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Stachowski Charcuterie to Move In to Old Griffin Market

 LONG-EMPTY GRIFFIN MARKET WILL SOON HAVE NEW TENANT: JAMIE STACHOWSKI

Topher Mathews at The Georgetown Metropolitan broke this news to me a week or so ago, and it was confirmed today by Missy Frederick in Washington Business Journal: Jamie Stachowski, the sausage-maker well known locally for his presence at area farmers markets, will take over Griffin Market. An opening date has not been announced, but the realtor involved confirmed the lease. Reportedly the new market will sell all sorts of sausages, of course, but also provide butcher-cut meat.

I hope he expands to sides so it will be possible to pick up a whole meal, as we were able to do when it was the Griffin Market of yore, when Laura Bonino prepared home-cooked meals. I assume the wine and beer license is still active. Regardless, it will be nice to have the space filled with a home-made food operation.

In the WBJ, Missy writes: The chef is a well-known name around D.C. Before his sausage business, which operates under the name, Stachowski Brand Charcuterie, he was the opening chef for the sports bar/Eastern European restaurant Thirsty Bernie's in Arlington. He was also the chef behind the now-shuttered Restaurant Kolumbia and worked for D.C. legend Jean-Louis Palladin. Plus, he stars in the "Meat America" special on The History Channel.

Should he offer Anthony Weiner the counter job? Synergy.

Oktoberfest, on New York Social Diary Today

In a week it will be October and any day autumn's first bracing wind will blow into town, bringing with it the urge to be vigorous, eat well and curl up by the fire. The curling up is a pursuit best left to two, but the eating well is extra fun when shared, especially at Washington's Old Europe restaurant, where the Oktoberfest celebration is underway.

Oktoberfest at Old Europe is the focus of my NYSD column today, a reprise of a piece we posted a year ago. It is an evergreen. Do go for the schnitzel and the beer, do make a reservation: 202.333.7600, do go with friends and an appetite (and a thirst).

Bill Dean; with friends Like These...

BILL DEAN AND FRIENDS, INCLUDING A PLAYMATE; WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE HE ONLY NEEDS MORE FRIENDS

Bill Dean reduces the Georgetown boredom factor by half. A gentleman friend who was with me on July 4th - at Bill's annual party - wrote today to report that a woman we met is the new Playboy centerfold. When Bill introduced us he said she had just posed. She is on the right in the above picture, which I pulled from the archives, and, if Google is to be trusted, her name is Amanda Cerny.

 BILL, AT SAME PARTY, WITH DIFFERENT GROUP OF FRIENDS

It's not at all surprising that Bill, my neighbor and friend, who owns and runs the M.C. Dean electrical engineering company, would have a friend who is a Playboy centerfold. He hosts incredible parties, as I've written about on New York Social Diary. Whenever I am a guest at his home I assume many of the women are centerfold models.  Many are so young it is almost shocking, but not really, only very different from the Georgetown mode. Life is good at the Dodge Mansion.

Bill seems to enjoy life a lot - life and friends. 

The Georgetown Jingle Announces Honorees

In the mailbox this evening, a press release. I quote it verbatim:

The sixth-annual Georgetown Jingle will spotlight thirteen young cancer patients receiving treatment through GeorgetownUniversity Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Programs. Each year the charitable holiday event, with the help of these Patient Ambassadors, brings awareness to childhood cancer; honors children and families coping with cancer; and raises funds for Georgetown’s programs. The 2011 Georgetown Jingle, sponsored by JDS Designs, Inc., Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C., and The Washington Design Center, will be held at Four Seasons Hotel on Sunday, December 11.  

Since 2006, the Georgetown Jingle has raised $1.7 million for pediatric oncology programs at Georgetown University Hospital. The family-centered  event, co-chaired by Cynthia Bruno and Tamara Darvish, offers something for all ages and includes the CVS/pharmacy Children’s Workshop, DC Magazine Men’s Lounge, a silent auction, tastings by leading DC area chefs, and live entertainment, including a visit from Santa and his friends.

