to when our heads hit the pillow. At Arena, audiences will see more plays and musicals on the politics of America” she adds. “What better place to make this happen than in our nation’s capital and at Arena Stage where we focus on American plays, American artists and American ideas.” Immediately following “The City of Conversation” Arena will stage “All the Way”, Robert Schenkkan’s 2014 Tony Award-winning drama about President Lyndon B. Johnson’s first year in the White House. No man epitomized Washington more than Johnson, who served in the House and Senate before becoming president when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. A masterful politician, he knew how to broker a deal even if he had to break a few arms accomplishing it, and become one of the most controversial and effective presidents in the 20th Century. Two years ago, Arena staged “Camp David,”
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A scene from “Camp David” (Photo by Margot Schulman)
a look at the 12 days of secret negotiations in 1978 when President Jimmy Carter, played by Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas, brought Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to the presidential retreat in Maryland where they reached an historic agreement that became known as the Camp David Accords. President Carter and his wife, Roselyn were there for the play’s opening night in Arena’s Kreeger Theater. Arena’s political commitment was also evident last season when Smith staged and directed “The Originalist,” a play starring Edward Gero as Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.The play was a smashing success with Gero, a four-time Helen Hayes Award winner, portraying the rigid, moralistic and often polarizing Scalia with sensitivity and understanding. When Scalia’s death was announced, PBS reran a story they had produced at the time “The Originalist” was running. The story focused on Gero’s portrayal, how remarkably he resembled Scalia, and the coincidental fact that their two families had immigrated from two near-by Italian villages. Next season Smith will be staging two other politically topical world premieres: “Roe,” about a young lawyer who argued the still controversial landmark Roe v. Wade before the Supreme Court; and “Intelligence,” about covert
operative Valerie Plame, who was looking for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq when her cover got blown, creating a media sensation. Under Smith’s leadership, Arena, the 66-yearold grande dame in Southwest Washington, had an architectural rebirth in 2010 that contributes impressively to the massive renovations taking place along the waterfront. The imposing, modernistic structure houses Arena’s two theaters and the Kogod Cradle, a black box where newer works are tested. The scheduled for the 2016 season includes a diverse selection of plays such as Lillian Hellman’s “Little Foxes” and “Watch on the Rhine;” Joan Didion’s “The Year of Magical Thinking;” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel;” and Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”; as well as the Lookingglass Theatre Company’s unique acrobatic work on ”Moby Dick”. Emmy Award winning Marg Helgenberger of “CSI Crime Scene Investigation” will star in “Little Foxes,” and four-time Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Marsha Mason in “Watch on the Rhine.” Tony Award winner Kathleen Turner, who recently starred in “Mother Courage” at Arena will perform in Didion’s memoir. This is the first of an irregular series looking at the significant and nationally respected Washington theater community. Chuck Conconi reviews local theater productions for Washington Life on line.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media and Diplomacy | Embassy Row, American Portrait Gallery Gala and more!
Bob Schieffer and Jeff Bezos at the grand opening of the Washington Post’s new headquarters. (Photo by Daniel Swartz)
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
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POLLYWOOD | EMBASSY ROW
Arrivals and Departures – Cultural Diplomacy – Singing Maestro BY ROLAND FLAMINI
BOOK PROJECT: Most of us are content with
a cake with candles and maybe a bottle of Champagne, but arts patron Adrienne Arsht’s birthday bash this year included a concert and reception for several hundred guests at the Kennedy Center, with the elongated Tommy Tune as master of ceremonies, soloists and a full orchestra. The evening had an unintended sub-text in the shape of an unofficial welcome to newly arrived British Ambassador Sir Kim Darroch and his wife Vanessa, and a farewell to Italy’s departing envoy Claudio Bisogniero and his wife Laura Denise, all of whom were in the audience. Sir Kim comes straight from 10 Downing Street, where he was Prime Minister David Cameron’s foreign policy advisor. Claudio Bisogniero made cultural diplomacy and social media two of the embassy’s priorities, with a never-ending program of concerts, lectures, exhibitions and movies at the massive Italian chancellery on Whitehaven Street NW. “We tried to play the cultural card in this country with the launch of a huge event which was 2013: Italian Culture in the U.S. – more than 300 events in 60 cities to present the great Italian heritage,” Bisogniero says. “It was a huge effort and I really think it managed to improve the visibility of Italy, and to improve the image
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Maestro Philippe Auguin breaks into song at his 55th birthday celebration at the French Ambassador’s residence. (Photo by Tony Powell)
of the nation.” Part of that effort was the recent publication of a stunning, illustrated catalog of 520 major Italian masterpieces in the permanent collections of 41 museums across the United States. “Italian Treasures in the U.S.: An itinerary of Art” is believed to be the first such project by an embassy of a foreign country, and is available through the embassy and Italian consulates, or on the embassy app. Bisogniero described his time here as “the highlight of my career as a diplomat. Washington is the most important position an ambassador can strive for, and the actual posting has completely met my expectations.” But there is life after Washington for him. Unlike most of his predecessors, he is not retiring, but moving to Brussels to head the Italian mission to the North Atlantic Alliance, which, he says, remains “the only collective security arrangement that we have. There’s a lot of discussion about a [U.S.] strategic pivot to Asia, but when the going gets tough the U.S. turns to Europe because that’s where the collective organizations are – NATO and the European Union – and because we are connected by common values.” Ambassadors don’t generally give advice to their successors, but if they did, Bisogniero says he would point out that “Washington is very
different from other posts in that you need to be very present, very visible and to be in touch with all the different components in which the city actually works, and also to travel out of Washington as much as possible.” It’s a personal point of pride that he has visited every state in the Union. In that, as in other things, he will be a hard act to follow. BATON WAVERS: Still on the subject of birthdays, French Ambassador Gérard Araud opened his well-appointed residence to celebrate Maestro Philippe Auguin reaching 55. To the delight of guests, the Washington National Opera’s gifted musical director literally sang for his supper, delivering two well-known French songs, and even a snatch of Wagner in a warm baritone. The latter was a reminder that he faces the formidable challenge of conducting Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” in the coming season. Also in town in February was Hungarian conductor Ivan Fischer, known locally as “the one that got away” for having once refused an offer to head the National Symphony Orchestra. Fischer was feted by admirers on Valentine’s Day with a reception at the St. Regis Hotel in advance of a packed performance with his Budapest Festival Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
P H OTO C R E D I T S : L E F T: TO N Y P OW E L L . R I G H T: CO U RT E SY O F T H E E M B A S SY O F S PA I N
Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero readies for takeoff. (Courtesy of the Embassy of Italy)
POLLYWOOD
Colombian Amb. Juan Carlos Pinzon and President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos
Bill O’Leary, Anna Trone, Pilar O’Leary and Robert Trone
Colombian Amb. to the U.N. Maria Emma Mejia, I.M.F. Director Christine Lagarde and Madeleine Albright WL EXCLUSIVE
RECEPTION FOR COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT First lady of Colombia Maria Clemencia de Santos and Beto Perez
Embassy of Colombia | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Luke Russert and Maureen Orth
Tony Blinken, Jane Harman, Evan Ryan and Gen. Colin Powell
PRESIDENTIAL CELEBRATION: After his official White House meeting with President Obama, President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos’ was feted at a VIP reception and dinner hosted by Colombian Amb. Juan Carlos Pinzon. Key influencers in media, business and government turned out for the affair, including Gen. Colin Powell, journalist Maureen Orth, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde plus Zumba founder Beto Perez. Most buzz-worthy guest: Ariadna Gutierrez, the Miss Universe 2015 first runner-up who was mistakenly crowned the winner during the beauty pageant in December. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Steve Hadley
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Dorothy McAuliffe 22
Lina Caceres, Miss Universe 2015 1st runner-up Ariadna Gutierrez and Lizeth Gonzalez
Rob Mosbacher, Carolina Barcos and Sen. John McCain
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POLLYWOOD
HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC
A NEW KIND OF NEWS MAGAZINE Amazon’s ‘The New Yorker Presents’ brings the iconic magazine’s stories to life B Y J A N E T D O N O VA N
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’m genetically incredibly anxious,” Amazon’s head of half-hour programming Joe Lewis told several small audiences at the new Landmark Theaters on V Street in adjoining screening rooms. The occasion was “The New Yorker Presents,” a joint production of Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, Conde Nast Entertainment and Amazon Prime Video. The ser ies br ings the Joe Lewis, Jane Mayer and Shayne Cooperman at the Washington premiere of the “The New Yorker Presents.’ written pieces to the big screen. “When I think of The New Yorker, We wanted to know words come to mind like intelligence and more about the art of making sophistication and wit and artistry and “shorts,” a film format that timeliness. All of those adjectives scared me at is becoming increasingly first because I make television. Most television popular, so we talked to doesn’t even come close.” Shayne Cooperman, the “The New Yorker has been incredibly series “showrunner,”about influential,” Lewis added. “It was founded the phenomena. as a home for sophisticated humor which “Short form is having a real heyday right was much different from the broader now.The challenge is, because they’re all shorts, comedy magazines that were available some are one minute, some are 15 minutes, but at the time. That’s part of the reason I they’re all shorts and they’re all so different; and think it makes sense to have the show on even the connective tissue in between them Amazon alongside shows like, “Mozart in are really short films,” she told us. “I look at the Jungle,” and “Transparent,” and Woody them all as shorts. I think it’s about how you Allen’s upcoming series. I was scared the package them. This is one way of packaging whole time, but Alex was very calm. I think them, but it’s not the only way. The really that lack of fear just speaks to his wont and great thing about shorts is that I think they ability to make noise and expose truth and used to be made as a calling card, so that you get inside worlds that most of us can only could have the opportunity to do something imagine. Lewis said Gibney was instrumental ... like a teaser or a trailer … like this is what in picking the film makers, picking the I can do, and I want to do something longer.” source material and contributing to the Cooperman said today, the shorts are no longer overall aesthetic. “He also directed one of just a calling card, they actually can be what the centerpiece documentaries which is you need to establish yourself and your vision. incredibly enlightening and incredibly scary She added that people who were known for at the exact same time,” continued Lewis. long foreign films are also coming to shorts That segment was called The Agent. as another way of story-telling and expressing
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themselves. “The other thing is that not every story out there needs to be really long to tell it. You can be much more effective in a shorter version, so I think that you combine a story that works well in a short format, with a master story-teller.” To get a take on how the guests related to the format, we asked Steve Clemons, editor-at-large at The Atlantic, what he thought. “We’re all in a big research and d eve l o p m e n t p h a s e,” he r e p l i e d . “ We don’t know what works and what’s going to hit. This is an interesting concept.We have to ask though, is there really an audience for this? Maybe there is. There’s an audience for good, high quality, long form journalism, we know that, but this is long form journalism in video clips. I’m interested in the broader side of how they’re covering important current events like what happened with 9/11. From a journalistic standpoint, you bring in the different voices. That’s something that this video didn’t do as much; so it’s an interesting question editorially out there.” We suspect he was referring to “The Agent. “ Jane Mayer, both a journalist for The New Yorker and author of books about, as she calls it — the dark side — was also curious. “In some ways, I wondered,” Mayer said about “The Agent” segment, noting that “if the audience found it more powerful because you see these faces that we as writers get to see. Maybe it is more powerful that way.”
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Benjamin Bradlee Wall Jason Rezaian (center) with Secretary of State John F. Kerry and family members
WASHINGTON POST GRAND OPENING D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser One Franklin Square N.W. PHOTOS BY DANIEL SWARTZ AND TONY POWELL
“LIVING NATIONAL TREASURES”: The Washington Post celebrated its new modernized headquarters with a series of events that included owner Jeff Bezos presiding over a “digital ribbon cutting” as a pair of scissors sliced across a red ribbon on a massive screen that resembled the building’s facade. “The dedication of this building is a neon sign of faith in the future of journalism,” Secretary of State John F. Kerry told the VIP crowd after publisher Fred Ryan led thunderous applause for Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post reporter recently freed from an Iranian prison cell after being incarcerated for 544 days. Local government officials, journalists and business leaders were spotted there and also at ceremonies naming the Graham Family Conference Room after the newspaper’s former owners, and the Ben Bradlee Conference Room in honor of the late legendary executive editor whose words are now enshrined on a wall there: “The truth, no batter how bad, is never as dangerous as a lie in the long run.”
Va. Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Bob Woodward
Fred Ryan
French Amb. Gerard Araud and Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Walter Isaacson and United Arab Emirates Amb. Yousef Al-Otaiba
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Jeff Bezos, Charlie Rose, Sally Quinn and MacKenzie Bezos
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Franco Nuschese, Rima Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti Amb. Salem Al-Sabah and David Deckelbaum 25
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Dennis Haysbert
Alex Trebek Dr. Jill Biden Tom Kelly and Gen. Joe Dunford WL SPONSORED
USO 75TH ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION Top of the Hay, The Hay-Adams Hotel | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL SALUTING OUR TROOPS: Dr. Jill Biden and USO tour veterans Jeopardy host Alex Trebek, actor Dennis Haysbert and country singer Kellie Pickler turned out to help the USO celebrate 75 years of entertaining troops serving abroad. More than 300 tour vets attended, in addition to medal of honor recipients like Tom Kelly and military leaders, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joe Dunford, retired Gen. George Casey and Coast Guard Commandant Paul Zukun .
