Tea with Lady Washington
Saturdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31, and February 7. 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Lady Washington for tea as you discuss the news of the day! Listen to her stories about life at Mount Vernon while enjoying a selection of lite fare prepared by the Mount Vernon Inn. Following tea, enjoy a self-guided exploration of the estate and decorative arts found in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. Tickets: $30 for adults, $20 for youth (12 and under), includes tea, lite fare, and general estate admission.
Promoting patriotism, historic preservation and supporting America’s service men and women are some of the many reasons young members join the District of Columbia Societies of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution (DCSSAR and DCDAR). Volunteer efforts focused on helping our servicemen and their families have been a high priority in recent years for young members of the non-profit, non-political service organizations.
DCSSAR and DCDAR cordially invite you to the 2nd Annual Sweethearts and Patriots Gala and Silent Auction benefiting Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) on February 7, 2015, from 9pm-1am. The patriotic black-tie (optional) gala will be held at the historic City Tavern Club (CTC) in the heart of Georgetown. Attendees will enjoy an open bar, desserts, dancing, socializing and the opportunity to bid on incredible items at our silent auction. Attendees of the gala are invited to attend the post-gala party hosted at Chi Di of Georgetown.
The annual Sweethearts and Patriots gala is organized jointly by young members of the District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and members of the District of Columbia Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Each year the gala benefits a different local organization that supports Veterans – chosen by the Founders Committee. Founders Committee members include Carl Bedell, Reid Collins, Andrew Dye, Kate Henvey, Julie Kinzer, Carina May and Leslie Ogden.
TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. Learn more at http://www.taps.org/.
Washington, D.C. chef and grill master Victor Albisu will host a James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour dinner at Del Campo, his nationally recognized South American grill, on Wednesday, February 11. Albisu will team up with 10 other culinary talents from North and South America for an evening of spectacular food. The East meets the South with Asian passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a South American seated dinner. Proceeds from the event will benefit The James Beard Foundation.
“It’s an honor to host and cook along side so many talented chefs, and a personal privilege to highlight some of the world’s great, unheralded cuisines,” said chef/owner Victor Albisu. “My mother’s side of the family is Peruvian, so South American cooking is one of my passions. I’m honored that talented chefs from North America and Buenos Aires will be cooking under one roof for this very special dinner.”
Passed hors d’oeuvres will be prepared by celebrated D.C. chefs Erik Bruner-Yang of Toki Underground, Scott Drewno, executive chef of The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Haidar Karoum, chef/partner of Doi Moi, Estadio and Proof, Jonah Kim, chef/partner of the forthcoming restaurant Yona, and Danny Lee, co-owner of Mandu. Cocktails will be provided by Del Campo bar manager, Mary Kelly and Mike Isabella Concepts beverage director, Taha Ismail.
Six acclaimed chefs from North and South America will share in the creation of the evening’s five-course menu:
- Chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo (Washington, D.C.)
- JBF Award Winner Chef Jamie Bissonnette of Coppa and Toro (Boston, MA)
- Chef Chris Ford, Corporate Pastry Chef of Bryan Voltaggio Restaurants (Frederick, MD)
- Chef Anthony Lamas of Seviche (Louisville, KY)
- JBF Award Winner Chef Michael Schlow of Tico (Washington, D.C.)
- Chef Antonio Soriano of Astor Bistro (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
The Celebrity Chef Tour showcases the culinary artistry of James Beard Foundation Award winners and celebrity chefs in restaurants, resorts, and other exclusive venues around the country. Like dining at the James Beard House, guests have the rare opportunity to interact with the participating chefs throughout the evening and savor specially designed tasting menus complete with wine and beverage pairings.
When: Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Where: Del Campo, 777 I St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Time: 6:30pm
Price: $195 inclusive of tax and gratuity
Tickets are on sale now at http://www.
Black Jack will host an inaugural Capital Cocktail Competition on Mardi Gras, an evening benefitting the Black’s Family Foundation that will pit eight teams of top bartenders from across the city against each other in a secret ingredient style challenge. The judging panel will be comprised of Duane Sylvestre, lead bartender, Bourbon Steak DC, Svetlana Legetic, founder, BrightestYoungThings.com and Scott Drewno, regional executive chef, The Source by Wolfgang Puck. In addition to having the opportunity to sample auctioned drinks from each competing bar team, guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail, Mardi Gras-inspired passed bites including freshly shucked Barren Island oysters compliments of Congressional Seafood, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches on Addie’s rolls, crawfish hushpuppies, Black Jack’s signature duck nachos, and shrimp campeche from chef Colleen Conrad. Drink specials such as $2 pours of Abita Amber and Flying Dog, and $2 Bacardi hurricanes, both frozen and on the rocks, will also be available for purchase, in addition to Black Jack’s full bar menu.
