The Georgetowner January 27, 2010 by The Georgetowner

THE

GEORGETOWNER VOLUME 57 NUMBER 9

Since 1954

JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 10 2010

Real Estate Special

Starting the New Year

Class

with

Under Contract

Georgetown

Mass Avenue Heights

Georgetown

Giorgio Furioso | 202.518.7888

Hugh Oates | 202.257.5640 Judy Lewis | 202.256.0522 Jonathan Taylor | 202.276.3344

Theresa Burt | 202.258.2600

This sophisticated detached brick residence has been extensively remodeled using high end custom materials and finishes. The center hall opens into the principal entertaining rooms of the house which lead to the rear garden and pool through multiple sets of French doors. The formal dining room opens to the state-of-the-art Boffi kitchen. 5 bedrooms, 4.5 Waterworks baths. 1-car garage parking. $3,995,000.

Georgetown

Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344

Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344 Julia Diaz-Asper | 202.256.1887

Georgetown

Foxhall

Georgetown

Giorgio Furioso | 202.518.7888

Diana Hart | 202.271.2717 Mary Fox | 202.316.9631

Rick Leverrier | 202.957.7777

1907 Georgian classic offers incredible space for entertaining. Grand entry features 11’ ceiling. Formal LR and DR, chef ’s kitchen with Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances, flagstone patio, master bedroom suite with sitting room, dressing room & 2 baths en-suite. 3 additional bedrooms, fully finished basement, 2 car garage plus storage. Elevator. $6,350,000.

Historic Georgetown detached house on a cobblestone street. Elegant formal living room with fireplace and built in book shelves. Heart of pine wide plank floors throughout the main levels. Large formal dining room with crown molding. Each of the four bedrooms has a full bathroom. Large southern facing garden with brick pathways leads to a garage with up to six car parking! $3,500,000.

Elegant French-inspired residence entirely reconstructed and expanded. Gorgeous architecture, custom millwork, plaster crown molding, extensive modern amenities. 6 BR, 5.5 baths, library, two family rms, gym, state-ofthe-art wiring, enormous MBR w/vaulted ceiling. 2-car gar, ample off-street prkg. $5,995,000.

Incredible 4 BR, 4.5 bath unit at the Ritz-Georgetown. Approx. 4,000 sq ft, spectacular contemporary open living space, state-of-the-art kitchen, wine cellar, great river views and tons of sunlight from floor-to-ceiling windows. 2-car parking included. $2,995,000.

Jonathan Taylor | 202.276.3344

Russell Firestone | 202.271.1701

Georgetown

Elegant E. Village home with great entertaining flow features beautiful parlor w/built-ins, wood burning fireplace and French doors overlooking a very private landscaped garden. Separate DR seats 14+. Garden facing Master suite w/2 walk-in closets. Two extra bedrooms and hall bath. Lower level library/den/media room w/sound system. Staff quarters. Attached Garage. $2,285,000.

Julia Diaz-Asper | 202.256.1887

Refined East Village property with two-car parking. The main house offers 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Two baths are completely redone w/Waterworks & Restoration Hardware materials. Closet space galore, custom Pedini closet system in the Master. One bedroom au pair suite in LL w/separate entrance. $2,225,000.

www.ttrsir.com

Worthy of grand entertaining, this important home offers large formal public rooms as well as comfortable family and guest quarters. The curved bow window at the front faces a historic cobblestone street. With a 3 car garage enclosing the classic garden, this is urban Georgetown neighborhood living at its best. $4,995,000.

Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344

Complete & tasteful restoration of this classic Georgetown residence w/ elegant entertaining rooms. French doors lead from LR and DR to professionally designed deep south garden. Well appointed chef ’s kitch & breakfast area, exquisite MBR & sublime Waterworks bath, 3 additional BR and 2 more Waterworks baths on the 2nd & 3rd floors. Formal office w/ custom built-ins. Excellent storage. 1-car gar & driveway pkg. $2,475,000.

Gorgeous home in a stunning setting! Large, beautiful 1937 Tudor with 5 BR + study and 4.5 baths. Great 1st floor family room opens onto deck w/fabulous views overlooking Glover Archibold Park. Wonderful kitchen, big formal DR. Master suite offers his/her baths. Finished lower level and 2-car garage. A treasure in move-in condition. $1,490,000.

Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 202.333.1212

Georgetown

Excellent East Village Location! Superb 2006 renovation brought virtually everything new to this Federal style home. Large sun-filled rooms, wood floors, FDR, FLR with large bay window & gas fireplace and French doors opening to rear garden, gourmet kit, custom office. Sun-filled MBR & lux bath. Spectacular garden with water features & loggia. PARKING. $2,295,000.

Remarkable Georgetown semi-detached with PARKING in rear. Bright and cheery, this home, near the top of Mansion Hill offers 11’ ceilings, two original fireplaces on the first floor & a cloistered rose garden with brick patio. This home has some of the original details, along with the potential to be enlarged or enhanced. Near Montrose Park. $1,295,000.

McLean, VA 703.319.3344

Chevy Chase, MD 301.967.3344

© MMX Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Les Bords de l’Epte a Giverny, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

2 January 27, 2010 gmg, Inc.

Serving Washington, DC Since 1954

“The Newspaper Whose Influence Far Exceeds Its Size” About the Cover:

Vol. 57, No. 9

GM G georgetown media group

Publisher Sonya Bernhardt Editor at Large David Roffman Feature Editors Garrett Faulkner Gary Tischler Publisher’s Assistant Siobhan Catanzaro Contributors Andrew O’Neill Jack Evans Bill Starrels Jordan Wright Ari Post John Blee Jennifer Gray Donna Evers

Alexis Miller Patricia Lipe Linda Roth Mary Bird Claire Swift Pam Burns Michelle Galler Lauretta McCoy

Photographers Yvonne Taylor Tom Wolff Neshan Naltchayan Jeff Malet Malek Naz Freidouni Robert Devaney Advertising Director Charlie Louis Advertising Daniel Gray Jennifer Gray Graphic Design Alyssa Loope Jennifer Merino Counsel Juan Chardiet, Attorney

Published by Georgetown Media Group, Inc. 1054 Potomac St., N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 338-4833 Fax: (202) 338-3292 editorial@georgetowner.com www.georgetowner.com Find us on Twitter (SonyaBernhardt) or Facebook (I Love The Georgetowner) The Georgetowner is published every other Wednesday. The opinions of our writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect the editorial and corporate opinions of The Georgetowner newspaper. The Georgetowner accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. The Georgetowner reserves the right to edit, re-write, or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions. Copyright, 2009.

Our Contributors:

contents

Georgetown Pilates photo by Sergei Shauchenka Assorted pottery Photo by Susan Weber CulinAerie Photo by Jeff Malet

4-5 — GT Observer Story Time with CAG Word on the Street 6-7 — Editorial/Opinion Rhee in Hot Water

Gary Tischler has written for the Georgetowner for 30 years, covering the arts and entertainment community, museums, politics and writing profiles of notable — and regular — folks during that time. He lives in Adams Morgan, where he is wellknown for being a companion to his Bichon Frise, Bailey. He was awarded two Associated Press feature writing prizes for his work with two daily newspapers in the San Francisco Bay area prior to coming to Washington. Tischler is a native of Munich, Germany.

Letters to the Editor Jack Evans Report A Day to Remember Obituaries Saying No to Emperor Obama

Donna Evers has more than 35 years of experience in the residential real estate business in the Washington Metro area. With offices in Chevy Chase, Dupont and Virginia Countryside and more than 70 agents, Evers & Co. specializes in listing distinguished properties and providing highly personalized service to clients. Donna and her husband Bob have renovated 23 properties, including two in Paris, France, where they own an apartment in the sixth arrondissement. They also own a vineyard and Twin Oaks Tavern Winery in Bluemont, VA, one hour from Washington, where their second home and the Virginia countryside office is located. Donna appears regularly on radio, television and in print to discuss the Metro area real estate market. A longtime history buff, she writes historical columns for The Georgetowner and Washington Life magazine. A native of D.C., John Blee has written for Art/World in New York and teaches at UDC. As a painter he has shown in several local galleries, as well as in New York and Paris. His work is in the collection of museums in Los Angeles, New York (including the Museum of Modern Art) and Yerevan, Armenia. He thrives on the richness and diversity of museums and galleries in D.C. as well as living in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the US.

8-9—Education Artists Abroad 10-14 — Real Estate Agent Spotlight

Ask the Realtor Featured Property Real Estate Sales Mortgage 15 — Le Decor Home Decor for

For next issue: On Jan. 26 we had a chance to preview the Smithsonian’s latest exhibit, “From Impressionism to Modernism: The Chester Dale Collection.” Opening to the public on Jan. 31 and continuing through July 31, 2011, the Chester Dale collection is up in its full glory at the National Gallery. Dale was a tough and astute businessman as well as a great collector of art. His bequest to the National Gallery is considered the backbone of the French 19th and 20th century collections. Chester Dale’s wife, Maud, played a large role in the development of the collection. Dale was eight years younger than Maud, and had been a friend of her first husband, whom she divorced. In the photograph she is shown at her stylish best. In the wonderful Leger portrait we sense some of the power of her personality. Included in the exhibition is Picasso’s great masterpiece of the rose/blue period, “Family of Saltimbanques” upon which Rilke based his “Fifth Elegy.” Look for an extensive review of the National Gallery’s latest exhibit in our Feb. 10 issue.

the Winter Doldrums 16-17 — Cover Story Starting the New Year with Class 18 — Museum Harry Cooper: Faceted Curator 19 — Feature I Want to Hold Your Hand 20-21 — In Country Off to the B&B 24-25 — Dining Cocktail of the Week In the Mood: Ten Suggestions

Subscribe Enjoy The Georgetowner in your home for only $36 per year! Since 1954, The Georgetowner has been bringing you the latest news from the most soughtafter neighborhood in Washington. Now you can subscribe to The Georgetowner – 26 issues for $36 per year – sent right to your mailbox. We promise to continue to entertain you with exciting village news about society, dining, fashion and more. You won’t want to miss a word. Join our remarkable subscribers, “the most influential audience in the world” and support a unique community newspaper today! Name: ____________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________ Send check or money order to: Georgetown Media Group 1054 Potomac Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Or pay with your credit card by calling: 202-338-4833

for Valentine’s Day Weekend Dining 28 — Body & Soul 2010, Broke Again? Not This Year 29-31— Social Scene Lovely Lolo Latino Student Fund Labels of Love The Georgetowner Photo Exhibit Opening Reception gmg, Inc. January 27, 2010 3

Observer

Compiled by Garrett Faulkner

Story time at CAG n a town bursting with historical significance, sometimes it’s good to hear about the good ol’ days. Georgetown as it was. That was true on Jan. 19’s monthly gathering of the Citizens Association of Georgetown, where the community’s most prominent residents and reminiscers held court over a large audience of locals at the City Tavern Club (3206 M St.) to deliver a collection of tales about their village in days gone by: the Depression, the eminent JFK and Jackie O. era that put Georgetown on the socialite’s map, the city’s drawn-out languishing and final slump into darker, crime-plagued years, and the swift resurgence to a neighborhood spry with glitzy stores and youthful verve backed by a pedigree a half century in the making. The event was part of a larger endeavor dubbed the CAG Oral History Project, which, like the Library of Congress’ mammoth folk recording project of the early 20th century, intends to weave a “living history” of Georgetown — the voices, the stories, the grainy photographs, the old relics. Committee member Annie Lou Berman, who emceed the gathering, said CAG hopes “to collect stories and memories of people who grew up in Georgetown, worked in Georgetown and raised families here.” Berman petitioned for volunteers to help with the interviewing effort, the transcripts from which will eventually make their way to the newly built Peabody Room at the Georgetown Library. Most of the interviewees that evening were in their 80s or older and recalled moving to Georgetown during the tumult of the late ’50s

Frida Burling, John Richardson and Hugh Jacobsen

and ’60s, when president-as-celebrity hysteria reached its apex and activism rumbled nationwide. Those were fast-paced times, and in the eye of the storm a little community stood together and grew up into what it is today. The stories, as they should, really served as a reflection of their tellers’ personalities: some addled, some self-aggrandizing, a few sidesplittingly funny. John Richardson spoke fondly of his brother-in-law and former CAG President Juan Cameron, who died last summer. Cameron served as a Navy pilot in World War II and led a distinguished life as a Washington newsman. That was back when reporting was notoriously a manly man’s profession, and later on he became a stalwart opponent to rising crime rates as CAG president. He was also hard of hearing, and when he inadvertently cold-shouldered a mugger on his way to deliver a CAG crime

report, he was shot in the leg. The indefatigable Cameron, bleeding profusely, limped into O Street’s Christ Church and gave his (very anecdotal) report. The crowd was mortified, but nowadays they simply chuckle — he survived the incident and would live a healthy 20 years more. Jack Lynch, a born-and-bred Georgetowner, grew up during the 1929 market crash and resulting Depression. N Street, he said, and the village at large, was different then, “a very humble town.” Still, it was alive and abuzz, full of sights and smells — Lynch recalled milkmen on horseback and a grubby dive called Martin’s Tavern, where he worked as a waiter and which he deemed “nasty as hell” (for the record, the tavern nowadays has a sterling reputation). Hugh Newell Jacobsen, somewhat of a local celebrity for his architectural work in Georgetown, said his grown children still think of their

original 27th Street house as home. Page Wilson remembered discovering a human skull on her Q Street property, and, after her children recited their best Shakespeare, burying it with dignity in her garden. And the remarkably sanguine Frida Burling, who has lived in the same 29th Street house for 50 years, was all smiles telling her history as the neighborhood’s foremost doyenne and philanthropist. The stories were, on the whole, fairly similar: mostly minutiae, nostalgia, the little details that don’t make headlines but endure warmly in the mind. Some details were, no doubt, embellished or rearranged. Some, perhaps, conjured from thin air. But in a way these little indiscretions are fair game in storytelling, the larger purpose of which is to burnish the truth just enough to both preserve it and capture the imagination, to make more authentic and lifelike what otherwise would be a dry snippet of historical record. By meeting’s end, the audience wore little smiles and the storyteller’s eyes were alight. Something had been shared. History had come to life. More than ever, it felt like a community was at work.