U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Paul Zukunft and Fran Zukunft
Kellie Pickler and Craig Morgan
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend with Brian and Mary Ann Thompson
Aisling Swaine and Mary O’Dea
Alice McDermott and Anne Anderson
Stephen O’Dowd, Patrick Lyden, Sarah Lyden
WL EXCLUSIVE
50 YEARS OF THE IRISH RESIDENCE Residence of the Irish Ambassador | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP
Susan Brophy, Gerry McGowan, Evan Ryan, Michael Lonergan and Dena Brownlow
HOME SWEET IRISH HOME: In 1965, the Irish government purchased for its envoys a stately and historic brick and limestone residence with gardens in the Kalorama neighborhood. Over the years each successive Irish ambassador has filled it with poets, journalists, musicians, Nobel Laureates and politicians of every stripe. To commemorate the country’s 50th anniversary of ownership, internationally acclaimed Irish tenor Anthony Kearns serenaded guests with “Danny Boy” and other favorite songs, and lauded Anne Anderson, Ireland’s first female ambassador to the United States, who regaled guests with stories of the steady stream of distinguished guests who have graced the premises over the years. PRIME SPOT; Located on the 2200 block of S Street NW, tthe residence was designed by noted Washington architect Waddy B. Wood in 1924 for Frederic Delano, a member of the Federal Reserve Board and an uncle of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
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pollywood | luxury travel
Utah - the Redford Way By John Arundel
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onderful, just wonderful,” Robert Redford exclaims, eyeing the crowds lining up for the chair lift before he enters the ski school yurt to check out new Rossignol demos which he’ll ski down Sundance Mountain later. “To me Sundance is and always will be a dream…The sights, the smells, the Utah’s “groomed to perfection” slopes (courtesy photo) taste and feel of this place is a dream that we’ve carefully nurtured live in a rustic home alongside the slopes, so and worked hard to protect.” there’s little that happens here that doesn’t Redford purchased the 5,000-acre property catch his eye. deep in the heart of Utah’s Wasatch Mountain The lodge, two small restaurants and Range in 1969, his breakout year as an actor general store have barely expanded since they when he starred with Paul Newman in “Butch were built, and Redford has vetoed further Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Money was development along the way, including brand tight back then for the Broadway actor just hotels, chain restaurants and sky-rise condos at breaking onto the silver screen, so he had the mountain base. “I like it just the way it is,” to get a loan from the local bank. He began he says softly. upgrading the resort in the mid-’80s, once Redford’s exacting standards and he’d hit his stride as one of Hollywood’s most commitment to the environment is evident iconic — and bankable — screen legends. everywhere, with 100 rustic cottages, cabins “Our pledge to the area was really a pledge and homes discreetly tucked into the to the people,” he says as he sits in the cramped mountainside above Sundance Village. In many office of Sundance Mountain Ski Director and of the dwellings, his uniquely appointed style longtime friend Jerry Warren. “We decided to and love for Native American art integrates offer something really special and homegrown, seemlessly with the mountain environment. in the form of art and culture, spirit and If you crave both quietude and the service.” adventure of nature, there is no shortage When he’s not making movies or of either here, from Alpine skiing or promoting the spirit of independent film at snowboarding on 45 runs, to pottery and the Sundance Film Festival, which he created, wellness classes. Redford can be found here, skiing the 450 The resort’s new ZipTour boasts 2,100 feet acres of skiable terrain with Warren or other of vertical drop – the most of any zip line tour buddies. “Bob is now skiing better, more in the United States. Thrillseekers can ride elegantly, more smoothly than he’s ever skied side-by-side on the zip line’s double cables and at any other time of his life,” Warren remarks, control their speed, cruising up to 65 miles per as the acclaimed actor rolls his rugged hands hour or stop for breathtaking views of Mount over the edges of his new skis. Timpanogos. Redford and his German-born wife Sibylle A Nordic Center offers equipment for
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Cross Country skiing or snowshoeing, or rods for fly-fishing Provo River’s abundant supply of Rainbow, Cutthroat and German Brown Trout. Sundance’s mountaintop eatery, Bearclaw Supper Club, features a special menu prepared by the resort’s executive chef. It can only be accessed by a lift ride to the top of the mountain, which affords stunning views of the Wasatch Range and nearly all of the 11 ski resorts that lie within an hour of the Salt Lake International Airport. Utah’s resorts are known for their “perfect” skiing days. The air here is drier than the Colorado Rockies, so the snow tends to be fluffier and less prone to freezing into treacherous ice patches at Utah resorts. Park City and Deer Valley are perhaps the best known, as they played host to the 2002 Winter Olympics and 31 consecutive Sundance Film Festivals. They boast some of the West’s best skiing, accommodations and nightlife. Perhaps recognizing this, in 2014 Vail Resorts Inc. purchased Park City and the neighboring Canyonlands Resort for $182 million, making a big commitment towards upgrading facilities and improving the skier experience, including new high speed chairlifts and a plan to connect Park City Mountain Resort with Canyons Resort by chairlift. There’s a plethora of new hotels, restaurants and outdoor adventures here, giving Park City an energetic vibe which will last well beyond the 10 days each January when the Hollywood set converges on the historic Western mining town to do their indie movie deals. For our picks on where to stay, dine and ski, visit washingtonlife.com
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SHAWNA THOMAS
DANIEL LIPPMAN
REBECCA BERG
LUKE RUSSERT
Senior Producer, “Meet the Press,� NBC
Co-author, Politico Playbook
Political Reporter, RealClearPolitics
Correspondent, NBC News
Something about yourself people would be surprised to hear. I attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, which was also attended by — wait for it — BeyoncÊ. We were the same year. We were not friends. I will never, ever be the most famous person to attend that school. Most rewarding part of the job: When Chuck Todd asks politicians a question that makes them stop and think... and not give canned answers.
What are some professional highights fom this past year? I covered every twist and turn of the presidential primaries in Playbook, helped launch state Playbook newsletters in five states and wrote feature stories on how drones are now being used to film political ads. Most challenging part of the job: Keeping on top of the daily deluge of emails from people with tips for Playbook.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Being tapped by RealClearPolitics to cover the 2016 presidential race. The arc of this election is not what any of us expected, and it has been a privilege to write about this moment in history as it unfolds. Free time activity: Running on the Capital Crescent Trail and eating out around town.
Whom do you admire professionally and why? Aside from my mother, Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth: Pete Williams, NBC News’ justice correspondent. He is a “just the facts� reporter who in times of intense turmoil — mass shootings, terrorist attacks, Supreme Court cases, etc. — is a rock of stability that brings comfort through his reporting. Advice to budding journalists: Don’t be defined only by social media.
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P O R T R A I T S B Y T O N Y P O W E L L | P H O T O A S S I S TA N T: S T E P H E N K E N M A K E U P : VA L E N T I N A G R E T S OVA , W W W.VA L E N T I N AG R E T S OVA .C O M A N D E L I N A S H E L E S T S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O T H E C A R LY L E H OT E L T H E R I G G S BY A N D I ST R AT E GY L A B S
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rom members of Congress and White House staffers to athletes, reporters, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and public relations powerhouses, it’s never hard to find people to add to our yearly compilation of the region’s movers and shakers age 40 and under. That’s due to the simple fact that there are so many younger people doing great things here. We photographed close to 50 individuals for our 11th annual Young & the Guest List, which highlights more than 300 stars in their fields. This is an election year, so many are involved in the political world. You’ll find portraits of and interviews with journalists who cover Capitol Hill and the White House, as well as political players on both sides of the aisle. Democratic Reps. Eric Swalwell and Ruben Gallego posed for us, as did their Republican colleagues, Reps.
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Will Hurd and Carlos Curbelo. New House Speaker Paul Ryan’s press secretary,AshLee Strong, also joined the throng along with the Republican National Committee’s Chief of Staff Katie Walsh and several officials now serving in the final year of the Obama administration. Our list also proves that politics isn’t the only game in town. We’ve included chefs and restaurateurs — two of whom appeared on the latest season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.� We showcase artists and photographers, doctors and philanthropists (like Bobby Gill, founder of Cupid’s Undie Run and recent Runner’s World cover star) and top athletes from the Washington Capitals, D.C. United and Washington Mystics. It’s a well-rounded, accomplished, inspiring and, dare we say, FUN group that defines youth, power and success in our great city.
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REP ERIC SWALWELL
(D) Calif.; Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Returning over half a million dollars each year to constituents who are owed money by federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs or Social Security. What is the most challenging part of your job? Having the patience for an institution that doesn’t move as fast as I’d like or work together in a bipartisan way as often as I’d like. Do you have a mentor in Washington? Who is it and how has he or she helped you? Sen. Dianne Feinstein (DCalif.). When I was elected, she told me that there is no issue more important than the safety and security of the American people and she inspired me to join the Intelligence Committee. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? If you want to do public service, don’t set your sights on a seat, set your sights on a cause and you will find the right place to serve.
REP RUBEN GALLEGO (D) Ariz.; Former Marine and Iraq War Veteran; Senior Whip for the Democratic Caucus,Whip of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus,Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Vice-Chair of the Equality Caucus What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Graduating from Marine Corps boot camp and being an infantry Marine. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Do not start out your life aiming to be a member of Congress. Aim to be helpful to your community. If being an elected official is the best way to channel that, so be it. Second, remember that while being a member of Congress is something special, you as an individual are not. Whom do you admire professionally and why? Former Congressman Harry Mitchell. He inspired me to get back into politics and to be an advocate for veterans. He took tough votes in his district, knowing it would cost him politically. Tell us something people don’t know about you and would be surprised to hear. I love Zombie movies and “Pitch Perfect” one and two. I don’t know how to reconcile these two things.
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REP CARLOS CURBELO R-Fla; Chairman, Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subscommittee of the House Small Business Committee Whom do you most admire professionally and why? Pope Francis is one of my heroes. He has demonstrated to the world that humility is a requirement for effective leadership. Here in the House, three great leaders took selfless actions to benefit the institution at a very turbulent time for House Republicans last year. John Boehner, Kevin McCarthy and Paul Ryan either stepped up or stepped down to put the interests of the American people before their own. What is the most challenging part of your job? Knowing that I am representing hundreds of thousands of people back home who are counting on me to fight for our community and strengthen our country, The opportunity to weigh in on issues that are fundamental to our present and our future and to make my contribution to the country that afforded me and my family freedom and a path to success are what keep me going when times get tough on the Hill. Also, knowing that I am part of the most important legislative body in the world. I take this role very seriously and I am honored to serve in this capacity. Free time activity: Being at the beach with my family — especially waiting in the ocean for the sun to set.
REP WILL HURD R-Texas; former CIA Officer; Chairman, Information Technology Subcommittee of the House Commitee on Oversight and Government Reform What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? It happened when I was an undercover officer serving overseas. I wish I could talk about it, but it’s classified. What is the most rewarding part of your job? I pursued this career to fix real problems for real people and when you can accomplish that, it’s awesome. I also enjoy speaking to students about being a person of character. Whom do you admire professionally and why? James Baker. When he was in government, he knew how to get things done and he was a statesman. Now, he is taking everything he learned and giving back to students in Texas. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Have a career before you enter politics. You can fix real problems if you have a background in something of substance. Free time activity: I try to play basketball with my buddies. I’ve been playing with since I was 13. I’m a little rusty though. My baby hook is not what it used to be.
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KATIE WALSH Chief of Staff, Republican National Committee What is the most challenging part of your job? Running the party at a time where we’ve been out of the White House for eight years. There are lots of voices in the party and they want things done well and have high expectations. It’s a great opportunity but also a huge challenge. Everyone has an opinion. There is a huge scope of what the RNC could do and we need to stay focused on core competencies that are vital to being ready for our nominee. Do you have a mentor in Washington? Who is it and how has he or she helped you? Yes, Dorinda Moss, my very first boss in Washington. She hired me as her assistant in 2007 and then as her deputy in 2009 at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. There are people who come into your life that forever change the trajectory of your career. Dorinda taught me to keep my head down and work hard. Most importantly, she taught me that everything we do is bigger than just one person. It’s a big lesson to learn that it’s not just about you — it’s about a better vision for the country. What do you like to do in your free time? Free time? What is that?! During baseball season you can normally find me watching a Cardinals game. Otherwise I like to spend time with my friends and my boyfriend. When I can find time to work out, I’m a big fan of SoulCycle.
ASHLEE STRONG Press Secretary, Office of Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. What is the most rewarding part of your job? There’s nothing more rewarding and humbling than walking into my office in the Capitol every day. Whom do you admire professionally and why? I’ve admired Peggy Noonan since I was an intern in the Senate after reading her book “What I Saw at the Revolution.� The day she quoted me in one of her Wall Street Journal columns years later was a big one. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Truly understand the subject matter you’re communicating. As Dana Perino says, always strive to be more prepared on policy than the reporter. Tell us something people don’t know about you and would be surprised to hear. I’m an avid backpacker and hike in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains each August. I’ve bagged some of the state’s highest peaks and am looking to reach the tallest, Granite Peak, as soon as possible. Favorite place to spend a Friday night: Quiet dinner with family and friends.
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NED PRICE ROB MCDONELL
LIZ ALLEN
White House Director of Broadcast Media
White House Deputy Commuications Director
Whom do you most admire professionally? People in public service who recognize the work they do is important, but don’t act important. Free time activity: I enjoy a yoga, playing soccer, visiting art galleries and, of course, I look forward to not checking my Blackberry.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Reading the letters and emails people write to the President. It’s a privilege to read their stories, many of which move us to tears or laughter, about how their daily lives have been impacted by things we’ve worked on. Free time activity: I like to cook! Going home and making a good meal is a great change of pace from a computer screen.
KORI SCHULMAN White House Deputy Director of Digital Strategy What is the most rewarding part of your job? Utilizing technology and social media to connect Americans directly to the president and his administration. Something people would be surprised to hear about you: I contemplated pursuing a career in comedy before joining the Obama campaign in 2008.
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Director for Strategic Communications, National Security Council What is the most challenging part of your job? The pace. The scope and breadth of the issues the National Security Council handles are immense, so there’s truly never a quiet day. And every time I’ve thought a day would be light, relatively speaking, at least — world events have dictated otherwise.
CAROLINE ADLER
KATE BEDINGFIELD
Director of Communications, Office of the First Lady
Director of Communications, Office of the Vice President
What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Do not be above the grunt work. I moved to D.C. to be a press assistant for the Hillary Clinton campaign in 2007. I still prioritize the basics that I learned in the most junior job of a campaign press operation: keeping a messaging calendar; ensuring transcripts, schedules and press releases go out quickly; tracking clips; and being responsive to reporters.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Hearing from friends or family members outside of Washington and having them mention that they are really connected with something they saw, read or heard the Vice President do somewhere. Women you admire: Jen Psaki, Adrienne Elrod, Laura Nichols, Stephanie Cutter, Maura Keefe and Anita Dunn.
