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Susan Rappaport's Apptastic Georgetown Halloween Party

FILMMAKER CATHERINE WYLER AND OUR HOST, SUSAN RAPPAPORT

Okay, so I went a little app-tastic tonight at Susan Rappaport's Halloween party at her Georgetown home. I played with a variety of iPhone apps. As I said to one guest after another, "just think of me as the party clown who makes balloon animals." Like many people I'm somewhat uncomfortable at parties. Taking photos is a form of conversation.

Since most of the guests were friends they played along but they did act incomprehensible when I said things like "i'm running this shot through Dynamic Light" or "I've hashtagged the party." High of the night was my colleague Sophie Gilbert tweeting to let me know she was proud of my "hashtagging." She knows I'm a remedial hashtagger.

The food was delicious, per usual chez Rappaport. A great big pot of homemade Texas style chili, accompanied by fixin's and corn bread and corn chips and salad. Plus a bartender and a full bar.

Playing to no stereotypes, please, it was a boffo party, and so what if some of the time people were speaking in French? It was Halloween. Georgetown can't overturn itself entirely, now, can it? Gosh, I hope not. But know this: even brainiac socialites can reveal their inner ghoul and howl for a night. And know this, too: in this era, call someone a socialite and they take out a contract on you. There aren't many authentics left, but they do dwell in caves in Georgetown. 

CAROLINE CROFT, MYRA MOFFETT AND NINA HERRICK

JULIE EARLE AND NINA HERRICK

COSTUMES HIDE IDENTITIES BUT THAT IS DIANA PRINCE ON THE RIGHT

KAREN TAYLOR AND RICHARD RYMLAND

FREDDY PRINCE, SUSAN RAPPAPORT AND RALPH EARLE

MYRA AND MARY MOFFETT WITH BABY CALDER

DAVID AARON

LE HALLOWEEN BUFFET OF HOMEMADE GHOULISH CHILI AND ALL THE FIXIN'S

THE ENTRANCE HALL TABLEAU: BOO!

JULIE EARLE AS THE GEORGETOWN DEVIL WOMAN

SUSAN RAPPAPORT'S FRONT DOOR

Strange Behavior At 19th and L Streets; Must Be Halloween

 

Shot this from my L Street office window.

 

And nearby, at the corner of 19th and L Streets.

Next, I want to see Unicorns.

Halloween in Georgetown 2012

More later ... headed to work now. But it will be a big night in the old village, including the rising tide of the Potomac River. Boo! Here's everything you need to know about massive Georgetown gridlock, courtesy of Topher Mathews at The Georgetown Metropolitan. 

Supper After The Storm

AN UNUSUAL CHICKEN/DUCK DISH WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND WILD RICE

When my office set up a web page for people to post their Hurricane Sandy meals, I was inspired. But on the day of Hurricane Sandy I went out to Clyde's for a "hurricane lunch" and that raucous and filling meal was enough to get me from the day into and through the night. So, I'm hoping a supper after the storm still counts. (If not I'll give our team of ace foodies a hard time tomorrow). 

Today I wasn't sure what I wanted except that I felt it should counter the weather, meaning a kind of stick-to-the-bones carnivore tilt. My inclination is to go to Cannon's and buy a piece of fish but my main meal yesterday was a steamed lobster. Lobster is the best possible way to conjure being on a mooring in Nantucket harbor in a blow. Being anywhere up north in a blow.

But back to meat. It just seemed right for today's raw weather. I stopped into Stachowski's market at 28th and P and surveyed all the dead red animal flesh. I was drawn to the good-looking fresh ground steak burger meat and then drifted over to this odd looking wrapped package. Jamie Stachowski was at the counter and I asked, "what's that?" He explained it was what he'd made for his dinner last night: a duck breast wrapped in a chicken breast wrapped in bacon. Well, those of us who favor New Orleans know this is a homage to the TurDuckIn. He had some crazy name for it: ChickDuckOn. Close enough. But I was sold. 

How did it work out? Well, I would like to go back to Jamie to discuss. He advised roasting at 325 for 20 minutes, but that barely cooked the outer layer. I kept returning it to the oven.In the end it took an hour for the chicken to be cooked and the duck to be rare. I am including a photo of the meat, fresh from the oven, but it doesn't do justice. It looks sort of messy, but that probably had more to do with my awkward plating. There was enough meat for two, potentially three.

FRESH FROM THE OVEN.

With dinner I served an '09 Sonoma Coast pinot noir. It had everything needed to go up against the duck and the chicken and the bacon plus the brussels sprouts and wild mushrooms and wild rice. That menu was a tall order for a wine. The wine had to be able to slay all that flavor and protein.

Dessert? Not doing dessert much these days. But you never ever go wrong with chocolate. I indulged enough yesterday in my "hurricane" persuasions that there was no need for dessert tonight. Besides, we had such a good crisp apple with the dinner. And often a good cup of coffee can be dessert enough.

One last note: I tweeted today that people should go out and give business to the restaurants that are open in this nasty weather. And then I stayed home. I try always to practice what I preach, but then I did go out to Clyde's yesterday. It would be good this week if people think about their neighborhood restaurants. A storm like Sandy, any exteme weather, cuts into profits in a bad way. So, go vote for your fave by making a reservation, keeping it and ordering a good bottle of wine. 

