Ringing in 2014: New Year’s Eve Dining and Parties
• January 6, 2014

For Georgetowners and Washingtonians, as in olden days, party and dinner choices for Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be surprisingly more personal than political.

Whether deciding on places like 1789 Restaurant, Peacock Cafe or Cafe Milano or Bistro Francais, Bistro Lepic or Cafe Bonaparte or Filomena, Unum or Bourbon Steak, one can enjoy and taste the classics of Georgetown and a few new ones, such as Capitol Prague, Malmaison and Rialto.

It is intimate here with such dinners, as the one shown by Jakob Esko, executive chef of the Capella Hotel. His New Year’s Eve menu must be seen and tasted to be believed.

Some of us at this newspaper recall a wonderful New Year’s Eve dinner — during the next-to-last year of the 20th century — at Tahoga Restaurant (now departed) with family and friends across from the Four Seasons Hotel. One talked about a New Year’s Eve at the Bohemian Caverns. Another recalled the last night of the Bayou, partying like it was 1999. In fact, it was 1999 after midnight.

Unlike the overwhelming celebrations in Times Square in Manhattan or in Las Vegas or at the Peach Drop in Atlanta, there are no major street events in Georgetown for New Year’s Eve. Yet, it is just that which can make your private get-together so personal.
Nevertheless, if all-out jamming partying is what you want Dec. 31 for ringing in 2014, consider the following soirees.

International Club of D.C. New Year’s Eve Gala
Eight ballrooms, Champagne, dinner and dessert buffets — hosted by the D.C. organization for internationally minded professionals. The Washington Ritz-Carlton, 1150 22nd St., NW; 7:30 p.m.; $109 and up

ArtJamz New Year’s Eve Glitter Ball
Come midnight, the ArtJamz Dupont Studio will be transformed into a rocking neon-splashed art studio filled with partying Picassos, reveling Rothkos and crazy Khalos. Not only can guests paint and glitter bomb their own canvas all night, but there will be a large group canvas where everyone can paint and write their resolutions. ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 1728 Connecticut Ave., NW; 10 p.m.; $60.

New Year’s Eve #RiverBash2014
Live music, deejays, endless buffets and a top shelf open bar. The outdoor area surrounding the restaurants will be tented and heated with outside bars. Nick’s Riverside Grill & Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place, 3000 K St., NW; doors open at 9 p.m.; $90 (discounts for groups of 10 or more).

James Bond Gala
This Bond-themed night features martinis, a mock casino, prizes, buffets and much more.
Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle; 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.; $129 or more.

Masquerade Ball
Hosted by ABC’s Bachelor Chris Bukowski, the Masquerade Ball includes a Masquerade Masksmidnight balloon drop, three party rooms, buffet stations, live feed of Times Square and more.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave., NW; 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.; $99 to $350.

Downtown Countdown
All-inclusive tickets give you access to the main stage, Club ’14, a comedy showcase, live acoustic karaoke, unlimited premium open bars and full dinner buffets. The Washington Hilton; 1919 Connecticut Ave., NW; 9 p.m.- 2 a.m; $90 or more.
A Cirque du 2014 Celebration of

Many Nations
Circle the globe and experience 10 nations with unique international celebrations in seven different rooms. The famed Times Square experience will be featured in the Omni’s Grand Ballroom with Washington’s DJ Geometrix spinning American retro, top 40, hip hop, and dance. Midnight balloon drop and light show will welcome you to 2014. Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St., NW; 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; $105 or more.

Madhatter Ball
Madhatter’s Masquerade Ball will ring in 2014 with a food buffet, open bar, live entertainment and a midnight champagne toast. Party favors and much more included. 1319 Connecticut Ave., NW; 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; $75.
New Year’s Eve Passport to the

World Gala
This gala provides something for everyone: live entertainment, a variety of music, delicious food and beverages, a great crowd of people and much more. The Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street, NW; 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; $99 or more. [gallery ids="101588,147488" nav="thumbs"]

Condos at Canal and Wisconsin Avenue for Sale in 2014
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1055 High, an EastBanc condo project on Wisconsin Avenue between Grace Church and the C&O Canal, will begin selling in January. There are seven units at 1055 Wisconsin Ave., NW, which have a price range of $3 to $5 million, and include two parking spaces, a balcony and three or four bedrooms. The project is named for one of Wisconsin Avenue’s earlier names: High Street. 1055 High’s rooftop will hold a pool and patio. Units should be ready by the end of 2014.

