Social Scene

Georgetowner • August 21, 2015

Beauty experts in and around Washington, D.C., came to Georgetown Aug. 14 to place their bets on Elaine Espinola Keltz, Mrs. DC America 2015. They claim that she will win the upcoming Mrs. America 2016 pageant, to held Sept. 20-24 in Las Vegas. The “Toast with the Queen,” held at L2, was the official send-off party for Keltz and was hosted by Renee Allen, ABC-News Channel 8 “Women in Business” host, and Souny West, owner of Chic Capitol W Salon. 

Everyone lifted their glasses and toasted Keltz, wishing her the best of luck at Mrs. America — especially the major sponsors, Uzma Ansari, D.D.S., from Lowes Island Dentistry, George Purcell of Military Job Networks, and Ari Taherzadeh, CEO of AET Holdings Corp. A portion of the proceeds of the tonight’s event were given to the non-profit, Vetsports.
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Robert Devaney • August 17, 2015

Acknowledging the hot downtown D.C. real estate market, Washington Fine Properties opened an office on 14th Street, directly across from the popular Le Diplomate Restaurant, and threw a grand-opening party on — appropriately enough — July 14, Bastille Day. Delighted by the turnout, Dana Landry of Washington Fine Properties said, “We were pleased by the interest and warm welcome of our immediate neighbors.” Among those who stopped by were William Washington, general manager of Le Diplomate, with appetizers and pizzas for everyone to enjoy. [gallery ids="102158,132950,132929,132943,132938" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown recently held a Sip and Sample event to showcase South Asian wedding designs. The setting was the hotel’s wedding-perfect Colonnade Room. Elaborate South Asian nuptials typically spread over several days. Guests could be decorated with henna and view many different décor choices as they enjoyed specialty cocktails and sampled a wide range of themed hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Fairmont’s culinary team and three local caterers. [gallery ids="102154,132965" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Carol Joynt’s July 16 luncheon at the George Town Club was a sellout as Washingtonians were eager to hear author Wednesday Martin’s back-story on privileged Upper East Side mommies. A thoughtful speaker, she clarified that her background in anthropology had prompted the title, “Primates of Park Avenue,” about the wives of the very rich, who do not escape mockery and anxiety in their one-upmanship lifestyle. The economic dependency of uber-wealthy women is unprecedented in the world of primates. The material status symbols coveted in New York were compared to Washington’s fascination with political clout. Admission to the right nursery school was cited as a first step to “proximity to power.” [gallery ids="102155,132967,132963" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

There was another birthday party in Washington, but for a much younger swinger: the restaurant at the Georgetown waterfront, Malmaison, which turned two years old. The cafe, patisserie and event space opened its wide doors for birthday well-wishers July 23. The ever-charming Popal family, headed by Zubair and Shamim Popal, also owns Cafe Bonaparte on Wisconsin Avenue and Lapis in Adams Morgan.
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Carolyn Landes • August 16, 2015

It was a social crowd – both in nature and by trade – that gathered at Meridian House July 30 for a reception that honored embassy social secretaries for their valuable roles in promoting cultural diplomacy. The evening’s guest of honor, Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary, Deesha Dyer, told attendees that first lady Michelle Obama is her “unwavering mentor,” and added, “She inspires me in all I do.” Meridian International Center Director Stuart Holliday presented Dyer with a silk scarf, custom-designed by iconic D.C. jewelry designer Ann Hand. [gallery ids="102282,127753,127748" nav="thumbs"]

Carolyn Landes •

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga dazzled sold-out audiences at the Kennedy Center, July 31 and Aug. 1, concluding their seven-month tour for their jazz album, “Cheek to Cheek.”

“You might be wondering why he’s singing jazz with the girl who wore the meat dress,” Lady Gaga said of her work with Bennett. “I assure you, I’m a much better jazz singer than I am a pop singer.” The duo sang a combination of duets and solo performances, featuring jazz standards that included “But Beautiful” and “The Lady Is A Tramp.” At the end of Saturday’s show, Gaga surprised Bennett with a multi-tiered cake and serenade for his 89th birthday on Aug. 3.

Arts advocates Bennett and his wife Susan Benedetto were awarded George Washington University President’s Medals July 30 at the Corcoran building, home to GW’s Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. The evening also featured a private, one-night-only exhibition of 18 pieces of Bennett’s art. Yes, Lady Gaga showed up for that.
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Georgetowner • August 7, 2015

Innocents at Risk celebrated successes in putting an end to child trafficking with a cocktail reception and silent auction at the George Town Club July 22. Founder Deborah Sigmund thanked supporters for increasing awareness of the issue. The evening was filled with laughter, delicious hors d’oeuvres and education. [gallery ids="102277,128146,128159,128155" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

The Azar Foundation, which provides support for orphans and underprivileged children, has found a stunning advocate in Sharon Stone. The actress and activist visited foundation founder Shahin Mafi and her family at their Potomac home where she was honored at a dinner and film screening July 25. Mafi introduced the guest of honor as the “perfect ambassador for peace.” The short film “Admissions” presents a new vision of conflicts in the Middle East and peace overall. It was written by John Viscount and has won 26 international awards. [gallery ids="102276,128174,128168,128163,128181" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Now in its 13th year, Will on the Hill raised more than $500,000 for the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s education programs June 15. The performance at Sidney Harman Hall opened with students from West Springfield High School presenting their concept of a scene from “As You like It.” Actors Edward Gero, Brandon Uranowitz and Samira Wiley led members of Congress and media personalities in “Summer Madness,” in which two lobbyists vie for a job at the lobbying firm Stratford, Avon and Bard. Shakespeare’s heroes and heroines soon join the fray. Following the hilarity, guests enjoyed a buffet prepared by Design Cuisine. [gallery ids="102132,133613,133611,133605" nav="thumbs"]