Business

Georgetowner • August 10, 2012

“We wanted to offer a healthy alternative,” said Steve Toglia, manager at Avocado Café, on Wisconsin Avenue. An avocado lover’s dream, the Avocado Café offers Georgetown residents and visitors a variety of food options with — naturally — avocado as the main ingredient.

Included on the menu is a wide selection of wraps, salads, and sandwiches. All sandwiches are double-deckers and are large-portion meals, guaranteed fresh. “We go to the market twice a week for fresh produce,” Toglia said. “We make falafel and hummus from scratch.”

In addition to these items, the Avocado Café offers a selection of smoothies — including an avocado smoothie — a not-so-common treat around here. Why avocado? “I love avocados myself,” Toglia said. “It seemed like a unique ingredient.”

With so many options to choose from, Toglia recommends the spicy buffalo chicken, triple- decker club sandwich along with the homemade iced tea. However, the most popular item on the menu is the Booyah Wrap. It consists of grilled chicken, grilled veggies, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, feta cheese, tzatziki sauce and — of course — avocado. For those who are not avocado fans, no worries: everything is available without an avocado ingredient upon request.

The Avocado Café, which opened its doors two years ago, is unique in two ways: It’s one of a kind, and it’s a true rags-to-riches story. Owner Sam Elissawy is originally from Egypt. He immigrated to Boston, where he mopped floors and washed dishes at a local restaurant. “He saved his money to move to D.C. and started his own business,” Toglia said.

With its late hours, and discounted prices for Georgetown University students, it’s no wonder that the Avocado Café is such a local favorite. “We mostly have regulars and online orders. We’re open until 4 a.m., and we deliver,” Toglia said, “We have the freshest ingredients and largest portions for the best price.”

Feeling hungry? Visit the Avocado Café, next to Wisey’s, at 1438 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Want delivery? Call 202-337-5115, or visit avocadocafedc.com to order. [gallery ids="102462,120873,120878" nav="thumbs"]

Whitney Saupan •

The Capitol Hill Hotel, formerly Capitol
Hill Suites, located at 201 C Street, SE,
has recently renovated its look from a residential
style to a more contemporary one.

Slava Lutikova, director of sales and marketing
at the hotel, explained the renovations.

“We were purchased by Hersha Hospitality
last April.,” she said. “They made a decision that
the hotel needs a little bit of repositioning and
with that came renovation of all public spaces.”
But, she is quick to add, “It wasn’t because we
needed renovation, it’s because we really wanted
to create a whole new atmosphere for our guests.”

The 3.5-million-dollar renovation includes
three new meeting areas with built-in AV equipment
and teleconferencing/videoconferencing
accessibility, a rare commodity in hotels. The
newly updated front lobby and breakfast area encompass
guests in an atmosphere of relaxation.
There is also a new public lounge, connected to
the lobby, which adds an additional 650 square
feet of space for guests. The lounge (pictured
above) is complete with its own “congressional
library,” an area where guests can read one of
many books from the library or enjoy the morning
paper. It can also be rented out for business
meetings and social events.

The new look, which local artists helped create,
includes modern pieces and new twists on
classic pieces of history. The Cherry Blossominspired
carpet and wallpaper combined with
the different art pieces inspired by the nation’s
historic past come together beautifully to create a
contemporary style that remains connected to the
rich history of the nation.

“All of the elements of the design tell a story
of the history of the hotel and of the neighborhood,
while transitioning us to a more contemporary
look. We are changing our name because
we are changing the look of the hotel so much, so
drastically. Our new name reflects our new identity
better,” Lutikova said.

The Capitol Hill Hotel is now renovating
each guest room to match the contemporary style
throughout the rest of the hotel. This final phase
is expected to be complete in early 2013.

These renovations don’t mean a change in
clientele or service. “Our guests can still expect
the same quality service as before. Just because
we are a little bit different or have a new style
doesn’t mean we are moving away from any type
of customer. We position ourselves as a very inclusive
hotel as far as our audience goes. Businessmen
and families alike can enjoy our services,”
Lutikova says. ? [gallery ids="100856,126809" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

Mike Isabella’s Bandolero Brings Big Flavors
to M Street
Bandolero, chef Mike Isabella’s modern Mexican restaurant at 3241 M Street, opened last week. With more tacos and margaritas than you thought you wanted, Isabella’s homage to armed outlaws got uniquely flavored food, a Day-of-the-Dead motif space and servers to spare as well. With margaritas, we sampled the pumpkin seed-mixed dip served with masa crisps, pork tacos, tuna tartare taquitos, charred corn on a stick, nachos, pear-infused wine and enchilada rojo. It’s a lively place with some lively tastes: armed, perhaps; outlawed, never.