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YGL JAMAL ABDI Policy Director, National Iranian American Council CAROLINE ADLER Director of Communications, Office of First Lady Michelle Obama LIZ ALLEN Deputy Director of Communications, The White House JUSTIN AMASH U.S. Congressman (R-Mich.) HELENA ANDREWS “Reliable Source” Columnist, The Washington Post CRISTINA ANTELO Interim President and CEO, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Insitute RONIT AVNI Founder, LocalizED CARLA BABB Pentagon Correspondent, Voice of America
CARMEN BERKLEY Director of Civil, Human and Women’s Rights, AFL-CIO Rebecca berg Reporter, RealClearPolitics KIRSTEN BERSET Sports Anchor and Reporter, WUSA 9 News BRADLEY BEYCHOK President, Media Matters for America DANNY BOICE Founder and CEO, Trustify SAGE BOLTE PH D Director, Life with Cancer, Inova Health System TIMOTHY BOULEY M D Global Health and Environment Specialist, The World Bank CHRISTOPHER BOUTLIER Interior Designer PARI BRADLEE Fitness and Yoga Instructor
MOIRA BAGLEY SMITH Communications Director, U.S. Justice Action Network
QUINN BRADLEE Founder and CEO, FriendsofQuinn.com
LUCAS BAIANO Political filmmaker
LEE BRENNER Business Development Lead, Microsoft
MEREDITH BALENSKE Vice President of Communications, Revolution LLC
ARTURO BRILLEMBOURG Founder and Managing Partner, AEB Capital
DESIREE BARNES Press Wrangler and Press Assitant , The White House
JENNIFER FELDMAN BRILLEMBOURG M D Physician
VINODA BASNAYAKE Chairman, D.C. Government Relations Practice, Nelson Mullins
BROOKE BROGAN Senior Public Relations Manager, BrandLinkDC
BRADLEY BEAL Shooting Guard, Washington Wizards SARA BECKSTEAD Assistant Marketing Director, Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers Carl bedell Attorney and President and CEO, ILION Management Strategies KATE BEDINGFIELD Communications Director, Office of Vice President Joe Biden KATIE BEIRNE FALLON Director of Legislative Affairs, The White House
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FRITZ BROGAN Co-owner, Mission, Mason Inn and George MATTHEW BRONCZEK Managing Partner, Federal Home Company ASHLEY TAYLOR BRONCZEK Founder and CEO, The W.E.A.R. Project PAMELA BROWN Correspondent, CNN EVAN BURFIELD Co-Founder, 1776 KIKI BURGER Director of Marketing and Partnerships, Rock the Vote
LARHONDA BURLEY Senior Director, Partnership Marketing, The Washington Redskins ZACH CARTER Senior Political Economy Reporter, The Huffington Post GREGORY CENDANA Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO FRANCESCA CHAMBERS White House Correspondent, Daily Mail KEO CHEA Deputy Assistant Director of Community Affairs, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau AGGIE CHIN Executive Pastry Chef, Capella Hotel
Georgetown Business Improvement District
WALTER L CRONKITE IV Capitol Hill Associate Producer, CBS News LAUREN CULBERTSON Founder, Millenial Bridge Consulting PATRICK CUNNANE Senior Writer, The White House CARLOS CURBELO U.S. Congressman, (R-Fla.) JAKE CUSACK Managing Partner, CrossBoundary BROOKE DALEY Associate, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP KATE DAMON Owner, Kaze Design
GEORGE CHOPIVSKY III Managing Principal, The Fortis Companies
HEATHER DARAZS Creative Services Manager, CBS Radio
CLARA BRILLEMBOURG CHOPIVSKY Partner, Foley Hoag LLP
MICHAEL DARNER Executive Director, Congressional Progressive Caucus
RACHNA CHOUDHRY Co-Founder, POPVOX KARIM CHROBOG President and Executive Producer, 18th Street Films PHAEDRA CHROUSOS Associate Administrator, General Services Administration BRIAN COESTER CEO, Coester Valuation Management Service ELBRIDGE COLBY Senior Fellow, Center for New American Security MARYBETH COLEMAN Associate Director, JLL MATT COMPTON Digital Director, Democratic National Committee ADAM CONNER Account Manager, Slack PETER CORBETT Founder and CEO, iStrategyLabs DANIEL COSTA Director of Immigration Law and Policy Research, EPI RACHEL COTHRAN Communications Director,
PATRICK DOWD CEO, Millennial Trains Project DEVIN DWYER Contributing Correspondent and Coordinating Producer, ABC News JULIA EISMAN Global Marketing Solutions Client Partner, Facebook DOUG ELDRIGE Managing Partner, DLE Agency GREG ENGERT Beer Director, Neighborhood Restaurant Group JAMES FAEH Office of the United States Trade Representative, Executive Office of the President of the United States LACEY FAEH Owner and Editor, A Lacey Perspective LLC BRIAN FALLON Press Secretary, Hillary Clinton Campaign
BRAD DAYSPRING Vice President of Communications, Politico
MEREDITH FINEMAN CEO, FinePoint JON FINER Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of State
LAUREN PRATAPAS DAYSPRING Director of Communications, CNN
ANNA FINK Women’s Equality Program, The Wyss Foundation
JENNIFER DESIMONE M D Dermatologist, Inova Medical Group
ASHLEY FORRESTER Corporate Director
ANAÏS DE VIEL CASTEL Co-Founder, Petite Lucette RENAUD DE VIEL CASTEL Director, Strategic Sourcing Network, Rubicon Global ANASTASIA DELLACCIO Director of Marketing and Communications, Sister Cities International LAUREN DESANTIS Capital Cooking Show
Marketing, EventsDC
PAUL-MARTIN FOSS President and Executive Director, Carl Menger Center for the Study of Money and Banking BRIAN FRIEDMAN Founder, Friedman Capital TULSI GABBARD U.S. Congresswoman (D-Hawaii) ALLEN GANNETT Founder and CEO,TrackMaven
TARA DIJULIO Commuications Director, Sen. Bob Corker MONIQUE DORSAINVIL Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Public Engagement, The White House
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MICHAEL DOVE Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Forum Theatre
TYRONE GAYLE Western Regional Press Secretary, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
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2016
elahe izadi, 31
sam stein, 33
amanda terkel, 33 Senior Political Reporter and Politics Managing Editor,The Huffington Post
General Assignment Reporter, The Washington Post and standup comedian
Contributing Correspondent and Coordinating Producer, ABC News
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Well. I got hired at HuffPost. And everything that’s happened has stemmed from that point. So, getting hired, I guess. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Don’t worry about offending people, whether it’s bugging them for a job interview or a quote, or where the story leads you.
What is the most challenging part of your job? The Internet is more crowded than ever, and it’s tougher and tougher to produce stories that break through the noise. We work hard every day to figure out what stories matter, what people are interested in reading and how we can get those pieces in front of them. Something people would be surprised to hear about you: I was a cheerleader all through high school and for a year in college.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? So many! Having the freedom to report and write about the silly and the serious, the funny and the important. Collaborating with some of the best journalists in the business. And in comedy: the feeling you get when you make a room full of people laugh by telling one of your favorite jokes. There is nothing like it. Advice to aspiring journalists and comdians: Work hard, be reliable, be kind.
Whom do you admire professionally and why? I admire Jake Tapper’s fierce pursuit of accountability and fairness in his reporting; Jonathan Karl’s fearless questions to power, incredible drive and curiosity and compelling storytelling; and Rick Klein’s incisive ability to distill the most complicated political issues and narratives of our day into cogent analysis. Free time activity: Travel and explore new places with my partner and my family.
Senior Politics Editor and Senior White House Correspondent,The Huffington Post
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2016
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devin dwyer, 33
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YGL RUBEN GALLEGO U.S. Congressman (D-Ariz.) JENNIFER PAQUETTE GALLOWAY President, Wolcott Hill Group LLC PIERRE GARÇON Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins MATTHEW GARDINER Associate Artistic Director, Signature Theatre PATRICK GAVIN Journalist and Filmmaker RACHEL COHEN GERROL Co-Founder, Nexus Global Youth Summit
MICHAEL HAFT Co-Founder, Compass Coffee DANNIA HAKKI Co-founder and Principal, MoKi Media
SEAN GLASS Chairman and CEO, Advantia Health
MAHA HAKKI Partner, MoKi Media
SHANA GLENZER Chief Marketing Officer, MakeOffices
DAWN HALFAKER Owner and CEO, Halfaker and Associates
ANGIE GOFF Anchor/Reporter, NBC4 Washington
BLAKE HALL Founder and CEO, ID.me
HANNAH GOLDSTEIN Assistant Rabbi, Temple Sinai
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What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment: Having several billboards with my images a block from Times Square was pretty surreal, especially since they cast my best friend in the ad campaign and his beard was the size of a car. Whom do you admire professionally and why? I admire women who are able to balance work, community, family and rich personal lives. From Lena Dunham to Lynsey Addario, there’s been a rise in females supporting each other publicly and I think that’s incredibly important.
What is the most challenging part of your job? Maintaining focus and direction. Art imitates life and people are always telling you what to do. It is up to you to stay true to yourself and find your own path. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Finding people who truly connect with my work. There is no better feeling than bringing joy to another person. Greatest professional accomplishment: To be able to make art for a living!
GIO GONZALEZ Pitcher, Washington Nationals
DREW HAMMILL Deputy Chief of Staff, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi KATIE HARBATH Global Politics and Government Outreach Director, Facebook
ZACH GOODWIN Creative Director and Partner, iStrategyLabs MARCIN GORTAT Center, Washington Wizards NEIL GRACE Senior Communications Advisor, Federal Communications Commission
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BIANCA GRIMALDI Founder and President, Washington Writing Group
INDIVAR DUTTA-GUPTA Director, Project on Deep Poverty and Senior Fellow at the Center on Poverty and Inequality, Georgetown University
MARK GILLESPIE General Manager and Creative Director, Youth Orchestra of the Americas
Artist
RYAN GRIM Washington Bureau Chief, The Huffington Post
ERIKA GUTIERREZ Founder and President, epgPR
LINDSAY GILL Executive Director of Business Development, Luke’s Wings
Photographer
MORGAN GREENHOUSE Founder and Managing Partner, verdeHOUSE
CARLOS GUTIERREZ JR Associate, Clark Hill PLC
BOBBY GILL Co-founder and COO, Cupid’s Undie Run
MARTIN SWIFT
SCOTT GREENBERG Marketing Director, Nonprofit and Arts & Entertainment, Sage Communications
JESSICA GROUNDS Founder and Principal Strategist, Solid Grounds Strategy
LISA GILBERT Director of Congress Watch, Public Citizen
KATE WARREN
RICHARD GRAVES Co-Founder and Vice President, Ethical Electric
BRYCE HARPER Outfielder,Washington Nationals S SHAR HASHEMI M D Founder, Nerve, Bone & Joint Institute EMILY HEIL “Reliable Source” Columnist, The Washington Post
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
ALEX MCCOY Chef and Owner, Alfie’s pop-up restaurant Chef and Partner, Crisp Kitchen and Bar What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? I made a promise to myself many years ago that I was going to open my first restaurant before I was 30. I spent years grinding behind the line, saving up, working my ass off and finally signed a lease to my first place, Duke’s Grocery, just a few days before my 30th birthday. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being able to see the look on a person’s face when they take that first bite of a dish you have spent hours working on and weeks perfecting. It’s the best feeling in the world. Advice to aspiring chefs: Never promise more then you can deliver, always deliver more than you promise and dont ever compromise your values or your sense of quality.
MARJORIE MEEK-BRADLEY Executive Chef, Ripple and Roofers Union; contestant, “Top Chef� Season 13 What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Being nominated for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Rising Star award two years in a row (2014 and 2015). What is the most challenging part of your job? Trying to stay current without losing yourself to trends. Do you have a mentor in Washington? Mike Isabella has played a huge role in my D.C. career and I still go to him for advice. Advice to aspiring chefs: Keep your head down and work hard. Free time activity: Free time? That would be nice.
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KWAME ONWUACHI
Chef and Owner,The Shaw Bijou; contestant, “Top Chef� Season 13 What is the most challenging part of your job? People management. Being the person in charge has its perks, but it also comes with dealing with people who have different emotions and ways they respond and react to things. Something people would be surprised to hear about you? My first job was at McDonald’s and I loved it!
AGGIE CHIN
DANIEL KRAMER
Executive Pastry Chef, Capella Hotel; RAMW Pastry Chef of the Year
Managing Partner, Duke’s Grocery
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being able to make people smile with the menus and dishes. In the grand scheme of things, my job is fairly frivolous, but it allows people to take a break from their hectic lives and for the two hours or so they are dining, they can slow down and enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, relishing the ability to treat themselves and each other. Favorite place to spend a Friday night: Work.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? The biggest thrill was the first rush of customers on the day we opened Duke’s Grocery. I get a version of that same feeling when the first guests of the day come in. Free time activity: I have a plot in a community garden and I’ll take any chance I can to get my hands in the dirt. I’ve had the most luck with heirloom tomatoes and numerous kinds of basil, some of which make their way onto our menu.
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YGL Elizabeth Heng Chief of Protocol and Member Outreach, House Foreign Affairs Committee James Henry Founder, Teavine Justin Herman Federal Social Media Lead, General Services Administration Jaime Herrera Beutler U.S. Congresswoman (R-Wash.) nate hodson Communications Director, House Republican Conference Rachel Holt Regional General Manager for the East Coast, Uber Inc. Braden Holtby Goalie, Washington Capitals Frances Holuba Director of Social Enterprise, Politco Roger Horowitz Co-Founder, Pleasant Pops scott horvath Bureau Social Media Lead, USGS Heather Hughes Vice President, AIG SunAmerica Funds Nicholas Hunter Vice President, Business Development, POUNDS Mary Anne Huntsman Concert Pianist elahe izadi Reporter, The Washington Post Will hurd U.S. Representative, (R-Texas)
bobby gill, 32
Co-founder and COO, Cupid’s Undie Run What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment?Creating a fundraiser and growing it so that is now bringing in $5 million for neurofibromatosis research every year. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Standing in front of thousands of people at the start line on race day, in my underwear, freezing my butt off, and being able to tell the crowd how much money they collectively fundraised that year ... It’s such an amazing feeling.
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timothy bouley, m.d. 34
sekwon jang, m.d. Hematologist and Oncologist, Inova Medical Group
s. shar hashemi, m.d. 40
Global Health and Environment Specialist, The World Bank
President and Founder, Nerve, Bone and Joint Insitute (NBJI); surgeon
What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Hard work is not enough, you have to also be creative, considerate and constantly evaluating success and failure. To have real impact, you need to be a good communicator and willing to help others be their best, too. Free time activities: Rock climbing and rummaging around Community Forklift.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Creating the first multidisplinary institute in Washington, D.C. specializing in the care of complex neuromusculoskeletal conditions. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing a patient who lacks function, intervening and seeing a restoration of function.
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Adora Andy Jenkins Senior Vice President of External Affairs, Information Technology Industry Council Brad Jenkins Managing Director and Executive Producer, Funny or Die Nate Jenkins Senior Advisor to the Director and Acting Chief of Staff, White House Office of Management and Budget
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2016
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ZACH GOODWIN
PETER CORBETT
Partner and Creative Director, iStrategyLabs
CEO, iStrategyLabs
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? This past year was full of such incredible, career-best projects for me and the creative team at iStrategyLabs (ISL). We had a chance to pitch and win work that I’ve been passionate about for almost a decade. We created an unusual, inventive campaign for the award-winning USA Network show “Mr. Robot.” I had a chance to write and direct commercials for Dramamine and Beano. We won the chance to be Volkswagen’s social agency of record. It was the result of the work of so many great and gifted people at ISL. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Do as much work as humanly possible. Don’t wait until you have some credentials or say-so from someone else to do what you’re passionate about. Don’t assume that anyone really knows how to do it — we’re all just figuring it out. Be self-critical and ruthless about what you’re good at and not.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Growing iStrategyLabs into a globally recognized digital agency. I started it in my apartment in Logan Circle eight years ago and grew it to 80-plus employees without outside investors. What is the most challenging part of your job? Not being able to capture all the opportunities that come our way. To do that I would need to be in D.C., New York, Los Angeles and the EU simultaneously all the time! What is the most rewarding part of your job? I love seeing millions of people engage with the campaigns, technology and products we develop. Free time activity: Reading! I’m a voracious reader of foreign affairs and macroeconomics.