 The event also showcases themed holiday trees and vignettes created by the Washington area’s top designers. A team from Annapolis-based furniture and accessories manufacturer Niermann Weeks will design the majestic center tree, with the theme “Peaceable Kingdom.” Their tree and all the festive creations will be sold in advance for a fixed “Buy It Now” price or sold to the highest bidder during the event’s silent auction.

 Each participating designer partners with a young Patient Ambassador for theme and creative inspiration. The 2011 Georgetown Jingle participating designers and Patient Ambassadors are:

1.       Camille Beers (Camille Beers Design Studio) and Hannah P., Age 11

2.       Camille Saum, (Camille Saum Interior Design) and Avery P., Age 6                             

3.    Molly Kunselman & Caryn Cramer (Corcoran College of Art + Design) and Teresa H., Age 10

4.    Rosie Sauser (Cultivated Gardens, LLC) and Joseph P, Age 13                      

5.    Wendy Danziger (Danziger Design) and Jefferson Y., Age 9                                                   

6.    Gary Lovejoy (Gary Lovejoy Associates) and Adam R., Age 3                                    

7.    Gloria Blalock with Pottery Barn (Gloria Blalock Interiors) and Markel W., Age 10                    

8.    Dee Thornton (Houseworks Interiors) and Devan T., Age 5                                       

9.    Joe Ireland & Edith Gregson (J.D. Ireland Interior Architecture & Design) and Dylan V., Age 12

10.  Eleanor and Claire Niermann (Niermann Weeks) and Max R., Age 14; Ayden K. Age 4

11.  Patrick J. Baglino, Jr. (Patrick J. Baglino Jr. ASID Interior Design) and Anuj D. Age 2   

12.  Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey (SCW Interiors) and Kedar B., Age 6                                   

Despite their illnesses, the Georgetown patients are looking forward to the holidays. Avery P., who has partnered with Camille Saum, completed her Leukemia treatment in May 2011. Avery loves gingerbread houses and Christmas trees. Anuj D., paired with Patrick Baglino, recently completed his treatment for HemophagocyticLymphohistiocytosis or HLH. Anuj’s favorite thing about the holidays is “playing with his brother” and his holiday wish is for “candy and toys.”

Max R., who has partnered with Eleanor McKay and the Niermann Weeks team, is currently in remission from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Max loves the holiday song,” Frosty the Snowman,” but his favorite thing about the holidays: “no school.” Ayden K., also paired with McKay, started maintenance treatment in May 2011 for ALL. Ayden loves “Jingle Bells” and looks forward to Santa’s visit.

The Georgetown Jingle benefits the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Georgetown University Hospital. With Georgetown Jingle funds, the unit, in collaboration with Duke University and the National Institutes of Health, will be fully operational by the end of the year. The Georgetown Jingle will continue to support the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program and, this year, will expand its support to include the development of a palliative care program, devoted to relieving pain and providing physical, psychological, and spiritual comfort to patients. The programs are directed by Dr. Aziza Shad, one of the region’s most respected oncologists.

The 2011 Georgetown Jingle will be held at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, on Sunday, December 11, from 4 to 8 pm. Tickets are $150 per person, $350 for families of four, $50 for kids 3-18, and free for children under 2. For more information about the event, visitwww.georgetownjingle.com.

Congratulations to SLDN, and also to THEARC

 COLORADO SEN. MARK UDALL WITH SLDN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AUBREY SARVIS

You know the expression, "I don't get out much anymore." That's me these days, and happily, but I did get to a couple of landmark events. This evening I joined my friend and neighbor Aubrey Sarvis and his Service Members Legal Defense Network crew at KStreet Lounge, where they celebrated the first full day of repeal of "don't ask, don't tell." The line to get in was a block long. The party will go well into the night. A historic day.

 THE GATHERING CROWD IN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES OF THE SLDN PARTY

 PATRONS OF THEARC DURING COCKTAILS BEFORE THE SHOW, DINNER AND DANCING

Saturday night was a gala storming of Anacostia by an upper crusty crowd who rarely get over there. It was a fundraiser for THEARC, which stands for Town Hall Arts Recreation Center. It opened in 2005 and this was only its second fundraiser...and it was sold out. According to the website, "THEARC is a $27 million, 110,000 square foot, state-of-the-art campus located in Washington, DC's Ward 8.  With a mission of working to improve the quality of life for residents of Ward 8, THEARC is home to eleven of Washington, DC's best nonprofit agencies, all of which share the goal of helping children and adults reach their full potential."

