Rasika Opens in West End

DAVE GRIMALDI, YEBBIE WATKINS AND LARS HYDLE IN THE KITCHEN AT RASIKA

Good news for Georgetown and West End: we now have our own Rasika. The popular, delicious and award-winning Indian restaurant opened tonight with a festive party. The location is 1117 22nd Street, which is essentially New Hampshire and M. Owner Ashok Bajaj was at the entrance, greeting invited guests. The smart guests hung out in the kitchen, putting them closer to the food. Also delicious were the cocktails and wine. Anna Spiegel provided an early look on washingtonian.com. I'll have more on the party tomorrow.

DAVID ABSHIRE WITH SECRETARY PANETTA BEFORE DINNER

AT THE PANETTA DINNER, MY BROTHER DAVID, RIGHT, WITH THE AMBASSADOR FROM LITHUANIA

Before the Rasika party it was a dinner for Defense Secretary Leon Panetta across the street at the Ritz Carlton West End. This was a more somber and serious affair. It was organized by David Abshire and the master of ceremonies was David Gergen. 

My "date" for the evening was David Ross, my brother, visiting from Wisconsin.