Macaron Bee Openson Wisconsin Avenue
O.K., you got your cupcakes, pies, frozen yogurt and ice cream, of course. Now, it’s sweet macaroons — or is it macarons? Oui, we had them at Dean & Deluca and at Paul Bakery. Say hello to new parents and new business owners, Han and Deborah Kim, who opened Macaron Bee at 1669 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., along the Book Hill business strip on May 19. The little shop is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Price? One macaron costs $1.75; a box of six, $10.50.

Papa-razzi Shuts Down Abruptly
“We hope this is not an inconvenience, and thank you for all the wonderful years,” the sign read on the window of Papa-razzi May 21. Text messages told the news first: the Italian restaurant next to Georgetown Park on Wisconsin Avenue at the C&O Canal has closed; doors locked; employees on the street.

Betsey Johnson Store to Close June 9
The town’s flashy, pink and fun Betsey Johnson store on M Street near the Old Stone House will close June 9. Fashion designer Betsey Johnson’s chain of stores went bankrupt April 26. Most of the 63 freestanding boutiques will close. “Johnson won’t be losing her job — but as many as 350 store workers will,” reported the New York Daily News. Women’s Wear Daily reported the designer will retain control of the Betsey Johnson clothing label.

‘More Than Just Green Space’ at Ritz, and Free Yoga
The Ritz-Carlton on South Street debuted its artistically-inspired outdoor escape, a multi-tiered Urban Garden located on two levels outside the hotel lobby. You don’t have to be a guest of The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown to enjoy this “more than just a green space,” the company says. “The Urban Garden, with its terraced garden of paver stones, stacked stone wall, lush grass and a canopy of trees, is a venue for intimate weddings accommodating up to 90 guests, outdoor evening of dining under the stars for 60 guests and receptions of up to 90 guests.”

With activities celebrating summer holidays, such as Father’s Day and July 4th, and with a hot dog and burger bar, daily summer cooler cocktails, weekly early morning yoga, select spa services, and more, the company wants “the Urban Garden to be a hub for the Ritz-Carlton guest and the Georgetown community to gather and interact.”

Beginning Saturday, June 9, at 9 a.m., and every Saturday up to Sept. 8, complimentary outdoor yoga classes courtesy of Georgetown’s Lululemon are available to hotel guests and Georgetown neighbors. (Also available are private one-on-one fitness sessions with local trainers which can be arranged through the hotel’s boutique spa.)

Closed:
Local and international designer, artist and furniture maker, Jan Marfyak has closed his shop, Uncommon Furnishings, at 1301 35th Street, N.W. Marfyak has been around D.C. for years as well as the New York and L.A. arts scene and has worked with Krupsaw’s, Antony Childs, Miller & Armey and Muleh.
[gallery ids="100823,125499,125493" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney • August 3, 2012

Friends of Richard McCooey who founded two Georgetown classics half a century ago —1789 Restaurant, an upscale fine dining establishment, and the Tombs, a student-oriented tavern—gathered at another joint he started, F.Scott’s, July 23—50 years to the founding day to celebrate the restaurateur and his creations.

The party was hosted by John and Ginger Laytham of the Clyde’s Restaurant Group, which owns 1789 and the Tombs, and organized by Susan Lee Mahan in short order since a good number of McCooey’s old pals were going to be in town that night. Attendees waited at F.Scott’s, while McCooey’s wife Karen, Tom Zito and others bought him into the retro dance club — much to his surprise. For a moment, the self-described introvert McCooey was speechless — and then he begin to speak and speak some more.

On hand were past and present members of the Chimes, Georgetown University’s a cappella group which holds court at the Tombs. They serenaded the honoree with two songs. Clyde’s Restaurant groupers, such as John Laytham, Tom Meyer and Sally Davidson chimed in themselves with praise for the 81-year-old restaurant designer. It was all a bit overwhelming to which McCooey, a Georgetown alumnus, simply said, “Thanks for the memories.”

Colleagues and fellow art collectors, McCooey and Laytham recalled the lunch that prompted the transfer of 1789 to Clyde’s in 1985. McCooey causally told Laytham he was thinking of selling 1789 to which Laytham shot back before the end of the sentence: “You just sold it.”

Now the owner of 1789 longer than its founder, Clyde’s has held and improved upon the McCooey dining concepts. (President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel dined at 1789 in July 2011.)

The well-wishers were a mixture of older Georgetown neighborhood, business and university friends, from Bud and Jonda McFarlane to restauranteurs Paul Cohn and Stuart Long, to Linda Greenan, a vice president of Georgetown University, and to Sherrie Westin (with the Georgetown Business Association years ago), executive vice president of Sesame Workshop in New York.

