Rural Society, Steakhouse at Madison Hotel, Lassoes the Crowds
• October 23, 2014

Iron Chef Jose Garces’s arrival on the Washington dining scene with the opening of Rural Society in the Loews Madison Hotel has been a resounding success. The steakhouse takes its name from an annual event in Argentina that honors the nation’s gaucho culture. The chef as well as the chairman of Loews Hotels Jonathan Tisch were on hand for the Oct. 1 opening party in the handsome restaurant that features South America’s traditional cuisine, along with food prepared on a $20,000 wood-fired grill. To paraphrase Tisch’s concluding remarks, the best indication of a restaurant’s success is “patrons” on the seats. That is clearly the case at Rural Society. [gallery ids="101880,136870" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner Celebrates Its 60th at Capella Rooftop
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The Georgetowner Newspaper, which made its debut on Oct. 7, 1954, threw a 60th anniversary party Oct. 8 on the the rooftop lounge of the Capella Hotel on 31st Street.

Along with its 60th birthday, the newspaper celebrated its “Cover Girls and Boys,” who have been on the front page of the community newspaper over the past 10 years.

Along with the hotel’s prepared food, party-goers got a chance to sample cocktails, made from Clement Rhum Vieux Agricole Select Barrel or Clement Premiere Canne Rhum, which salute The Georgetowner’s two former publishers, Ami Stewart and David Roffman: Ami’s Agricole Martini and the Roffman. The unique drinks were created by the one of Capella’s and the city’s favorite bartender, Angel Cervantes, and the specialty liquor was provided by Nikolai Konicki.

Publisher Sonya Bernhardt said she and her staff were proud to Georgetown and Washington, D.C., and hoped for another 60 years. She thanked the guests, adding a special shout-out to advertisers, sponsors and the Capella.

Please check out this week’s very special Georgetowner Newspaper: the anniversary issue includes memories, photos and pages from the past. Also see “The Georgetowner: 60 Years in Print” poster pullout in the issue. [gallery ids="101881,136868,136862,136858,136854,136849,136846,136841,136837,136832,136829,136824,136821,136817,136813,136866" nav="thumbs"]

Weekend Round Up October 9, 2014
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Saturday, Oct. 11

Civil War Georgetown Tours

Civil War meant uncertain times for Tudor Place and surrounding Georgetown. Learn in a unique house tour how owner Britannia Kennon saved her family home by boarding Union officers. The tours start at 10:30 a.m. After breaking for lunch on your own, return for an expert guided tour of historic Georgetown. See in person relics of the war’s turmoil including a Union hospital, grave sites of Confederate spies, and a mansion at the heart of the tragic slave escape ship, The Pearl. Visit the Tudor Place website for more information. 31st Street NW Washington, D.C. 20007.

Taste of D.C. 2014

Taste of DC is a multi-day community and culinary event in the heart of the nation’s capital. The event serves up the area’s best eateries, specialty wines, and craft beers along with live musical acts by local artists, chef demonstrations by some of the city’s best chefs, and unique experiences provided by sponsors and partners for all event-goers to enjoy. Taste of DC is held on historic Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown DC from the White House to the Capitol. Starts at noon on Saturday and Sunday. Check here for more information.

Night Nouveau

2014 Night Nouveau is D.C.’s newest must-attend event for young professionals presented by S&R Foundation. Rated one of the top fall events in its inaugural year, Night Nouveau shifts its theme this year and draws inspiration from the masters of Surrealism for a whimsical evening at the historic Halcyon House. Enjoy open bar, fantastic food from some of DC’s top restaurants, as well as a night of amazing music and dancing! Visit the S&R Foundation site for more information.

Sunday, Oct. 12

Yoga at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library

Take an Om Break at the library! Join the Georgetown Neighborhood Library for a variety of yoga classes taught by teachers from Yoga Activist. The Georgetown Neighborhood Library is registering RSVPs for all October classes. To RSVP for any or all classes, send Erika Rydberg an email with the class(es) you’re interested in registering for. The first 30 RSVPs will be registered and the remaining RSVPs will be placed on a waiting list. Yoga starts at 1:30 p.m. Visit the library’s website for more information.

Susquehanna Antique Gallery Open House

The Susquehanna Antique Gallery will host an open house party soon. Spend the Sunday evening of October 12 with us. The gallery will be offering a cultural lifestyle experience of delicious wines, music and antique artworks of some of the finest American, British and European artists. A not to be missed night of fun, wine and some quality art and antiques in the beautiful neighborhood of Georgetown! Doors open at 7 p.m. More information [here] (http://www.susquehannaantiques.com/).