Word on the Street: • The suspense is reaching a feverish pitch on M and Wisconsin, where rumors are flying that a tenant finally has put down for the forlornlooking space that once housed Nathans, the quintessential Georgetown watering hole that closed up shop forever last July. Carol Joynt,

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who owned Nathans, orchestrated its popular Q&A Cafe broadcasts and frequently blogs about tidings in Georgetown, wrote Jan. 23 that a â&#x20AC;&#x153;reliable sourceâ&#x20AC;? had confirmed recent speculation the property was being leased. â&#x20AC;&#x192; The question is: to whom? â&#x20AC;&#x192; Even Joynt doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know for sure, but she has a few ideas. One guess is that The Modern shut down its old location at 3287 M St. with the intent of reopening on the heavily trafficked Wisconsin Ave. corner. An even juicier possibility is the opening of Serendipity 3, already a sensation in New York among celebrities and citizenry alike. Fashioned after an old-time ice cream parlor, the shop serves ultra-gourmet desserts, entrĂŠe food and, if so desired, a glass of the sauce to complete the ensemble. The latter could prove to be quite a boon for the company, which would face no restrictions on foodto-alcohol sales under a (highly coveted) tavern

license inherited from Nathans. â&#x20AC;&#x192; At press time, however, nothing is set in stone. Marcus and Millichapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Josh Feldman, the propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s listing agent, would not comment on any negotiations pertaining to it. â&#x20AC;˘ The revolving door that is Georgetownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial real estate market is still turning, with several new businesses setting up shop in the village. The Washington Business Journal reported earlier this month a new cafĂŠ, called Midtown, will occupy the former site of District Fine Arts on upper Wisconsin Avenue. Down the street, Puro CafĂŠ (1529 Wisconsin Ave.) recently opened up, serving a variety of patisseries and Mediterranean Fare. â&#x20AC;&#x192; Also, the recently released ANC 2E meeting agenda for next month lists an interesting petition for design approval. None other than the top-notch clothier Brooks Brothers is vy-

ing for the space once occupied by Smith and Hawken (3077 M St.). The home improvement chain closed stores nationwide last summer, and its downstairs neighbor Pottery Barn has announced similar plans to vacate the premise. Brooks Brothers, which has tailored for a long line of presidents from Lincoln to Obama, will no doubt be a welcome addition to Georgetown after losing several high-end merchants last year. â&#x20AC;&#x192; Not everything is well in the Georgetown business world, however. Carol Joynt was agog last week when she discovered Commander Salamander, Wisconsin Avenueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s caterer to counterculture for over 20 years, was liquidating its merchandise â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a precursor, she believes, to the storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closing. Commander Salamanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manager, who declined to give her name, said liquidation was in progress but would not confirm any planned closing. â&#x20AC;&#x192; Punk may be dead after all, at least in Georgetown. â&#x20AC;˘ Also in business, the Georgetown BID is beefing up their marketing staff. Marketing Manager Debbie Young told The Georgetowner the BID has hired a new marketing specialist, Laura Corridon. Along with Director Nancy Miyahira, this brings the BIDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketing team up to three. We hope their efforts will help to stem the recent tide of struggling commerce in the village. â&#x20AC;˘ As Georgetown University revelers and frazzled neighbors wait with bated breath, the District Board of Zoning Assessment is keeping suspense high on the question of Philly Pizza, which received another temporary stay on its occupancy license suspension Jan. 12, accord-

ing to university blog Vox Populi. The decision apparently has less to do with legal maneuvering than it does bureaucratic inertia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the hearing reportedly lasted over six hours, including several recesses and a long tug-of-war match between Philly owner Mehmet Kocak and ANC commissioners over exactly how many customers opt for take-out pizza (the answer, as it turns out, is well over 50 percent). Kocakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license does not provide for operation of a takeout establishment, which, his opponents argue, places him in violation of zoning ordinances. By the time BZA members cut the hearing short, no ruling had been reached. Could the pesky pizza peddler end up getting nine lives? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find out Feb. 9.

SARAH GORMAN, INC. REAL ESTATE WASHINGTON, D.C.

202.333.1650

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gmg, Inc. January 27, 2010 5

Editorials/opinion

Rhee in hot water

t’s been a bumpy week or so for District of Columbia Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. Item #1: “I got rid of teachers who had hit children, who had had sex with children, who had missed 78 days of school. Why wouldn’t we take those things into consideration?” That’s a quote by Rhee from a brief item in the February edition of “Fast Company,” a publication aimed at young entrepreneurs. She was responding to accusations about the fairness of the controversial firings of 266 teachers over a budget crunch in the falls. Questions about the layoffs still linger, but they are officially a done deal. When the quote surfaced last Friday, there was immediate outrage and protest from the D.C. Teachers Union and a call for an appearance before the council by D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray, all signs of a billowing, major controversy brewing. Rhee officially remained silent for days, finally giving an interview to a local television newsman. When the firings incurred demonstrations,

Item #2: Earlier in January, a report leaked out that there were plans afoot to move two hearings and heated, angry Duke Ellington School comments from teachers and for the Arts to a Northeast students, Rhee promised to Elementary School site, improve communications with making way for a high the council. The latest contreschool that would serve temps isn’t going to help much. Ward 2 residents. No comThe comment seems, on its ments were given by either surface, unnecessary, reckless the Fenty administration or and thoughtless and appears from Rhee, although Ward to tar the fired teachers with a 2 Councilman Jack Evans generalized brush. praised the idea. In the interview with Tom Less than a week later, Sherwood, Rhee said one Rhee said the district teacher had been on adminishad no plans to move the trative leave for sexual misconschool out of Georgetown duct, six served suspensions for after being hit with scores corporal punishment and two Michelle Rhee photo by David Clow of e-mails and telephone were suspended for unauthorcalls from parents protesting the move. ized absences. All of them had been part of the teachers that were fired in the fall. She did not With her support crumbling, Rhee will have apologize for her comments. to work fast to convince constituents she isn’t At the time of writing, Councilmen Harry a completely loose cannon. The events of this Thomas (Ward 5) and Marion Barry (Ward next week may make or break her tenure as 8) were holding a press conference on Rhee’s education czar. Stay tuned. comments.

A Day to remember By David Roffman Georgetowner Frida Burling spoke to the congregation at Georgetown’s St. John’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, Jan. 17. She was asked to talk about her memories of that day in 1963 when Rev. Martin Luther King spoke at the Lincoln Memorial. Frida Burling was born in 1915, and remembers what a sleepy little southern town Washington, D.C. was in the ’20s and ’30s. She also remembers the total segregation in the city: schools, restaurants, bathrooms. She remembers the signs at public drinking fountain labeled “white only,” and the fact that her black friends could not be served a Coca-Cola at the drug store lunch counters. But Burling recalled how the Great Depression brought Franklin Delano Roosevelt to the White House, and with him lots of bright young men to Washington “to save the world,” which “especially awakened Georgetown to a whole new life.” Burling told the young congregants at St. John’s: “I married one of these Yankees, a Boston blueblood, who gently showed me that my acceptance of this apartheid was totally unfair and morally wrong. This is important, the fact that I changed completely proves that one can change, and there are still many changes that need to be made.” Although a heart attack ended her husband’s life much too early, Burling had learned her lesson well, still feeling strongly against segregation. Four years later she married her late husband’s good friend, whose feelings were similar, and “we even did some integrated entertaining.” She recalled watching on television the horrific pictures of blacks being lynched, children being bombed at church, angry dogs and fire-

6 January 27, 2010 gmg, Inc.

hoses breaking up nonviolent protests and marches. “Much of the country began to be aware of the two strong forces on opposite sides. Martin Luther King spoke out, preaching non-violence, but TV showed clearly angry Southern women spitting at well-behaved children peacefully trying to integrate their school even under the protection of the state troopers.” When Dr. King and other leaders called for a peaceful March in August 1963 to be held in D.C., Mrs. Burling knew she had to be there to stand up for what she believed. “We were enjoying summer in Middleburg but I packed some sandwiches and my camera and drove into Georgetown to pick up my mother, who felt as I did. She was about 60 and I about 40. We rode a bus partway downtown, not sure where we were headed, nor what we faced. Would we be attacked by spitting counter-demonstrators or dogs or worse? But we had to show up for the good guys, to make our peaceful protest.” “We hopped off the bus when we heard fabulous singing and music coming out of St. John’s Church at Lafayette Square. We stayed awhile but then most of us moved on, down beside the Square, where we saw lines of buses pulled up, marked Selma, Birmingham, etc. We were very moved by this sight, realizing these people had dared to come even though they might well lose their job, or their home, for daring to make this long tiring trip all night on their buses. “Then on down past the White House to the [Washington] Monument, where I paid a dollar for a placard on a stick to carry, which read: “I Have a Dream” ... Crowds increasing all along the way, the friendliest, happiest crowd I had ever encountered. I was glad to see Craig Eder and Canon Martin from St.Albans School. We

Letters to the editor To the editor: Dominion Power’s request for a rate increase should be denied. Their profit in 2008 was over $520 million (19 percent net profit), which is absurd. Then to request a rate hike is ludicrous. Virginia needs a mandatory REC (Renewable Energy Credit) system. The present voluntary system does not benefit us who have installed, at our own expense, solar energy systems. The present system allows Dominion to gain $500 million to $1 billion off the backs of ratepayers. Mandatory RECs will hold companies like Dominion accountable to Virginia home and business owners who will then be the beneficiaries. Virginia is the only state in this area not to have a REC payment system to entice those of us who have invested so much in renewable energy sources to use in supporting our investment. The main reason that I have participated in the DMME (Dept of Mines, Minerals and Energy) Solar Rebate Program is of the greatly improved ROI (return on investment) made possible by the ability to market my RECs in other states. Otherwise, I would not have been able to invest in solar renewable energy because of its cost. Virginia must get on the wagon to encourage solar and other alternative energy systems. And Dominion must be held accountable. — Steele Lipe, Haymarket, VA To the Georgetowner staff: Kris and I had a wonderful time [at The Georgetowner’s photo contest reception and Haiti benefit]. We have been talking about just how welcoming and friendly everybody was! You and the rest of the staff did an outstanding job putting the whole thing together. It was a memorable event for us. I hope that in the end, the Georgetowner found the photography contest worthwhile and beneficial. I look forward to participating again next year! — Jeff Kouri Mr. Kouri’s winning photograph “Cold Misty Morning” appeared on our Jan. 13 cover. To the editor:

Frida Burling all walked on together towards the Lincoln Memorial. We had been there early enough so were able to sit on the grass near and below the platform where the leaders and singers would be. We ate sandwiches and chatted with everyone else. We were all one united group, black and white, old and young, all ‘brothers.’ “We heard the speeches and songs, but even King’s wonderful famous speech was not the main item that day. It was the atmosphere of love being shared, the strong feeling of the brotherhood of man. I felt that on this one day in that one place, we all shared the grace of God which passeth all understanding. It was an unforgettable day.”