Georgetown Business Association Celebrates Awardees, 2013
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The Georgetown Business Association held its annual meeting and holiday reception Dec. 11 at Dumbarton House — along with remarks by business leaders and politicians and its awards presentation.

Karen Daly of Dumbarton House welcomed the overflow crowd, as Joel Bennett and Janine Schoonover of the GBA summed up the year’s accomplishments. Ward 2 council member Jack Evans spoke of the economic health and dynamism of Washington, D.C., and Georgetown. At-large council members Vincent Orange and David Grosso also addressed the crowd, and another council member, Muriel Bowser, was on hand.

As for the awards: Tom Russo of Chadwick’s was named business person and Cannon’s Fish Market business of the year. Metropolitan Police Department officers Robert Anderson III and Jonathan Geer earned the Joe Pozell Public Safety Award, while the Georgetown Business Improvement District’s John Wiebenson and the BID Clean Team received the Art Schultz Communitarian Award.

Later, during the reception, Mayor Vincent Gray arrived to give the crowd a hearty welcome. Also in attendance were members of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E, which represents Georgetown, Burleith and Hillandale: Ron Lewis, Ed Solomon and Bill Starrels. The GBA’s top officials were re-elected: Riyad Said, president; Janine Schoonover, vice president; Karen Ohri, treasurer; Molly Quigley, secretary.

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Norman Tolkan, Door Store Founder, Dies at 87
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Door Store founder Norman Tolkan died Dec. 8 from pneumonia at the age of 87.

Tolkan’s Door Store was on M Street next to Georgetown Tobacco and had a warehouse at Wisconsin Avenue and K Street. The furniture was famous for its Breuer-style chair (cane back and seat with a tubular metal frame). Many still have some of those household items, precursors to the likes of Ikea. Tolkan and his late wife Constance founded the Door Store in 1954. At its height, the business had 75 stores and then declined and finally closed in 1995. Tolkan still ran a business — Homeward, Inc. — which specialized in replacement pieces for those famous chairs. He had worked for the State Department before his retail business, knew several foreign languages and graduated from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. He is survived by his son, Victor K. Tolkan, his daughter-in-law, Julia A. Springer, three grandchildren and his sister, Helen T. Greenwald.

Dave Roffman, retired editor and publisher of The Georgetowner, wrote to his old publication about Tolkan: “He was one of the founders of the Georgetown Business Association, along with Rick Hinden of Britches, Arnie Passman of Georgetown Lamp Gallery and John Laytham of Clyde’s. They held their first meeting in the upstairs office of Britches of Georgetown. I attended that meeting as the only member of the press.”

In a New York Times obituary, Tolkan was called “his own man, self-made, colorful, idiosyncratic, intensely private and honorable.”

Ellen Steury Sworn in as Commissioner
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Ellen Steury was sworn in by Council member Jack Evans as the advisory neighborhood commissioner for single-member district 7 (SMD 07) – on the east side of Georgetown, north of P and Q Streets, including Evermay, Oak Hill Cemetery, Dumbarton Oaks, to Whitehaven Street. Steury succeeds Charles Eason who retired last month.

DMV to Return to Georgetown Park in 2014
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Closed since May 19, 2012, the Georgetown office of D.C.’s Department of Motor Vehicles — once located in the lower level of the Shops at Georgetown Park, which has undergone major construction and is no longer a shopping mall – will return in 2014. It will be located at 3222 M St., NW, which is the address for the stores that make up Georgetown Park. Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans previously announced that an office of the DMV would re-open there, although a spokesperson for the landlord of the mall said last year the DMV would not be returning. As of presstime, a spokesperson for the Evans office said it looked like the DMV office would indeed return by May 2014. (For other locations and questions, visit DMV.DC.gov.)

