Dr. Joyce Harts Hurley conducts this science-focused workshop about how brain function aids in wine pairing. Guests will learn how to identify and assess the six essential elements in wine that make a difference when pairing wine with food. There will be taste examples of eight key food elements alongside different wine styles, and individual palates can decide how closely it gets to making food and wine magic happen. This fun learning experience includes a smattering of neuroscience, chemistry, anatomy and of course, drinking.
When: Saturday February 28, 2015 | 3:00-5:00pm
followed by an Oregon Wine dinner (details and tickets for wine dinner here)
Where: RIS | 2275 L St, NW Washington DC | 202.730.2500
Cost: $35 per person For more information and to purchase tickets, click this link.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2015, Synetic Theater will host a 1950’s Las Vegas stylized benefit in Crystal City. Centering on a special performance of Much Ado About Nothing, the event will kick off with pre-show savories and sips and close with a post-show champagne and dessert reception with the artists at the Crystal City Marriott.
Funds raised will help support Synetic Theater’s mission to redefine theatre, invest in artists’ growth and continue to create unforgettable visceral experiences in all of their productions. Winning 25 Helen Hayes Awards with 94 nominations since 2002, Synetic Theater was recently named one of the top 13 innovative physical theatre companies in the world by Backstage.com.
The event is co-chaired by longtime Synetic supporters and Board Members Angela Fox (Chair) and Allison Foster. Additional committee members include Tricia Paoletta, Becky Dobbins, Tacy Telego, Christy Pino, Julianna Mahley, Marcus Brown, Alan Savada, Sue and Amnon Golan, Karina and Keith Mosser, John and Meg Hauge, Patrick Brown, Timothy Carlton, Keith and Karina Mosser, and Cal Shintani.
Tickets for the benefit are $250 and will go on sale on January 1, 2015.
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.
The First J. Paul’s Icons of Georgetown Awards Dinner
What: J.Paul’s 2015 Icons of Georgetown Awards dinner will be hosted by Thomas L. Gregg, the newly appointed chief executive officer of Capital Restaurant Concepts to honor two individuals who have contributed greatly to Georgetown.
When: The dinner will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: J. Paul’s, located at 3218 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, http://jpaulsdc.com/
Why: J. Paul’s has been serving Georgetown for over 30 years as an iconic dining saloon, and Capital Restaurant Concepts recognizes the importance of honoring members of the community who have taken great strides to support and improve Georgetown, Washington DC’s oldest neighborhood. The first 2015 Icons of Georgetown award will recognize two remarkable people, The Honorable Jack Evans and Mr. Paul J. Cohn, for their contributions to Georgetown over the last 20 years of service. Proceeds raised from the evening’s ticket sales will benefit Georgetown Heritage, a new nonprofit dedicated to promoting and presenting the history of Georgetown, http://georgetownheritagesociety.org/ . The funds from the March 11 award dinner are earmarked to help rebuild the Georgetown canal boat that services the C&O Canal National Historic Park.
How: Tickets for a buffet dinner including drinks are priced at $60 per person (all inclusive) and reservations must be made byMarch 6, 2015. Online ticketing http://shop.capitalrestaurants.com/j-pauls/ or by phone at 202.339.6806
About the two iconic award-winners for 2015:
Paul Cohn, started J. Paul’s Dining Saloon at M Street in 1983, and was a co-founder of Capital Restaurant Concepts which was established in 1984 that grew to include J. Paul’s, Paolo’s, Neyla, Old Glory and Georgia Brown’s as well as the since-closed River Club and Club Zei. Cohn, originally from Baltimore, started out as a manager for singers Peaches and Herb in the 1970s. With his restaurants in Georgetown and downtown D.C., he became influential in local politics as well as instrumental in establishing the Georgetown Business Improvement District and other business and non-profit initiatives.
Jack Evans, Councilmember for Ward 2, was first elected to the Council of the District of Columbia in a 1991 special election and re-elected in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. As the Ward 2 Councilmember, Jack represented 11 distinct neighborhoods including Georgetown. At the Council, Jack serves as Chair of the Council’s Committee on Finance and Revenue, which oversees the District’s finances and tax policy. He also serves on two standing Council committees – Economic Development and Public Safety and the Judiciary.
A native of Pennsylvania, he received an economics degree with honors (cum laude) from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1975, and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Law in 1978. Jack began practicing law at the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Division of Enforcement and currently serves as Of Counsel at Patton Boggs law firm. On September 18, 2010, Jack married Michele Price. They live in Georgetown with their six children (Katherine, John, & Christine – age 15; Sam – age 20; Maddy – age 18; and Jack – age 15) and their golden retriever Kelly.
What: Secret Monkey Social Club, the brainchild of Lukas B. Smith (currently of Dram & Grain and Jack Rose Dining Saloon, formerly beverage director of Daikaya) and Shayna Blass (actress, singer and dancer, appearing in Passion Play currently at Forum Theater), aims to pay homage to the cabarets of decades past with a lounge environment full of drinks and jazz.
When: Monday, March 23, 2015
7:30 p.m.
Where: Dolcezza Gelato Factory & Coffee Lab, 550 Penn St. NE, Washington DC 20002
Details: Guests will enjoy six new punches prepared by Smith at $9 per pour, and cabaret performances lead by Blass throughout the night. Local talent Navid “Navi” Azeez will provide an opening performance as well. This event is 21+, and there is no door charge.