ALEXA JOHNSON Co-owner, Ella-Rue ANNE JOHNSON Executive Director, Generation Progress AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON Executive Director, Waitt Institute BRIAN JOHNSON Director of Federal Relations, API
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KRISTA JOHNSON Co-owner, Ella-Rue JONATHAN JORDAN Featured Dancer, The Washington Ballet PÉTER KALOTAI Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Hungary GOLDY KAMALI Founder and CEO, Scoop News Group OLIVIER KAMANDA CEO, Ideal Impact
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CASSIDY KARAKORN Deputy Director for Consumer Marketing, Human Rights Campaign NICHOLAS KARNAZE Founder, stubble & ‘stache CODY KEENAN Director of Speechwriting for President Barack Obama, The White House CHRYS KEFALAS Vice President of Executive Communications, National Association of Manufacturers;
U.S. Senate Candidate
BRIANNA KEILAR Senior Political Correspondent, CNN JOSEPH P KENNEDY III U.S. Congressman (D-Mass.) RYAN KERRIGAN Linebacker, Washington Redskins SIM KHAN Attorney and Founder, Brimble & Clark Custom Clothiers
SUZANNE KIANPOUR Capitol Hill Producer, BBC News CAROLYN AMIRPASHAIE KING Director of Operations, Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) ALBERT KLEINE Economist, Bureau of Labor Statistics KENDRA KOJCSICH Vice President, Global Health and Social Input, Porter Novelli
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YGL KENDRA Kojcsich Vice President, Global Health and Social Input, Porter Novelli Julie Kohler Managing Director, The Democracy Alliance AJay KORI Co-Founder, UrbanStems daniel kramer Managing Partner, Duke’s Grocery
Feinstein (D-Calif.)
Media, The White House
Washington Ballet
daniel lippman Reporter and Co-Author of Politico Playbook, Politico
Tommy McFly Morning Show Host, 94.7 Fresh FM, CBS Radio
Stephanie Nguyen Co-Founder and Lead Product Designer, Landmark
Kirsten Lodal Co-Founder and CEO, LIFT
Marjorie meek-bradley Executive Chef, Ripple and Roofer’s Union
Derek Luyten Region Director of the Asia Division, International Republican Institute
Jennifer mellon Vice President, Trustify
Paul Nitze Special Assistant to U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Virginiat
Carine Krawiec Owner, Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Chase Maggiano Executive Director, Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington
Jackie Kucinich Senior Politics Editor The Daily Beast
Kadrieka Maiden Owner, Style and Image Network
Anna Lefer Kuhn Executive Director, The Arca Foundation
Max Major Magician and Corporate Entertainer
Judy Kurtz “In the Know” Columnist, The Hill
Sarah Margon Washington Director, Human Rights Watch
Jessica Moore Director of Government Relations, Walt Disney Company
Rebecca Mark Senior Adviser to House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.)
seth moulton U.S. Congressman (D-Mass.) brad lackey Vice President, The Presidio Group Giuseppe Lanzone Co-Owner, Peruvian Brothers and Varsity Lightweight Rowing Coach, Georgetown University mario Lanzone Co-Owner, Peruvian Brothers michael lastoria Founder, &pizza Becky Lee Executive Director, Becky’s Fund Jesse Lee Director of Progressive Media and Online Response, The White House Svetlana Legetic Co-Founder, Brightest Young Things Zach Leonsis Vice President and General Manager, Monumental Network, Monumental Sports and Entertainment dean lieberman Press Secretary, Sen. Dianne
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Anne Mahlum Founder and CEO, solidcore Violetta Markelou Photographer and Makeup Artist Jaclyn Mason Owner, Charm Georgetown Oriana Skylar Mastro Assistant Professor, Georgetown University JOHN McCarthy Director, Social Innovation Programming, Mission Hub LLC Kevin McCarthy Entertainment Reporter, FOX 5 alex mccoy Chef and Partner, Crisp Kitchen and Bar; Chef and Owner, Alfie’s Amber McDonald Senior Counsel, Baker & Miller and Founder, The Kindness Collective rob mcdonell Director of Broadcast
Spike Mendelsohn Chef and Restaurateur - Good Stuff Eatery and We the Pizza flavius mihaies Journalist and Consultant, The World Bank Alex Mills Actor, SyneticTheater Jennifer Mishory Executive Director, Young Invincibles sujata mitra Senior Director of Commuications, News and Politics, The Huffington Post Navroop Mitter CEO, ArmorText Danielle MoodieMills Adviser on LGBT Policy and Racial Justice, Center for American Progress evan morgan Partner, Revolution Growth michael moroney Director of Public Affairs, Story Partners alfred morris Running Back, Washington Redskins cori sue morris Blogger, Bitches Who Brunch; Digital Strategist Maryam Mujica Public Policy Manager, Twitter Patrick Murphy U.S. Congressman (D-Florida) Rafael NÁvar National Political Director, Communications Workers of America Deejay Neekola DJ and Producer, Neekola Entertainmentt Heidi Nel Principal, Picture Motion Jared Nelson Featured Dancer, The
Co-owner, Café Bonaparte, Malmaison and Napoleon
Michael Pope Virginia Reporter,WAMU 88.5 Drew Porterfield Director and Curator, Long View Gallery
Elizabeth North President, Curiosity Stream Jummy Olabanji Anchor and Reporter, ABC7 News Steven Olikara Co-Founder and President, Millennial Action Project sondra ortagus Head Booker, THE Artist Agency Laura O’Shaughnessy CEO, SocialCode Alex Ovechkin Left Wing and Captain, The Washington Capitals and Founder, Crazy Eights Ali pardo Deputy Press Secretary, Republican National Committee
ned price Director, Strategic Communications, National Security Council La Celia Prince Ambassador of St.Vincent and the Grenadines Jen Psaki Director of Communications, The White House Andrew Rafferty Political Reporter, NBC News Manu Raju Senior Political Reporter, CNN Ryan Reilly Justice Reporter, The Huffington Post anthony rendon Infielder, Washington Nationals Steve Ressler President and Founder, GovLoop
matt pauls Managing Member, Champouse Group, LLC Allison kaminsky Putala Principal, Kaminsky Putala
Ben Rhodes Deputy National Security Advisor, Strategic Communications and Speechwriting, The White House
Trita Parsi President, National Iranian American Council
Joseph E. Robert III Board of Directors, Fight for Children
Raymon Pal Territory Manager, Western Union Business Solutions
Josh rogin Columnist, Bloomberg View
Dan Pfeiffer Vice President of Communications and Policy, GoFundMe Hilary Phelps Founder and Creative Director, GJ Media Group LLC Macon Phillips Coordinator, U.S. Department of State Amanda Polk Philanthropic fundraiser Ada Polla President and CEO, Alchimie Forever Omar Popal
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morgann rose Principal Dancer, Washington Ballet Joanna Rosholm Press Secretary, Office of the First Lady, The White House Ximena Gonzalez Rojas Deputy Chief of Staff, Presidential Personnel, The White House Kim Rosenberg Founder and President, Mixology-Matchmaking with a Twist Luke Russert Congressional Correspondent, NBC News
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2016
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2016
dannia hakki, 31
Co-Founder and Principal, MoKi Media What is the most challenging part of your job? Running a full-service, boutique PR agency consumes my life, especially given our high-profile roster, which includes names like Shinola, Moët Hennessy, Union Market and Ann Taylor. We represent lifestyle brands, so ultimately, the brands are my lifestyle. In this industry, it’s hard to separate personal life from work life. Admires:. Arianna Huffington. Mentor: IJ.com White House Correspondent Kate Bennett.
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2016
scott greenberg, 32
Marketing Director, Nonprofit and Arts Entertainment, Sage Communications What is the most rewarding part of your job? When clients like S&R Foundation, D.C. Jazz Festival or National Cherry Blossom Festival trust me and know that my team is going to create truly special, strategic product for them. I have a great team I can count on and clients who are willing to try things that are new and different. Mentor: The Washington Ballet’s Septime Webre.
| washingtonlife.com
maha hakki, 26
erika gutierrez, 32
What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Some people, my friends included, think of PR as a profession dedicated solely to event planning when, in fact, events are a small part of the job. So, while people may think I hop from party to party with a glass of Moët in hand, the reality is that I spend nine hours a day behind my Mac writing press releases and pitching ideas and proposals. Favorite place to spend a Friday night: Dancing the night away at Soundcheck.
Whom do you admire professionally and why? My father (Carlos Gutierrez). He has worked so hard his entire life and continues to accomplish the goals he sets for himself, never slowing down. As an immigrant from Cuba who went on to become the CEO of Kellogg’s and secretary of commerce of the United States, he has taught me that with hard work and perseverance, the sky is the limit! Advice to newcomers in PR: Be aggressive and confident ... but always remember to stay humble.
Partner, MoKi Media
Founder and President, epgPR
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YGL Jayne Sandman Principal, BrandLinkDC Michael Sapienza CEO, Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation Ed Scarpone Executive Chef, DBGB Kitchen and Bar
Sam Stein Senior Politics Editor, and Senior White House Correspondent, The Huffington Post
kori schulman Deputy Director of Digital Strategy, The White House
ashlee strong Press Secretary, House Speaker Paul Ryan
Nikki Schwab U.S. Political Reporter, The Daily Mail online
Harrison Suarez Co-Founder, Compass Coffee
Ryan Seelbach CEO, Seelbach Entertainment Group
Jesse Suskin Manager, Government Relations and Public Policy, Google
sultan shakir Executive Director, SMYAL
eric swalwell U.S. Representative (D-Calif.)
Ilya Shapiro Senior Fellow in Constitutional Studies, CATO Institute
martin swift Artist
jeff sheely Co-Founder, UrbanStems Jed Shein Digital Director, Embassy of Israel
Muna Shikaki Correspondent, Al-Arabiya
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Opening a store after the recession. Whom do you admire professionally? [Spanx founder] Sarah Blakely. She was told no so many times and figured out a way to build a billion-dollar empire.Tell us something people don’t know about you and would be surprised to hear? I am a fine oil painter.
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alexa johnson, 31
What is the most challenging part of your job? Staying three and four steps ahead of what our customers preferences are going to be. It’s the delicate balance of what’s happening day-to-day in the store and what we forecast they will gravitate towards next season or even the season thereafter. I’m procuring merchandise six to nine months before it hits the floor based off the pulse we’re getting from our clientele today. Free time activity: Going to Middleburg where I grew up.
stuart siciliano Partner, Hamilton Place Strategies Aaron Silverman Chef and Owner, Rose’s Luxury Kyrsten Sinema U.S. Congresswoman (D-Ariz.) Alex skatell Founder and CEO, IJ Review Amos Snead Founder and Partner,
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Karin Tanabe Novelist and writer Stephanie Taylor Co-Founder, Progressive Change Campaign Committee Steve Taylor Principal Software Engineer, Invincia Inc. amanda terkel Senior Political Repoter and Politics Managing Editor, The Huffington Post
Hallie Sherard Director of Business Development, KGD Architecture
Co-founder, Ella Rue boutique consignment shop
ASHLEY Spillane President, Rock the Vote
Leo Schmid Senior Marketing and PR Manager, Richard Sandoval Restaurants
adam sharp Head of News, Government and Elections, Twitter
krista johnson, 33
Jason Spear Legislative Associate and Deputy Communications Director, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) Paige Speyer Owner, Wink DC
Nicole Schade Lifestyle Account Manager, TAA Public Relations
Co-founder, Ella Rue boutique consignment shop
Bryant Row LLC
Shaunna Thomas Co-Founder, WeAreUltraViolet.org Shawna thomas Senior Producer, NBC Meet the Press lindley thornburg RICHARDSON Public Relations Consultant, Heather Freeman Media & Public Relations Emily Tisch Sussman Director of Campaigns, Center for American Progress Elliot Totah President, Oxbridge Development
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2016
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2016
jessica moore, 36
Government Relations Director,Walt Disney Company What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? One of the favorite days of my career was working with Blue Star Families to bring some Disney magic to military families stationed in Vicenza, Italy. Together we brought over 3,000 books for the children, Mickey came all the way to Italy to greet the families and first lady Michelle Obama was our very special guest reader. It was such a fun day showing support for our United States military families overseas who sacrifice being near their loved ones in order to support our country. Whom do you admire professionally and why? First lady Michelle Obama has spent her time in the White House reminding families how important it is for children to be physically active, encouraging Americans to support military families and highlighting the importance of continuing education. In between sack races and push up contests, she’s had a lot fun doing it. Most importantly, she always makes being a mom her first priority. I love that my daughter — and children everywhere — have such a positive role model. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Be kind. No matter how busy you are, there is always time to be nice to other people. Even when no one else is looking.
carl bedell
President and CEO, Ilion Management Strategies; former Army captain What is the most challenging part of your job? Time management. Running a solo law practice and a consulting firm while balancing commitments to the non-profits I work with requires constant scheduling and often sacrifice of personal time. Fortunately, my closest friends are involved in most of the same philanthropic activities, so social time often coincides with the philanthropic work. What is the most rewarding part of your job? When I get to contact a veteran client who has been fighting for disability benefits for years and inform them that the Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded retroactive benefits. Often times, those benefits are life changing.Whom do you admire professionally and why? My mother, Col. Mary Beth Bedell. She spent her career overcoming roadblocks to lead an incredibly successful military career. The personal sacrifices she made for her family and country instilled in me my desire to serve. She taught me to set goals and to follow dreams. She continues to be a source of inspiration for me. Free time activities: Working with artists or non-profits. Between ACCADEMIA DC, the D.C. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (and the Sweethearts & Patriots Gala), and Crusade for Art, my free time is consumed pretty quickly.
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2016
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YGL Chris Vieson Partner, Public Strategies Washington, Inc. John Wall Point Guard, Washington Wizards katie walsh Chief of Staff, Republican National Committee Jake Ward President and CEO, Application Developers Alliance kate warren Photographer Becca Glover Watkins Communications Director, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr Pepper Watkins Manager, Accenture ali weinberg Digital Journalist, ABC News Kristen Welker White House Correspondent, NBC News paul wharton Owner, Paul Wharton Model/Management; Lifestyle and Fashion Expert and TV Personality Christina Wilkie National Reporter, The Huffington Post antonio Williams Senior Director of Government and External Affairs, Comcast Erica Williams simon Social Impact Strategist and CEO, EWS Strategies Raffi Williams Deputy Press Secretary, Republican National Committee Tom Wilson Right Wing, Washington Capitals
kim kingsley, 36
Brian Friedman, 37
Jayne Sandman, 36
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Playing such a central role in the creation, development and evolution of POLITICO. I was one of POLITICO’s very first employees, helping it grow from a garage band startup to a global media company with 450 employees. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m honored to be an important part of POLITICO’s origin story.