Donghia, Luxe Home Furnisher, Moves to Cady’s Alley Jan. 1
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Donghia — which specializes in decorative fabrics and furniture — is relocating its home furnishings design trade showroom from the Washington Design Center to Cady’s Alley in the 3,413-square-foot retail property, currently occupied by home furnishings retailer M2L. Donghia will “establish a new, permanent home in Cady’s Alley and will move into its showroom Jan. 1, with a grand opening slated for late spring,” according to property managers EastBanc, Inc., and Jamestown, which announced a 10-year lease by Donghia to occupy retail space in its Georgetown Renaissance property at 3334 Cady’s Alley, NW.

Founded by the late Italian-American designer Angelo Donghia, the luxury contemporary home furnishing collection sells exclusively to interior designers and architects through its showrooms. Its furniture is made in the U.S. and accessories are handmade in Italy in Murano, next to Venice.

“With a 40-year history at the forefront of the luxury home furnishings industry, Donghia is an excellent complement to the mix of design-oriented retailers that the Georgetown community is accustomed to, serving as a reminder that this retail corridor remains D.C.’s primary destination for luxury, design and fashion,” says Philippe Lanier, vice president of EastBanc.

“The Donghia lease agreement is part of a recent swell of Georgetown Renaissance leasing activity that includes stylish retailers such as Steven Alan, Calypso St. Barth, Bonobos, and Intermix,” EastBanc and Jamestown noted in a company press release. “The Donghia deal also solidifies the westward movement in Georgetown of sophisticated lifestyle offerings and will complement current Cady’s Alley design tenants Design Within Reach, Contemporaria, Janus et Cie, Boffi-Maxalto and Baker Furniture, which recently signed a lease renewal to remain in Cady’s Alley for another ten years – an investment that reaffirms Baker’s commitment to Georgetown and Cady’s Alley.”

ANC Meeting With Mayor, Biggest of 2013. Thanks to Duke Ellington
• December 30, 2013

It was the extra December meeting, meant for January, taking place Dec. 19 at Georgetown Visitation Prep on 35th Street. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E had to meet again before the Jan. 2 meeting of the Old Georgetown Board in order to get its recommendations in before that meeting, as is the routine.

It turned out to be the most highly attended meeting of 2013.

Was it because Mayor Vincent Gray came to speak? Not especially.

There were many agenda items, as is usual, including the plans for the modernization of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, plans for Hyde-Addison Elementary School and additions and alterations for the former Georgetown Theater. All big designs that deserve a review by the Georgetown-Burleith ANC, before appearing in front of the OGB.

It was students and staffers from Ellington School who swelled the audience numbers and wanted to hear the ANC’s take on the designs for the arts school’s upgrades — something the ANC does with any major design before the community. A typical ANC meeting can have an audience of 80 to 100. This meeting with curious Ellington School supporters easily doubled that figure to approximately 200. It was definitely standing room only this night. It appeared that some thought that the ANC was questioning Ellington’s position on 35th Street in Georgetown, only three blocks north of Visitation. To allay any fears, one commissioner affirmed Ellington School as a “good neighbor.”

Commissioners took major exception to the rooftop addition at the school, worrying about large receptions that might occur. After all, noise can easily travel around the neighborhood. There were other historic and design issues, too. Even planned access from Reservoir Road and other parking spots are a concern — again, routine questions during any ANC meeting about a design.

Meanwhile, the Hyde School gymnasium-auditorium addition will eventually be completed as will the reconstruction of the former Georgetown Theater on Wisconsin Avenue, only steps away from the O Street public school. Finer design questions from OGB are, of course, expected.

During his speech, earlier in the meeting, the mayor said: “I am a huge fan of Ellington School.”

Seeking re-election as mayor, Gray said he would be happy to get personally involved with any stalled negotiations, if necessary, as he considered himself “a problem solver.”

Gray was also happy to report on Washington, D.C.’s strong position: “number-one economy . . . number-one high-tech hot spot . . . number-one for college graduates.” The mayor also said that D.C. is the number-two “hippest” city. So, which is number one? It is Houston . . . really.

Gray celebrated the near completion of the City Center and the plans for a new soccer stadium. There are now 61 cranes across the city, he said. He took delight in reporting that Microsoft would take up a spot on the rebuilt St. Elizabeth’s campus. The first place outside Washington State for Microsoft, Gray noted, is in Washington, D.C.