Just a note to say that I was fascinated by John Blee’s interview of Harry Cooper. Blee seems to have gotten to the heart of Cooper’s philosophy. Cooper strikes me as a remarkable blend of intelligence and accessibility, with deep artistic knowledge and yet a keen awareness of how to make art interesting and engaging for the modern audience. Especially after seeing Kandinsky’s Guggenheim show and following his quest to generate through painting the emotion that we feel with music, it’s very interesting to learn about Cooper’s efforts to juxtapose these art forms. I look forward to seeing how his diverse background plays itself out in his future curatorial work at the National Gallery. Thanks for a great piece. — Anastasya Partan Tveteraas

opinion

Saying no to emperor obama By Alan Caruba

es, it’s true. The emperor has no clothes. Even in a State where you cannot swing a dead cat without hitting a dozen Democrats, the voters said “No.” “We don’t want your odious Medicare ‘reform.’ We don’t want to be forced to buy insurance. We don’t want a bill that exists only because every sweetheart deal and other form of bribery was used to get it to this point in the Senate.” And, ignored by the media, it was no to amnesty for illegal aliens as well, another issue of Scott Brown’s race. The significance of the Massachusetts victory for Scott Brown is the repudiation of Barack Hussein Obama, his policies, and his performance in office. It wasn’t the first time the voters sent the White House this message. They told him to buzz off in Virginia and they told him to get lost in New Jersey. This is a tangible voter backlash against profligate spending and exces-

Obituaries By Gary Tischler Robert B. Parker, author Robert B. Parker wrote a lot, but if you were a fan, not too much. He was old school — he died at 77 last week — but inspired the new school of mystery and tough guy writers with his sparse language, brisk plotting, and humor. Parker admitted that he loved and admired Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, and their successor, Ross MacDonald. By the time all three had passed away — along with Sam Spade, Philip Marlowe and Lew Archer, the private eye trio created by them — there was no real successor. Parker took care of that when he created Spenser, a wise-cracking, really tough guy with an even tougher black partner named Hawk, and put them to confronting bad guys, cops and robbers and the mysteries of women in Boston some 30 ago, with the first of 37 Spenser books and more than 50 altogether. He was what you would call a pro, a writer you could trust to deliver, who could work other genres, who regularly turned out popular mystery fiction, the occasional saga, usually involving recent history, and in the past few years, the occasional Western. Among his peers, you’d probably have to put Elmore Leonard, who got better reviews by critics who liked Leonard’s distanced irony a little bit more. But Leonard, too, was a prolific pro who dabbled in Westerns on occasion. Parker’s kind of tough-guy writing, featuring sharp, short sentences mixing the vivid with plain talk probably owed a debt, as did Chandler and company, to Ernest Hemingway. But Parker was a contemporary kind of guy because, in spite of being capable of swift and fierce violence, Spenser was a sensitive type, relationship-oriented. He has a long-standing significant other, a shrink no less, named Susan, and much of the goings-on in the Spenser books involve banter, sometimes serious, about men and women and why they’re different. The

sive taxation. Come November, the voters, Democrats, Republicans, and independents will come together to clean house in Washington, D.C. It takes no great punditry to see that coming. If the midterms were held tomorrow, the result would be the same. It is almost beyond comprehension how Obama could have engineered a failed presidency within the space of just one year. He got a lot of help from Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as mendacious and imperious an individual to have ever held that office. He got a lot of help from Majority Leader Harry Reid, a scowling, malicious cockroach whom the voters of Nevada will remove in November. Obama’s narcissism and arrogance will blind him to the message of the Massachusetts victory. He and his press secretary, Robert “Glib” Gibbs, will put out a statement that will dismiss the historic event as just an aberration, but the aberration is Obama! So, stand up and take a bow, Massachusetts: home to the pilgrims; home to the Boston

same thing occurs in the Sunny Rendell series he wrote, featuring a female private eye missing her ex, a mobster’s son, and Jesse Stone, the sheriff in a small suburban Boston town, who can’t get over his unfaithful newscaster wife. Spenser became a television series (“Spenser: for Hire”) starring the late Robert Urich, who was a little soft for the role, and a spinoff called “Hawk,” starring Avery Brooke who was not. Tom Selleck also has starred in some Jesse Stone made-for-TV films. Fans will miss Parker, but rumor has it that there’s still a few books laying around that haven’t been published yet. Erich Segal, author Erich Segal, who died recently at 72 of a heart attack, was a classics professor at Yale, which accounts for his writing “Roman Laughter,” a study of the playwright Plautus and perhaps even the book and lyrics for “Sing Muse,” a 1961 musical based on the life of Helen of Troy. He also wrote other books, including “Oliver’s Story,” “The Class,” “Doctors,” “Acts of Faith” and “Only Love,” and, in his specialty, “The Death of Comedy,” a book on the Western comic drama from antiquity to present day. Not only that, but he also wrote the screenplay for the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.” Oh yeah — in 1970, he wrote a little something called “Love Story.” This thin — less than 200 pages — tome was a huge best-seller and practically drowned the country in tears, being the tale of a rich preppie named Oliver Barrett IV who falls in love with an Italian working class girl named Jennifer Cavalleri, who dies at the end of the book. “Love Story” was a phenomenon of the time; it stayed on top of the best-seller list practically forever, and spawned a hugely successful movie starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw. The book was such a quick read you could read it over breakfast, dump a tear on your toast and still have time for the Times. The book was very much of its time, with “The Godfather” enjoying a similar success as best-seller and movie, and a strange little

massacre when British troops fired on protesters in 1770; home to the 1773 tea party to protest taxes; and birthplace of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Sam Adams, Elbridge Gerry, Josiah Bartlett, Roger Sherman, and John Hancock, signers of the Declaration of Independence. Those first Americans led the resistance to the greatest power of their day, Great Britain, and its king. For all the years Obama taught the U.S. Constitution at the University of Chicago Law School, he either never really understood it or never believed it means what it says. He never understood that real Americans will not be pushed around, cheated of their Constitutional birthright, or be lied to. They will push back. A former emperor, Napoleon of France, spent his last days as an exile on St. Helena. It would not surprise me if Emperor Obama spends his on one of Hawaii’s islands. The author blogs at factsnotfantasy.blogspot. com.

chronicle called “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” mystically topping the list for too long. The movie version flopped. For a time, even cool, hip people quoted the crying Oliver as he confronted his father after Jenny’s death. “I’m sorry,” the father, who had bitterly opposed his son’s marriage on the usual grounds (money and class), said. “Love,” Oliver says, “means not ever having to say you’re sorry.” To which many women might add, “that’s what you think, buster.” Jean Simmons, actress Jean Simmons, who died last weekend of lung cancer, was one of the few remaining classic old Hollywood movie stars, sub-genre, classy British beauty. Both she and Deborah Kerr, another luminous Brit star of the ’50s and ’60s, were gifted actresses, but were too often used for their beauty, although they always brought a compelling dignity and sometimes sexiness to their roles. Neither was ever an Oscar winner, although both were capable of Oscar performances. Prior to coming to Hollywood, the youthful Simmons, dark-haired, blue-eyed and small, stood out in ’40s English films as Ophelia in Olivier’s Oscar-winning “Hamlet” and as the haunting object of Pip’s affections in a wonderful version of “Great Expectations.” In Hollywood, Simmons was sent to the Dark Ages, to ancient Egypt, to ancient Rome, to revolutionary France and Victorian Britain, and even into the Old West in such epics as “The Robe,” “The Egyptian,” “Desiree,” “Spartacus” and “The Big Country.” That put her in league with some major leading men — Richard Burton, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Kirk Douglas and Marlon Brando. She also played a female evangelist opposite Burt Lancaster’s huckster preacher in the memorable “Elmer Gantry.’ Jean Simmons was 80.

Jack Evans Report

hese are the tough months to get through in Washington — January and February. The holidays and all they bring are over. Spring is still a distant hope. All we have are the cold, short days and dark, cold, long nights. Ten months of the year Washington is the best. The two months of deep winter, not so great, in my opinion. Work at the city council is focused on oversight hearings and preparation for the 2011 budget. In January and February, the various committees hold oversight hearings to check the fiscal pulse and public policies of the District. Our quiet quarter (October-December) is over and our new revenue estimates are in. We are now getting a sense as to how our planning from May and June is being implemented. Budget preparations focus on our planning for the next year. Clearly the D.C. government, like everywhere else, will have less money to work with in the upcoming year. In our 2010 budget, the mayor and council relied on millions of dollars of one-time money to pay for on-going items. In planning this year for 2011, that money, about $300 million, is no longer available. Cutting expenses this year is a necessity. In 2010, the government raised the sales tax and imposed several new fees. These are also no longer options. Hard decisions in funding education, human services, and public safety will have to be made. So maybe we feel the difficult times in the gloomy part of the year on purpose. Perhaps it fits with the season, but cheer up — Groundhog Day is only a week away! The author is a city councilmember representing District Ward 2.

gmg, Inc. January 27, 2010 7

EDUCATION

ART ADVENTURES ABROAD By Garrett Faulkner

t five and a half acres, penned in by an inexorable steel fence 12 feet high, it’s hard to miss the Embassy of Italy. Set into a gentle slope just off Massachusetts Avenue, the complex is a fixture on Embassy Row, and they want you to know it. Outsiders are vetted through a rigorous screening process before being shepherded from the gatehouse to the front entrance. There’s pomp, there’s circumstance, there’s probably the most discerning look at your driver’s license you’re ever likely to get. But after that, you’re awash in Italy, the culture, the art, the sonorous lilt of an old, old Romance language. Green marble columns spiral up to the cupolaed glass-panel ceiling, a sort of Pantheon-meets-21st-century architectural stew. Sleek leather couches, flown in from Milan, dot the curved walls encircling the lobby, so broad and naturally lit it’s probably better called a piazza. Tucked away, a café-cum-cucina bustles with activity, milling out pasta and slicing charcuterie. The building is at once modern élan and staunch tradition, two and a half thousand years of history woven into glass and stone. And in a back hall gallery, in what amounts to a little over 50 square feet of exhibition space, there are other, smaller distillations of Italy. An old woman walking alone by a pond in wispy charcoal sketching. Opposite that, soft watercolor tones, suffuse and lifelike, form a panorama of the Appenines. Between paintings hangs the odd poem or two, calligraphied and framed.

It’s a visiting exhibit, a collection of works so vivid you know whoever made them had to have been there. But they aren’t on loan from a European gallery, nor, even, do their authors require a visa to come see them. In fact, their creators hail largely from right here in Washington, and for most of them, art is somewhat of a peripheral project. But such is the beauty of Cultural Study Abroad, a nonprofit whose mission is to give a small group of part-time creative types the chance to go ex-pat and let the easygoingness and rustic aesthetic of Europe inspire them. For Angela Iovino, who runs the program — and paints a little on the side herself — the 10-day trips abroad offer a unique opportunity to make new friends, unwind and develop as an artist. “As I became more involved in art myself and got tired of painting alone in villas across Europe, I reestablished CSA primarily for artists and photographers,” she says. A retired professor of Italian history and literature who taught at Georgetown and George Washington universities, Iovino revived the program, originally founded in 1997, a few years ago. One of the inaugural trips placed her travelers on a halcyon little island called Ischia. If you just pulled a map out, that’s good (hint: look near Naples). Iovino aims for trip sites a little off the beaten path — and sometimes off the mainland — which she says makes for a more idyllic setting removed from the tourist rush and, more important, allows for deeper introspection and inspiration. Unexpected scen-

previous engagements or ery also offers the usual distractions — that chance for a fresh in and of itself is enough experience, which to mentally waken you.” some trip veterans Galanis was so impressed say changed their with the volatility and whole perspective. looming presence of VeAngelika Wamsler, suvius she incorporated it who attended a into her Byzantine-tinged trip to Tuscany last mosaic art. June, says the set And while the act of ting altered her encreation is itself rewardtire direction as an ing, many found that sopartist. ping up the experience was “The town where just as much fun. Study we stayed was dif- CSA students painting in Cortona, Tuscany groups often include a handferent from what I ful of friends simply there expected, it was not to sightsee and have a part of the typical Tuscany good time. Some enduring landscape you see in postfriendships are formed on cards. It was in the middle the trip itself. of green, green hills. By be Barb Williams, a retired ing close to that landscape, public health officer, startI actually realized that landed reading “Inferno” each scape painting isn’t what night with two other exI’m into. By discovering cursionists. The rest of the what you don’t like, you get group called the trio The close to what you do like.” Dante Club, who bonded Wamsler says she now preso cohesively they are now fers abstract painting, still inspired, of course, by what Jennifer Galanis,“The Giant Merely Sleeps” planning a return trip of their own. she has seen overseas. However CSA travelers choose to spend their “Going on a study abroad trip is good for an vacations, they are in good hands. Extremely artist,” says Jennifer Galanis, a scientist by propopular among them is Steve Cushner, who fession who attended the Ischia trip, also last acts as lead artist on CSA trips, when he’s not June. “You’re pulled from your normal everyteaching his craft at the District’s own Corcoran day environment and taken out of your routine. School of Art. He’s well known within WashThere are no other activities to run home to, no

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ington’s art community, and many CSA adventurers, Iovino herself included, took his art classes before ever setting foot on an airplane to the Old World. While abroad, Cushner likes this mix of old and new students. “Each trip is different, the group of students is different from trip to trip,” he says. “That’s

Mia Klimchak, “To Lisciano Di Niccone”

kind of the excitement of it, it’s a new experience for everybody. It takes a couple days to figure out everyone’s personality, figure out the place.” Since the company handles daily logistics and itineraries for its travelers, Cushner is free to offer advice and help others find their muse. That said, he’s more than simply a lecturer. Galanis says Cushner is known for his open dialogue with students and willingness to let them explore their own styles. Barb Williams appreciates this laid-back approach. “Steve is just fabulous,” she says. “I consider him to be a master teacher. He is very perceptive, a very good artist himself. His personal style is such he can work with a wide variety of abilities and personalities.” Cushner presided over the Ischia and Tusca-

ny trips, and will do so again on CSA’s planned trip to Ragusa, Sicily in June. Later that month, Iovino will lead a four-day tour through Rome, which focuses on the historical role of the city’s Jewish population. The company is planning several other trips this year too, some with a visual art focus, others concentrating on literary history. Lillian Bisson, who teaches English at Marymount University, will lead reading buffs in September through Bath and rural England, following the trail of Jane Austen and touring the manors and countryside that influenced her novels. In March, eminent photographer Chan Chao will lead students through Paris to help them snap that perfect shot of the City that Never Sleeps. Other trips are planned for Spain, Shanghai (in 2012) and, for those in love with fall colors, Gettysburg, PA in autumn. Depending on what you find inspiring, chances are there’s a trip for you. “My outlook is, you would take a trip like this to do something you wouldn’t do in your own studio,” Cushner says. “I took a trip like this and it took me a while to let go of what I was doing and embrace what else was possible.” All-inclusive prices for Cultural Study Abroad trips start at $2200 (Paris), $2300 (Sicily), $2250 (Rome), $2350 (Segovia, Spain) and $2350 (England). Rates are generally lower for leisure travelers not participating in the art seminars. For a full breakdown of prices, trip dates and more information, visit www.culturalstudyabroad.com or contact Angela Iovino at 202-669-1562.