What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Work very hard. Everyone says, ‘Follow your dreams,’ but to succeed you have to do more than follow them. You have to pursue and realize them and never accept anything but what you want. You’re going to hit a wall, many walls, so optimism, vision and a willingness to find a way over the wall are important.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? 2015 was an amazing year for BrandLinkDC, but hosting a luncheon for Michelle Obama was my favorite moment. Do you have a mentor in Washington? Mark Ein. He’s able to distill seemingly complex issues into very concise action items that have helped us build our company smartly.
Chief Operating Officer, Politico
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Real Estate Developer and Investor; Founder, Freidman Capital
Principal, BrandLinkDC
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Rashad Young City Administrator, Washington, D.C.. Stephanie Young Director, African American Outreach, The White House
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washingtonlife.com
2016
| washingtonlife.com
NATASHA CLOUD
NATE SCHMIDT
ANDRÉ BURAKOVSKY
NICK DELEON
Guard,Washington Mystics
Defenseman,Washington Capitals
Left Wing,Washington Capitals
Midfielder, D.C. United
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Being considered a professional athlete. From the time I was little I dreamed of playing in the WNBA with all the best athletes in the game, and now I’m here! I’m truly humbled and blessed by this entire experience. Advice to aspiring athletes: Be true to who you are. Do not let anyone tell you you’re not good enough, fast enough, smart enough, or strong enough.
Do you have a mentor in Washington? How has he or she helped you? My teammate Brooks Orpik. He’s a guy who defines what it is to be a player, from how he treats people to how he acts at the rink. I hope to have the same traits as I mature. He is a very good person. People would be surprised to hear: My family has a cabin in Minnesota and my mom only lets me cook when I’m there. I’m the cook at home. I’m quite the chef.
What is the most challenging part of your job? Every game is a big challenge. You play with and against great players. I’m young but I want to be the best, so I am constantly trying to improve on the ice. Each day, I give every ounce of effort possible to achieve my ultimate goals in the NHL. If I fail in this regard, then I let myself down, and more importantly, I let my teammates down. Admires: Former NHL player and fellow Swede Peter Forsberg..
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Winning the Lamar Hunt Open Cup with D.C. United in 2013. The feeling of winning this cup cannot be put into words. The joy on everyone’s face was priceless, and having my mother at the game was just an added bonus Hobby: Building model cars. It’s a fun process and to see the final product always feels good. They’re cool decor as well! Admires: Bob Marley and Evander Holyfield.
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YGL
YGL WEDDINGS An exclusive glimpse at the nuptials of three Young & the Guest List couples. BY ERICA MOODY
TULSI GABBARD AND ABRAHAM WILLIAMS
THE STORY: They first became friends when
Williams volunteered to work on Gabbard’s campaign ad shoots in 2012. He asked her out a year later at a birthday party for Gabbard thrown by a mutual friend, and soon discovered a shared love of surfing. “Our second date was a surfing date,” she says. “We had so much fun.We started surfing together whenever I was back in Hawaii. Our friendship and relationship developed over our mutual love for the ocean and surfing and grew from there!” THE WEDDING: The scenic affair took place at
Kahalu’u Fishpond on the windward side of Oahu, as the sun set behind the majestic Ko’olau mountains. The honeymoon has been on hold since work’s been keeping them busy but every time they are home in beautiful Hawaii, Gabbard says, “We feel like we are on a honeymoon.”
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DRESS SUCCESS: The bride wore traditional
Indian-style Lacha attire, a royal blue raw silk long jacket with a gold skirt. “I wasn’t happy with the original dress I found, so was scrambling for the ‘right dress’ just days before the wedding,” Gabbard says. “I found it online five days before the wedding, rushed my measurements to the vendor, and received it two days before the wedding. It fit perfectly!” DETAILS: Her sister Vrindavan, a deputy U.S.
marshal in Washington, served as the wedding planner and worked with their mother and a few friends in Hawaii to pull the whole thing off. The vegetarian Indian dinner was created and provided by her brother-in-law (who happens to be a chef), and included shahi paneer, samosas, fresh mango chutney and saffron rice. The rose cardamom and fresh mango cheesecakes featured henna-style design. Flowers included fresh Hawaiian Pikake, gardenias, maile lei, birds of paradise and plumeria. A yoga kirtan band played music composed by the groom and his friends, who sang ancient yoga mantras
throughout the ceremony and the evening reception. SPECIAL TOUCHES: Guests signed their names
with well wishes on a blue custom-made surfboard designed by a close friend. FAVORITE PART: “The traditional vedic Hindu
ceremony where we exchanged vows that each of us wrote, and the wonderful yoga kirtan that followed the ceremony, where our friends and family joined us dancing, clapping, and singing special yoga chants as we celebrated together,” Gabbard says. NOTABLE GUESTS: House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and his wife Judy; House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer; Rep. Joe Kennedy and wife Lauren; Rep. Markwayne Mullin and wife Christie; former Sen. Daniel Akaka; former Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie and his wife, Dr. Nancie Caraway; and actor Daniel Dae Kim and his wife Mia.
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P H OTOS CO URT E SY O F M A RCO GA RC I A
S
he represents Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. He’s a freelance cinematographer. The couple divides their time between Washington and Kailua, Hawaii.
MARRIED APRIL 9, 2015
KATARINA ALHARMOOSH AND LUCAS BAIANO
MARRIED MAY 30, 2015
B
aiano is president of WeRPolitics, a media agency that produces political and corporate ad campaigns. Alharmoosh holds a Master’s degree in Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs from American University. Baiano first saw his future bride walking down the stairs at Buzzfeed’s 2013 White House Correspondents’ Dinner event.“It was love at first sight,” he says. The couple resides in Chevy Chase, Md. and is thrilled to share the news that they are expecting a baby boy this month.
THE WEDDING: An enchanted garden-inspired
the wedding, they hired Blue Canary to help with planning. DaVinci provided the flowers, including spectacular floral arrangements; Sylvia Weinstock catered and Erwin Gomez handled hair and makeup. Radio King Orchestra supplied the music.The couple’s first dance was to “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King.
DETAILS: The bride wore Pnina Tornai and the
groom chose Giorgio Armani.The bridesmaids’ gowns were by Jovani. In the final month before
SPECIAL TOUCHES: With the bride and
groom’s background in media (she previously
RACHNA CHOUDHRY AND AARON PULTZ
C P H OTOS CO U RT E SY O F M I C H A E L CO N N O R /CO N NO R ST U D I O AN D P H OTOS CO U RT E SY O F CYO U N G P H OTO G RA P H YS
houdhry co-founded POPVOX, a platform that connects people with their lawmakers.Pultz is a management consultant and former Air Force pilot. This truly modern-day couple was matched on the dating app Hinge. Both from the West Coast originally, they now call Dupont Circle home.
SPECIAL TOUCHES: The couple wanted rings
that were modern and unique. Pultz worked with Georgetown-based jewelry designer Poppyor to create Choudhry’s variation of an infinity ring — a continuous, asymmetrical gold band. Pultz’s ring is from David Yurman and features a meteorite inlay. MEMORABLE MOMENTS: All guests were
THE WEDDING: The couple planned the
entire wedding themselves in three weeks. The intimate ceremony of 15 people was held at Heritage House Resort on California’s Mendocino Coast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The honeymoon was a monthlong European adventure to Rome, Florence, Siena and Luca by train. ATTIRE: The bride wore a fuchsia dress with black beading and a sweeping satin skirt from Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase. The groom wore a dark navy suit from Isaia Napoli and a Charvet tie that matched Rachna’s dress.
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able to give a speech or offer a toast. At the reception, Pultz’s brother Scott (the best man) gave a touching multimedia speech about his love for the couple, all while impressively invoking stories of his brother’s Nintendo accomplishments (he was the first person to beat the game “Mike Tyson’s Punch Out”) and even featuring the
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
worked at NBC and Sky News), it was only fitting that their reception opened with a film that introduced the newlyweds for the first time as husband and wife. NOTABLE GUESTS: Rep. Tom Rice and his wife Wrenzie along with media friends Arlette Saenz, Zeke Miller, Andrew Rafferty, Alex Skatell and Phil Musser.
MARRIED SEPTEMBER 5, 2015 “Top Gun” theme song. FAVORITE PART: “Hands down, the best part
was when we read our vows to each other,” Choudhry says. “We both wrote our own, and neither of us knew what the other would say. As if by magic the vows complemented each other so well, and added a very personal touch to our ceremony — so personal that Aaron was tearing up almost the entire time.”
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ceremony at Washington’s Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on a picture perfect spring day. For the honeymoon, two weeks on the Mediterranean Sea including Barcelona, Nice, Monaco, Florence, Naples and Amalfi.
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LIFESTYLES
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CHANNEL YOUR INNER AUDREY HEPBURN AND SPEND A DAY AT THE MALL IN THESE BOLD SPRING FASHIONS AND CLASSIC GOLD JEWELRY PHOTOGRAPHY TONY POWELL/ ASSISTED BY STEPHEN KEN/ WWW TONY-POWELL COM WARDROBE LIZA COLLIS/ ASSISTED BY CHAZA BETENJANE/ BOTH AT T H E ARTIST AGENCY MAKEUP AND HAIR CAROLA MYERS/ ASSISTED BY SHERLEY Z WWW CAROLAMYERS COM MODEL RACHEL STARR/ T H E ARTIST AGENCY EXECUTIVE EDITOR VIRGINIA COYNE ASSOCIATE EDITOR ERICA MOODY | ASSISTANT EDITOR CATHERINE TRIFILLETI EDITORIAL ASSISTANT AUBREY ALMANZA PHOTOGRAPHED AT TYSONS GALLERIA INTERNATIONAL DR MCLEAN VA AND IN THE SAKS FIFTH AVENUE AND ANNE FONTAINE STORES ALSO AT THE GALLERIA
T BY ALEXANDER WANG perforated long sleeve tee ($195), THEORY pants ($398), SANDRO jacket and LOEFFLER RANDALL perforated tote ($495), Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (240) 744-3700, www.bloomingdales.com; ROBERTO COIN Golden Gate 18k yellow gold ring ($2,400) and ROBERTO COIN 18k rose gold & pave diamond earrings ($5,200), Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-749-1200, www. liljenquistbeckstead.com.
ELIZABETH AND JAMES “Clarissa” dress ($365), CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN floral print pumps ($715), Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Galleria,2051 International Drive, McLean, Va. 22102, (703) 761-0700, www.saksfifthavenue.com; ALEXIS BITTAR pierced pyramid ring cuff ($225), Alexis Bittar at CityCenterDC, 984 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 842-2804, www. alexisbittar.com.
ZARA round neck sweater ($29.90), www.zara.com; CURRENT ELLIOTT “The Ankle Skinny” Jeans in dark denim ($238), Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (240) 744-3700, www.bloomingdales.com; MARCO BICEGO 18k gold and diamond necklaces ($4180), AL CORO rose gold and diamond huggie earrings ($8950), Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-749-1200, www.liljenquistbeckstead.com; CARTIER Clé de Cartier 18K rose gold with diamond bezel on alligator strap watch ($30,000), Cartier, Tysons Galleria, 1739 International Drive, McLean, VA 22102, (703) 749-4664, www.cartier.us. On dressing room stool: STELLA MCCARTNEY Falabella Embellished Faux Suede Chain Clutch ($1130), Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Galleria,2051 International Drive, McLean, Va. 22102, (703) 761-0700, www.saksfifthavenue. com; ALANA HADID X LOU & GREY “Sissy” bandana ($32), Lou & Grey, Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Tysons Corner Center, Tysons, VA 22102, www. louandgrey.com.
DKNY shirt dress ($395), T BY ALEXANDER WANG pebbled leather moto jacket ($1095),Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (240) 744-3700, www.bloomingdales. com; CARTIER Panthère de Cartier 18K yellow gold ring with tsavorite garnets and an onyx nose ($20,000), Cartier, Tysons Galleria, 1739 International Drive, McLean, VA 22102, (703) 749-4664, www.cartier.us; ROBERTO COIN Jade collection necklaces ($4180), AL CORO rose gold and diamond huggie earrings ($8950), Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-749-1200, www.liljenquistbeckstead.com;
ZARA dress ($69.90), www.zara.com; KATE SPADE pumps ($298), Bloomingdales, Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (240) 744-3700, www.bloomingdales.com; MARCO BICEGO link necklace ($11,795), Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-7491200, www.liljenquistbeckstead.com; CARTIER Trinity by Cartier white, yellow and pink gold bangle ($16,200) and CARTIER Paris Nouvelle earrings, ($9,550), Cartier, Tysons Galleria, 1739 International Drive, McLean, VA 22102, (703) 749-4664, www.cartier.us. On mannequin: ANNE FONTAINE “Salsa” long macrame skirt ($486), Anne Fontaine, Tysons Galleria. (703) 714 0509.
LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT
MISSONI Crochet-knit shorts ($530); Missoni
CHLOÉ Pussy-bow silk blouse in coral ($403); Nordstrom,The Fashion Centre, 703-415-1121 LOUIS VUITTON Monogram sunrise shawl ($810); Louis Vuitton, CityCenterDC, 202-774-2519 GUCCI Techno color ultra-light sunglasses ($375); Gucci, CityCenterDC, 202-289-9000 FENDI ABC charm in coral fox fur ($600); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000
8ERKIVMRI (VIEQ Mix up your spring essentials using every shade of orange.
FENDI Bird of Paradise floral silk shift dress ($2,400); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000
BY AUBREY ALMANZA
VALENTINO Small striped leather satchel ($3045); Saks Jandel, Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Ruffle hem pencil skirt ($990); Nordstrom, The Fashion Center, 703-415-1121
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HERMÈS Double-face pure cashmere scarf ($1,075); Hermès, CityCenterDC, 202-289-4341 AQUAZURRA Wild Thing suede sandal in Clementine ($785); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700
SACHIN & BABI Guava jumpsuit ($450); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000 WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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LIFESTYLES | JEWELRY MIKIMOTO Morning Star Ring ($17,784); Liljenquist & Beckstead, Fairfax Square, 703-749-1200
AUDEN Harlow Crystal Collar Necklace ($768); Cusp, Georgetown 202-625-0893 KC DESIGN Gold and Diamond Mod Pyramid Earrings ($1,875); Boone & Sons, Chevy Chase, 301-657-2144
DAVID YURMAN Cable Wrap Ring with Prasiolite and Diamonds ($1,600); David Yurman, CityCenterDC, 202-682-0260
MARCO BICEGO 18K yellow gold and diamond rectangle link earrings ($2,330); Liljenquist & Beckstead, Fairfax Square, 703-749-1200
+)31)86-' +)17 Shape up your jewelry collection with the latest angular accessories.