As for the government’s partial shutdown, it did not hit the District of Columbia government hard, said the mayor, having made all employees “essential” — and with D.C.’s $1.5 billion reserve at the ready.

The mayor also said the streetcars were back — after 50 years — but was also looking on how to keep D.C. “an affordable city.”

That’s an issue for another day and the 2014 mayoral campaign. The April 1 Democratic primary is less than 100 days away.
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Mayor at ANC Meeting Tonight; Plans for Ellington, Hyde Schools and Former Theater
• December 23, 2013

The Georgetown-Burleith-Hillandale Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 2E) will meet tonight, 6:30 p.m., Dec. 19, in the Heritage Room at the main building of Georgetown Visitation Prep, 35th Street and Volta Place.

During the meeting, Mayor Vincent Gray will speak to the commissioners and the community.

Top items on the meeting’s agenda include: designs on Hyde-Addison School additions and the former Georgetown Theater; Duke Ellington School modernization plans; liquor license agreement by Gypsy Sally’s; Georgetown 2028 Plan, proposed by the Georgetown Business Improvement District.

The following is the Dec. 19 agenda, as provided by ANC2E:

Approval of the Agenda

• Approval of December 19, 2013, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda

Administrative

Approval of December 2, 2013, Meeting Minutes

Public Safety and Police Report

Financial Report

Transportation Report

DPW Report

Ellen Steury is the new ANC 2E Commissioner for SMD 07

Community Comment

Georgetown Community Partnership Rental Property Compliance Program

New Business

Georgetown 2028 Plan proposed by the Georgetown BID with community input – the plan description is available at www.georgetowndc.com/

3222 M Street, NW, Pinstripes, Application for valet parking

ABC

3401 K Street, NW, ABRA Lic. No. 090582, Gypsy Sally’s Acoustic Tavern, Amendment to Voluntary Agreement

Old Georgetown Board

CFA/HPRB SMD 01, 1680 35th Street, NW, Duke Ellington School of the Arts modernization project

MAJOR PROJECTS
SMD 03, 3219 O Street, NW, Government of the District of Columbia, Department of General Services, OG 14-020 (HPA 14-024) Hyde – Addison Elementary School, Addition, Concept

SMD 03, 1351 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 14-007 (HPA 14-011) (former Georgetown Theater) Commercial, Demolition, roof top addition, rear addition, alterations, Concept – revised design

PRIVATE PROJECTS:

1. SMD 06, 3001 M Street, NW, OG 14-059 (HPA 14- 101) Commercial, Sign for “Little Penguin,” Permit

2. SMD 02, 1632 33rd Street, NW, OG 14-066 (HPA 14-108) Residence, One-story rear addition, Concept

3. SMD 02, 1660 34th Street, NW, OG 14-062 (HPA 14-104) Residence, Rear additions – options, alterations to
front façade, Concept

4. SMD 03, 3141 O Street, NW, OG 14-071 (HPA 14-113) Residence, Alterations to rear elevation and to rear
yard, repair stone wall, Permit

5. SMD 03, 3217 P Street, NW, OG 14-065 (HPA 14-107) Commercial, Alterations, outdoor seating terrace,
Concept

6. SMD 03, 3240 P Street, NW, OG 14-053 (HPA 14-077) Commercial, 3-story rear addition plus basement,
Concept

7. SMD 03, 3107 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 14-058 (HPA 14-100) Residence, 2-story rear addition to replace 2-story porch, Concept

8. SMD 05, 3222 M Street, NW, OG 14-072 (HPA 14- 114) Georgetown Park, Window decals for “DC DMV,” Permit

9. SMD 05, 3286 M Street, NW, OG 14-034 (HPA 14-051) Commercial, Signs for parking lot, Permit

10 SMD 05, 3307-B M Street, NW, OG 14-061 (HPA 14-103) Commercial, Awnings, plaque and signs for “Calypso St. Barth,” Permit

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E:

The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming January 2, 2014, agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time.