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AGENT

SPOTLIGHT

CARL BECKER: MR. JANUARY AGENT

What is the highest ticket you have closed yet? It would have to be a new home for $1.9M. What are some of the “special/extra” things you have done for a client in order to help them purchase or like you more? I’ve hung flat-panel TVs, installed in-wall speakers, wired recessed lights, and (d’oh) replaced toilets for clients. I should learn how to get better at being less handy, but sometimes it’s hard to resist saving someone the money! Have you sold to/worked with any local celebrities on a deal? If so, who might we know?

Whew, not touching that one. I did a straw deal for a high-profile client and somehow the purchase made the papers in D.C. and New York. And then I was grilled by the client and attorney! We’re still good friends, as they paid a few hundred grand less than their limit.

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times when an agent should be paid that much. Are you single or married? If single, do you date other agents ever or have you? If married, what does your spouse do? I’ve never dated another agent — not sure how I would do with that much shop talk! What is your dream home in the district to live in (on or off the market)?

4 percent on a large deal. I took friends out to a club and had bottle service. Later in the night someone stole one of the bottles! Luckily, the manager replayed the security tape and found the culprit. Moral: Nowadays, if the deal isn’t too much trouble I credit my clients a portion of the commission at closing. There are few

ValentIne’s Day 2010

“It

Photo by Tom Wolff

What were your highest commissions made so far on a deal? And what was the first thing you bought with the money earned besides paying bills?

flowers

ocal realtor Carl Becker is the mastermind behind his firm Premier Properties, which focuses on residential listings, buyer representation and real estate investments in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. With a diverse real estate background and experience with everything from residential and commercial investment properties to land development to remodeling, the precocious Becker is one to watch in Washington’s competitive housing scene. John Blee sat down with Becker to talk commissions, dating colleagues and charity events on the horizon.

That’s a tough one. I’d go for a home with one of the best swimming pools in the city: The Dodge Mansion, the Little’s Penthouse at Washington Harbour, or the Laird-Dunlap Coach House. What is your favorite thing about being an agent/in the business?

I like the variety and being able to use my diverse background to provide value to my clients. I enjoy being involved with all facets of real estate including investing, developing, building, as well as helping clients buy or sell their homes. I started out investing. One summer in college my brother and I took a six-week real estate licensing course and had class all day on Saturday. The goal was to start buying investment properties and use the commission to offset the closing costs. The ulterior motive was that our parents went to their river house on the weekends and the course gave us a great excuse to stay in town and throw parties while they were away. We invested in a lot of beer that summer. How do you get your face out there? Do you use advertising, marketing, charities or community involvement? It’s mostly word of mouth. I am involved with the planning of my three favorite parties, all of which benefit local charitable organizations: The Washington Ballet’s Jete Dance Party (Feb. 6), Oscar Night D.C. with the American Red Cross (March 7) and the Washington Humane Society’s Fashion for Paws (April 10). Carl Becker can be reached at 301-873-3221 or www.premierpropertiesdc.com.

“ASK THE REALTOR” By Darrell Parsons thought FHA loans were only for limitedincome people. However my friend bought a place for $450,000 last week using FHA financing. How is that possible? —John S

Dear John, For many years FHA financing was the financing of choice for buyers with limited income and financial resources. The highest loan one could obtain was capped at $417,000. It was especially appealing because it required a smaller than usual down payment, and was in some ways more protective of buyers. In recent years however, prices rose significantly and at some point there weren’t all that many properties available in the lower price ranges. About a year ago, FHA recognized the disparity between their cap and the reality of property prices and raised the cap in the DC area to $715,000 while maintaining the low down payment concept. This made it possible for far more buyers to use this mode of financing to purchase property in our area. This is a very simple outline of the program. I encourage you to speak to your favorite loan officer about the details. Dear Darrell, I’m confused about the tax credits available to home buyers. There is a $5000 tax credit for buyers in DC, and a $6500 credit offered by the Federal government...and then I just heard about an $8000 credit. Can one use all of them? —Bob R.

Dear Bob, As you probably guessed, you can’t use all of them on one purchase. You are right that there is a DC tax credit ($5000) and a Federal one, but the Federal has two parts...$6500 and $8000. The short answer is that you can’t use both DC and Federal simultaneously. Both come with their own set of restrictions, and both are great programs....especially for first-time buyers. The added good news is that also “move-up” buyers can use the $6500 Federal credit. First-time buyers must not have had an interest in a principal residence for 3 years. Moveup buyers must have used their current home 5 consecutive years of the past 8. For the Federal, one must have a ratified contract by April 30, 2010. There are also income and other restrictions, of which there are too many to go into detail here. For the DC tax credit go to www.otr. cfo.dc.gov/otr and in the search window enter “$5000 tax credit”. For the Federal, here is a helpful website www.federalhousingtaxcredit. com/. For the best help, contact a trusted loan officer. The DC credit has been around for a while, and gets renewed every year (so far!). At the moment it makes more sense to use the Federal credit since it is worth $3000 more, but it expires on April 30th. The reality is that no one knows how long either one will last, or how long interest rates will stay at their current low level.

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Listed for $3,800,000 The top floor of the house is perfect for entertaining or to be used as a sanctuary. A great outdoor space, this garden sits high above the city and looks down on the bustle below. There is a great sun exposure and the same wonderful views that are enjoyed on the other levels. Custom wood decking, built-in benches, and brick arches frame the majestic views. Additions: central air conditioning, sprinkler system, passenger elevator with access to all four floors. Washer and dryer, Skylights. Half bath with elegant marble sink on first floor, garage parking, exercise room. Jamie Peva, 202-258-5050 A. Michael Sullivan Jr., 202-365-9000 Washington Fine Properties

Great times.

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mortgage By Bill Starrels

ederal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages are mortgages which the United States Government guarantees, where loans that buyers of relatively low priced homes with little cash and all types of credit use. When the country was entering into the financial crisis, Congress passed legislation on more liberal guidelines for FHA mortgages to fill the gap of tightened underwriting standards on “conventional” loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This program is going through some changes. Before the financial crisis a borrower could get a conventional backed purchase mortgage

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loan for little money down. These loans would require mortgage insurance to help protect the lender. When the financial storm hit, these low down payment mortgages vanished. This was the catalyst for the expansion of the FHA government backed mortgage program. Loan limits were raised to $729,000 in high cost areas including the Washington metropolitan area. This enabled prospective homeowners to buy moderately expensive homes with as little as 3.5 percent down. In 2006 FHA backed mortgages accounted for 3 percent of new home purchases. Today the number of FHA backed mortgages approaches 30 percent of new home purchases. One advantage of FHA loans was that there were no minimum credit score (FICO) requirements. At the same time, credit score requirements for non-Government loans were tightening. The down side to the relaxed requirements was the resulting increase of defaults of FHA mortgages. One result of the increased default rate was the eroding balance sheet for the FHA. The Government had a dilemma on its hands. How do you bolster the required reserves without hampering the ability of homeowners to get an

FHA mortgage? The answers include a tightening of the rules and an increase in the financed mortgage insurance. Customers with a credit score of 580 or below now have to put 10 percent down. Seller cash towards closing costs is being reduced from 6 percent to 3 percent of the purchase price. The financed mortgage insurance on FHA mortgages is being raised by half a point to help bolster the reserves. The new rate is 2.25 percent. Since this becomes part of the loan amount, the impact is not too severe. This will add $15 a month to a typical FHA loan. Customers with low credit scores may be forced to the sidelines with the tightening of the rules that pertain to people with low credit scores. FHA loans will still be a popular option even with the changes. It is the only game in town for a client who wants a mortgage of $729,000 with very little cash down. FHA loans are worth serious consideration. Bill Starrels is a mortgage loan consultant who lives in Georgetown. He specializes in purchase and refinance mortgages. He can be reached at 703 625 7355, email; bill.starrels@gmail.com

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14 January 27, 2010 gmg, Inc.

Home decor for the winter doldrums

By Garrett Faulkner

“

eeling a little down this winter? Consider the factors: a subzero January climate, stingy daylight hours and a bleak realization that holiday warmth and magic passes swiftly after the party hats, kazoos and 2010 glasses stuffed in the trash. It seems almost (yawn) like it’s your lot to feel like curling up and hibernating until April. Sound familiar? Unless you hail from Palm Beach, it probably does. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports six out of every 100 Americans suffer each winter from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a recent medical coinage explaining the blues many feel come late autumn, when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Severe sufferers can experience depression-like symptoms — lethargy, extreme introversion, difficulty concentrating — throughout the winter. SAD’s cause is a matter of debate for psychologists and clinicians, but they seem to agree the disorder stems from a dearth of natural light. Those living in high northern latitudes, where days are especially short, seem particularly affected — in Finland, SAD reportedly affects as much as 10 percent of the population. But if you’re feeling blue and cooped up this winter, why not turn your hibernation cave into something a little more hospitable? It starts with how you light and decorate your home. “Small changes can make a big difference,” says Tracy Morris, an interior designer who ran her company on Georgetown’s Wisconsin Avenue for nearly five years (she recently moved her office to Bethesda). She says minor adjustments to a room’s lighting can noticeably improve its depth and warmth. Morris advises moving a chair next to a window to catch some sunlight at the right time of day. If this isn’t feasible, she says the tried-and-true incandescent light bulb is the next best thing. Cheaper than halogen bulbs, ordinary incandescent lighting is warm and yellow, unlike the chilly warehouse light produced by fluorescent bulbs. Boxy, contemporary furniture, hip as it may be, can appear drab and colorless in the low light of January. Morris suggests furnishings with an organic component. “Bring the outdoors into your home,” she says, pointing out that raffia and other wooden furniture is becoming increasingly popular and adds a lifelike element to the décor. Empty coffee or end table? Throw a few moss balls into a silver or glass bowl for an understated yet quaint decoration that’s as inexpensive as it is chic. Potted flowers and plants also make handsome additions. “Try an orchid or tall ficus tree,” says Morris. “Something you can put in your home that has some greenery and makes you feel like there is life other than what’s not growing outside.” Color scheme also dictates a room’s overall feel. Morris recommends neutral — brown and beige work best — and warm spectrum colors like reds and yellows. Not up for hauling out the paint rollers? Try hanging a landscape painting or two with a warm palette. Then light a fire, curl up and forget about shoveling that driveway. After all, that which is cold soon melts away. For further design tips, contact Tracy Morris at 202486-6209 or tracy@tracymorrisdesign.com.

Small changes can make a big difference - Interior Designer Tracy Morris

” Festive dinnerware ($60-200) and glassware ($50) from Amano (1677 Wisconsin Ave.) will brighten any room in need of a little color.

Dedon’s casual, outdoorsy Hemisphere loungeware, available at JANUS et Cie (3304 M St.), features a rustic wicker look to give your home a more organic feel.

Start simple and inexpensive: incandescent light bulbs offer a vintage look and produce warm light more natural than fluorescent equivalents. Photo by Samantha Celera.

(top image) Christian Platt, “Jekyll Island – Sunrise,” $1150, Susan Calloway Fine Arts (1643 Wisconsin Ave.) (bottom image) Roxanne Weidele, “Standing Tall,” $350, Susan Calloway Fine Arts

Moss ball ($8) from Moss and Co. Greenery (1657 Wisconsin Ave.)

gmg, Inc. January 27, 2010 15

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story

Starting the New Year with Class By Amanda Gokee & Garrett Faulkner

s the end of January approaches, now is the perfect time to make good on all the resolutions that were so fresh at New Years. While it’s tempting to forget about those last ten pounds, or learn to cook next year, there really is no time like the present. Plus, with all the great classes in Georgetown, you can find motivation and inspiration right in the neighborhood. Whether you want to try something new or revisit an old interest, taking a class is the perfect way to get out in the community and meet new people. Make 2010 your year and start exploring the wide offering of fitness, cooking, art and language classes offered in the D.C. area. Remember, it’s never too late to keep your New Year’s resolution!