CARTIER Amulette de Cartier earrings in white mother-of-pearl ($5,060); Cartier, Chevy Chase, 301-654-5858
BY AUBREY ALMANZA
TORY BURCH Amelia Watch in gold ($595); Tory Burch, Georgetown, 202-337-1410
ALEXIS BITTAR Perced ring pyramid cuff ($225); Alexis Bittar, CityCenterDC, 202-842-2804
A PEACE TREATY Ukru inlaid bone bib necklace ($596.70); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000 MAXMARA Metal Bracelet ($295); MaxMara, Tyson’s Galleria, 703-556-6962
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DELFINA DELETTREZ Magic Triangle Shark Attack Purple Topaz Bracelet ($1,050); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000
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special feature | local distilleries
A Taste of Success
A spirited group of entrepreneurs bring homegrown drinks to the Washington area By Erica Moody
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ove over, beer and wine. Spirits are here. If you hadn’t noticed, craft distilleries
are popping up across the District, and they’re influencing the way we drink, what’s served in our bars and restaurants, and even liquor-related legislation. In 2012, New Columbia Distillery became the first Washington distiller to open since before Prohibition, paving the way for fellow Ivy City-based operation One Eight Distilling and others to open their doors. According to Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration specialist Jessie Cornelius, there are four distilleries (class A manufacturers) currently licensed in the District, most recently Jos. A Magnus & Co. We also hear rumors of a fifth in Ivy City, that Northeast hotbed of Washington entrepreneurship. Virginia’s wine country attracts thousands of visitors each year to its more than 200 wineries and
Sandy Wood and Alex Laufer (Photo by Jason Falchook, One Eight Distilling)
is now home to a new crop of distilleries — among them Purcellville’s Catoctin Creek, winner of the 2015 RAMMY award for best regional food or beverage producer and a pioneer in the local spirits industry. With a woman distiller at the helm, it’s also helping to change the face of a male-dominated industry. >>
District Made: One Eight Distilling In 2012, Alex Laufer received an email from his former Vassar roommate, Sandy Wood, pitching a crazy idea — why not quit their jobs in law and biotech and go into business together? A longtime spirits enthusiast, Laufer was swayed, and Wood was thrilled — he knew Laufer would be the perfect person to handle the production side of things, an area that intimidated him. Things progressed quickly. Less than a year later, One Eight Distilling was born, but only after its founders completed a few eye-opening internships, including a very intensive one with Smooth Ambler Distilling in West Virginia to learn all aspects of what goes into running a successful distillery. Now, their own operation is becoming known for uniquely flavored rye spirits that use
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all natural ingredients. Try the Ivy City Gin for a botanical-infused drink that tastes as good neat as it does in the cocktails you can find in many of Washington’s best restaurants (approaching 70 at the time of this article). “We want to stay as local as possible,” Wood says. He and Laufer currently work primarily with an organic farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and one in Culpepper, Va. to grow the grains. Regarding the curious name One Eight Distilling, the former lawyer explains:“It’s a little bit of legal geekery. In Article 1 Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, there is a short paragraph calling for the establishment of the nation’s capital.We wanted something connected to the city and its origins.” Their product names celebrate the city of Washington: Ivy City Gin, Rock Creek Whiskey, District Made Vodka. Philanthropic efforts are focused on Ward 5 where they’re based, a neighborhood that has embraced the distillery wholeheartedly. One dollar from every bottle of Ivy City Gin sold in Washington goes to Habitat for
Humanity in support of ongoing projects in the area. A recent collaboration with DC Central Kitchen raised funds for the organization’s culinary job training program, and a partnership with the Washington Humane Society brought guests to the distillery for the canine-friendly cocktail party “Whiskers & Whiskey.” Their local collaborations get even more creative. For a new series of aged spirits, they loaned out barrels to DC Brau to age its Penn Quarter Porter, then refilled them with bourbon. They also partnered with Vigilante Coffee for a new whiskey flavor. “They’re really great roasters, so they aged the beans in our barrels and made this coffee which was delicious and then put our whiskeys back in there. So, they have a whiskey-flavored coffee and we will have coffee-flavored whiskey.” That’s a whiskey we want to try, from two dedicated friends making changes in the District. “Right as we were opening up, we helped draft legislation for the consumption permit that allows us to pour cocktails,” Wood says. According to Cornelius, a permit that went into effect in 2015 now allows a distillery to sell
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its products on site in cocktails for the first time. “It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked,” Laufer says, “but it sure doesn’t feel like it. This job gives you energy. It’s been the most interesting and rewarding thing.”
Becky and Scott Harris (Photo by Tony Powell)
Try At Home:
.,
western whiskey: Catoctin Creek In the quaint downtown of Purcellville, Va., a family-owned business is breaking the mold and challenging convention. Certified organic, kosher, sustainable, with production run by a woman whiskey-maker, Catoctin Creek is certainly not your run-of-the-mill (pun intended) distillery, and Scott and Becky Harris never intended it to be. Inspired by a 2009 trip to Ireland’s Bushmills distillery, the couple decided to follow their dream. “Scott likes to say being in government contracting taught him a great love of drinking,” Becky Harris says with a laugh. “When he came to me with the idea, I thought he was crazy but told him to work out a business plan and then we’ll talk.” He did, and they took 20 years of savings to buy a still and get started (“at the worst part of the recession” she notes), with Becky leaving her chemical engineering job to work full-time from the beginning. Seven years later, the business is booming. They distribute up and down the East Coast, as well as to Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe and most recently Australia. They were able to move locations from a tiny warehouse (wedged between a car repair shop and an electrician) to a spacious, visitor-friendly building that was renovated to be as environmentally friendly as possible. With 48 solar panels in the ceiling, the distillery boasts Loudoun County’s largest solar array.“We try to keep as close to zero waste as we can,” Becky says, adding that all their spent mash
goes to the farmers. Becky speaks passionately about being a woman in an industry that is “heavily dominated by the typical profile: mostly white males … from distilling all the way to marketing and sales.” Nonetheless, the status quo is beginning to change. “We want to bring a different perspective,” she says. “With most family-run distilleries, the wife runs the business side and the husband runs the production side. We flipped that because of who we are and what our skills are. This has had an influence on the flavor of our spirits and tends to make them more accessible to everyone, which is a cool thing.” They are both starting to see more and more women coming to the fore and they think that will be good for the spirits business as a whole. “More people with a diversity of backgrounds, flavors and experiences opens up the categories and makes it much more interesting.” Becky says. She believes that Catoctin Creek’s 50/50 male-female demographic has been good for whiskey,. “Our flavor profile is equally appealing to men and women. It’s not sweet but it reads as very fruity and smooth.” Their brandies are beloved by patrons of Washington’s top restaurants, including Takoma Park’s Republic. “If people only knew the cool things you can do with brandy,” Becky muses.“We keep waiting for brandy to have its moment.” Brandy may still be waiting, but Scott and Becky Harris have arrived.
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2016
Tim Gunn Cocktail • 1-2 oz Roundstone Rye whisky • 1.5 oz Maple Syrup • 1.5 oz Chai Pear shrub (make your own, or use Element Shrub from DC) • Splash of soda • Lemon peel garnish • Dash of cherry bitters Mix the rye, maple and shrub in a cocktail shaker of ice. Strain into a rocks glass with a nice big ice cube. Splash in a little soda water, garnish with lemon, and add a dash or two of cherry bitters on top.
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>> George Washington’s Mount Vernon Want a bit of history with your whiskey? Head to the first president’s home to get insight into the distillery that, at the time of George Washington’s death, was the largest one in America. Visit for a demonstration of old-time whiskey making, as experts in period garb explain step by step how its done. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. www. mountvernon.org
>> Lyon Distilling For delicious rum, head to this Eastern Shore distillery. In business since 2012, Lyon stands out for its use of very small barrels, a practice that owners Jame Lindon and Ben Lyon believe heightens the flavors of their light and dark rum and whiskey. They also hold the distinction of being the first to distill Maryland rye whiskey in over 40 years. Check lyondistilling. com for tour and tasting hours.
>> Copper Fox Distillery Whiskey aficionados, take a little road trip to Sperryville, Va. to taste award-winning single malt and rye whiskey from an old-fashioned rustic distillery. Copper Fox is the only distiller in the United States to do 100 percent of its own grain malting, and all bottles they produce are filled and wax dipped by hand. You’ll find no sleek modern design at this distillery, which harkens back to the early days of American whiskey making — out in the country inside an old barn, with an old yellow dog sitting out front. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.copperfox.biz
>> New Columbia Distillers Launched in 2012 by a former lawyer and his son-in-law, this distillery was the first to open in Washington in over a century. They’re known primarily for their Green Hat Gin, which has become a recognized local brand. Open for tours and tastings from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. www. greenhatgin.com
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WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y Carolina Herrera Opening﹐ Over the moon﹐ Birds of a feather gala﹐ jtcc gala and more!
Prince and Princess Michael Romanov-Ilyinsky at the 2016 Russian Ball. (Photo by Tony Powell)
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OVER THE MOON
Snowbirds Escape The horsey set heads south for polo in Palm Beach BY VICKY MOON
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avid Tafuri was on one of flute to the front of the long line. the last planes to escape Meanwhile, even more polo-istas Reagan National before flew into town in mid-February for a the big snow hit Washington in late weekend of soirees celebrating the 27th January. His flight to Florida was annual Hall of Fame gala at the Museum scheduled to depart at 2:50 p.m. “It of Polo. Middleburg’s own Richard “Dick” was full, with 144 people,”Tafuri said. Riemenschneider, fondly known by his “Then it was announced that due to close friends as “Remo,” was awarded The weight and conditions, 38 people had Philip Iglehart Award, which he shared to get off.” with the late Russell Sheldon Jr. of Poway, No way, Tafuri, 43, an attorney Calif. for outstanding lifetime contributions at Dentons International Law in to the sport. Washington, was going to give up Middleburg snowbirds Mimi AbelDavid Tafuri, Sam Williams, John Goban and Doug Barnes at the Interhis seat. His carry-on was filled Smith and Nancy Bedford were there. national Polo Club in Wellington, Fla. (Photo by Vicky Moon) with polo equipment: boots, helmet Avid polo player John Walsh, best and kneepads. His agenda included a stop in aficionados also from the Washington area. known as an impassioned advocate for missing Wellington, the winter equestrian mecca, for Flawless fields stretched out in all directions. and exploited children, was the master of a few chukkers in what is often referred to as Many at the lunch buffet had been out earlier ceremonies. Previous players honored with the the “Sport of Kings.” in the morning to play informal games and Iglehart Award included the late Joe Muldoon But before he could get there, more were not competing in the main match, the of Potomac. passengers needed to surrender their seats. Joe Barry Cup. Other big-time names and past Hall “First they kicked off all the standbys,” Tafuri Professional John Goban, a former captain inductees include: the late Winston F. C. Guest said. “Then they told us ‘if we don’t get of the U.S. polo team, runs the polo programs and his brother, the late Ambassador Raymond more volunteers, we won’t fly.’ It was like a at Great Meadow back in The Plains, Va., and R. Guest (Ireland), whose polo-playing reality show, a cross between “Survivor” and has 24 ponies here for the season. “It’s very grandson, Raymond Guest III, was on hand “Biggest Loser.” simple,” he said. “This is the place to be.” with his wife, Mary Pat, of Middleburg. The Once the manifest got down to the David Greenhill, who owns Greenhill evening concluded with dancing to the music acceptable number of passengers, the wings Vineyards in Middleburg, keeps his string of of Las Olas. were de-iced and they took off at 6:30 p.m. ponies in Florida for the winter and flies in By Sunday afternoon, Tafuri, who lives with girlfriend Rebekah Pizana. Her traveling in Georgetown, was among the hoity-toity companion, King Arthur, a black and white sitting in the swish member’s clubhouse at the Havanese, even gets a place at the table in the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Mimosas private Mallet Grille. flowed and a buffet of colossal shrimp, crab Fellow professional Doug Barnes, who runs claws, salmon and caviar led the way to the first Destination Polo in The Plains, pointed out course, followed by made-to-order omelets, that “horses are built for the Virginia weather more Mimosas, roast beef and turkey. There in anything from 20 to 60 degrees. This is hot were salads: Caesar, antipasto, yellow beet and here for them. But hey, I’m glad I’m here.” roasted vegetables. And even more Mimosas. At tipoff time of 3 p.m., the grandstand was Best of all, there was no snow, just a verdant filled and the preferred South Florida sherbet expanse of immaculate polo field.The only ice colored fashion items dressed up the box seats. on the premises chilled Champagne and kept At halftime, spectators flocked on to the field Frequent flyer King Arthur joins in the fun at the Mallet the stone crabs and shrimp cold. to stomp the divots. There were free glasses of Grille (Photo by Vicky Moon) Tafuri sat at a table of fellow polo Champagne for anyone who could push their
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Princess Saba Kebede and Prince Ermias Selassie
Predislava Derugina and Vasilissa Derugina Paul and Irina du Quenoy, Princess (Alexandra) Obelensky and Prince Nicholas Obelensky WL EXCLUSIVE
RUSSIAN BALL Private Club | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL ROYAL DANCE: Clad in white-tie and furs, the Russian émigré community of Washington gathered at a private social club for a jubilant evening of dining, toasting and waltzing. This year’s event coincided with the 25th anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The ball’s chairmen were Paul and Irina du Quenoy, whose darling 10-month old son, Charles, made a cameo appearance. Prince and Princess Nicholas Obolensky served as co-chairmen. Other notables in attendance: Prince Michael Romanov-Ilyinsky (a great-great-grandson of Tsar Alexander II) and Prince Ermias Selassie (a grandson of Ethiopia’s last emperor, Haile Selassie).