Care for Kids Kick off Party at Ann Hand and Peacock Cafe
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The Care for Kids Card Program celebrated the start of its annual 10-day shopping event. The evening started off with cocktails at Ann Hand’s new store on Prospect St. and then moved to Peacock Cafe for dinner. All proceeds from the event will go to support the young patients of Children’s National Hospital. [gallery ids="101896,136685" nav="thumbs"]

46th Annual Meridian Ball Sparkles
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The 46th Annual Meridian Ball, held on Friday, Oct. 17, proved again to be one of Washington’s most elegant evenings. The ball was held at the Meridian House, Eugene Meyer’s home while raising daughter Katharine Graham, both past publishers of the Washington Post. The Meridian International Center’s mission of education on global leadership through the exchange of ideas, people and culture. [gallery ids="101897,136664,136682,136680,136669,136674" nav="thumbs"]

Chefs — and a Party — for Marriage Equality
• October 13, 2014

A crowd ready to party came together at the Ritz-Carlton on 22nd Street, NW, Sept. 23 to join the Human Rights Campaign and David Hagedorn in support of marriage equality, as all enjoyed signature bar selections and wonderful samplings from the region’s very best chefs that included Michel Richard, Robert Wiedmaier and Patrick O’Connell. Hagedorn and his partner Michael Widomski tied the knot before Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last year. Guests were encouraged to hear Gov. Terry McAuliffe express his confidence that same-sex couples will soon be able to marry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. [gallery ids="101887,136764,136760" nav="thumbs"]

Nyumbani: Giving Those With HIV a Home
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Kathleen Matthews emceed the 21st Annual Nyumbani USA Benefit at the Ritz-Carlton on 22nd Street, NW, Sept. 26. This year’s theme “Nyumbani – Many Hands Bring Sustainability to Live” reflected the nonprofit’s work to benefit abandoned and orphaned HIV-positive children and elders in Kenya. Guests rose to acknowledge Sister Mary Owens, who came to update supporters on current achievements. Nyumbani, a Swahili word meaning “home,” was founded in 1992 by the late beloved physician and priest, Rev. Angelo D’Agostino, S.J. Mark Russell entertained and enchanted.
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Guests Get Creative at Chamber Dance Project Evening
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Diane Coburn Bruning, artistic director of the Chamber Dance Project, began an evening of evolving artistry, a progressive evening of creativity, with a garden reception at the Arts Club of Washington Oct. 2. Guests were then divided into two groups to hear an original piece for violin, viola and cello, “Wild Swans,” by Chia Patino or to assist in choreographing a new work danced by Francesca Dugarte and Andile Ndlovu. They then reassembled to view video highlights of the past season and learn about next year’s program before viewing the new work they had helped create. [gallery ids="101885,136785,136774,136787,136780" nav="thumbs"]

Salvation Army Women Salute Dotsy Steele
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Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Washington, D.C, President Deb Push welcomed more than 500 attendees to the Ritz Carlton Hotel at Tysons Corner Oct. 3 for its 65th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show. Cynthia Steel Vance and Catherine Thompson co-chaired the fashion show committee. Fox 5’s Sue Palka and Tony Perkins emceed the program as Major Lewis Reckline presented the Berniece Edwards Auxiliary Leadership Award to Steele’s mother, Dotsy Steele. There were raves for the stunning fashions from Bloomingdale’s Tysons Corner, as selected by stylist and show producer Barbara McConaghy. Proceeds benefit the Turning Point Center and Camp Happyland.
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Blessing of the Animals at St. John’s
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Newly installed Rector Gini Gerbasi invited furry friends or stuffed animals to the 9 a.m. service held at St. John’s Church on O Street Oct. 5. The four-footers received treats and blessed medals at Communion to mark the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. The Washington Animal Rescue League brought two adoptable dogs, and the Washington Humane Society passed out information at a 2 p.m. service on the lawn, which included a prayer for pets no longer with us. While the honorees enjoyed treats donated by the Cheeky Puppy in Dupont Circle, their humans were delighted with their own generous edibles provided by G’Town Bites, which recently opened on O Street. [gallery ids="101879,136875,136881,136888,136884" nav="thumbs"]