Fitness: Down Dog Yoga offers a variety of classes, welcoming both newcomers and practiced yogis. Ranging from the inclusive “all levels” class, there are also intermediate and advanced classes for a more rigorous workout. For morning birds, there is the Early Morning class that incorporates Baptise Power Vinyasa Flow for an invigorating start to your day. Georgetown also offers a community class, taught by teachers-in-training for a reduced fee of $10 for adults, $6 for students. You can also arrange for a private class to get one-on-one attention with an instructor at any of their three convenient locations in Georgetown, Bethesda and Herndon. Normal classes are $12 and they range from 6090 minutes. See their website downdogyoga. com for a complete schedule of classes. Looking for a get away? A yoga retreat may be the perfect way to escape every day stress, while also taking your practice to the next level. Patty Ivey, a master teacher from Down Dog Yoga, will be leading a retreat to the Haramara Resort in Sayulita, Mexico. Surrounded by natural beaches, the retreat will balance relaxation by the ocean with invigorating yoga practice twice a day. The retreat will be April 3-10. View and register online at http://www.downdogyoga. com/community/. Mm, Namaste… With 19 Clubs in the greater Washington area, Washington Sports Club is a great place to knock out a New Year’s fitness resolution. They offer a comprehensive array of classes, such as Kickboxing, Total Body Conditioning, and a 30 minute Abdominals class (a longer 30 minutes than you might expect). You can also heat things up with a Latin Dance class. Don’t worry about the kids; at the Georgetown location child care is included among many other club services. With pool, spa, and personal training options, work out boredom is a thing of the past.

16 January 27, 2010 gmg, Inc.

There are several membership options, ranging from a two week trial membership, to a “Passport Premium” that allows you to work out at any location of the Sports Club, including those in Boston, Philadelphia as well as New York. Mysportsclubs.com for more information! At Georgetown Pilates, prepare yourself for an intense core workout. Pilates specifically targets core muscles, to build strength from the inside out (don’t be surprised when you discover some muscles you didn’t even know existed). Classes can be scheduled for singles, duos or trios with varying prices depending on the length and number of classes you want to schedule. Pilates is beneficial for everyone, with classes offered for athletes, seniors and those with special needs. Also offered, Muscular Activation Techniques is used to test for muscular imbalances. As opposed to other therapies, MAT® seeks to increase stability and muscle function. For more information on this unique therapy and other Pilates classes please call 202.342.CORE (2673) or view their website at http://gtownpilates.com/ Tulsi Holistic Living offers a wide variety of classes for people who want to learn more about holistic health. With classes taught by nationally certified practitioners, Tulsi offers everything from Reiki to Reflexology to meditation. Certain classes also help prepare students to become nationally certified, covering the essential topics. Look online at http://tulsiliving.com/ holistic.htm# for a complete schedule of all offered classes.

Cooking: CulinAerie has an exciting array of upcoming cooking classes, perfect for those who are seek-

cover

story

Top Left: A pottery class at Hinckley Studio Photo by Susan Weber; Top Middle: Cooking class at CulinAerie Photo by Jeff Malet; Top Right: Pottery at Hinckley Studio Photo by Susan Weber Bottom Left: An art class at Torpedo; Bottom Middle: Cooking Demonstration at CulinAerie Photo by Jeff Malet; Bottom Right: Pottery at Torpedo

ing to improve their cooking skills, enjoy a great meal or just have a fun evening in the kitchen. For the inexperienced chef or cooking-phobe, try an “Intro to Basics: Welcome to the Kitchen” class. Not only will you take away valuable skills, but you can enjoy a delicious meal with a sample menu including Butternut Squash Bisque and Chicken with Mushrooms and Tarragon. Not so scary after all! On Saturday the 6th, make sure to check out their event, “An Evening spent with Julia Child’s ‘My Life in France’” with French inspired menu and house wine. Sign up online at http://www.culinaerie. com. At Tiny Chefs, introduce your kids to the joy of cooking! Tiny Chefs hosts private parties as well as Mommy and Me cooking classes. Kids will learn about Kitchen safety, while they prepare both an entrée and a dessert. Classes last an hour and a half and can be tailored to fit your personal preferences. Tiny Chefs offers both community classes in Falls Church Community Center as well as home cooking events. For details on these and other Tiny Chef classes, be sure to look online at http://tinychefs.com/dc/ index.php?page=class-offerings. At Casa Italiana Language School, you will not only cook an amazing meal but also explore Italian culture beyond the quintessential Italian cuisine. The Chefs are all native Italians, but not to worry, classes are held in English. Classes are hands-on, and did I mention the complimentary wine? On January 28th, class will focus

on the food of Firenze, known to most as Florence, and on February 11th the focus will be on Verona. Classes are held from 6-9 p.m. and the cost is $50. Upcoming wine tasting classes will be held on January 21st, February 4th and March 4th. The Casa Italiana School is located on 595 3rd Street Northwest.

Art: Budding artist? Head over the bridge to Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 Union St., Alexandria), home of The Art League and perched on Old Town’s idyllic waterfront. Classes are offered in a variety of subjects — including ceramics, acrylic and oil painting, and drawing — for nine weeks, starting at $185. Especially slick is the rolling enrollment system, which allows you to start a class any time up to Feb. 28. Visit www.theartleague.org for more information. At Hinckley Pottery, come prepared to get your hands dirty. During a two and half hour class, you will learn about wheel-thrown pottery, a specialty of this studio. With a small class size and informal structure, both beginners and more advanced artists work side by side. Get the kids out of your hair and into the clay; classes for kids are also available! Sessions last 10 weeks and cost $350. If you’re not so sure, attend a “Try It!” class, for a onetime fee of $45. Hinckley Pottery is located at 1707 Kalorama Road NW and you can reach them at 202-745-7055 or online at http://www.hinckleypottery.com

Intrigued by the human figure? Artists have been fascinated by this subject for centuries, and now you too can draw from a model at a figure drawing class at Washington Studio School. Starting on February 25th, this class runs six weeks and meets every Thursday from 1:30 until 4:30. Drop-in drawing and painting classes are also held on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7-10 pm for those adverse to long-term commitment. Easels are provided, but students bring all other materials. Artists of all levels are welcome, stick people included. The drop in price is $18 or students can purchase a package of sessions. To see a complete list of prices and available classes look online at http://www. washingtonstudioschool.com/

Language: Viva L’Italia! At Casa Italiana Language School, learn this romance language while watching and discussing movies, in a 12 week course about Italian Cinema. Not one for film? Another class series is based on the work of Machiavelli, and a turbulent period of Italian history remembered for its weakness and foreign invasions. Call (202) 638-0165 or look online at http://www.casaitalianaschool.org. You have a pair of lederhosen in your closet, love Swiss chocolate and can yodel with the best of them. But not so fast, Hans and Franz; downing brats and Beck’s on NFL gameday does not an authentic German make. If you truly have a Teutonic fixation, try some introductory German language courses at the Goethe Insti-

tut, the most acclaimed German culture school worldwide. Beginning classes start at $395 for an intensive, nine-week course running through March. Register online at www.goethe.de/ washington. Viel gluck! Parlez vous? If you don’t, and are feeling romantic, celebrate the upcoming month of love to brush up on your French at Alliance Francaise (2142 Wyoming Ave.), if only to pick up some choice phrases that will make your sweetheart swoon. Francais is not just for lovers, either — fans of poetry, philosophy, film and, let’s face it, much of the world’s great art will find plenty of satisfaction in Gallic creativity. And, as they say, nothing’s quite as good in translation. Beginner’s courses will run you $350 for two-hour, twice-weekly sessions from February to April. Faster-paced courses are also available for those with previous instruction. The Alliance also hosts plenty of cultural events and tastings, all with a distinctly European twist. Visit www. francedc.org for more information. Corcoran continuing education classes are a great way for artists of all levels to learn more about their craft. Available through the Corocan College of Art and Design, you can try anything from sculpture to a photography or cinema class. With more than 200 continuing education classes, the Corocan offers something for everyone. Prices and registration are online at www.corcoran.edu/cewww.corcoran. edu/ce. Need some inspiration? Take a tour of either the college or the gallery. The college is located 500 Seventeenth Street NW.

gmg, Inc. January 27, 2010 17

MUSEUM

Harry Cooper: Faceted Curator By John Blee & Photo by Tom Wolff arry Cooper, head of the department of modern and contemporary art at the National Gallery of Art, has a unique background as a curator and he is unique in having local roots. As a writer on art, he is one of the best at any museum in decades. I was happily surprised reading his essay in Philadelphia at the Arshile Gorky retrospective. He has also written a fine catalogue that is accessible and well written and is the curator for the exhibition currently on view at the National Gallery, the Jane and Robert Meyerhoff Collection. As we walked through the galleries, Harry and I spoke about his in life in D.C., and his passion for modern and contemporary art. --------JB: I’m very impressed by your diverse background. Most art historians have never taught high school, as you did, working with learning disabled children, nor do they go to art school and study studio art. I’ve known a lot of art historians and they don’t often understand process or how works come into being. Do you think that studying studio art had an influence on you? HC: Yes. They say a lot of curators are failed artists and it’s not true; but it’s true for me. My own paintings were probably Diebenkorn-like figure paintings. Figurative with a certain looseness. But I do think that having been in art classes and in the studio, having tried to paint and draw, and doing some printmaking, all that comes out in my organization of this show. I don’t paint anymore. I draw and sketch. When I’m teaching, after they’ve looked at something I ask my students to draw and it can be very interesting. You mentioned my teaching learning disabled kids and some of them were economically disadvantaged too. I kind of see that as influential to me because there I was involved in the process of trying to get an idea across to an audience that is a tough one. In museum work, and especially the National Gallery with its huge audience, it is certainly well to remember that complicated ideas can be expressed simply. Whatever you can put on the walls in terms of writing, it’s important to make it economical. Break down the task. Focus on the theme.

JB: Is teaching a major part of what you focus on now or just a side thing? HC: Teaching has become a side thing, although I am teaching a seminar in cubism at Johns Hopkins where I started my grad work. When I was at the Fogg Museum in Cambridge for the previous ten years I did more teaching, because it’s a teaching museum and the students are right there. I like teaching small groups, seminar situations, and especially when we can get students into museums, galleries, or private collections to actually look at the art. JB: Where did you go to high school? HC: I went to Walt Whitman High and spent most of that time in Bethesda. I had a little prior time abroad, born in London, several years in East Pakistan, Karachi. My father worked at the Ford Foundation, an advisory group for development and economics. We got back here in time for first grade.

18 January 27, 2010 gmg, Inc.

JB: Did that have any influence on your eye? HC: Pakistan is a spectacular country visually and I do remember a lot about it. When I got to Bethesda I realized that now I’m with sidewalks and mailboxes and I had better remember everything that came before this because it was very interesting. Art was a focus pretty early, off and on, I remember coming down to the National Gallery of Art in elementary school and I doing a careful study on Winslow Homer’s Breezing Up (A Fair Wind). So I’ve been coming to the National

JB: What took you away from art history when you graduated form Harvard? HC: I’m still in art history, but away from academia, more or less. While I was doing my dissertation I took a little time off, a couple of years — ‘94-’95 — and came down here to the National Gallery to work on the Mondrian retrospective which went from The Hague to here to MOMA. But it was organized at the National Gallery and I was here as an assistant to several curators and that was a great experience. Here I was able to have access to all the paintings and all the files. I think I became spoiled. When I finished my degree I

JB: Are their gaps you’d like to fill in the collection? HC: There are lots of holes. We’re not MOMA. We can’t do a survey of the 20th century at this time. We don’t have expressionism and we don’t have constructivism. We’re thinking of collectors and collections that should end up here. People who might be attracted that this is the nation’s museum as well as being a local museum. JB: Did you ever have that experience of wanting something and having it turned down? HC: I have had great success so far, even with some of the most contemporary art that we’ve done. Roxy Paine has just installed Dendroid, one of the trees in the sculpture garden, Byron Kim, a mid-career KoreanAmerican artist, has a new piece, sort of his signature piece, Synecdoche, which is over 400 monochrome panels representing different skin colors. The way it’s set up, there are always works that get returned. But that’s part of the nature of it. So far I haven’t had many disappointments. JB: Do you then go to galleries to look at contemporary art in D.C.? HC: Sure. Sure. I haven’t explored the D.C. gallery scene as much as I should. I know there is a D.C. art world. There’s a lot on my to-do list.

Gallery for a while. JB: What were your favorite artists when you were a teenager? HC: When I was a teenager I probably moved from impressionism to German expressionism, the Die Brücke group, Kirchener, Heckel and so on. I think the first time I went out of town specifically to see a show was to see John Elderfield’s Fauvism show at MOMA, with my mother. It was a special trip we took, 1976, so I think painterly painting has always excited me. Of course, I ended doing my dissertation on Piet Mondrian, which I never would have expected. JB: But Mondrian did start out as a painterly painter, you see it in his brushwork in the later paintings. HC: A lot of my work on Mondrian was to bring out his interest in jazz and boogie woogie and popular dancing and all those things that really come out in the NY years but fed into his art early on, from the teens right through.

applied for academic jobs and museum jobs, I think I decided I needed to be around the art. So the Fogg actually was a good compromise for a while because you’ve got both. But at the Fogg the galleries are very small and opportunities are limited. All in all, I’m happy to be down here at the National Gallery. It’s a good change. JB: What are the real possibilities here given the nature of the building, the collection, and so on? What do you see happening here? You must be thinking of the future? HC: One thing we’ve done already is changed that Tower Gallery where the Matisse cutouts used to be. We took them down and turned that into a rotating space to focus on more contemporary art, the last 50 years or so. I did the Philip Guston show and hung it there. I love Guston. I did a Guston show at Yale. The Guston is almost all from our own collection. That was in storage and this is an opportunity to put it up there.