Also, very flattered that both Bourbon Steak and The Palm tried to woo my favors. Geez, they know I'm good to show up, but I did love the storm woo.

Photos From The Morning After #Sandy In Georgetown

THE GEORGETOWN WATERFRONT AT 9:15 AM, WITH THE POTOMAC INCHES AWAY FROM OVER WASHING THE DOCK

I went out this morning around 8:45 and walked for an hour. There were not many signs of significant tree damage in Georgetown. Most of what I found was general debris, some small to medium limbs, but no whole trees down, such as we had with the Durecho. Admittedly I covered only a mile or so. It seems to me the story in the village today is the waterfront, where at 9:15 am the Potomac looked close to bridging the Washington Harbor dock. High tide came at 9:33 am. Every single floodgate, large and small, was up, including at The House of Sweden. The Colonial Parking garage at K and 30th Streets had the sandbags and barriers out. The next high tide is this evening at 9:44.

THE COLONIAL PARKING GARAGE ON K STREET AT THE CORNER OF 30TH

The Washingtonian is collecting citizen storm photos for our website. Please send them to Tanya Pai at this link: SandyStormPhotos. We're also interested in learning what businesses are open or closed. 

THIS IS REPRESENTATIVE OF SANDY TREE DAMAGE I FOUND DURING A WALKABOUT

THE INTERSECTION OF M AND 29TH STREETS AT 8:50 TUESDAY MORNING

A MINI FLOODGATE AT THE HOUSE OF SWEDEN, WHICH FRONTS THE POTOMAC RIVER

TREE DEBRIS ON M STREET NEAR THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

LIMBS DOWN ON P STREET NEAR WISCONSIN

REASSURANCE, AT CVS ON WISCONSIN AVENUE

MOST LIKELY NO "TENNIS, ANYONE?" TODAY

Surviving The Storm, So Far, With Friends, Clyde's And Rum #Sandy

HOT BUTTERED RUM, WITH A VIEW OF THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

In dedicated pursuit of a totally chill Hurricane Sandy day away from the office, I convened with friends at Clyde's for a "hurricane lunch." From the looks of all the others who showed up we clearly weren't the only Georgetowners with this idea. With Nathans long closed, when it's weather I think "Clyde's." I'm of a generation that goes out when the wind blows or the snow falls. Maybe that's because I spent my formative years in Manhattan, or maybe because of sailing, but regardless: if it's safe,(and sometimes even if it is not) it's cool to go out and embrace the weather. Weather is one of the few elements we can experience that is timeless. Maybe that's why I've always loved sailing. It's timeless. Name the centurty and they had the same weather.

FAYA CAUSEY AT CLYDE'S

But back to today and lunch and drinking. After going out once in the morning and getting entirely soaked to the bone I pulled out my ancient foul weather gear and rallied some neighbors for another assault on what has been, so far, relatively moderate weather. At least in Georgetown. Winds gusting to maybe 20 at noon. That's not fierce weather. 

MY ACROSS THE STREET NEIGHBOR, DEBBIE WEIL, BEHAVING HERSELF

Has anyone ever told you we widows stick together, especially when an ill wind blows? Well, we do. So Faya Causey (head of Academic Programs at the National Gallery of Art) and I made a plan to have  a "hurricane lunch" at Clyde's and then we expanded it to include some actual married people, my good friends and across the street neighbors, Sam Harrington and Debbie Weil. Sam is an actual medical doctor and I have to commend him for keeping morning hours today, even though many patients canceled. Imagine if you were the patient who wanted to keep the appointment? Wouldn't you have been amazed and delighted that the doctor actually showed up? Exactly. 

WRAPPING AN ARM AROUND THE DOCTOR, SAM HARRINGTON, AT CLYDE'S

What did we have at Clyde's? Hmmm. To be honest, a few of us started with a bruised martini straight up with olives. Not the doctor, though. Sam and Debbie had grilled salmon, Faya had a huge and beautiful chopped salad, and I had steamed lobster, a deal at $18. 

We sat in the bar. I always sit in the bar. Even though I met my husband in the back room at an after hours party I still prefer the bar. I remember coming to that bar at age 14 in my cheerleader's uniform after being on "It's Academic" at Channel 4. My best girlfriend and I went totally rogue -- or so we thought -- and escaped the bus home to Mount Vernon to go wander in Georgetown. It never even occurred to us that we would stand out as peculiar wearing those short little pleated skirts and cropped jumper tops. (Oh, the fantasies of a dozen horny men at the bar, right?) 

What can I say at this point? Enjoy the storm to the extent that it's possible. Me? I wish I were on a mooring in a safe harbor. You've really never heard music until you've heard the sound of halyards slapping a mast. 

Clyde's manager, Dave Delbene, said they would close at 5pm this evening. Not for lack of customers but because staff have no way to get to work with Metro shut down. I think we'll hear that same story throughout the area over this next 24-48 hours of storm drama.

Good Morning DC. Here's a Toast To Your Hurricane Parties

This is a glass of Thibaut-Janisson sparkling wine, photographed Sunday in the cafe at Society Fair in Alexandria. You don't have to go out for a glass of bubbly, though. Stay in your jammies today and have a glass while sitting on the sofa, watching weather coverage, a movie or reading a good book. 