Each bar team will be shown a secret ingredient, given two minutes to plan a cocktail and five minutes to execute two identical drinks. One cocktail will be judged by appearance, flavor and technique/creativity, while the other will be auctioned off to the crowd for charity. Drinks will be scored and a winner will be chosen to move to the next round until the 2015 Capital Cocktail Competition winner is crowned.
The line up of competing bar teams includes:
D.J. Suan & Frank Manganiello, Black Jack/Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
Noah Broaddus & Pete Sit, Café Saint Ex/Bar Pilar
Torrence Swain & Rachel Vistica, Founding Farmers/Farmers Fishers & Bakers
Jo-Jo Valenzuela& Bryan Tetorakis, Gypsy Soul
Jason Strich & Mike Saccone, Hank’s on the Hill
Trevor Frye & Justin Hampton, Jack Rose
Taha Ismail, Mike Isabella Concepts & Scotty Holland, Kapnos
Christine Kim & Anthony Marlowe, TICO
All ticket purchases include entrance to Black Jack, which will be closed to non-ticket holders, drink specials, and complimentary passed bites. DJ Brandon Duff will be spinning for the duration of the event and bar manager E. Jay Apaga will emcee the festivities.
WHAT : The 10thAnnual Turn Up the Heat: A Celebration of Women Chefs celebrates the talents of renowned women chefs and supports the work of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Attendees enjoy a live auction, and a tasting from the top women in the industry, featuring nearly 60 women chefs, restaurant owners and mixologists.
Attendees include cancer survivors, supporters of the Alliance, corporations and leaders in business, health care and oncology. This year the gala celebrates its 10th Anniversary: ten years of delicious food, celebration, and support to those touched by ovarian cancer.
WHERE: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004
WHEN: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 6:00 PM
WHY: Turn Up the Heat is an important fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and allows us to continue our vital work on behalf of ovarian cancer survivors. Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers for women, and is the deadliest gynecologic cancer. This gala allows the Alliance to provide support to women who are diagnosed, educate the public about ovarian cancer and speak up for our community on Capitol Hill and throughout the country.
WHO: 60+ WOMEN CHEFS, RESTAURANTEURS & MIXOLOGISTS
Our participating chefs come from every corner of the DMV. From food trucks to fine dining, they represent the wealth of women working in our region’s restaurant industry. As we mark our 10th Anniversary, our number of chefs taking part reaches a record high. Several chefs are themselves ovarian cancer survivors or have personal connections to this cause. Visit our gala website or contact the Alliance for the most recent list of participating chefs.
CONTACT: For more information about the Gala, to view a list of participating chefs and to purchase tickets, visit www.ovariancancer.org/gala .
The second annual ROAD TO THE PUPPY BOWL is an all-star adoption event to help animals of all size, shape and breed find their forever homes, for half price! Those hoping to add a playful pup, a furry feline, a bouncing bunny or anything in between can join Animal Planet at their local shelter for a fun-filled event with photo ops, giveaways and overly adorable animals. The best part, Animal Planet is helping cover half the cost of all adoptions on March 1.
WHEN: Sunday, March 1 from noon – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Washington Animal Rescue League – 71 Oglethorpe St NW, Washington, DC 20011
HOW: Visit http://roadtopuppybowlwashingtondc.eventbrite.com/ to register for the event and to be eligible for the waived adoption fees.
WHY: Each February, the most anticipated sporting event featuring the cutest – and adoptable – players arrives on Animal Planet. PUPPY BOWL has led to hundreds of adoptions over the past 11 years and is a key leader in Animal Planet’s ongoing mission to highlight the importance of animal adoption and responsible pet ownership. Now, the network is bringing the joy and goodwill of the big game to communities across the country on the ROAD TO THE PUPPY BOWL.
*NOTE: Adoption fees covered by Animal Planet are on a first-come, first-serve basis while select animals and funds remain.
The Wacky & Whimsical Tea for THEARC is a fun-filled Sunday afternoon that will include high tea & tasty bites, a performance by the students of The Washington Ballet and circus-inspired games and activities for children of all ages and their families. The event will happen on March 1, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 pm at The Ritz Carlton Hotel of Washington, D.C. Co-chairs for the Tea include Annie Lou Berman, Jessica Heywood & Elena Tompkins. Parents can enjoy a silent auction of the area’s most coveted experiences, a prize treasure trove and other fun surprises. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC).