1. SMD 02, 1672 34th Street, NW, OG 14-064 (HPA 14-106) Residence, Replace wall with wood fence at rear, Permit

2. SMD 02, 1649 35th Street, NW, OG 13-345 (HPA 13-616) Residence, Two-story rear addition, site work, swimming pool, Concept – revised design

3. SMD 02, 3320 R Street, NW, OG 14-057 (HPA 14- 097) Residence, Replacement windows and doors at rear, Permit

4. SMD 02, 3406 Reservoir Road, NW, OG 14-063 (HPA 14-105) Residence, Alterations to rear, fence, Permit – revised design

5. SMD 02, 1616 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 14-040 (HPA 14-064) Commercial, Awning, sign and window decals for “Vicky’s Nail Boutique,” Permit

6. SMD 03, 1422 33rd Street, NW, OG 14-056 (HPA 14- 096) Residence, Replacement windows at 2nd and 3rd floor, Permit

7. SMD 03, 1511 33rd Street, NW, OG 14-036 (HPA 14- 058) Residence, Replacement windows at rear – existing, Permit

8. SMD 03, 1405 34th Street, NW, OG 14-069 (HPA 14-111) Residence, Alterations, Concept

9. SMD 03, 3310 N Street, NW, OG 14-068 (HPA 14- 110) Residence, One-story rear addition, garden wall, parking pad off alley, Permit

10. SMD 03, 3330 P Street, NW, OG 14-001 (HPA 14-003) Residence, Solar panels, Permit

11. SMD 03, 3338 Volta Place, NW, OG 13-293 (HPA 13- 515) Residence, Extension of front wing, Concept

12. SMD 05, 3000 K Street, NW, OG 14-026 (HPA 14- 030) Mixed-use, Replace sails with fixed awnings at “Farmers, Fishers and Bakers,” Permit /concept

13. SMD 05, 3256 M Street, NW, OG 14-035 (HPA 14- 057) Commercial, Rooftop antennas for Verizon, Permit

14. SMD 05, 3126 N Street, NW, OG 14-0 (HPA 14-) Residence, Wood siding, restore and replace, Permit

15.SMD 05, 3206 Grace Street, NW, OG 14-052 (HPA 14-076) Commercial, Alterations, replacement windows and doors, rooftop equipment, awning, sign and blade sign

16. SMD 05, 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 14-060 (HPA 14-102) Institutional (Grace Episcopal Church) Repair/replace – stone sills/lintels, masonry, Permit

17. SMD 06, 1421 29th Street, NW, OG 14-017 (HPA 14- 021) Residence, Replacement door, alterations to rear, deck, Concept

18. SMD 06, 3009-3011 M Street, NW, OG 14-067 (HPA 14-109) Mixed use, Rear addition, Permit

19. SMD 06, 2709-2713 N Street NW, OG 14-047 (HPA 14-071) Alexander Memorial Baptist Church, Additions, alterations, site work and curb-cut on public space, Concept

20. SMD 06, 3040 O Street, NW, OG 13-183 (HPA 13- 306) Residence, Enclose rear porch and alterations – existing, Permit – revised design

21. SMD 06, 2531 P Street, NW, OG 14-031 (HPA 14- 036) Commercial, Awnings – existing, Permit

22. SMD 06, 2531 P Street, NW, OG 14-033 (HPA 14- 046) Commercial, Signs for “TTR / Sotheby’s International Realty,” Permit

23. SMD 06, 3030 P Street, NW, OG 13-256 (HPA 13- 446) Residence, Partial demolition, 2-story rear addition, alterations , Concept – revised design

24. SMD 07, 1644 31st Street, NW, OG 14-009 (HPA 14- 013) Tudor Place, Alterations to west entrance, fence and sliding gate, Permit

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E 3265 S St., NW • Washington, D.C. 20007 (202) 724-7098 • anc2e@dc.gov • www.anc2e.com

Rising Stars Rejoice at Willard Hotel
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A Christmastime celebration of students and singing, “An Evening With the Stars,” rang through the ballroom of the historic Willard Hotel Dec. 11. With great food and great decor, the get-together saluted those involved with Rising Stars — a non-profit founded in 2012 by Oliver T. Carr, Jr., and corporate partner Carr Workplaces — “that raises money to support organization which help at-risk children succeed in their education.” Rising Stars adds that it “truly believes by helping children rise up through education and creating a lifelong love of learning, we will help our nation continue to grow and succeed.” Other event sponsors included EagleBank and Colonial Parking.

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