If you venture out, by all means consult the list compiled by Washingtonian's Anna Spiegel of where to go for a "Dark and Stormy" cocktail. My personal storm fave is a Hot Buttered Rum. The secret is to muddle the brown sugar and butter in the mug with a dash of vanilla, then add boiling water, rum, and grate a little fresh nutmeg on top. I was introduced to this drink in the West Indies on the sailboat on which I was a deckhand. Any time we had squally weather, someone in the crew would prepare the Hot Buttered Rum drinks. 

A lot of restaurants may not open today, but those that do open will welcome you. Imagine how hard it is for a restaurant to get customers in this kind of weather? If it's nearby and safe to get there, go out and buy a drink at your local pub - for fun and to give them support in the storm. Let the surburbanites buy three weeks worth of groceries for a 2-day storm. For those of us who are urban, city-living has its privileges. 

Important Hurricane Note to People Who Street Park in DC

THE MORNING AFTER THE DURECHO, ON O STREET IN GEORGETOWN

Long-time residents know this lesson well: if you park on the street in DC be sure in a storm to move your car so it is not under a big old beautiful tree. The fact is our beautiful trees don't have the root balls to support them in a storm with fierce winds. With every storm over the past dozen years I have taken a photo of one crushed car or another that had the misfortune of being parked under what appeared to be a healthy tree. It's an illusion. Lots of rain creates soft ground. Add to that the fact there are still leaves on the trees, making them top heavy. So, if your car is parked under a tall, and beautiful DC tree, move it now. 

Hey Georgetown, A Deal Has Been Done For a Second 7-11

FABLED GEORGETOWN CORNER, WHERE "DOC" DALINSKY HAD HIS PHARMACY, APPARENTLY WILL NOW BE 7-11

UPDATE ON WEDNESDAY OCT 31: "Carol, your note about 7-11 is correct…its unfortunate because it lacks vision and reflects the absence of a strategy by the owners of the properties around that intersection. While markets change and the quaintness of the past is replaced by mass-appeal commercial, it doesn’t have to be this bad. Will keep you posted on what else I hear, but this one gets chalked up to a lack of trying on behalf of the property owners…." - another golden source

(Note to whiners, I am not pissed of about this. I will buy lottery tickets there, hopefully one that wins.)

My source on this is golden and so I'm going with it: apparently the Donohue family has done a deal to lease their building at Wisconsin and O to the 7-11 chain. Work already has begun on the interior. Everyone seems to like to look for signs that Georgetown's charm is a thing of the past, and this latest development will probably be included on that list, along with reports of a TJ Maxx, Target and a bowling alley at Georgetown Park mall, and the new mega Nike store on M Street. But, the times they are a changin'. 

This building once was home to "Doc" Dalinsky's pharmacy, one of the most popular Georgetown hangouts of true Washington insiders: Ben Bradlee, David Brinkley, Joseph Alsop, Art Buchwald, to name a notable handful. They would come in for their morning papers, especially the Sunday papers, and dish and jive with "Doc," then amble down to Martin's Tavern for eggs benedict and a brew or a bloody. The building authentically represents a bygone era when unique "ma and pa" shops and chic and pricy boutiques lined Wisconson and M Streets and the side streets. Georgetown also was home to the city's best restaurants, cafes and bars. 

Those days are not coming back; that scene, in various iterations, has moved on to other parts of town, and it's debatable whether the reason is that Georgetown's leadership handed the village over to developers, or having no subway, maddening parking issues, or simply changing times. It's probably a combination. 

I've noticed this, though, over the last decade or so of massive change: most of the big chains don't last because the average consumer, the shopper who has to fill an SUV with necessary goods, would rather park in a lot at a mall than drive around cramped Georgetown streets for 30 minutes, looking for a parking space, only to return to the car to find a hefty pink parking ticket, which is DC's way of saying "thank you for your sales tax dollars." It doesn't compute. 

As for the 7-11, if what I was told is true, it will be the village's second, joining the established 7-11 on P Street at 27th, which is currently being doubled in size. But having two 7-11's in Georgetown is precedented: there was one at the corner of Wisconsin and Q that closed a few years ago. 

Tim Gunn: "Carol, then why don't you..."

Tim Gunn to me: "Carol, then why don't you just pack up and run away? Just do it!"

(Photo taken by Jeff Martin at the Chefs For Equality dinner at the Ritz Carlton West End on Wednesday, October 24). 

A Meal At Oyamel, Once Again, Transports

A SOUR WITH GRASSHOPPERS AT OYAMEL

YES, I SAID GRASSHOPPERS

Whenever I'm fortunate to be in Austin, and soon after I arrive, I hunt down a meal at one Mexcian or another -- Chuy's, Torchy's, La Condesa or Fonda San Miguel, to name only a small sample. Small because there's so much good Mexican food in Austin (good food in general, actually). But when I depart for home, for Washington, I always say, "at least we have Oyamel." That's because Oyamel comes as close to the real thing as anything we have in DC and possibly the Mid-Atlantic. Dinner tonight was another example of Oyamel getting it done.

DIVER SCALLOPS AT OYAMEL 

A friend and I had dinner plans. After last night's incredible feast at "Chefs for Equality"  my preference was something small and light. But since we share Austin as a passion it seemed only right to go to Oyamel. The drive across town in rush hour was a bitch matched only by the challenge to find parking, but once parked, once inside the restaurant, once in a booth, and with a Margarita in hand, all the stress slipped away. We were in an Austin kind of vibe. Of course we pigged out on salsa and chips and then the tableside guacamole -- extra spicy -- and a first course of ceviche. That was followed by black bean soup, grilled diver scallops, crisp pork belly tacos, chicken with green sauce and, one of my personal faves, the gazpacho salad. "This is so good," he said with each course. "I had no idea you could eat like this in Washington."