Alexis Martirosian and Niko Sommaripa Iona Lee, Laya Haddad and Sian Andreson
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Robin Phillips and Timothy Thomas and
Charlie du Quenoy and Suzanne Tolstoy
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Lola Reinsch and Bill Detty
Daria Fane and Reuven Schlenker
Rose Marie Bogley and Robert Heggestad
Vladimir Tolstoy
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Aaron Jackson, Lizette Corro and Panamanian Amb. Emanuel Gonzalez-Revilla Grace Bender, Shamim Jawad and Isabel Ernst
Julie and Mark Price with Susan Dowhower, Septime Webre and Carolina DeSouza
NOCHE DE PASIÓN Panamanian Ambassador’s Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Rocio Fabrega, Natalia Alexandra and Miky Fabrega
FEELING HOT,HOT,HOT: Just as the cold weather was rolling in, things were heating up at the residence of Panamanian Amb. Emanuel Gonzalez-Revilla for the Washington Ballet’s “Noche de Pasión” benefit. The Latin-themed evening featured a curated menu by Panamanian chef Felipe Milanes, a performance by Panamanian folkloric dance group Grufolpawa and an exhibit showcasing the artwork of Panamanian artist Miky Fabrega. Considering the evening’s theme and the host committee (Margarita Arroyave-Wessel, Lizette Corro, Isabel Ernst, Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg, Pilar O’Leary and Janice Pouch), it was no surprise that the dance floor was the place to be after the company’s artistic director, Septime Webre, leapt acrobatically onto the dance floor and his dancers encouraged guests to join in. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
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David Wessel, Margarita Arroyave-Wessel and Ramon Arroyave
Washington Ballet dancers Tamas Krizsa and Maki Onuki
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Janice Pouch and Amanda Stifel
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Mai and Jim Abdo Bob Hisaoka and Katherine Bradley WL SPONSORED
Jeff Wilson, Cynthia Steele Vance and Mark Lowham
WASHINGTON AUTO SHOW VIP RECEPTION Walter E. Washington Convention Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL LAVISH LIFESTYLE. LUXURIOUS CARS: Hours before Storm Jonas blanketed Washington, the second annual Washington Auto Show turned up the heat at its VIP exotic car and luxury lifestyle reception. The event showcased many different cars from such brands as Rolls Royce, McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Bentley. Hosted by Bob Hisaoka, and sponsored by TTR Sotheby’s, B.O.W.A, Bernstein Global Wealth Management and Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram, the evening also included local fashion and jewelry from Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie and decadent cuisine from Kinship, chef Eric Ziebold’s hot new restaurant. While guests browsed the collections of Passavant and Lee, guests raved about Ziebold’s “amazing” Maine lobster French toast with persimmon (which keeps it from veering into the too-sweet category), cucumber and sesame mousse.
Earl and Amanda Stafford
Tony Williams
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Bob Hisaoka, John O’Donnell and Dick Patterson
Alice, Tom and Jennifer Blair
Michael Allen, Rick Allen and Jack Davies Felix Bighem sitting in the Rolls-Royce Dawn
Gina Adams standing next to the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drop-Head Coupe
William Holt and Michael Harreld
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Ann Nitze and Lucky Roosevelt Shelley Ross-Larson and Julian Raby
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Bill Nitze and Finlay Lewis
DJ and Devika Patil with NEA Chairman Jane Chu
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS CHAIRMAN FÊTED Bill and Ann Nitze Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL ARTS OVERSEER: Prominent guests flocked to the Georgetown home of Ann and Bill Nitze to meet Jane Chu, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Local museum, theater and dance company directors were especially keen to chat with the guest of honor, who directs the federal government’s support and funding of projects with artistic merit across the land. Chu formerly served as president and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Mo., where she oversaw a $413 million fund-raising campaign.
Robert Higdon, David Deckelbaum and Xavier Equihua VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Russian soprano Ruslana Koval Jane Harman and James and Marjorie Billington Deborah Rutter and Susan Lehrman
WNO YOUNG ARTISTS JOINT RECEPTION Embassy of Russia | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
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Russia Amb. Sergey Kislyak
OPERATIC INTERLUDE: Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak opened his embassy doors for an evening of arias and dinner celebrating the the ongoing partnership between the Young Artists Opera Program of the Bolshoi Theatre and Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Program. Spotted taking in the show: Kennedy Center President Deborah Ru er and former congresswoman Jane Harman.
Leila Beale and Rhoda Septilici
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Ailey Dancers Kirven Douthit Boyd, Daniel Harder, Kanji Segawa, Yannick Lebrun, Antonio Douthit Boyd and Sean Carmon Debra Lee and Alvin Ailey Artistic Director Robert Battle
Ailey Dancers Samantha Figgins, Ghrai DeVore and Akua Noni Parker
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ALVIN AILEY GALA Kennedy Center Opera House and Atrium. PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Maya Rockeymoore and Rep. Elijah Cummings
Mignon Clyburn and Robert Raben
Candace Wint, Dionna Dorsey, Tisha Hyter and Maya Oliver
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Rep. Joyce Beatty
D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
DANCING WITH THE DANCERS One of the capital’s most glamorous events for more than a decade, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual gala is a see-and-be-seen affair that delivers a double wallop of culture and fun. Guests (why are so many always late?) jam the Kennedy Center’s Opera House for an electrifying performance of new works and the perennial Gospelinfused finale, “Revelations,” before heading upstairs to the Roof Terrace/Atrium for dinner and dancing. Artistic director Robert Battle, only the third person to head the company since it was founded in 1958, greeted Gina Adams, Debra Lee and other ball co-chairmen as 700 revelers mixed it up on the dance floor, bustin’ moves with company members until midnight to raise funds for Ailey’s Washington, D.C. programs, including the creation of new works, arts-in-education programs and scholarships for local students to attend the Ailey School in New York.
Attorney General Loretta Lynch
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Alexandra Barnett, Mariella Trager, Marisol Lamadrid, Amelia Makin
Laurie Knight WL EXCLUSIVE
Christina Sevilla
Minka Kelly
“FASHIONABLE” RECEPTION WITH MINKA KELLY
Judee Ann Williams and Kimball Stroud
Home of Laurie Knight | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL FASHION GIVES BACK: Actress Minka Kelly, best known for her role as cheerleader Lyla Garrity on “Friday Night Lights,” charmed attendees at a reception hosted by Laurie Knight, Marissa Mitrovich and Kimball Stroud to highlight FASHIONABLE, a company which employs women in Africa who have overcome extraordinary challenges. Founder Barre Ward started the company, which sells handmade purses, jewelry and scarves while living in Ethiopia and meeting women coming out the commercial sex industry who wanted jobs. Kelly designed the “Hibret Pouch” for FASHIONABLE that was featured at the event that evening.
Marissa Mitrovich Barrett Ward
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Kate Jensen and Katie Brown
“Dr. Bear” with LeeAnn Goheen. John Green, Paul Grayson and Carolyn Downs Cristina Calvert Schoolmaster and Justin Schoolmaster
Alexa Wauben and Andrew Keller Dr. Marcee White and Dr. Mark Weissman
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DANCING AFTER DARK Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL DANCING FOR THE CURE: Hundreds of young professionals hit the dance floor at Children’s National Medical Center’s ninth annual Dancing After Dark party. The junior council surpassed the night’s fundraising goal, raising more than $160,000 to support cutting-edge research into hard-hitting childhood diseases to help doctors discover cures and save young lives. Dr. Marcee White spoke about Children’s National’s impact on community health, as well as the impact its Mobile Health Program has made in the community.
Grace Albinson, David Anderson and Katie Ryan 66
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Stephanie Cafferty and Dana Nebinski Noelle Jumaili and Phil James Isha Desi and Larissa Pilipshen
SOME JR. GALA
Bobby Powers, Jessica Powers, MinhChau Corr and Patrick Corr
National Museum of Women in the Arts | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL THE YOUNG AND THE CHARITABLE: Nearly 800 young professionals committed to empowering their community gathered at the SOME (So Others Might Eat)’s Annual Junior Gala organized by co-chairmen Alden Denny, Patrick Brennan and Zack Dugan. The event highlighted the importance of young leadership in the fight against homelessness and recognized those spearheading such efforts with a night of good food and even better music. Proceeds supported the organization’s affordable housing initiative for veterans and their families.
Fletcher Fields and Gregory Baron
Father John Adams, Alden Denny, Patrick Brennan and Zack Dugan
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Samantha Erskine and Jeff Gluchowski
The Red Rockers
Michael Herson
Brandi and Braden Holtby
WL EXCLUSIVE
CAPITALS CASINO NIGHT Sheraton Pentagon City | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL BETTING ON THE CAPS: The entire roster of the Washington Capitals turned out for the Leonsis Foundation’s fifth annual Capitals Casino Night to the delight of the nearly 400 fans who came to play blackjack, craps and roullette with their favorite players. The event raised over $300,000 for the Monumental Sports and Entertainment Foundation, which supports all the charitable efforts of the Capitals, Mystics and Wizards. HOTTEST AUCTION ITEM: A bowling night with Capitals forwards Stanislav Galiev, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin and defenseman Dmitry Orlov Dmitry Orlov.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, Alexander Ovechkin and Susanna Choy
Staci Yolles, Laila Shahbi, Monty Yolles
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Yado Yakub and Margaret Brennan Sen. Ed Markey and George Stevens
David and Katherine McCallum and Jennifer and Christopher Isham
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DAVID MCCALLUM BOOK PARTY Chris and Jennifer Isham Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL U.N.C.L.E.S. AND AUNTS: David McCallum, star of the 1960s hit TV spy show “The Man from U.N.C.L.E,” is 82 and still going strong. He is in the cast of the successful CBS crime series “NCIS” but that’s not the reason he was feted recently at the home of the network’s Washington bureau chief, Chris Isham, and his wife Jennifer. It turns out that the mother of McCallum’s wife, former Vogue model Katherine Eaton Carpenter, is Chris Isham’s maternal aunt. The real excuse for the party turned out to be the actor’s first literary effort, “One A Crooked Man,” a crime novel that recent reviews have deemed “darkly comedic” (New York Post) and “pretty danged good” (Washington Post). ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENT: Having a book signing here of something I wrote,” the guest of honor told the crowd, “is the biggest surprise of my life in all the years I have been wandering around this planet.”
Sheila Casey and Gen. George Casey
Rose Thorne and Elizabeth Stevens VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
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PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES
Star Chefs, military’s finest and feminist pioneers VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!
MARCH OF DIMES SIGNATURE CHEF’S GALA
TEACH FOR AMERICA HOLIDAY PARTY CARL RESIDENCE
RITZ CARLTON WASHINGTON
(Photos by Tony Powell)
(Photos Courtesy of Tony Powell) The national nonprofit Teach For America gathered staff, alumni and supporters for its annual holiday party at the residence of Bernard and Joan Carl. A_er 25 years, 50,000 teachers and 42,000 plus alumni, they have plenty to celebrate. Corps members past and present were there to ring in the occasion. 1. Bri any Whitby and Christie Weiss 2. Joan Carl, Stephen and Andrea Weiswasser
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3. Kimberly Diaz and MenSa Ankh Maa
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Washington’s finest chefs and mixologists cooked for a cause at the Signature Chef’s 19th Annual Gala where Victor Albisu of Del Campo and Taco Bamba, served as the event’s honorary chef. Hundreds of guests made their way around the room to for juiicy bites of Spaghe^o Cupcakes from Lupo Verde’s Chef Domenico Apollaro and sips from members of the D.C. Cra_ Bartenders Guild, who served alongside Jo-Jo Valenzuela of BRINE as the evening’s cocktail chairs. 7. DC Cra Bartenders Guild
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8. Max Mackintosh and Domenico Apollaro
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BROAD INFLUENCE BOOK PARTY CAFÉ MILANO (Photos by Tony Powell) Drawing inspiration from female political prowess, Jay Newton-Small’s new book, “road Influence: How Women are Changing the Way America Works,” celebrates the influence of women in the U.S. political sphere. At her booklaunch, Newton-Small, a TIME correspondent by day, had a chance to mingle with esteemed guests who included House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi. 9. Jay Newton-Small and Rep. Nancy Pelosi
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REFUGEES INTERNATIONAL WASHINGTON, D.C. CIRCLE EVENT
PATRIOTIC MILLIONAIRES’ 5TH ANNIVERSARY JEFFERSON HOTEL
VILLA FIRENZE (Photos by Jay Snap)
(Photos by Tony Powell)
Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero invited an intimate crowd to his residence for Refugee International’s Annual D.C. Circle Event, spearheaded by chairwoman Mariella Trager. Guests gave full a^ention to Jessica Buchanan, an aid worker held hostage by Somali pirates in 2012, as she recounted her harrowing experience and subsequent rescue.
Members and supporters of the Patriotic Millionaire’s organization convened at the Jefferson Hotel with founder Erica Payne, to raise a glass to five years of dedication to the fight for economic equality in America.
4. Jessica Buchanan and Michel Gabaudan 5. Maura Froelich, Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and Mary Ha
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10. Naomi Aberly and Erica Payne
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11. Sen. Jeff Merkley
6. Arline Eltzroth, Mariella Trager, Casilda Hevia and Marisol Perlstein WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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HOME LIFE Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and My Washington
-R 0MZMRK 'SPSV Erin Streeter and Chris Israel mix candy hues and playful patterns in Alexandria. BY AUBREY ALMANZA PHOTOGRAPHS BY TONY BROWN
HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES
hile interior design continues to trend toward a Scandinavian aesthetic and neutral color schemes, Chris Israel and Erin Streeter’s Belle Haven home is anything but minimal. With the help of Alexandriabased interior designers Alex Deringer and Courtney Cox of Ivy Lane Living, the couple has created a whimsicallydetailed home to showcase their personalities and prove “kid-friendly” need not mean boring. Cox and Deringer appealed to the homeowners for their shared emphasis on one-of-a-kind décor. v “I want everything to be unique,” Streeter says, looking around her pink office where even the trim is painted a rosy hue. “It’s different,” she says, “not something you would walk in and see in someone else’s home.” Wandering through the expansive and light-filled house, each room offers a color scheme different than the last. The sitting room features a floral sofa, pink patterned wallpaper, and multicolored, striped curtains. The main living room, on the other hand, has an open, Palm Beach feel and is primarily orange and white with green accents. The dining room is a combination of various shades of blue, offset by gold. The piece-de-resistance, a Tommy Mitchell lucite box chandelier encasing hundreds of gilded butterflies hangs above the dining table. “It’s like a piece of jewelry, a chandelier earring,” Derringer says, noting that it “makes a statement.” The most remarkable facets of Streeter and Israel’s home lie in the details. A butterfly motif can be found throughout, including on the fabric shades in the kitchen and colorful Schumacher wallpaper in the basement mudroom. It’s a subtle way of bringing the outside in, also evidenced in paintings depicting bales of hay, sunflowers and open country, an homage to Streeter and Israel’s home state of Kansas. With such a bold idea of how they envisioned
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OPENING PAGE: Erin Streeter, Chris Israel and their dog, Clementine, sit on a couch from Ivy Lane Living Private Label in the living room while children Lizzie, Lilian and Grant jump behind them. The sofa is finished with low-hanging orange tassels, a detail matching the Brunschwig and Fils wallpaper. PREVIOUS PAGE (clockwise from top left): The family enjoys spending time in the kitchen, where they painted dark wood cabinets white; Two sculptural, standing lamps from Visual Comfort frame the living room fireplace;The basement mudroom features butterfly wallpaper, a motif running throughout the house; Sandy Welch’s painting of Chanel shoes holds a special place in the memories of Streeter and her daughter, who visited the flagship store in Paris together; Streeter and designer Alex Deringer discuss pushing boundaries using color.