Years from running a restaurant, McCooey and his wife Karen now use their design talent and impressive art collection of posters and other artwork in their restaurant design business, Persona Studios.

Before McCooey made 1789 and the Tombs a reality, he had to convince Georgetown residents that his plan made sense for the community as well. There was opposition to his project. When The Georgetowner’s founder and publisher Ami Stewart stood up at a citizen’s meeting to back McCooey, the tide turned. McCooey never forgot Stewart’s support and towards the end of her life would regularly send waiters to her home with meals from his restaurant.

By the way, if anyone asks, why the name “1789”? That was the year the Federal government was established, Georgetown University founded and Georgetown, Md., incorporated. And “The Tombs”? Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” In it, “Bustopher Jones, The Cat About Town” likes to lunch at the tomb. (Add to that McCooey’s nickname in the Air Force: “Bustopher Cat.”) As for the now private club, F. Scott’s, it is named after author F. Scott Fitzgerald, a distant cousin of Francis Scott Key, author of “the Star-Spangled Banner.” ? [gallery ids="100917,129109,129085,129103,129092,129100" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • July 11, 2012

Waterworks is a unique, family- owned business that — since its 1978 opening in Danbury, Conn. — has been selling everything for your bathroom — in all its decadence. The Georgetown location, now in its 15th year of operation, is one of 13 stores the company operates nationwide. “We sell bath fixtures, fittings, surfaces, and kitchen sinks,” said general manager Shanda Burk. “People come in for plumbing, tiles, and rugs — but it depends on what they’re looking for.”

The store’s appeal lies in the natural light reflected from its central skylight and the various windows located around the premises. “The natural light of the store is amazing. It’s so nice to see these products in a natural space, especially when picking surfaces,” Burk said.

Many products, including bath towels, bath accessories, bathtubs, and showers, are modeled within the store, providing customers with a picturesque image of what their future bathroom may look like. “It’s a bright, inviting and clean open space that showcases a distinct collection,” she added.

Waterworks’ style, Burk said, is: “Classic European traditional with high-end finishes, qualities, and focus on details.” It’s a style appealing to high-end clients in the Georgetown area.

Burk said the style is not for renters but homeowners. “When you walk into our store you’ll see that we have a certain look. The Waterworks look. It’s very distinct and people know it.”

If you’re looking to redesign, the consultants of Waterworks can assist you. “Our consultants have 40-plus years of experience in plumbing and tile,” Burk said. “They’re a very educated and knowledgeable staff.” If you want to check out more Waterworks work, visit the store at 3314 M Street, NW, or go online at www.Waterworks.com. ?

Georgetowner •

Massimo Dutti will open at 1220 Wisconsin Ave., NW, a space formerly occupied by American Eagle Outfitters. Although the date is still pending, this launch is part of the international company?s expansion into the U.S. and Canada. Offering top-notch fashions made of the finest quality materials, Massimo Duti will surely be welcomed into Georgetown with open arms. Call 202-965-5472 or contact massimodutti.com

The Scotch & Soda Amsterdam Couture is taking over the location of Betsey Johnson?s store at 3029 M St., NW. With collections already featured at Saks Fifth Ave in Friendship Heights and Universal Gear in the Logan Circle Historic District, Scotch & Soda in Georgetown will showcase the signature style of the Amsterdam-based brand. Call 202-338-4090 or scotch-soda.com.

Suitsupply at the Four Seasons Hotel at 2828 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., is currently under construction. The men?s apparel store should re-open within a month. Suitsupply.com

**ALSO OPENING SOON:** As previously reported, Fluevog Shoes, from that campy, funky Canadians, is coming to 1265 Wisconsin Avenue, next to the soon-to-open See Optical. The Jonathan Adler Store, next door at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and N Street, is still being working on.?

Robert Devaney • June 29, 2012

The Georgetown Senior Center, headquartered at St. John’s Episcopal Church on O Street, held a fundraiser May 9 at the legendary F. Scott’s restaurant, part of the Clydes Restaurant Group, on 36th Street. Hosted by Sally Davidson, John and Ginger Laytham and Lila and Brendan Sullivan, the happy group celebrated the center and its founder, Virginia Luce Allen, who died in 2009 and whose birthday is May 10. The center’s fundraising campaign has reached about $15,000 for its programs and services, which includes its popular lunches and lectures at St. John’s Blake Hall on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Neighbors are invited to participate, whether as cook or guest, or to assist with the center’s day trips. To donate your time or money, visit GeorgetownSeniorCenter.org, or call 202-316-2632 [gallery ids="102451,121113,121119,121130,121124" nav="thumbs"]

Michelle Kingston • May 17, 2012

Stepping inside the Running Company near Key Bridge in Georgetown as a runner is like stepping in to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory for candy lovers. The space might be small, but the contents inside are top-of-the-line shoes and apparel to make every runner’s experience on parkland paths or marathon routes not just a success but a stylish race, right on time for spring.