 THE GAZPACHO SALAD AT OYAMEL 

Along the way manager Michael Iglesias brought us a couple of tiny cocktails (really, in the prettiest little glasses) that he explained were Oaxaca Sours from their special "Day Of The Dead" menu, (and note, that "Day" is November 1). Floating in the foam on the top were tiny grasshoppers, which my friend crunched into with satisfaction. Call me a wimp. I just haven't gone there yet. 

DULCHE DE LECHE AT OYAMEL

I don't know how we had room for dessert, but we managed to find that centimeter of our stomachs that still had breathing room. It helped a lot that both desserts, Dulche de Leche and Flan, were relatively light and freshed by fruit.

In reviewing my photos, all shot with the iPhone 4s, I was reminded of a woman who stopped me on the street one day. She said she is a regular reader of this blog, "but I miss your photos with the other camera." Well, I do, too, but it's tough to carry around the Canon, which I call "the big boy" for a reason. Still, the iPhone 4s flash never does justice to food. Please allow for what these photos lack. The food looked as beautiful as it tasted.

I did wear my Old Gringo's to dinner, but I didn't need to. Oyamel transported me to Austin (and Mexico) regardless, as it does with every meal.

NOTE: Other Mex I like - Bandolero in Georgetown (ask to sit by the window, where it's quieter and brighter);  in Del Ray there are two, Los Tios Grill and Taqueria el Poblano; and recently at Rosa Mexicano near the Harman Center I had some very good guacamole and margaritas. 

Fresh Stone Crab Claws at Cannons

With Florida in the news, as Hurricane Sandy bears down, I have another kind of Florida in mind ... the Florida bounty that is stone crab claws. Tis the season. Cannons Seafood in Georgetown this week got a shipment of fresh, not frozen, claws. I picked up a couple, brought them home, made mustard sauce, and pretended my dining room was Joe's Stone Crab. If only! It was a little bit of Florida, but missed the Ocean outside my door. The price is $32.90 a pound. 

Autumn in Georgetown

Shot Wednesday morning in Montrose Park.

 

The DC Palm, And Its 4 Decades, Recalled by "The Man To Know," Tommy Jacomo

We posted this story today at Washingtonian.com. I wrote it after an afternoon visit with Tommy Jacomo at The Palm on 19th Street. We sat in a booth and he reminisced while I asked questions, listened and took notes. Here's the link: Tommy Jacomo Recalls 40 Years of The Palm.

This story was sentimental for me. I love the Palm. Because it's a cool place to have a meal but also because it has an interesting connection to my previous life and my late husband, Howard Joynt. His picture was up on the wall for years. When they made the movie "Heartburn," in a scene featuring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson, his image was right between and behind them, and impossible to miss. It was before my time in his life. After all, he was holding a couple of baby bottles. (AKA, earlier marriages, earlier children).  I asked Tommy whatever happened to that picture. He said, "we took down the wall." That's one way to let some wall people go.

A tip about The Palm. Always book one of the booths. That way you can hear whatever your date/friend/guest has to say. 

My #Debate Twitter Feed, the #HorsesandBayonets Edition

Maybe you follow me on Twitter and then, again, maybe you don't. If you don't, you should. I tweet more than I post here or on FB. This is what it looked like tonight on my Twitter feed. I did get in a good 90 minute workout and now the debates are over until four years from now. What now, America?

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caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

...and San Francisco is up by 7 in the 7th.

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

I'm loath to use the word, but Max's expression is insipid. Plain and simple. He's lost the will to faux emote.

 

Kathy Griffin ‏@kathygriffin

Did I just catch Sgt. Brody in the audience texting Abu Nazir? Carrie?? Saul??

  Retweeted by caroljoynt

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Schieffer and Lehrer not up to it. Managing men in debate heat is clearly a woman skill. We do it all the time. #debate

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Obama is impressed with how well Max did his Pakistan homework.#debate

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Romney looking tired, wishing it was over, pained. #debate

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Romney's flag lapel pin is GOP version of "mine's bigger than yours." True patriots don't need 'em, and don't need big ones. Fail.

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

@ariashe funny. now #TeamWTOP is including Obama. hmmm

 

Gawker ‏@Gawker

RT @Deadspin: A reminder of just how Mitt Romney ran the Olympics: http://deadspin.com/5945741/ 

  Retweeted by caroljoynt

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Go, BO! #debate

John Heilemann ‏@jheil

Sheldon Adelson choking on a pretzel now.

 

Bill Maher ‏@billmaher

Mitt's entire debate strategy: What he just said, but from a white guy

 

Richard Lawson ‏@rilaws

Thank god everyone in the Middle East is asleep right now.

 

Richard Lawson ‏@rilaws

To be fair, Romney is right that we need more armed whirligigs stationed as close as possible to fearsome Siam.

 

Lydia DePillis ‏@lydiadepillis

Holy shit. Obama just dropped an aircraft carrier on romney's head.