 YOUNG ARTISTS AFTER PERFORMING "THRILLER"

The highlight of the evening was a performance of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" by young students. Chair Gina Adams of FedEx gave a welcoming speech, revealing her humble local roots and her enduring connection to the city. The Ballou High School marching band guided the dressed up audience from the theater to the gymnasium, which was transformed for dinner and dancing. 

 GINA ADAMS OF FEDEX

 EXUBERANT MEMBERS OF THE BALLOU HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

 DC CAN BE PROUD OF ANACOSTIA'S THEARC

Life in Georgetown

 SPOTTED ON THE ROSE PARK PATH, MAN AND MAN'S BEST FRIEND(S), MONDAY, SEPT. 19, 3:45 PM

Last Week, In All Its Forms, on NYSD Today

 LAST WEEK INCLUDED 24 HOURS IN NYC, SPECIFICALLY FIDI

Last week ran the gamut from sad to absurd to interesting and back to sad. All its forms are the subject of my Monday column on New York Social Diary today. Please give it a read here. 

BEN BARNES, COACH AUGIE GARRIDO AND LYNDON BOOZER AT A TEXAS-SIZED PARTY FOR AUGIE'S BOOK "LIFE IS YOURS TO WIN"

 LAST WEEK INCLUDED A VISIT TO SALAHI-VILLE, AKA THE OASIS WINERY

...and remembering Kara Kennedy, whose untimely death was just that. 

The Q&A Cafe Archives: The Salahi Interview, from 2011

It may seem incredible, but my interview with Michaela and Tareq Salahi was the most sold out, the largest audience ever for a Q&A Cafe taping. It happened after the White House gate crashing incident but before the debut of Real Housewives of Washington DC on Bravo. At the time, it was their only interview other than the Today show. So, it was a coup for our little saloon-grown interview program. It took place at the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown, which was our new home after Nathans closed.  It was not an easy interview, as you'll see, but I took it seriously and did my homework. They may have been pop culture sensations, but what their attendance at a State Dinner made news round the world. 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgetown Waterfront Park: Fountain Fun

They need to 86 the planters that box it in, or maybe that's on purpose to create more of a "swimming pool" feel, but the new Georgetown Waterfront park fountain is - as expected - a hit with children. This evening they were splashing in it while wearing street clothes, pajamas and even diapers. Some barefoot, some not. A few parents jumped in, too. Here are some pics. I apologize for the quality, but all I had was the Blackberry:

The Headline Is Not that Mrs. Salahi was Kidnapped; She Bolted

Here is the up to the minute from TMZ, that always reliable source of breaking news from outer space:

Michaele Salahi was NEVER abducted ... so say police in Virginia ... who claim Michaele has contacted law enforcement and told them she DID NOT want her husband to know where she was. 

The Warren County Sheriff's Dept. just released a statement saying one of their deputies spoke with Michaele  .... and "She seemed calm, was engaged in conversation, and assured the deputy that she had left the residence with a good friend and was where she wanted to be."

We could deduce from this that Michaele maybe decided to take a walk join her lover. If it's a pre-auction publicity stunt, it worked. Or maybe she's in search of voodoo to bring the vines back to life. 

Thank you for this, Michaele, on a day with so much pain and suffering in the world. I hope wherever you are it is where you want to be.

Vornado, You Need New Mojo, and Fast

 INSIDE THE MOSTLY EMPTY GEORGETOWN PARK MALL

The dreary saga of the Georgetown Park Mall rolls on, with weekly, and sometimes daily updates on its supposed future path. I don't have any inside track of information. I read and hear the same things as everyone else, but based on that, and based on a long background as a journalist, I feel on firm footing stating that Vornado needs new mojo. If they believe they are successfully communicating with Washington, helping us to get to know them, helping us to understand their goals, they are delusional. So far it is a communications fail.

