The Evening Of...Irene

A FORCE 9 DARK N' STORMY CHEZ JACOBSEN

Ruth and Simon Jacobsen hosted a hurricane cocktail party this evening where the cocktail du soir was a Dark 'n Stormy. Simon makes a Force 9 Dark n' Stormy, meaning he uses powerful 151 proof Gosling's Rum, which he mixes with Ginger Beer, and a wedge of lime, over ice. At that wattage it is a drink you sip gently, sparingly. Otherwise, you become the hurricane. It was fun to photograph, though. 

A TOAST FROM OUR HOST, ARCHITECT SIMON JACOBSEN

I was impressed that some of the guests traveled distances -- like, from Northern Virginia -- while others of us walked a few blocks in the wind and rain. Everyone laughed because the New York airports are closed but Reagan National is still open with flights coming in and going out. Does that mean DC is at long last tougher than NY? We wondered. The other topic was whether we'd lose power in Georgetown. Half said "yes," and half said "no." 

OUTSIDE THE JACOBSEN'S AT 6:30 PM

I got a message from the Bayou that they are hosting a public "Hurricane Party" tonight with actual hurricanes - as in the drink. The message said, "Come ride out the storm with authentic New Orleans style hurricanes, gumbo and live music." But, please, no New Orleans style storm. The Bayou is at 2519 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The drinks are $5, the gumbo is $3. "All night," the message said. The entertainment is Zachary Smith and the Dixie Power Trio. Go for it.