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Schieffer heard all of us and has responded accordingly. #debate

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

What we're learning tonight is only the women can control a presidential debate! #debate @candycrowley @martharaddatz

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Schieffer! Get it back on subject. #debate

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

@ariashe the feed just more Romney than Obama. Hey, I'm#TeamWTOP, so I set a high bar for you guys.

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Uh oh. We've gone from Mideast not to Eurozone but back to domestic policy. I guess that means sit ups! #debate

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

@JohnDonvan @gothamson1 john, you're not stupid

Ken Rudin ‏@kenrudin

I can't wait for the next debate, which is going to be about foreign policy.

  

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

@ariashe i so know, but the debate feed feels skewed GOP. all 4 debates.

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

@ariashe hey ari

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

When did @WTOP go right? Is this wanting to be @WMAL? Don't. You're better.

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

The @cnn graph is cheap. They could make it much better. Come into the new century.

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Meanwhile, San Francisco ripping up the NL pennant race. Next year it will be @nationals

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

One guy looks like puffed wheat and the other looks incredulous.#debate

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

You can have your drinking games. I'm doing free weights w/ the Mideast. Will switch to yoga/pilates for the Eurozone. #debate

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

I have made a pact with myself: to work out for the entire debate. That will make it all okay.

caroljoynt ‏@caroljoynt

Why isn't @JohnDonvan hosting this debate? They'll learn....

The British Ambassador Invites in DC's Rich to Peruse @bonhams1793

UP FOR SALE AT THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR'S BUT NOT HIS RIDE

Bonham's Auctioneers were in town tonight to show off their wares at the British Ambassador's residence. A really, really nice party for those who still have some meat in their bank accounts. Increasingly, I know fewer and fewer people who do have. But that doesn't prevent ogling. Tonight they were there -- rich people. In every which direction. The exhibition of items to be auctioned -- in New York and London -- included paintings by Andrew Wyeth, works by Picasso and Chuck Close, jewelry from Van Cleef and Schlumberger, and the delicate and exquisite robe of a Chinese princess. The estimates on every item were in the thousands of dollars, and in some instances hundreds of thousands. 

A JEWELED SEAHORSE FROM SCHLUMBERGER

It was impressive but also strangely out of synch on the night of a debate in a presidential election that is a dead heat - due to the economy. No fault of the Brits or Bonhams. I'm sure this date was set long before the debate dates were decided. In fact, I was talking with someone from the Philips Collection, who said she was trying to schedule a party with a certain Euro embassay for next fall. But no response. I asked if maybe that had something to do with what I'm told, that the ambassador plans to head back to his home country in June. Who knows? Who cares?

THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR'S DRAWING ROOM. ONE OF THE PRETTIEST IN DC.

It was an interesting party on a lovely evening and especially wonderful to be out on the terrace, over looking the incredible English rose garden and the half moon hanging overhead, as if pre-booked by the Social Secretary, Amanda Downes. She does things like that. My date and I were going to head over to the Metropolitan Club for dinner, but the British snacks were so good -- quail eggs, smoked salmon, truffle macaroons -- we decided to call it a night. Well, not entirely. I still plan to work out a little and watch some Monday Night Football and sneak a few at the debate, but with the sound OFF and closed captioning ON.  

Sunday In The Park In Georgetown (and at Cafe Milano)

Couldn't resist capturing this charming moment in Montrose Park on Sunday afternoon. The Redskins had just lost their game against the New York Giants, and the best possible antidote was Sunday in the park. Dogs rule in Montrose Park. They rule at Cafe Milano, too. Please note the photo shot earlier Sunday on the terrace.

DOG AT LUNCH AT CAFE MILANO 

 The photo I didn't get was actor Gabriel Byrne and a woman walking into the restaurant. He was in jeans and a blazer, a collared shirt without a tie. Good looking but the dog having lunch with his/her humans was tough competition.

FRIED CALAMARI AND ZUCCHINI AT CAFE MILANO 

PROVOLONE AND HAM FRITTATA WITH BROCCOLI AND POTATOES AU GRATIN

A GLASS OF CHILLED PROVENCAL ROSE FROM DOMAINE TEMPIER BANDOL 2011, THE LAST OF THE SEASON

The St. Coletta's Gala at The Four Seasons #TheSocialFeast

The Miles Stiebel band in the ball room at The Four Seasons, playing the standards, getting the party started Saturday nght. Party lived up to the extraordinary when students came on to sing.  More later...

The table setting at table 6. 

Washingtonian Web Team Parties For #carols1year RitzGeorgetown and George

WASHINGTONIAN'S ACE WEB TEAM, READY TO DANCE AT GEORGE: TANYA PAI (FEARLESS LEADER), MYSTERY GEORGE MANAGER, SOPHIE GILBERT (ARTS), MELISSA ROMERO (HEALTH AND WELLNESS), ALISON KITCHENS (PRODUCTION)

To mark my one year anniversary with The Washingtonian I hosted a little party for my immediate colleagues, the so-called "web team," at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown followed by dancing at George. We are the website and we're at it every day. The pace and camaraderie of the web site crew is different from the rest of the office - fierce, actually - and we all work together well. This was an auspicious occasion for another reason, too: the demise of Newsweek magazine as a print edition. It will now be only web. How far behind is Time? Newspapers? 

SOPHIE AND MELISSA

Anyone who works for a daily website knows that like a daily television broadcast it is a great white shark, never satisfied, always needing more to chew on. That's what we do. We work like that, we party like that....when we get the opportunity to party.