Vornado is the property manager for the mall, representing owners Angelo, Gordon & Co. This puts Vornado out in front.

The latest spate of bad press, yesterday and today, focuses on the way they are treating tenants. Now, maybe they are adhering to the letter of the law in myriad leases, but it's coming across as hapless shop owners getting tossed in the street by big bad Vornado and Angelo, Gordon, whose executives appear for all intents and purposes like characters who morphed "Transformers" with "Goodfellas." There's not been a single favorable piece of media about these companies, at least not that I've seen. 

What makes Georgetown hyper sensitive on this subject is a prevailing feeling that the community's commercial corridor no longer belongs to the community, but to suited up, anonymous money grubbers who live in other cities. The developers of yore, people like Anthony Lanier and Herb Miller, lived in the community and spread lots and lots and lots of money around to good causes, and showed up at all the fundraisers, all the pet projects of the Citizens Association of Georgetown, etc., hosted some of them at their homes, and focused on continuous outreach. Apparently this is not Vornado's method, even though they have a Washington "division." They appear to operate behind a phalanx of lawyers, when what they need are relationship counselors and good crisis communications advice. If not "boots on the ground," at least good "PR on the ground."

Yesterday's and today's Vornado news has been faithfully reported on The Georgetown Metropolitan - a good source for tracking this story - and I consider both items as laughs of the day, especially yesterday's that included this choice bit: Vornado is “working closely with local agencies and community groups on a plan [for the Georgetown Park mall] that reinvigorates the neighborhood.” As a boardmember of one of those community groups, GM can say that’s simply not true.

I believe GM.

Bottom line is that most people in Georgetown, and beyond our borders, would like to see something positive happen with Georgetown Park. It has been a community burden for years, operating successfully only for a very short time at the beginning. While personally I'd like to see it torn down and replaced by a community square, a village center, I know that's unrealistic and won't happen. I'm not keen about the space being overtaken by down-market discount and big box stores. My reasons aren't cultural but because the core customers for those stores won't come to Georgetown to do bulk shopping. You need a car to shop big box and the parking tickets in Georgetown are a plague. So, unless Vornado can co-opt Parking Enforcement, that big box customer gets scared away at the outset.

Also, big box is a 20th century solution to a 21st century problem (which is, psssst, the malls are dying).

UPDATE ON 9/14 ON GEORGETOWN METROPOLITAN: GM heard some rumors about the mall: Target is pulling out, and now Vornado is targeting Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom’s, and/or Jeffrey’s. 

Vornado has a critical communications problem, which makes it appear that they have an inherent management and organization problem and, in the end, don't have any idea what they are doing here. They may consider themselves masters of the universe, but the Emperor thought he had new clothes, too. That's bad for Vornado and bad for Georgetown.

 

Acknowledging Death But Celebrating Life, on NYSD Today

My New York Social Diary Column today reflects on the 9.11 anniversary weekend with special mention of the widows and widowers. Read it here. 

9.11 Rituals, and Baseball, and Football

 NATS STATDIUM, BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY NIGHT

Ten years. The memories are clear but the emotions are less raw, which is good. We're all moving on. I liked the dedication of the 9.11 memorials; less so the constant replay of the attacks. The Shanksville dedication Saturday was especially moving, thanks to the singing of Sarah McLaughlin.

  WE WENT THROUGH A LOT OF PITCHERS IN THE PROCESS OF LOSING

Of the politicians, President Bush was the most appropriate; Bill Clinton the least so, because it was grandstanding, and Vice President Biden was good for about two-thirds of his speech before he went on too long. The family member who spoke was the most relevant and poignant, as it should be. 

 THE STADIUM WAS NEAR FILLED

I have 9.11 rituals. I always take down from the bookshelf The New York Times "Portraits" book and read random bios. I also try to do things that are about living, about what the dead would do if they could, if they hadn't been murdered. So last night a baseball game, today a good walk and pizza, this evening it will be football. 

 SEVENTH INNING STRETCH, "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME."

