ELLEN CHARLES, WESTMINSTER BLUE RIBBONS & DINNER AT SHANGHAI LOUNGE

THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB BLUE RIBBON FOR FIRST PRIZE IN THE NONSPORTING GROUP

If you returned home to DC from the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, the Super Bowl of dogdom, where two of your dogs had won best in their group and made it to the final "Best in Show" round, what would you do with the Blue Ribbons? Ellen Charles hangs hers on a lamp. At least for tonight. She's just back from a very winning week in New York, with two big fat Blue Ribbons -- one for Jewel for winning the hound group and one for Honor for winning the non-sporting group. Best in Show, in a tough final round, went to Banana Joe, a scruffy little affenpinscher. Tonight Ellen said both Jewel and Honor will continue to compete. So, on to next year. 

And then off to celebrate Westminster and Chinese New Year at Shanghai Lounge on Wisconsin Avenue, where the restaurant's owner brought out her adorable dogs, two miniature poodles. Ellen has four poodles at home, at least. Of her 20 some purebred show dogs, most are poodles. Jewel is her only American foxhound and Honor is her only bichon frise. 

The dinner at Shanghai Lounge was a winner, too. Szechuan spicy green beans, spring rolls, Kung Pao Shrimp, Ginger Chicken. What stands out about the food at Shanghai is the freshness of the vegetables. Also, there's a remarkable absence of grease in the texture of all the food. The owner said she hopes to start delivery in the next month or so. What a gift for Georgetown if that happens.