TANYA AND ALISON

FASHION EDITOR SARAH ZLOTNICK WITH FOOD AND WINE EDITOR JESSICA VOELKER

They put me through some rituals that were amusing for their generational flow, not the least of which was letting me know right away that the party had been given a hashtag and I should start tweeting. So, the evening started with Manhattans, white wine, canapes and tweeting as we sat by the wonderful, blazing fire at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown ... still one of the best places to gather with friends for food and drink and talking. In time, Sophie elatedly announced, "Carol, you're trending!" Wow. What a feeling. Whatevs. We played question games, where the objective was to get me to dish up deep dark secrets: who, what, when, where, how...

The Ritz took very good care of us, kept the drinks coming, along with bar food such as plates of cheese, charcuterie, veggies, followed by barbecue, crab and beef sliders, towers of truffle fries, and flatbread with shrimp and chorizo. Dessert was this season's new Georgetown Cupcakes: pumpkin spice and maple crunch. 

MELISSA AND SARAH

AW, THE BARTENDERS, WHO  SWEETLY TREATED US TO CHAMPAGNE FROM THE ONE AND ONLY REED LANDRY

THE BRO-JAYS, WHO LOOKED AT ME THUS WHEN I ASKED, "DO YOU HAVE ANY AVERAGE WHITE BAND?"

TANYA AND A MYSTERY MAN

NO SURPRISE THE PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTTED SOPHIE

ANOTHER SHOT OF THE DEEJAYS, LOOKING LIKE 3 AM WHEN IT WAS ONLY 11. HOW DO THEY DO THAT?

Missing from these shots, but definitely at the party: food writer Anna Spiegel and production manager Chris Campbell

Monday Evening at the Harman Gala (Yes, Monday) w/ William Shakespeare and F. Murray Abraham

THE VIEW FROM MY TABLE AT THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM THIS EVENING

Tonight was the annual gala of the Harman Center for the Arts, which includes a stage show and presentation of the "Will" Award. This year it went to Oscar-winning film and stage actor F. Murray Abraham. Monday galas aren't common in DC, but they also aren't unheard of. PEN/Faulkner also holds their gala on a Monday evening. Instead of cocktails they served wine, and so my date and I slipped over to Rosa Mexicano to Margaritas plus a bowl of quac. Delicious drinks and food and a moment to relax before back to work. Plus we were starving and new the program ahead would be 90 minutes long.

F. MURRAY ABRAHAM AND IRISH AMBASSADOR MICHAEL COLLINS

This was fun tonight. Very easy-going, the dinner especially. I talked to Murray Abraham twice and was impressed with the way he just zeroes in on you. NOTE TO WASHINGTON MEN: It's not bad to zero in on a woman! Michael Kahn is cool, too. 

I also danced to the Motown spun by the deejay, but hoped he would segue into Gangnam Style. Maybe Monday isn't the night for Gangnam Style. Being a Monday it was totally okay to dance by myself. My "date," Shane Harris, remained at the table, locked in conversation with two Mary's - Mary Collins and Mary Haft. He was fine with my twirling on the dance floor. Shane is becoming quite the social varsity player. Every hostess is town should be clamoring for him, because both the men and the women love having him at the table. That's the ticket here. He's charming, funny, erudite and, most of all, smart and informed. And a gentleman. And wicked.

Speaking of charming and handsome, these two are Kevin Allen and Jeff Martin, they are professional photographers who work with me often. Kevin shot the story Saturday night at the National Italian American Foundation Dinner, and Jeff did tonight and also last week's winery dinner at RdV Vineyards. They are young, and very talented, smart, and good sports about putting up with me on social stories. I'm always, "come here, get this, see that, oh, there's the shot, quick over here, look it's them..." Thirty years as a television producer can make you bossy. They catch things, too, that I didn't see. We collaborate well. We've got each other's backs. Sometimes I miss shooting parties myself, but having Jeff or Kevin there, or James Brantley or Ben Droz, frees me up to talk to the guests, which I think makes the story better. 

I wasn't the only solo dancer. It was that kind of night. People just took to the dance floor, grooved to the music, put Monday away. Heavy heavy Four Tops. We should get raves back in action here in DC, if they ever were here before. I remember them from San Francisco in the 70s. It was about dancing and music and endless but good. 

Georgetown NIKE Store Update Updated

SIGN IN THE WINDOW OF THE GEORGETOWN NIKE STORE

TUESDAY UPDATE: After I posted this story, Nike responded with a Tweet: "Nike Georgetown opens 10/25. Your official destination for all things Nike in the nation's capitol." This can only mean round-the-clock construction, but now we have a date. (Their construction company should do home renovation, which never gets done on time).

I have no insidery information, only photos, but you know what they say about photos, and a photo I took inside the old Barnes & Noble building, soon to be Nike, indicates it must be racing to meet a Fall 2012 opening. Here's what I saw:

INSIDE WHAT WILL BE THE GEORGETOWN NIKE STORE

Technically, they can open on December 19 and it still qualifies as fall. Whenever the store opens it will be debated in Georgetown, where the whole idea of a monster-sized Nike store is controversial, but especially because it fills the former space of a well-regarded bookstore, the last of any size in the neighborhood. In this form the Nike store concept feels very 1990. NikeTown was cool but is out of date with the intimacy trend in retail shopping. People seem to want less monster and more hands-on. But every chain store that opens in Georgetown, alas, seems to land here about five or more years after the peak of its trend. I don't know if that's developers who lack trend radar or landlords who are too intransigent and greedy to get deals done in a timely fashion. 