 THE MANAGER'S POST-GAME CHAT WITH BASEBALL WRITERS

The networks did way too much replaying of the attacks, but the unveiling of the memorials showed that families and others now have someplace to go that celebrates life with reverence, context and respect.

 THE STADIUM THIRTY MINUTES AFTER THE LAST PITCH

The security at the stadium was intense. They had dogs thoroughly check every car. Did I feel safer? No. Do I feel safer since 9.11? No. 

It was good to have the Redskins-Giants game today. Thank you, Redskins, for such a good game. Later I watched "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Not a documentary but a comedy from long ago with an unbelievable cast. 

Griffin Market By The Sea

 GRIFFIN MARKET, GEORGETOWN, IN THE GOOD OLE DAYS

At least a few times a week, when contemplating what to have for dinner, I have a sense memory of the ease of life when Griffin Market was open at 28th and P Streets. I'd call up the menu on my Blackberry, email owner Riccardo Bonino with my order, and swing by and pick it up. Voila. Excellent dinner on the table a few moments later. It was even better when entertaining a friend, because the food always impressed. 

So, while the news of their closing was sad for the hand made food lovers of Georgetown, for Riccardo and Laura and it has brought a good turn of events. They have happily relocated to charming Beaufort, SC., where they will open Griffin Market By The Sea in October. Hooray for them. Laura wrote, "Our restaurant space here is nice, about 40 seats, 60 with the patio. It needs just a little renovation and is in a great spot in Beaufort." She also said rent is "25 - 30% of DC prices." Do they miss us? Yes, she said. "As much as we love it (we) miss everybody."

I keep hoping some clever food entrepreneur will see the opportunity at that empty corner, and that the landlords will see the opportunity of a nurturing rent for a tenant who fills a niche. 

Nonetheless, it was great while we had Griffin and I wish heaps of success on Griffin Market By The Sea. I wonder if they deliver? 

LATER: I got my answer. Riccardo will ship wine and cheese, which is good news. Follow him on their website here. Their street address is: 

Griffin Market by the Sea

403 Carteret St Beaufort SC 29902

Summer's Over, Now What ... on NYSD Today

My NYSD column today drop kicks the new fall season and leads readers to the reprise of a profile of an interesting and modern Washington couple. Read it here. 

Now That I've Said That...

My post about racism brought a lot of comments, mostly through email and FB, and I'm grateful. That's one reason bloggers blog, to stir debate. Not everyone agreed with my point of view, but that's okay. 

Among the negatives, the most prevalent point was why didn't I take President Obama to task for his performance in office. It's simple. I don't consider the two subjects related. Underlying racism and job performance don't belong in the same column.

But now that I've addressed racism, I will say this to those of you who brought it up: Yes, the Administration needs to step it up, needs to become more aggressive and assertive and not be afraid to engage. And please get us out of these awful, wasteful, corrupt wars. 

I watched the excellent documentary, "The Tillman Story," yesterday and it got my war anger up all over again. This scandal is not in Obama's column, it's a Bush Administration scandal, but the story hits on all the corrupt reasons we went to Iraq and Afghanistan in the first place, and all the corrupt reasons we're still there. The scene where the Pentagon brass show up to testify before Congress, including himself, Rummy, is an embarrassing disgrace, reminding me of when the tobacco company bosses appeared and lied before Congress. Also, with the 9/11 anniversary coming up, with all the liberties we've given up in the service of "Homeland Security," I don't feel safer. 

But back to President Obama. One of my closest coffee buddies is a long-serving member of the GOP. He believes Obama will be re-elected without doubt. He feels the Republican field, no matter what, is weak. On the other hand, one of my dearest friends, a long-serving Democrat, believes he is entirely vulnerable.

I can't imagine anyone doing the job and being able to sleep at night. I appreciate his calm and intellect and thoughtfulness. Bob Woodward's book gave me new insight into the man and how he works. I'm not overjoyed with this Administration but I'm also not displeased. They've done a lot that I'm proud of, and I wish they'd do more. They are up against some thugs in the right wing, and that's where they need to become more assertive. Don't get yourselves pushed around by bullies.