The Drinks: Smith will be joined behind the bar by Dan Searing, co-owner of Room 11 and author of “The Punch Bowl.” Searing will prepare a punch and help host the festivities.
The following is a portion of Smith’s menu thus far:
Soirée Not Sorry
Boyd & Blair
Dolin Blanc
Suze
Turmeric
Toasted Mustard Seed
Lemon
Punch a la Romaine (adapted from Tom Bullock’s “The Ideal Bartender”)
Mt. Gay Rum
Champagne
Oleo d’Orange
Myrrh-infused Nitro Meringue
The Jekyll and Lindbergh
Avocado-washed Aviation Gin
Scorched Lime Oleo
Génépi Espuma
Kampot Pepper
A Song of Experience
Angel’s Envy Bourbon
Cynar
Alvear Montilla
Smoked Pistachio Orgeat
Darjeeling
Lime
As many people know, life is always sweeter when you have a great buddy by your side and Best Buddies Virginia’s Chef Buddy pairs will prove that at Life is Sweet, a culinary tasting event, on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, while raising funds to support the Best Buddies programs. Long-time partner CSC will host the event at their headquarters located at 3170 Fairview Park Drive in Falls Church, Virginia from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with sponsors to include SAP NS2 and Exelis.
Guests will have the opportunity to taste savory treats and decadent desserts created by many of the best chefs in the area. Each chef has been partnered with a Best Buddies participant, and all of the pairs will showcase their treats throughout the evening. This event provides a wonderful example of the work-life opportunities that exist in our community, while showcasing the abilities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Life is Sweet Chair Susan Wallace, Executive Pastry Chef of BlackSalt Fish Market and Restaurant. “I really enjoy sharing my passion of pastry with my Buddy Chef and shining a light on such a worthy cause.”
“Exelis is pleased to support and contribute to the mission of Best Buddies,” said Bob Edmonds, Exelis Vice President and Best Buddies Virginia Advisory Board Member “Exelis is committed to bringing diversity to the workplace, building upon its history of civic engagement, and continuing to provide opportunities for the disability community. We are honored to join Life is Sweet as a sponsor this year.”
Guests will sample delicious creations from culinary artists including Chef Chris Hutcheson of District Commons, Suga Chef’s Padua Player, Ruth Gresser of Pizzeria Paradiso, Eurest Catering and Chef James Foley, Swiss Bakery’s Chef Bethany Drake, Chef Susan Wallace, and George Fassiadis of the Weston National Harbor to name a few. Highlights of the evening will include a silent auction running throughout the tasting, and a live auction scheduled to take place at 8:00 pm. Featured auction items include restaurant certificates, hotel accommodations, sports memorabilia, an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, a stay in a luxury apartment in Buenos Aires, an In-Home Cooking Demo for up to 10 people with Executive Chef Gregory Booth and Pastry Chef Padua Player, and much more.
Tommy McFly, host of 94.7 FRESH FM, will be the emcee for the night, and Miss District of Columbia USA, Miss District of Columbia Teen USA, Miss Virginia USA and Miss Teen Virginia USA will also be present to support the cause. Tickets can be purchased at www.bestbuddiesvirginia.org/lis
For more information, contact Chris Hammond by phone at (703) 533-9420 or email ChristopherHammond@bestbuddies.org.
WHAT: SMITHSONIAN at 8—The Smithsonian’s premier 21+ after-hours event series for young professionals—and Francophonie DC present “La Grande Fete”
WHEN: Friday, March 27, 7 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: La Maison Francaise, Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC
Get ready for a #SMITHSONIANat8 spectacular party with a French accent. The annual Francophonie Cultural Festival spotlights the music, art, literature, film, cuisine, and customs of French-speaking countries and regions from across the globe, and its closing celebration is alwaysmagnifique. This year’s bash will be no exception.
Beginning at 7 p.m., launch into a world tour of francophone cultures. Sample food and drink from more than 30 embassies as you explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. There will be plenty of giveaways for you to take home as souvenirs. Don’t forget to Instagram your experiences and dishes throughout the night using #at8enfrancais for a chance to win prizes.
Emeline Michel will perform from 8 to 9 p.m. This captivating performer and versatile vocalist is one of the premier Haitian songwriters of her generation. She has recorded and appeared on concert stages throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and North and South America for over 20 years. Singing both in French and Haitian Creole, she has catapulted into international acclaim.
DJ Princess Slaya spins music from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and plenty of destinations in between. At 9 p.m., she pumps up the sounds as the evening’s dance party begins.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the best of the French-speaking world—all without leaving home #NoPassportNeeded.
Participating organizations and embassies include but are not limited to: Alliance Francais de Washington, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Commonwealth of Dominica, Cote d’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, France, Gabon, Guinea, Haiti, Hungary, Laos, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, Republic of Congo, Romania, Senegal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Togo, and Tunisia.
#SMITHSONIANat8 #at8enfrancais #NoPassportNeeded
General Admission $40. (includes admission and food and drink samples from 7 to 9 p.m.) Cash bar starting at 9 p.m.
Tickets must be purchased in advance (no sales at the door).
IDs will be checked at the door. Those under 21 will not be served alcohol
For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com