Thankfully we still have a lot of modestly sized and independently owned stores that chug along, year afte year, forecasting the trends, riding a long with them, remaining relevant. 

Full disclosure: I practically live in Shox. But I don't need a giant Nike store in my neighborhood to get my Shox. There are about a half dozen places to buy Shox in an easy distance from Georgetown and each of those stores has parking right out front. 

If anyone has a legit hard date for the Nike store opening, please let me know.

How To Make a Great Spicy Grilled Shrimp Salad

When it comes to food I'm spoiled in a lot of ways. If I have an extra $10 in my pocket I know where to forage for something special, one of my professional beats is the social stream, where food is an essential component, I have friends who feed me, and when all else fails I like to cook and know how to make something out of nothing. In October, because of my job, there's a lot of going out to events, which means, more often than not, bland meals designed to meet a broad demographic. The caterers do their best but their mandate is to satisfy a modest palate. My palate is anything but modest. Come my occasional day to myself, I crave spice. (And movies, too. Today it was A+ Argo)

So, to the point of this post: how to make a great spicy grilled shrimp salad. It's so simple for those of us who live in DC, because we have so many handy and good markets. To start, buy however many LARGE fresh shrimp you require from your local fishmonger. I favor Cannons in Georgetown and Wagshal's in Spring Valley. I also like Blacksalt in The Palisades.The people behind the counter are not anonymous. We know each other. The service is specific, personal. The order in which I've written about them here, however, is the order in which I shop these fish markets. But then, everybody has something to offer (Blacksalt, for example, sells awesome Tomato Soup).

For this afternoon's Sunday supper the essential ingredients were spice, and that's where Wagshal's wins my taste heart. For the shrimp dish photographed above, I bought Waghsal's barbecue spice rub and, after cleaning the shrimp, massaged the spice into the meat and let it sit. When I tossed the Romaine I used Wagshal's spicy chipotle remoulade, which will have a use in my kitchen well beyond today's salad. I sauteed the shrimp in Wagshal's clarified butter -- which they always have in the market -- along with some diced red pepper. Voila. That was it. I added the shrimp and red pepper to the already tossed greens and crunched on top a handful of tortilla chips. 

Ordinarly I might have paired the meal with a glass of white wine but today served water because earlier we had Manhattans, which I felt compelled to make because A) Argo, but B) because I'd bought some special marinated cherries and was eager to find out how they worked out (Yes, I know, the typical excuse of those who love Manhattans). With the Manhattans I served fresh hummus with breakfast radishes. 

For dessert? A Redskins win, the best possible accompaniment to any Sunday suppper.

Italian American Love Fest Tonight In DC

This ballroom at the Washington Hilton soon filled up with an interesting mix of Italian Americans, and Americans and Italians at the annual National Italian American Foundation gala. Happily, not the usual suspects. Oh, yeah, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, but the Supremes are socially unbiquitous. These days it's pretty much not a party without at least one of them on the guest list, often there are two or three. I think it was Anthony Kennedy who I almost tripped over at the ball last night.

But tonight lots of real people, many of them in town from New York, New Jersey and Italia. At my table, photographer Kevin Allen and I were the only two from DC. We liked that. To my right was a man from Arlington, New Jersey, and to Kevin's left to men from Florence, Italy, though one of them lives and works in New York City. Here they are:

It's late now. Their party will go all night. I'll have more about all of it in my story on washingtonian.com on Monday. Tomorrow, alas, no galas. Only the Redskins game...it's own kind of gala.

Why Did I Get So High On The @Nationals? Here's Why.

THE NIGHT AT NATS PARK WHEN WE WON THE WILD CARD

Several times during this baseball season, and especially in the last month, I've been asked why I was so high on the Nats? Was I always a baseball fan? Here's the answer to those questions. First the last. I've always been a casual baseball fan. Grew up loving the Yankees; my husband and I had season tickets to the Orioles for a long time. (btw, he would have loved the Nats, too). We'd drive out to the old Memorial Stadium for a couple of games a week. We were at Orioles World Series in 1983. We were at the Yankees World Series, with our five year old son, in 1996. Damned sweet that we had that moment as a family. 

But why the Nats and why now? It's simple. They are fitter, leaner, hotter, more talented and more exciting than any other team in baseball. They are a 21st Century baseball team. They are rock stars. They aren't big ole blobby dudes. They have distinct personalities, and some are eccentric. But most of all it's the skills. They have wicked skills. They are fun to watch. They also have a groovy general manager in Davey Johnson. He's the coolest cat in town. I have some special favorites - Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth, Michael Morse, Bryce Harper, Danny Espinosa, Gio Gonzalez, Adam LaRoche, Mike DeRosa, Stephen Strasburg, Drew Storen, Jordan Zimmerman - but I like them all. 

Yes, today has been somber, but I'm counting the days until Pitchers and Catchers and Spring Training. I also had a good conversation this evening with the MLB veteran Mike Piazza, a tall drink of water who has the swagger to qualify as a Nat, and he said something brilliant. I'm saving it for my Monday story on washingtonian.com. btw. I'm not sad anymore. The Redskins, hopefully, will lift my spirits tomorrow. 