JB: What’s next? HC: Right now I’m thinking of what is going to replace Guston in the Tower, which is going to be again something from our permanent collection. Initially it will be Mark Rothko with pictures, including one in the Meyerhoff collection, where he’s working on black and black. These Rothkos are actually related to the De Menil chapel [in Houston, TX]. They don’t have fading issues. They are black and black doesn’t have that problem. The Harvard murals which I got to know well when I was at the Fogg had a huge color change because of light exposure so we’re always careful about that with Rothko so that’s one of the reasons the black paintings will work well in the Tower where there is natural light. They are rarely seen but I think they’re beautiful and I hope to accompany that exhibition with Morton Feldman’s composition, Rothko Chapel, and have that playing in the gallery. It will be an interesting experience. JB: Do you think you’ll do more music or poetry or things that has a relationship to some of the arts here? The New York School was accompanied by a lot of composers. HC: I’m very interested in the relations between the arts so that’s why I’m putting music with the Rothkos. Not a lot of curators would do that, as they think the gallery space is visually sacrosanct. I’m a big jazz fan. I love poetry. Though I think it’s sometimes difficult to force things together. When I listen to jazz I listen to jazz. When I look at paintings I look at paintings. When I read poetry I read poetry. The question about how to combine things is a tough one. Reprinted from the Dec. 9, 2009 edition of The Downtowner.

feature

I want to hold your hand

The Beatles’ debut in America was not on the Ed Sullivan Show in New York, but on WWDC radio in Washington. By Donna Evers

he year was 1963, and the place was Washington, D.C. It was the year Martin Luther King Jr. inspired the country with his “I have a dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. A few months later, the unthinkable happened when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas and the nation recoiled in horror and grief. For three days, people sat in front of their television sets, watching the memorial services for the fallen president unfold in front of the White House, the Capitol, through the avenues of the city and finally to the cemetery at Arlington. It’s hard to believe that all of this happened almost 50 years ago. To illustrate just how long ago this was, take a look at prices. The average American home sold for less than $20,000 and a gallon of gas cost 30 cents. In the pop music world, Elvis was the undisputed King, and teenage girls swooned by the thousands when he came on stage. But popular music fans in this country were barely aware of a new musical group called The Beatles, who were taking Great Britain and Europe by storm. A Washington teenager named Marsha Albert heard about this group and couldn’t figure out why we weren’t listening to their music here in

America. She wrote a letter to DJ Carroll James of WWDC radio and asked him to play their records. When he asked around, the DJ found out that while Capitol Records had the rights to release their music here, the president of the company didn’t think “foreign bands” did very well on this side of the pond. Even worse, when Capitol asked for the scoop on The Beatles, a music critic told him that they were “a bunch of long-haired kids” and to forget about them. And so Capitol Records put the group on the back burner. That is, until the DJ and the teenager took matters into their own hands. Carroll James found a friend who knew a British stewardess who agreed to bring a Beatles record back to the U.S. with her. And so, at 5:15 p.m. on December 17, 1963, the 15-yearold Marsha Albert announced on WWDC, “Ladies and gentlemen, appearing for the first time in America, the Beatles singing “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” The radio audience response was overwhelming and James said his switchboard lit up like a Christmas tree. He played the recording all week and the listeners loved it. Capitol heard about the phenomenon and decided to bring the record out on Dec. 26. It went to the top of the charts. In fact, it became the fastest selling single in recording history and eventually went on to occupy all five of the Top Five positions on the Billboard charts, some-

thing which hasn’t been duplicated or surpassed since. In February, the Beatles arrived in New York to be on the Ed Sullivan Show, where an unprecedented viewing audience of 73 million people tuned in to see the group. But their first live concert was here in the District at the Washington Coliseum. They couldn’t fly into National Airport because of a snowstorm, so they had to take the train to the then-dilapidated Union Station, where a screaming group of 2000 teenag-

ers waited in the snow behind police barricades to welcome them. They drew a full house at the Coliseum, where tickets, by the way, started at $3.50 apiece. The Beatles went on to dominate the popular music scene around the world for an amazing two decades, and Washington gets the credit for giving them their first introduction to what turned out to be a huge American audience, thanks to a determined teenager and an enterprising DJ.

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Share your LOVE in PRINT gmg, Inc. January 27, 2010 19

Country

Off to the B & B Silver Thatch Inn

By Robert Sacheli and John Blee

riving out of Washington for a weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast can be a highly pleasurable and affordable mini-vacation. In very little time one can experience a whole different small-town quality of life. No going through the hassle of airport screening. It can be almost spur of the moment, though it’s important to check room availability. Charlottesville means history, and the Silver Thatch Inn shares in that heritage, with the oldest parts of the inn dating to 1780 and 1812. There are three rooms in the main house, and another four in the Presidents’ Cottage. The décor is elegant and Federal era-inspired, and several rooms have canopy beds or fireplaces. There’s plenty to do in winter, with Monticello, Montpelier, and Ash Lawn-Highland within reach, and the attractions of downtown Charlottesville nearby. You’ll be in the heart of the Virginia wine country, with more than 20 wineries to explore along the Monticello Wine Trail. The Inn’s restaurant serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and there’s a cozy pub for lingering. Check the inn’s Web site for a number of online-only packages, including last-minute getaways and romantic specials. (800-261-0720, 434-978-4686, www.silverthatch.com)

How does a “do-nothing weekend” sound? It’s one of the packages that the Iris Inn can arrange for guests at this woodsy mountain resort overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. The modern Inn offers three suites and six rooms, plus a library and great room with a 28-foot stone fireplace wall. Wineries are among the local attractions, and there are lots of outdoor (and indoor) options for guests. Staunton’s Ameri-

can Shakespeare Center with its Blackfriar’s Theatre is about 20 minutes away. The Iris Inn offers some eco-conscious specials: drive up in a hybrid car and receive a 5 percent discount, and two or more couples who arrive in a single vehicle can take 10 percent off each room; there are also long-weekend discounts. (888-585-9018, 540-943-1991, www.irisinn.com)

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1/12/10 5:59 PM

“A casual, comfortable, country farmhouse among the mountains” is how Piney Hill’s co-owner Hank Overton describes

this Luray getaway, ranked sixth on Tripadvisor’s list of top 10 American B&Bs. There’s a suite and two rooms in the main house, and a separate 500-square-foot cottage. In winter, Piney Hill attracts urban visitors who want to relax, as well as outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the skiing at Bryce or Massanutten, hiking along Skyline Drive, or riding though the woods (Piney Hill can arrange mounts from a local stable).

Luray Caverns is the famous local draw, and there are wineries and antiquing for those who like to keep busy. Guests report that Luray’s quaint Page Theatre is a great destination for movie nights. And, notes Overton, the winter stars glimpsed from an outdoor Jacuzzi are a particularly lovely sight. (800-644-5261, 540-778-5261, www. pineyhillbandb.com) Maryland has some convenient and unique inns. Just an hour and 15 minutes or so from D.C. in Keedysville, MD, the Antietam Overlook Farm would be a great destination for a quiet, close getaway. It’s all about relaxing, with many guests returning as repeat customers. The interior is all wood, with hand-hewn timber framing and stone fireplaces. The inn is situated on a spectacular 95-acre mountaintop overlooking the Civil War battlefield. Being very much in nature with a view of four states would make for a delightful break from urban life. (800-878-4241, www.antietamoverlook.com)

Sandaway, located on a peninsula where the Choptank and Tred Avon Rivers flow into the Chesapeake, is part of a complex that includes the Robert Morris Inn, now celebrating its 300th birthday. It was at the Inn that James Michener wrote most of “Chesapeake.” The Inn is closed most of the winter, but Sandaway, built in 1870, has its own charm much like a Dutch Colonial complex on two acres. At Sandaway there are rooms with spectacular views of the water and private screen porches. In the winter there is shopping in nearby towns that contain two museums and ample opportunity for wildlife viewing. There is a good sampling of restaurants in Oxford. If you go online you will find some special discounts for this time of year. (888 726 3292, www. sandaway.com) Tilghman Island on the Eastern shore of Maryland is surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay. The Island is separated from the mainland by Knapps Narrows — you get onto it via drawbridge. Tilghman Island is still very much a working watermen’s village and has excellent fishing and fresh seafood. Here you’ll find the last commercial sailing fleet in North America. For those interested in terrific cuisine, staying at the Tilghman Island Inn in Maryland is highly recommended. There is a special Valentine’s Day “Snuggle Up Weekend Dinner Package,” which includes two nights lodging, a special Valentine’s five-course tasting menu for two, Sunday Champagne seated brunch and a continental breakfast each morning. (800-866-2141, 410-886-2141, www.tilghmanislandinn.com)

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gmg, Inc. January 27, 2010 21

Your Dining Guide to Washington DC’s Finest

1789 RESTAURANT 1226 36th St, NW With the ambiance of an elegant country inn, 1789 features classically based American cuisine – the finest regional game, fish and produce available. Open seven nights a week. Jackets required. Complimentary valet parking. www.1789restaurant.com

Bistro Francais

3000 K St NW

3124-28 M St NW

Come and enjoy contemporary Thai cuisine & Sushi bar deliciously prepared at Bangkok Bistro. The restaurant’s decor matches its peppery cuisine, vibrant in both color and flavor. Enthusiasts say we offer professional, prompt and friendly service. Experience outdoor sidewalk dining in the heart of Georgetown.

(One block from Georgetown Lowe’s theatres)

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

Open for lunch and dinner. Sun.-Thurs.11:30am - 10:30pm Fri.-Sat. 11:30am - 11:30pm

Georgetown introduces Washington’s first “Dumpling Bar” featuring more than 12 varieties. Come and enjoy the new exotic Thai cuisine inspired by French cooking techniques. Bangkok Joe’s is upscale, colorful and refined. Absolutely the perfect place for lunch or dinner or just a private gathering. www.bangkokjoes.com

www.bangkokbistrodc.com (202) 965-1789

(202) 337-2424

(202) 333-4422

CAFE BONAPARTE

Café La Ruche

CAFE MILANO

1522 Wisconsin Ave

www.cafebonaparte.com (202) 333-8830

One Washington Circle, NW Washington, DC 22037 Circle Bistro presents artful favorites that reflect our adventurous and sophisticated kitchen. Featuring Happy Hour weekdays from 5pm-7pm, live music every Saturday from 8pm-12midnight, and an a la carte Sunday Brunch from 11:30am-2:30pm. Open dailyfor breakfast, lunch and dinner.

1736 Wisconsin Ave., NW Come and see for yourself why Bistrot Lepic, with its classical, regional and contemporary cuisine, has been voted best bistro in D.C. by the Zagat Guide. And now with its Wine bar, you can enjoy “appeteasers”, full bar service, complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday and a new Private Room. The regular menu is always available. Open everyday. Lunch & dinner. Reservations suggested. www.bistrotlepic.com (202) 333-0111

CHADWICKS

HASHI RESTAURANT

3205 K St, NW (est.1967)

1073 Wisconsin Ave., NW Hashi Sushi Bar

Cafe Milano specializes in setting up your private party in our exclusive dining rooms. Our detail-oriented staff also will cater your corporate meetings & special events at your office, home or other locations. Check out our website for booking information or call 202-965-8990, ext. 135. Cafe Milano is high on the restaurant critics’ charts with excellent Italian cuisine & attention to service. Fresh pastas, steaks, fish dishes, & authentic Italian specialties. Lunch & dinner. Late night dining & bar service.

A Georgetown tradition for over 40 years, this friendly neighborhood restaurant/saloon features fresh seafood, burgers, award-winning ribs, & specialty salads & sandwiches. Casual dining & a lively bar. Daily lunch & dinner specials. Late night dining (until midnight Sun.Thu., 1A.M. Fri-Sat) Champagne brunch served Sat. & Sun. until 4P.M. Open Mon-Thu 11:30A.M.-2A.M. Fri-Sat 11:30A.M.-3A.M.Sun 11A.M.-2A.M.Kids’ Menu Available. Located ½ block from the Georgetown movie theatres, overlooking the new Georgetown Waterfront Park

(Georgetown Chopsticks)

www.CafeMilano.net

ChadwicksRestaurants.com

(202) 965-2684

(202) 333-6183

(202) 333.2565

CITRONELLE

CLYDE’S OF GEORGETOWN

“Outdoor Dining Available” www.cafelaruche.com

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

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

Open for Dinner.