Individual tickets are $90 for children and $160 for adults.
THEARC is a home away from home for the many underserved children and adults of East of the River, enabling them to participate in dance classes, music instruction, fine arts, academics, continuing education, mentoring, tutoring, recreation, medical and dental care, and other services at a substantially reduced cost or no cost at all. Aside from the eleven partner organizations operating at THEARC including: Building Bridges Across the River, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington’s FBR Branch, Children’s Health Center at THEARC, ArtReach at THEARC, Covenant House Washington, Levine Music, Lift-DC, Trinity University at THEARC, The Washington Ballet and Washington School for Girls; THEARC also holds the first full-service theater in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8. It was created to provide DC residents living east of the Anacostia River entertaining and enlightening experiences that can impact their lives and brighten their futures.
THEARC Theater also offers year-round programing including free Black History Month programs, an affordable Jazz concert series entitled Double Time Jazz at THEARC Theater, Show Time Tuesdays at THEARC – free summer movies & snacks for youth during the summer, Intermix Theater Festival – offering affordable theater seminars and workshops for artists and technicians, a paid internship in technical theater management and free holiday programing during the Fall and Winter months.
The Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery will present its seventh annual “Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration” free family festival Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Throughout the day, visitors of all ages can learn, play and feast at a celebration encompassing both museums to mark Nowruz, the beginning of the new year of 1394 in Iran, Afghanistan and many other countries, coinciding with the first day of spring.
At 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., visitors can relive the Iranian music scene of the 1960s and 1970s with updated versions of classic songs made famous by the likes of Googoosh, Hayedeh, Pari Zangeneh and Parva, along with mesmerizing bandari-beat tunes by Zia Atabi. The band Mitra Sumara, based in New York, features Iranian American vocalist Yvette Perez (pictured below), and re-energizes Persian pop with influences ranging from salsa and disco to Nigeria’s Fela Kuti and Middle Eastern rhythms.Visitors will be able to hear storyteller Xanthe Gresham weave tales from Persian literary classics, learn about the Freer and Sackler’s rich collection of 19th-century Persian photographs, discover the meaning of colorful “Haft Sin” table displays and then make their own, watch a master calligrapher at work and dress up in traditional costumes for photos recreating a Persian painting. Other activities include “fire” jumping for good luck in the new year, backgammon and chess matches, face painting and a hands-on workshop in the ImaginAsiaclassroom for families to make crowns and shields inspired by the Shahnama (Book of kings). Docents will elaborate on important works in the exhibitions “Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy” and “Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran” to offer glimpses of Iran’s rich artistic traditions.
Persian literature enthusiasts can enjoy book-signing sessions at the Sackler store for Two Parrots–a children’s book adapted from the poet Rumi’s celebrated work–signed by illustrator Rashin from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies, signed by author Najmieh Batmanglij from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Persian cuisine by Moby Dick and thematic greeting cards will be available for purchase.
The annual event, celebrated in advance of the true holiday March 21, regularly draws crowds of 10,000 visitors, and is made possible by a gift from Jahangir and Eleanor Amuzegar.
On March 19, the new year celebration will continue with a free concert by Grammy-nominated artists Kayhan Kalhor and Shujaat Khan. In “Ghazal: Indian and Persian Improvisations,” the musicians will reunite for the first time in more than 10 years to perform their unique blend of Indian and Persian classical music.
The annual Nowruz lecture will take place March 29, co-sponsored with the Foundation for Iranian Studies. This year’s distinguished speaker will be Azar Nafisi, the best-selling author of Reading Lolita in Tehran and Things I’ve Been Silent About. In the lecture, Nafisi will discuss her latest work, The Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books.
FEATURED COLLECTIONS
On view at the Sackler until May 3, “Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy” is the first exhibition to focus on one of the most aesthetically refined forms of Persian culture developed during the 14th-16th centuries: nasta’liq, a type of calligraphy so beautiful that for the first time the expressive form of the words eclipsed their meaning. Also on view will be “Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran” featuring one of the largest collections of luxury metalwork from ancient Iran. In the Freer Gallery, visitors can enjoy one of the finest holdings of Islamic art in the United States, with particular strengths in ceramics and illustrated manuscripts.
Iranian photographs from the Freer and Sackler Archives’ collection of more than 1,100 original 19th-century prints and glass-plate negatives by Antonin Sevruguin and other Persian photographers will screen for visitors throughout the day. The collection–the largest public holdings of Sevruguin’s photographs outside Iran–was recently digitized and cataloged in its entirety.