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THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left): A Fernando Botero copy hangs above a floral sofa in the sitting room; Gilded butterflies are on display inside the Tommy Mitchell chandelier hanging in the dining room; Ivy Lane worked directly with Streeter and Israel’s eldest daughter, Lizzie, to design her dream bedroom; An abstract Chris Shands painting hangs in the office, Streeter’s favorite room in the house. The hay bales are by Ernst Ulmer, a landscape painter from Streeter and Israel’s native state, Kansas.
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transforming their home — a blank canvas when they purchased it from a builder two years ago — the couple needed interior designers capable of capturing their family’s happy, warm and whimsical style. “I know my taste and what I like, but I can’t always pull it together,” Streeter says. “That’s where the partnership with Ivy Lane has been really fun and rewarding.” After two unsuccessful experiences with other interior design firms, Streeter realizes how important it is for homeowners and designers to have that connection. “I feel like she [Derringer] has me down in a way no one has ever really understood my personality. It is at a place now where I trust her completely. She’ll call and say ‘I have something for you,’ and I know I’m going to like it.” In addition to capturing their family’s personality, Streeter and Israel designed their home to accommodate the activities of their three energetic children and dog, Clementine. The layout of the house is open and provides “so many hiding spots. Every time the designers come or put some new furniture in, we always have more and more places for hide-and-seek,” says 11-year-old Lizzie. Yet, in a home that is always bustling, “functionality is a big thing,” Israel says. “We’re always moving from the kitchen to downstairs to the car. You get on that rotation every day, so making those spaces user-friendly is important because they’re the focal point of your routine.” One of the greatest joys of creating such a stunning, family-friendly home has been Streeter and Israel’s ability to share it with others. From birthday parties and school functions to entertaining friends and colleagues, the colorful residence radiates light and positivity, making it the perfect venue for social gatherings. “This is our home,” Streeter says. “We’re raising our children in this house and we like to have people over.We like to be a part of our community, and I think this house represents that.”
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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS
Local Personality
Don Peebles sells beer baron Christian Heurich’s mansion for $5.8 million, Bruce Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg buys in Kalorama and local painter Eileen Lyons sells in Dupont Circle BY STAC E Y G R A Z I E R P FA R R
Real Estate mogul Don Peebles and his wife Katrina sold THOMPSON CIRCLE NW in Massachusetts Avenue Heights for $5.8 million to an undisclosed buyer. Peebles is the founder and CEO of the Peebles Corporation, the largest African-American-owned real estate development company in the United States. The mansion, built by German-born brewer and philanthropist Christian Heurich in 1929, was meticulously renovated and restored from top to bottom with attention to original details including moldings and millwork, leaded glass windows, iron balustrades, antique French doors and hardwood floors. Other features include a gourmet chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry, breakfast room and adjacent formal dining room overlooking the rear grounds. The Greg and Carroll Team of TTR Sotheby’s listed the property; Beasley’s Jim Bell represented the buyer.
THE DISTRICT Bruce Springsteen band mate and E Street drummer Max Weinberg and his wife bought KALORAMA ROAD NW in Kalorama for $2.4 million. The “Minister of the Big Beat� and his spouse enjoy restoring houses — he says he has bought and sold 36 of them — and also plans to renovate his new five bedroom fieldstone abode. The classic 1927 Colonial is surrounded by mature plantings, boasts private
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rear grounds and is within walking distance of the home of their daughter, Ali, a journalist with ABC News. Long & Foster’s Terri Robinson was the listing agent. Washington Fine Properties’ James Kaull represented the buyers. Local artist and painter Eileen Lyons sold TH STREET NW with the help of Beasley’s Jim Bell for $1,496,000. The historic four-bedroom Dupont Circle row house comes
with a carriage house/garage, private walled garden and roof deck. Mary Cunningham of Washington Investment Properties was the buyer’s agent. Derek Hamner, co-founder of Districtbased Learning Objectives, bought a sunfilled, whimsical Dutch Colonial at
HAWTHORNE STREET NW in Wesley Heights from Vineet Kalucha for $2,407,500. The unique four-bedroom house was built in 1926
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by renowned architect Dickson Carroll and features an open floor plan, an elevator to all four levels and ample natural light provided by 94 windows. Florence Meers and Matt McCormick of Washington Fine Properties represented the seller. Ben Roth of the Morrell-McCormick-Roth Team represented the buyer.
MARYLAND Andrea and David Ridgway bought BELMART ROAD for $2,595,000 from Evelyn Becker and Tom Jerman. Washington Fine Properties’ Adaline Neely was the listing agent. Kari Dainty, also of Washington Fine Properties, was the buyer’s agent. The fivebedroom Potomac Falls house was built in 1973 and boasts an exquisite library, media room, 1,000-plus-bottle wine cellar and a swimming pool. VIRGINIA Andrew Butler and Pooneh Fracyon are the newest residents of The Reserve after buying BALLESTRADE COURT in Mclean for $3,150,000 from Sheila Jahan, a local neurologist. Fracyon is the liaison to Alma Powell at the America’s Promise Alliance. Custom-built in 2006, the 10,000-square-foot Tuscan-style house features five bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, porte-cochère leading to a three-car garage, a sweeping stairway with a copper banister, a cinema and terraced lawns overlooking wooded parkland. Long & Foster brokered both sides of the sale with Fouad Talout representing the seller and Fetneh Schacht working for the buyer. James McGonigle bought SAINT ASAPH STREET from John Beerbower , a retired attorney, for $3,875,000 with McEnearney Associates’ Babs Beckwith representing both sides of the transaction. Arguably one of the finest houses in Old Town, this stately four-story brick townhouse was built in 1780 and sits on a double lot with towering trees and tranquil gardens. The property offers five bedrooms and five baths, high ceilings, many original tall windows, hardwood floors, five wood burning fireplaces and period mantelpieces and moldings.
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CHESTERFIELD PLACE NW fetched $4 million earlier this year when Kevin Ford and Kevin Barnhart purchased the custom-built, six-bedroom Gibson residence from Jonathan Schiller, a cofounder and a managing partner of Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP. The stunning 8,900-square-foot Georgian residence, built in 1991, boasts a soaring, central sky-lit gallery and a sleek Robert Gurney kitchen with a wall of glass overlooking Rock Creek Park. The property comes with a 50-foot pool and pool house with kitchen, bath and a changing room. Washington Fine Properties’ Heidi Hatfield and Anne Hatfield Weir were the listing agents. TTR Sotheby’s Michael Rankin was the buyer’s agent.
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7686 Ballestrade Court
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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS
PROPERTY LINES GEORGETOWN PERFECTION: Edward Grubb has listed P STREET NW in Georgetown for $3,250,00. The four-bedroom Federal was built circa 1813 and features many period details as well as a large rear garden and garage. The property boasts beautiful pine floors, four fireplaces and a large renovated kitchen opening to a family room and patio. Washington Fine Properties’ Anne Weir and Heidi Hatfield are the listing agents. FLY HOME: A former early 20th century factory at - GIRARD STREET NW, a manufacturing site for some of the world’s earliest helicopters, will be transformed by Brick Lane Real Estate Development into a 7,600-square-foot penthouse or split into two units of 5,100 square feet and 2,500 square feet. The Pleasant Plains property is exclusively represented by Michael Hines of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
“THE LINDENS� DROPS BY $1.75 million: The oldest house in the District, got a dramatic price cut. Nina and Ken Brody are now selling KALORAMA ROAD NW for $8,750,000. Originally built as a summer residence in Danvers Mass. in 1754 by Robert Hooper, a wealthy merchant and English loyalist, it was dismantled nail by nail and rebuilt in Washington from 19351937 by George Maurice Morris and his wife, Miriam Hubbard Morris. Ken Brody is a co-founder of the $8.2 billion hedge fund firm Taconic Capital Advisors. The six-bedroom four-level mansion, known as “The Lindens� after the many linden trees that originally surrounded it in Danvers, is set amidst a majestic half-acre lot and features embassy sized rooms, two kitchens, a lower level tavern room and spa. It is now listed by William F. X. Moody, Robert Hryniewick, Adam T. Rackliffe and Christopher R. Leary of Washington Fine Properties.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: A grand and gracious 1956 brick Colonial is listed at $2.9 million with Washington Fine Properties’ Heidi Hatfield and Anne Weir. The elegantly proportioned LOWELL STREET NW house sits on a half-acre lot in Kent and features five bedrooms, eight baths and a large lower level recreation room.
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PETWORTH PRIZES: Compass Real Estate’s Alex Venditti and Jill Patel are listing agents for three new condominiums at VARNUM STREET NW. The three-unit development features a penthouse that is already under contract, listed at $574,000. Unit 1 is also under contract and listed at $589,900. Unit 2 is still available and is offered at $619,900. The twobedroom, two-bath unit features large open space, an abundance of natural light, a gleaming gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops and a master bedroom and ensuite bath. Send real estate news to Stacey Grazier Pfarr at editorial@washingtonlife.com.
770 Girard - Warehouse Kitchen
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home life | open house
High-End Offerings Stunning homes now on the market.
KENT
5050 Millwood Lane NW, Washington, DC 20016 On a showstopping half-acre lot, this stunning house exudes charm from its whitewashed brick exterior to an interior rich with exquisite architectural details. On one of Kent’s most admired streets, it offers privacy and views rarely seen in a city residence. Generously proportioned rooms complement the gorgeous, tranquil setting, making this home equally suited for entertaining and contemplation.
PALISADES
4914 Ashby St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Asking Price: $3,750,000
A custom home by award winning Laurence Cafritz Builders, designed by GTM Architects, this exquisite 6 bedroom, 6.5 bath house is ideally situated in the Palisades neighborhood and offers 6,605 square feet of living space on a rare large level lot. It’s only a short walk to local shops and restaurants and a short drive to Georgetown and downtown..
Listing Agent: Hans Wydler, Wydler Brothers, Principal Broker, Licensed in MD, DC & VA, 202.600.2727, Hans@ WydlerBrothers.com
Asking Price: $3,395,000 Listing Agent: Margot Wilson, Washington Fine Properties, 202-549-2100
KALORAMA
2411 Tracy Place Northwest, Washington, DC 20008 Your oasis in the city awaits on one of Kalorama’s prettiest streets. Approximately 3,400 square foot Georgian home, renovated to the highest level with Waterworks baths, Wolf and Subzero appliances in the chef ’s kitchen. The kitchen/family room opens to an enchanted garden through 2 sets of French doors. All bedrooms have ensuite Waterworks baths. There is ample parking for 3-plus cars.
Asking Price: $2,990,000 Listing Agent: Marin Hagen & Sylvia Bergstrom, Coldwell Banker, 202.257.2339
MCLEAN
1111 Crest Lane, McLean, VA 22101 This classic, European-style estate is nestled among mature trees on coveted Crest Lane and is just 16 minutes to the White House. With a distinguished history of owners, including prominent statesmen and business leaders, it has entertained dignitaries from around the world. The kitchen opens directly to a family dining room and then to a two-story library that features 19th-century antique bookcases. From classical architectural details to timeless interior finishes, this timeless estate is located in the heart of one of the region’s most prestigious residential areas.
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2016
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Asking Price: $3,095,000 Listing Agent: The Yerks Team of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
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MY WASHINGTON Eric Ziebold, chef, Kinship and Métier restaurants BY KEVIN CHAFFEE
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WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY WITH REGARD TO THE ART OF CUISINE? First and foremost, you have to get to a point of mastering your craft, and then you can start to build an emotional reaction to the food and experience your guests will enjoy. That is when it becomes the art of dining. WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE WASHINGTON INSTEAD OF NEW YORK OR ELSEWHERE? The dynamic of Washington being a small city that carries an enormous weight on various levels (politics, world decisions, art) played a role in my decision to move here. I also enjoy the diversity — its character, architecture, charm and history.
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WHAT MAKES YOUR TWO NEW RESTAURANTS, KINSHIP AND MÉTIER, UNIQUE? Both restaurants at their core offer a unique and focused approach to an overall experience that we want people to share: Kinship is all about comfort, warmth and camaraderie. Métier is about celebration; it’s hopefully a calming pursuit of excellence that inspires people to enjoy the beauty of life. IF YOU HAD TO NAME ONE SPECIALTY DISH, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Kinship’s Maine Lobster French Toast.
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WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER FOR YOUR LAST MEAL? Potato Mousseline with Meyer Lemon Butter and Sea Urchin; Lobster French Toast; Roasted Squab with Truffles and Foie Gras; and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Soufflé.
MY TOP SPOTS RdV Vineyards in Delaplane, Va. (1) This is a gorgeous Bordeaux-style winery from Rutger de Vink. His Rendezvous wine is delicious. I use land there where I grow vegetables and herbs for the spring and summer menus. Darryl Carter’s Studio (1320 9th St. NW) Carter is an award-winning interior designer who believes that the most outstanding spaces “tell the story of the people who live there.” He helped bring our restaurant vision to life, creating a space that feels effortless, current and lasting all at once. Ani Kasten Ceramic Studio in the Gateway Arts District, Mt. Ranier Md. Ani is an artist specializing in ceramic sculptures and vessels. She created a customized plate for Métier which is spectacular. Bread Furst Bakery (2) (4434 Connecticut Ave. NW) This is one of Washington’s premier bakeries and Mark Furstenburg makes the city’s best baguettes and ancient grain bread. My wife Celia and I enjoy a lovely stroll through Georgetown near the C & O Canal (3), followed by an aperitif and the shellfish platter at Fiola Mare (3100 K St. NW). Getting a seat on the patio overlooking the Potomac River is relaxing and offers a different perspective of D.C. Frank Milwee’s Antiques (2912 M St. NW) in Georgetown is where I originally found inspiration for the Parker House rolls I first served in CityZen. His leather cigar boxes inspired the wooden boxes used to serve the bite-sized rolls. Additionally, Celia and I have found beautiful and unusual silver pieces that we use in our home when entertaining. Weschler’s Auction House (909 E St. NW) The District’s oldest auction house is great for finds ranging from tableware to antique furniture and is a wonderful source for beautiful, antiquated objects. I bought an Amish chimney case for our house there.
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Z I E B O L D P H OTO BY J E N N I F E R C H A S E P H OTO G RA P H Y; 1. CO U RT E SY O F R DV V I N E YA R D S ; 2 . B R E A D F U R ST CO U RT E SY O F C E L I A L AU R E N T; 3 . C & O C A N A L P H OTO V I A W I KI M E D I A CO M M O N S ; 4 . CO U RT E SY O F W E SC H L E R’S
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HOW ARE YOU HANDLING YOUR RECENT FAME AFTER BEING LAUDED FOR CULINARY DEXTERITY IN SARAH KAUFMAN’S BOOK ‘THE ART OF GRACE’? The inclusion was very flattering. We used being featured in one of the chapters as a training tool as well as validation of the message of grace and service that we are trying to express to our kitchen and dining room staff.