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

Valet parking.

www.clydes.com

www.circlebistro.com

www.citronelledc.com

(202) 293-5390

(202) 625-2150

22 January 27, 2010 gmg, Inc.

(202) 338-3830

BISTROT LEPIC & WINE BAR

3251 Prospect St. NW

1039 31st Street, NW

Captivating customers since 2003 Café Take a stroll down memory lane. Bonaparte has been dubbed the “quintes- Serving Georgetown for more than 35 years - Since 1974 sential” European café featuring award winning crepes & arguably the “best” Chef Jean-Claude Cauderlier coffee in D.C! Located in sophisticated A bit of Paris on the Potomac. Georgetown, our café brings a touch Great Selection of Fine Wines Fresh of Paris “je ne sais quoi” to the neighMeat, Seafood & Poultry Chicken borhood making it an ideal romantic destination. Other can’t miss attributes Cordon-Bleu *Duck Salmon, & Steaks Voted Best Dessert-Pastry in are; the famous weekend brunch every Sat and Sun until 3pm, our late night town, The Washingtonian Magazine weekend hours serving sweet & savory FULL BAR crepes until 1 am Fri-Sat evenings & the alluring sounds of the Syssi & Marc jazz Open Daily from 11:30 a.m. Open Late ‘til 1 am on Friday & duo every other Wed. at 7:30. We look Saturday night forward to calling you a “regular” soon!

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

BANGKOK JOE’S

3251Prospect St, NW

BANGKOK BISTRO

(202) 333-9180

DAILY GRILL

1310 Wisconsin Ave., NW Reminiscent of the classic American Grills, Daily Grill is best known for its large portions of fresh seasonal fare including Steaks & Chops, Cobb Salad, Meatloaf and Warm Berry Cobbler. Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.Visit our other locations at 18th & M Sts NW and Tysons Corner. www.dailygrill.com

(202) 337-4900

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

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

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

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

M | STREET BAR & GRILL & the 21 M Lounge 2033 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-3305 M Street Bar & Grill, in the St. Gregory Hotel has a new Brunch menu by Chef Christopher Williams Featuring Live Jazz, Champagne, Mimosas and Bellini’s. For Entertaining, small groups of 12 to 25 people wishing a dining room experience we are featuring Prix Fixe Menus: $27.00 Lunch and $34.00 Dinner. Lunch and dinner specials daily.

www.mstreetbarandgrill.com

(202) 530-3621

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

JETTIES

1609 Foxhall Road, Intersection Foxhall & Reservoir

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

Jetties serves freshly-made sandwiches, and houses a salad bar. Indoor & outdoor seating. Open every day of the week, Jetties is a great for lunch and dinner.

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

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

Including: Miller Lite bottles for $2.25 each

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

www.garretsdc.com (202) 333-1033

Panache Restaurant 1725 DeSales St NW Tapas – Specialty Drinks Martini’s Citrus - Cosmopolitan - Sour Apple - Blue Berry Summer Patio – Open Now! Coming Soon. “New” Tyson’s Corner Location Open NOW! Dining Room Monday - Friday: 11:30am-11:00pm Saturday: 5:00pm-11:00pm Bar Hours Mon.-Thursday: 11:30am-11:00pm Friday: 11:30am- 2:00am Saturday: 5:00pm- 2:00am (202) 293-7760

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

La Chaumiere 2813 M St. Northwest, Washington, DC 20007 Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a business lunch, enjoy wonderful Boudin Blanc, Fresh Dover Sole Meunière, Cassoulet or Pike Quenelles by the fireplace in this unique “Country Inn”. Chef Patrick Orange serves his Award Winning Cuisine in a rustic atmosphere, where locals and celebrities alike gather. La Chaumiere also offers 2 private dining rooms with a prix-fixe menu and an affordable wine list. Washingtonian’s Best 100 restaurant 28 years in a row. www.lachaumieredc.com (202) 338-1784

Peacock Cafe

SEA CATCH

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

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

3251 Prospect St. NW

The tremendous popularity of The Peacock Happy Day Brunch in Washington DC is legendary. The breakfast and brunch selections offer wonderful variety and there is a new selection of fresh, spectacular desserts everyday. The Peacock Café in Georgetown, DC - a fabulous menu for the entire family. Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 10:30pm Friday: 11:30am - 12:00am Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00am Sunday: 9:00am - 10:30pm (202) 625-2740

1054 31st St, NW

(202) 337-8855

Sequoia

SMITH POINT

THE OCEANAIRE

TOWN HALL

3000 K St NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20007

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

1201 F St, NW

2218 Wisconsin Ave NW

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

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

Ranked one of the most popular seafood restaurants in , DC, “this cosmopolitan”send-up of a vintage supper club that’s styled after a ‘40’s-era ocean liner is appointed with cherry wood and red leather booths, infused with a “clubby, old money” atmosphere. The menu showcases “intelligently” prepared fish dishes that “recall an earlier time of elegant” dining. What’s more, “nothing” is snobbish here.

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

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

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

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

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

MARTIN’S TAVERN Corner Wisconsin & N St, NW Since 1933, family owned and operated Martin’s Tavern has been popular with the local crowd, journalists, dignitaries and politicians who appreciate its top-notch food and welcoming atmosphere.People continue to return for the classic American fare of Prime steaks, chops, seafood, fresh pasta and shellfish and good old fashioned comfort food.Ask where LBJ, JFK and Nixon sat as regulars! ServingLunch,Dinner & Brunch Daily. www.martins-tavern.com (202) 333-7370

SETTE OSTERIA 1666 Conn. Ave at R St. NW (Dupont Circle) Edgy. Witty. Casual. THE patio near Dupont Circle for peoplewatching. Pizza masters bake delicious Neapolitan thincrust pizzas in a wood-fire oven. Menu favorites include pastas, salads, lasagnas, Italian specialty meats and cheeses, and lowcarb choices. Daily specials, Lunch & dinner. Late night dining & bar service. www.SetteOsteria.com

(202)483-3070

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

gmg, Inc. January 27, 2010 23

C o c k ta i l o f t h e W e e k

Russian passion, via The emerald isle Gourmet food & Fine Italian wines Georgetown’s Little Corner of Italy

By Miss Dixie

D i n n er o rd ers a n d ca teri n g P h o n e : 202. 965. 1222 g r i f f i n ma r ke t @ ya h o o . co m 1425 28t h S t N W

Valentine’s Day A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

We will be featuring 2 distinctive 4 course menus including wine. Choose from:

a contemporary Thai experience or

a sushi inspired menu

$25.00 PER PERSON 3251 Prospect St., NW Washington, DC 20007

202-337-2424

www.bangkokbistrodc.com 24 January 27, 2010 gmg, Inc.

W a sh i n g t o n D C , 20007

efore my recent journey to Ireland, I imaged the Dublin nightlife to be limited to traditional pubs. Friendly places where Guinness flowed like water and talkative locals traded stories while Gaelic music reeled in the background. I pictured a place like this on every corner. After all, in “Ulysses,” James Joyce referred to the puzzle of trying to cross Dublin without passing a pub, preferring to stop and sample a few instead. While the pubs and Guinness lived up to my expectations, I also found another side of Dublin, sleek and modern, with hip clubs and trendy cocktail bars. Perhaps the change in Dublin sparked when they gave birth to U2, the biggest band in the world. It continued with the European money that flowed in throughout the 1990s and 2000s. My first glimpse of “new Dublin” came from my hotel in the city’s Docklands area. This area has transformed into an affluent neighborhood of modern office buildings and pricey riverside apartments, also housing U2’s recording studios. Another makeover, courtesy of U2, is the refurbishment of the Clarence Hotel, which was built in 1852. Purchased by U2’s Bono and the Edge in 1992, the structure was renovated into a luxury hotel. It re-opened in 1996 and has been called a symbol and catalyst of the city’s economic and cultural renaissance. With its celebrity backing, it’s no surprise that the hotel’s Octagon Bar is one of the hottest venues in Europe. According to head barman Szabi Sandor, the eight-sided bar is popular with hotel guests and Dubliners alike. While I expected a bar that was owned by rock stars to be flashy and glittery, the Octagon bar was elegant and refined. The bar’s shape was inspired by an antique clock that was restored during the hotel’s modernization. A recessed stained glass ceiling hovers over the center-staged bar. While the bar offers Guinness on tap, the true highlight is the extensive menu of cocktails which features seasonal offerings and innovative twists on classic drinks. Sandor, the brainchild behind the impres-

sive drink list, was recently awarded first place in the National Cocktail Championships 2009 for his Russian Passion cocktail, an innovative concoction of Smirnoff vodka, melon liqueur, pear juice, grapefruit and lychee syrup, lime juice and passion fruit puree. The name, according to Sandor, comes from Russian for the vodka and passion for the fruit. The Russian Passion is served in a tall glass over crushed ice and garnished with a hand cut flower made from a passion fruit. The drink was fruity but not overly sweet. Its fresh and tropical flavors seemed at odds with the cold damp climate of Ireland, while it sophisticated fusion fit right in at the stately surroundings Although he has worked three years at the Clarence Hotel, Sandor hails from Budapest were he first honed his craft. He tells me that while pints are still the norm in countryside, edgy new cocktail bars keep opening up in modern-day Dublin. The hotel’s website describes the bar as a place Bono and The Edge would choose to drink while in Dublin. When I asked Sandor about their whereabouts, he whispers that information about the owners is off limits. When I ask which cocktail on the menu is Bono’s favorite, he reluctantly says that when Bono is at the bar he drinks Guinness “like a true Irishman.” Russian vodka can be purchased at Dixie Liquor (3429 M St.) in Georgetown. For more information about the Clarence Hotel visit www.theclarence.ie.

The Russian Passion 1 1/2 ounces Smirnoff vodka 1/2 ounce Midori melon liqueur 1/4 ounce lychee and pink grapefruit syrup 1/4 ounce passion fruit puree 3/4 ounce freshly pressed apple juice 1/4 ounce fresh lime juice Shake ingredients and strain into a tall glass. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with fresh passion fruit and mint leaf.

dining

By Robert Sacheli

alentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, offering dining-out possibilities for the whole weekend. Will your special meal be a traditional dinner, or lunch, brunch or even tea? Here are a few ideas to spark the romantic in you — just remember to book your reservation early.

Dining as performance art. Michel Richard’s modern spin on French cuisine is bold, inventive and idiosyncratic — and well worth the splurge. Great for: The grand gesture.

Montmartre

The Tabard Inn

Coeur de Lion

1789

1226 36th St. | 202-965-1789 | www.1789restaurant. com If dinner with your Valentine means dressing up for a special evening, then this perennial’s the place for you. The menu may be New American, but the elegant atmosphere is Old Georgetown all the way, with upstairs dining rooms that are just right for a tete-a-tete. Great for: Old-fashioned romance.

Henley Park Hotel, 926 Massachusetts Ave. | 202-414-0500 | www.henleypark.com A brick-walled courtyard, skylights, and chandeliers make this room a perfect setting for a table for two. There’s a champagne brunch, New American cuisine for dinner, and the adjacent Blue Bar for cocktails. Indulge in your “Gosford Park” fantasies with afternoon tea in the oh-so-British Wilkes Room. Great for: Neo-romantics.

Neyla pictured below

In the Mood: Ten Suggestions for Valentine’s Weekend Dining

327 Seventh St. S.E. | 202-544-1244 | www.montmartredc.com The bistro fare at this Capitol Hill favorite will go a long way to warming your Valentine’s heart. The dining room may not leave much space for privacy, but the food and the buzz in the atmosphere more than make up for it. Great for: Remembering — or planning — that trip to Paris.

Neyla

3206 N St. | 202-333-6353 | www.neyla.com Fabric-draped dining spaces add drama to this panMediterranean spot, where the meze are tailor-made for nibbling from each other’s plate. Great for: Spicing things up.

Hotel Tabard Inn, 1739 N St. | 202-331-8528 | www.tabardinn.com Chef Paul Pelt has designed an eclectic threecourse Valentine’s weekend dinner menu with influences that range from Asian to Mediterranean. The perennially popular fireside lounge is a comfy spot for after-dinner lingering and is welcoming for weekend brunches. Great for: Urban romantics. Bonus:

The Venetian Bar and Lounge

Hotel Lombardy, 2019 Pennsylvania Ave. | 202-828-2601 | www.hotellombardy.com Tucked away behind the hotel’s Café Lombardy is one of the town’s most romantic and little-known spots. The vibe — part Victorian parlor, part Orient Express — makes this pocket-sized lounge an ideal place to begin or end the evening over drinks. Great for: Popping the question.

Firefly

The Bombay Club

815 Connecticut Ave. | 202-659-3727 | www.bombayclubdc.com Sophisticated Indian cuisine and a glamorous setting with echoes of the Raj make this one of downtown’s favorite destinations. A pianist adds to the atmosphere every evening. Great for: An after-meal walk in Lafayette Park.

La Chaumière

2813 M St. | 202-338-1784 | www.lachaumieredc. com Rustic beams, country décor, a fireplace, and a classic French menu add up to a charming package at this evergreen Georgetown spot. Great for: An in-town getaway.