It's all about jobs, though. Jobs, jobs, jobs. Money, money, money. People need jobs and to feel financially secure. If Obama can create jobs, the GOP can't touch him. Wouldn't a massive re-investment in the infrastructure be a good direction? If most of us keep slip sliding down (while the rich get richer), oh, what a mess, because the Republicans don't know what they want to be, right or far far right; the Tea Party has the party leadership by the short hairs. When this country is in chaos we tend to make the worst choices in leadership. Yes, I'm thinking of 1968 and Richard M. Nixon. Arguably, Jimmy Carter, too. We weren't in chaos when we elected Obama. Instead, it was a bright, hopeful investment in the future, a new century. He's had to live up to a lot of expectations, some realistic and some not.

I wonder what my Republican friends think of Rick Perry? (I know my friend mentioned above is not a fan). I was astounded by The New York Times piece this weekend that reprised his various published writings. That is a must read. It's a head scratcher, too. Mitt Romney? I can't get him into focus, but he and Perry both have that big coiffed head thing going on. I feel I could skip dimes off their hair. Michele Bachmann is all about hair, too. The Big Coif Party? Their hairdresser bills have to rival John Edwards', with or without Bunny Mellon to pay the bill. 

Racism, That's All

This isn't a political statement, but it is an observation of politics at this moment in our history and involving this particular President, his wife and their family, who are African American. or black, or mixed, because he is half caucasian, or white. He's a blend. For me, the observation comes from frustration. I'm sick of the meanness. No matter what he does or says, no matter what they do, or where they go, the haters are on it, and in a way that is disrespectful, rude, crude and designed to inflame. Why? I think it's very simple. It's racism. That's all.

We're not supposed to use that word, I know. The haters have marked it as a lefty buzz word, but I'm not a lefty. I'm down the middle. Independent, registered and in my politics, too. But you have to be blind not to see the subtext of racism that comes from Republicans in general and the extreme right in particular, and not always "sub."

Speaker of the House Boehner was plain rude in the way he behaved about the President's planned jobs speech before a Joint Session of Congress, but anybody could see it coming the moment Obama asked for the date and time. Did Boehner mean to appear uncouth? Does that appeal to the base? I fear so. He's treated President Obama in this off hand, dismissive manner since he got the job. He gets away with it, appealing to this awful racial ignorance and anger that the Speaker of the House should instead be trying to erase rather than inflame. I don't know why the media don't call him out.

Nobody talks about it publicly, but it's always there. Whether Mrs. Obama takes a holiday, or an official trip, or she and the President go out to dinner, or they take a trip with their daughters, or wear certain clothing, or happen to be golfing when an unexpected earthquake happens, and on and on and on. No matter what they do they get slammed.

Criticizing a president is fair game in our system, but the GOP snipe in an unrelentingly demeaning tone, and in code, as if our president and his wife have been "uppity" and need to be put in their places. No. It's the racist complainers who need to be put in their places.

It didn't start with Boehner. It started in the presidential campaign as soon as Obama began to gain ground. The fear of him incited those who can't accept racial equality. It got wind from, of all people, Bill Clinton, and then was played to mercilessly by John McCain and Sarah Palin, a pattern later picked up by others, particularly Michelle Bachman and Boehner.

The tone the haters set came through loud and clear in the hateful rants I heard on that 100,000 watt FM station in Shreveport, where the hosts repeatedly called the President a "jack ass" a "communist" and a "criminal." I wanted to find the station, go into the studio, and unplug their power cords...at the very least. But I doubt anybody would try to get away with this talk unless they knew they could. 

Boehner and his ilk are a bunch of big racist babies. Any opportunity they get it's  "Waaaah, waaaah, waaaah, it's the black man's fault."

This is only my opinion, but please, can we have some simple human courtesy. Decency. Adult behavior. Decorum. It's supposed to go with the job as an elected official. 

LATER, an appropriate and decorous email about this post, putting the example to argument:

"I just read your column entitled "Racism, That's all." I could not disagree with you more, but you're a bright gal, and I'm sure you know how the rebuttal would go, and so, here's the punchline: I disagree with you, but I still like you!

 

"I'm sure that's a source of endless reassurance to you."