Much of this can be credited to the store’s manager, Edoardo Rincon, who says he cannot imagine working anywhere else. “I’ve been doing this for almost ten years, and I don’t think I want to do anything different,” he said.

An avid trail runner while growing up in Colombia, Rincon brings personal expertise to the shop on the corner of 34th and M streets. All his wisdom comes from his passion for the sport and the time he has spent experimenting with gear from different companies.

“Find what you like to do, and you never have to work. A lot of people like to run but do something else for work but not me,” he said.

For almost ten years now, Rincon has helped communities around the globe find the right pair of shoes and articles of clothing for the sport. He also puts on races all along the East Coast, including a 5k race each December back in South America.

Once a week, the company has experienced athletes lead nightly runs around the area. “It is great for people who are new or don’t know where to run, what is safe,” he said. All paces are welcome to join in on the three- to six-mile loop on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Rincon is also a huge supporter of the non-profit, D.C. Road Runners. While proudly wearing one of its t-shirts, Rincon says that the organization offers training programs for beginners to highly skilled runners.

He hand delivers shoes to children back in Colombia twice a year and sends shoes through the mail to his home country as well as to Africa whenever he receives a phone call that someone is in need. Rincon says people are encouraged to drop off their old sneakers at the store so that they, too, can help make a difference.

“Changing people,” he said. “You know, that’s my favorite thing about working here. The people in the community and the feeling that I’m changing a lot of lives for the people here.”

“A lot of people think I own this store,” he said laughing. “I don’t.” He just simply loves what he does.

For more info on running, visit DCRoadrunners.org.

Robert Devaney •

MIKE ISABELLA’S BANDOLERO SET TO OPEN MAY 24
It is official: Bandolero, the long-anticipated restaurant at 3241 M Street, where Hook once stood, will open May 24, proclaims its website. And it adds, “Bandolero is a modern Mexican restaurant in the heart of Georgetown. Chef Mike Isabella is the chef/partner behind the taco-centric, margarita-laden menu. Bandolero is owned by Pure Hospitality LLC, including veteran restauranteur, Jonathan Umbel. The two-story, 5,000-square-foot, high-energy space reflects a Day of the Dead motif, and plenty of bar space to imbibe. The menu showcases classic Mexican dishes with untraditional flavor profiles, including dips served with housemade chicharones and masa crisps, tacos, taquitos, enchiladas, empanadas, albondigas and carbons.”

LIGNE ROSET RE-OPENS IN GLOVER PARK
Just up Wisconsin Avenue, the contemporary furniture store Ligne Roset has re-opened in a shiny, hip locale, close to Whole Foods and Vice President Joe Biden’s back gate. The French company held a May 3 grand opening reception, which was headlined by its own executive vice president, Antoine Roset, of Roset USA Corp. at the new retail showroom at 2201 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., along with new business partners in designers David Zein and Olivier Valette. DZein Studio is along the same ground-level space as well. The exclusive, freestanding Ligne Roset showroom features items from the company’s extensive catalog. One thing is for sure: architect Christy Schlesinger wants that red sofa.

‘MAD MAN’ DINNER PARTY AT PEACOCK CAFE
Peacock Café and Fashiontographer will hold a one-night-only dinner event, May 23, featuring entrées from the “Mad Men” era to benefit the Shoot for Change Scholarship at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre. The theme for the event is 1950s, 1960s or “Mad Men” inspired. For $60, Peacock Café and chef Maziar Farivar will offer a three-course menu, inspired by the “Mad Men” era, that includes Oysters Rockefeller, classic Beef Wellington and homemade cannoli. Fashiontographer’s executive editor, Walter Grio, will be taking photos of guests for the online fashion editorial, “District of Fashion.” Photos will be featured on fashiontographer.com. The after party will be at L2.

JP’S NIGHT CLUB RETURNS TO STRIP
According to Hyperlocal Glover Park: The new owners of JP’s Night Club (2412 Wisconsin Ave.) intend to return nude dancing to the club’s long-vacant former home. Paul Kadlick, a representative of the ownership group, discussed the group’s plans at the May meeting of ANC 3B. JP’s operated as a strip club from 1986 through January 2008, when a fire destroyed its original building. In the intervening years, the building has been replaced and the business sold. A group of neighbors and the ANC opposed the dormant club’s liquor license renewal last year. Though the license was renewed, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board did impose new limits on the club in the process, forbidding it from offering live entertainment before 5 p.m. [gallery ids="100795,124379" nav="thumbs"]