Dancing to Duchin at the Ball and Watching the Ballgame on TV

 A video to start with. It's Peter Duchin, leading his band at Meridian House for the Meridian House Ball. Earlier there was the White-Meyer dinner in an adjacent mansion. Quite lovelyl Elegant. The best touch, with the black tie and ball gowns, was the TV set up on a stand in the entry hall where we gathered to watch the Nats. Here's some random iPhone4S shots from the White-Meyer dinner and the ball.

CHRIS EDWARDS AND ASHLEY TAYLOR BRONCZEK

MATT BRONCZEK ON THE RIGHT, WITH A FRIEND

LYNDON BOOZER AND A FRIEND AT THE WHITE-MEYER DINNER

A PAUSE IN THE DINNER

THE WHITE-MEYER DINNER IN FULL SWING

SLIPPING AWAY FROM THE DINNER TO WATCH THE GAME

MARIA AND SHANE ON THE DANCE FLOOR, DOING IT GANGNAM STYLE

A Brilliantly Cracked & Spooky Video Shot at Markoffs Haunted Forest

You'll see more of him when you watch the spooky YouTube video shot and edited by Washingtonian's Melissa Romero. Prepare yourself for some anxious moments....in a good way. Then, I'm confident, you'll be on your way to Markoffs. 

 

Great Boozy Dinner At Mount Vernon w/ The President and Fireworks

 

Last night at this evening hour I was at Mount Vernon, having a delicious steak dinner under a tent on George Washington's lawn, overlooking the Potomac River. We had just been entertained with the fireworks you see in the YouTube vid above, and we were also getting fairly nicely buzzed. There were multiple bars featuring all the best in commercial and craft spirits, because the evening was hosted by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, as well as President George Washington. The folks at DISCUS throw a party with an incredible array of booze. So, please take a moment to read my full report: The Spirit of Mount Vernon Dinner. And enjoy the fireworks, too. 

What To Wear To Tonight's Nationals vs Cardinals Game

Here I am wearing my Natitude. You should, too. Check out what to wear to tonight's Nationals vs Cardinal's game. Team spirit can make a differece. You'll be out about $30 bucks but the hat or t-shirt or sweatshirt will last for years and be a good memento of this amazing season in Washington baseball.  

Note the goggles: essential wear for getting doused by champagne. 

Attention Foodies: Read This And Feel The Envy

GUESTS AT THE WINE DINNER AT RDV VINEYARDS

As promised, here's the story I wrote today for The Washingtonian about the wine tasting supper at RdV Vineyards last evening in Delaplane, Virginia. It was splendid, compensating with good wine and food for the dreary weather and, sort of, the Redskins game, and the unsettling political season. 

October Evening Wine Dinner at Virginia's @RdVVineyards

THE SILO AT RDV VINEYARDS IN DELAPLANE, VIRGINIA

It was likely risking my life, but I drove out to Delaplane, Virginia this evening for a wine dinner at the RdV Vineyards. A risk because I kept switching radio stations between the Redskins and the Nationals, though - honestly - gave up on Redskins after RGIII's unfortunate concussion. Also, friends were texting me with updates on both games. I can assure you that since I was doing 70 on 66, I ignored the texts, but I knew what they were about: bad news/good news. 

DINNER TABLE INSIDE THE SILO, BY A ROARING FIRE, AT RDV VINEYARDS

I'm not going to write a lot about the dinner here, because I wrote all about the details of the dinner on washingtonian.com. That's why I was out there, with photographer Jeff Martin. We have so much fun on these kinds of assignments. Jeff loves to photograph food, he likes the company of food industry people and foodies, and I love to write about events that combine great food and wine with social interaction...especially when they are different from the routine, and this was different. Eric Ziebold of CityZen, and his team, did the food, and winery owner Rutger de Vink was a magnanimous host. Outside it was a misty chilly October twilight, but inside was all warm and cozy and with incredible smells of good food and wine-making, and a roaring fire.

A FEW GUESTS TOUR THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE RDV WINERY 

This week amounts to the play-offs not only of baseball but also of the fall social season. Practically every night has an A-list event. It will be a parade of the usual suspects but not without merit (here and there). Jeff and I have another cool dinner mid-week. You'll read about it, yes, on washingtonian.com. Wouldn't you know that's the same night as our first home playoff game for the Nationals. Once again I'll be tuned to the radio as I drive 30 miles out of town. But this particular dinner will be worth missing a night at Nats Park. 

COOKING AN ERIC ZIEBOLD DINNER ON AN OUTDOOR GRILL

A YUMMY RIESLING FROM LINDEN VINEYARDS

Due to my driving responsibilities I couldn't seriously indulge in all the wines that were offered at the dinner. Probably for the better. I did have a few sips, though, and I must say ... they were yummy. I'd been out to Linden Vineyards before on a story and it was good to see winemaker Jim Law again. The Riesling was one of his two contributions to the dinner. He doesn't consider it his most important wine, but he also makes one of the best roses I've ever tasted, and I'm a fiend for rose and I'm picky.

RDV'S RENDEZVOUS. YOU HAVE TO ORDER THIS FROM THE WINERY

My colleague Todd Kliman, the restaurant critic for Washingtonian, wrote a good profile of de Vink. Do give it a read. 

Here's a parting view of the lovely light and clouds that graced the Blue Ridge Mountains, as viewed from RdV Vineyards.