Citronelle

1310 New Hampshire Ave. | 202-861-1310 | www.firefly-dc.com The lantern-lit “tree” at the heart of this Dupont Circle oasis may be make-believe, but Chef Daniel Bortnick’s comfort food-inspired cooking is the real thing. There’s a four-stage Valentine’s dinner menu offered Feb. 12 through 14, and you couldn’t find a more comforting place for a cozy weekend brunch. Great for: Country lovers.

Little Fountain Café

Latham Hotel, 3000 M St. | 202-625-2150 | www. citronelledc.com

2339 18th St. | 202-462-8100 | www.littlefountaincafe.com Tucked among the hipster hangouts of AdamsMorgan is this small (38-seat) favorite — and yes, there is a fountain. A special four-course Valentine’s menu will be available Feb.13 and 14. Great for: The getting-to-know-you dinner.

3301 m street nw

gmg, Inc. January 27, 2010 25

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Large suite with balcony overlooking C&O canal also available. Conference rooms, telephone answering, garage parking & more. Emma Dingle: 202-625-8300 www.dccenters.com

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BODY

AND

SOUL

2010, BROKE AGAIN? NOT THIS YEAR By Elizabeth Saverino 009 was the year of the Recessionista— the fiscally frugal yet stylish chick who paved her way to make her fashion sense work with her budget. With things beginning to look up in 2010 let’s not forget the things we learned when we had to cut some corners and maybe even limit ourselves to the sale rack. Here are a few smart moves every savvy beauty girl of 2010 should know. The Do It Yourself. One of the very best investments I’ve ever made (don’t laugh) was a $3.00 Sally Hansen wax kit. I kid you not. The frugality of college taught me a lot, and although long division may not have been my strength, I knew that spending 20 dollars twice a month wasn’t going to help my already diminishing bank account. I was pre-med and one thing you hear a lot from the medical field is that common phrase “watch one, do one, teach one”. In most cases this referred to complicated procedures like a tracheotomy, yet in my world, it meant professional services. While I forewent the desire to land myself in medical school, instead I took the lesson and applied it elsewhere. I started becoming a focused observer of services— and found that you can make yourself fabulous while saving a good deal of money. Just ask professional stylist Kei Pucci who says a Deep Hair Conditioning Treatment, that can cost anywhere from 15 to 50 dollars at salons and spas and can easily be done at home just as effectively without the cost. Products to use? Pucci recommends either Joyco K-Pac Deep Penetrating Reconstructor found at most beauty retail stores and salons, or for a slightly more intense hair revival, she not only loves but uses Molton Brown Reawakening Mer-Rouge Hair Hydramasque, found at Nieman Marcus or MoltonBrown. com. She advises to do the conditioning treatment following shampooing when hair cuticles are open and more porous. “Depending on the length of hair— for long hair use a silver dollar sized amount, for short to medium a quarter’s worth. If hair is highlighted or severely damaged you might want to add a bit extra. Vigorously run the product through hair from shaft to the ends and leave in for 15 to 20 minutes”. Pucci concluded her advice noting to use cool water while rinsing hair to seal the hairs’ cuticle. With many things you pay to have done, watch and take note of how the professionals do it. The wax kit I bought 4 years ago still has wax left for my bimonthly eyebrow waxes. It’s an easy application- just an orange stick should do the trick. I watched as an esthetician did my girlfriend’s eyebrows before doing my own. I learned to start by applying a small amount of wax to a small area at one time. This works easiest after a shower when your pores are more open from the hot water and steam. Be slow to apply and quick to remove. Learn how to do a professional looking manicure and pedicure. The most basic key ingredients are what you are using and how. I often think of the steps they use at the salon, like always reapplying nail polish remover (often for the second time) right before the base coat is applied. Both these steps are crucial, yet often overlooked by most DIY jobs. The former takes off any oils, lotions or excess moisture left on your nails after hands are softened or cuticle gel is applied. The later masks any ridges in your nails and leave a smooth foundation for the colored layer. It also helps bond your nail polish to the nail preventing

28 January 27, 2010 GMG, Inc.

chipping. I love the Essie line with its First Base Base Coat and Ridge Filling Base Coat. They also have a Protein Fortifying Base to help strengthen and protect weak fragile nails. The next key ingredient is not only quality nail polish but a protective top coat. OPI’s T30 Top Coat does a nice job preventing chips and adding shine while drying quickly. Outside of DIY projects, being a smart consumer can help you save an extra couple bucks and come without compromise. What we tend to forget is how the littlest of things quickly add up. (If I only had the extra $1.99 I spent on buying Diet Cokes last year, I could most likely purchase an entire outfit). So don’t scoff at saving a few extra dollars here and there, in the big picture these things add up. And let’s face it, who couldn’t use some extra money. —Shop at consignment stores. I’m always surprised at exciting things I find at places like Annie Cream Cheese (3279 M Street) and Second Hand Rose (1516 Wisconsin Ave). It’s not just the price and the quality, it’s the selection. Rarely can you buy something at the mall without passing someone on the street wearing the same thing. But at consignment shops you find individual items all from different years and seasons with authentic brands for a lot less. —Look at the active ingredients in products. Everything from toothpaste to deodorant to medicines. This is one of the easiest ways to simply stop throwing out money on marketing and advertising. Another lesson learned as a pre-med student in organic chemistry lab- the active ingredient

in all these products is the only thing that matters. After synthesizing acetaminophen and realizing that it was the same thing that’s in Tylenol, I stopped spending the extra 3-4 dollars for the brand. The point is that it’s all the same exact chemical composition, just packaged differently. This savings can be huge from multi-symptom cold medicines to even mouthwash. As long as the active ingredient is the same

and percentage amount of it is, don’t waste your money on the name brand. —Sign up for serious deals! Shopittome.com is one of the best sites for designer clothes. Simply put in the labels you love (everything from Christian Dior, BCBG to Jimmy Choo), the types of clothes you’re interested in and then your sizes. Decide how frequently you want e-mails coming to and check your inbox to find a personal shopping assistant that’s finding you sales on items by your favorite designers. Other great discount sites are Groupon.com and Livingsocial.com where you can get deep daily discounts from local businesses like 66% off spa treatments to half price restaurant certificates. Remember it all adds up!

SOCIAL

LOVELY LOLO

Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Lolo Sarnoff defies age. Now in her nineties, she was radiant on Jan. 21 at the Capricorn birthday party which she has hosted for many years “In honor of all Capricorns and their Friends.” In l988, the hostess founded Arts for the Aging, Inc. (AFTA), a non-profit that provides arts outreach programs in underserved day care centers, nursing homes and community settings throughout the metropolitan area to enhance the health and well-being of seniors. With so many supporters in attendance, she gave a gracious acceptance speech as AFTA board members presented her with a $42,000 check in recognition of her dedication.

SCENE

LATINO STUDENT FUND On Jan. 22, Cindy and Jaime Sanchez hosted a salsa party to benefit the Latino Student Fund (LSF), whose mission is to provide young students of Hispanic descent equal access to education in order to promote higher learning and professional leadership. Guests were encouraged to bring items or monetary contributions for the auction at the upcoming LSF Gala on May 4 at the Organization of American States. Everyone delighted in the margaritas followed by fabulous paella and Cuban-style pork loin from the hosts’ popular Cactus Cantina and Lauriol Plaza restaurants before taking to the dance floor to salsa away the calories.-Mary Bird

LSF President Cindy and Jaime Sanchez

LSF Board Members Mandy Delk, Juan Altamar and Alex Garcia

Helen Simmons, Hazel Huete-Rosenbusch, Carmen Gutierrez de Vegarra Christine Warnke, Nicole d’Amecourt and Lolo Sarnoff

Lolo Sarnoff. Here she cuts her birthday cake.

BOOK LAUNCH: “THE OVERNIGHT SOCIALITE”

FIRST AND ONLY IN DC! Introducing High Speed LightSheer® DUET™

Photo: Jennifer Gray

Finally, Hair Removal that’s Painless to Your Skin AND Your Wallet.

Hosted by Ginger Boutique on January 21st 2010. Bridie Clark greeted guests and signed copies of her newest book “The Overnight Socialite.”

• A Revolution in Laser Hair Removal • Treatment Time Reduced up to 75% • All of the Results, None of the Discomfort High Speed Permanent Hair Reduction with Customized Comfort

Left, Bridie Clark

Legs and backs can be treated comfortably in only 20 minutes, without anesthetics or gels.

CHILD, ADOLESCENT, & ADULT PSYCHIATRY

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ASK ABOUT OUR NEW LOW RATES! Introductory Price: 50% Off Your First Treatment!

Dr. Dale Isaacson & Dr. Marilyn Berzin 1828 L Street NW Suite 850 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 822-9591

Clifford Sussman, MD provides psychotherapy and medications as indicated, often in combination. Dr. Sussman will also be running an OCD group for ages 12-18 that uses the CBT method of exposure with response prevention. Call 202.248.4346 5410 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 112 Washington, DC 20015 202.248.4346 cliffordsussmanmd@gmail.com www.cliffordsussmanmd.com

Therapies Offered: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical-Behavioral therapy (DBT) Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Other Supportive Therapies Psychopharmacology Problems Treated Include: Anxiety Disorders (Including OCD) ADHD Learning Disabilities Mood Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorders Personality Disorders Self-improvement

GMG, Inc. January 27, 2010 29

SOCIAL

LABELS OF LOVE

SCENE

Photos: Jeff Malet

An exclusive evening of Fashion, Art and Philanthropy! Benefiting the Center for Heart, Lung and Kidney Disease at Children’s National Medical Center featuring a runway show by Lela Rose as she brings her Spring 2010 Collection to Washington, DC, and a Fashoin inspired art auction by 7 of DC’s most notable artists “Labels for Love, Inc. benefits 501(c)3 charitable organizations that protect women and children from the damaging effects of poverty, homelessness, political unrest, abuse, and the hardships associated with terminal illnesses. One children’s charity and one women’s charity is chosen to benefit from event proceeds, per calendar year. While the core of our efforts are geared toward solutions-focused organizations in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, we also lend our support to national organizations who share in our passion and vision to make a difference.” Mary Schmidt Amons is founder and president of Labels for Love.

Beth Singer, Ann Goettman, Trissi Bennett and Suzanne Youngkin. Beth is Chairman of the Board, Children’s Research Institute at Children’s National Medical Center. Ann is on the Board of Visitors of the Children’s National Medical Center

Will Thomas anchors the weekend editions of FOX 5 News at 5, FOX 5 News at 10 and The Edge at 11. Mary Schmidt Amons, and Paul Wharton

Rich Amons, Susan Stewart and Scott Stewart. Scott Stewart is the Founder and Managing Partner of Carlyle Seniors Housing, LLC

Jennifer and Brett Haber. Brett is Sports Anchor for WUSA-TV

Emil Hill and Jim Rayborn

Krystal Ugo and Lynda Erkiletian of T.H.E. Artist Agency Ebong Eka is a CPA and a Menswear Designer

30 January 27, 2010 GMG, Inc.

Model

SOCIAL

SCENE

2010 GEORGETOWNER CONTEST PHOTOS CELEBRATE THE TOWN’S CLASSIC STYLE

Photos: Robert Devaney

Georgetowner photo contest winner Jeff Kouri, whose “Cold Misty Morning” shimmered on the Jan. 13 front page, was at Peacock Cafe Jan. 22 with other photographers and admirers as well as publisher Sonya Bernhardt and staffers. Their photographs hung at the walls of Peacock Cafe as they captured the archetypes we love: the C&O Canal, the Potomac, Key Bridge, the spires of Georgetown University. View the pictures at Peacock or on the newspaper web site, and capture images of the village for the 2011 contest.-RAD A special thanks to our sponsors Peacock Cafe and Dodge Chrome Imaging. Join us in our continued support of the recovery of Haiti by purchasing these images. On view at Peacock Cafe, 3251 Prospect St. through Feb. 10, 2010. Call for details 202-338-4833.

Dara Sloan with Peacock Cafe executive chef Maziar Farivar

The first-place winner Jeff Kouri with publisher Sonya Bernhardt.

Photo exhibitor Ray Regan (left) with Lara Driscoe, Raina Dieterle and Guy Filippelli.

Photo exhibitor Jamie Hess and Anne Hunter. Columnists Linda Roth and Katherine Tallmadge

Photo exhibitor Claire Reynolds (center) with Alex Bauman and Courtney Brand

Maryam Sardani and Kaveh Sardari with photo contest judge Neshan Naltchayan

GMG, Inc. January 27, 2010 31

Put our results to work for you! 47

Washington Fine Properties sold nearly 3 times as many homes in Georgetown as our closest competitor in 2009.*

17 WFP

Long & Foster

TTR Sotheby’s

Coldwell Banker

We appreciate your support! *Source: MRIS. Units of Single Family Houses – Listings Sold 1/1/09 - 12/31/09 in Georgetown – all price ranges. WASHINGTON, DC GEORGETOWN BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE POTOMAC NORTHERN VIRGINIA WFP.COM 32 January 27, 2010 gmg, Inc.

202.944.5000 202.333.3320 301.222.0050 301.983.6400 703.317.7000