DC This Week ™

The Adventures of a 35-Year Old Alcohol Virgin and the Blue Banana invite you to a #firstdrink happy hour February 15th

2012-01-31T16:43:00.003-05:00

Support the Washington Animal Rescue League and have your #firstdrink with the virgin.

Whole Foods Market on P Street Hosts Wine and Cheese 101 This Thursday

2012-01-31T16:34:00.004-05:00

Guests will be provided with a roadmap for matching various cheese types with the wines that best suit them. Instructor will introduce cheese basics, including milk types, textures and flavors as well as how to shop for, care for, and serve fine cheeses.

Next you will be guided through choosing wines that complement each cheese type. You'll be invited to sample some of the cheese and wine pairings and discover your own personal taste. To register, please email tim.hayes@wholefoods.com. CLICK HERE for more details.

Thursday, February 2nd
Wine & Cheese 101
7 to 8:15 p.m.
Registration Requried

The Dunes presents Art Crimes - RAS, with Virginia painter Rodger Schultz, opening February 2nd and benefiting Grassroot Soccer

2012-01-31T14:21:00.002-05:00

This Thursday The Dunes presents the latest installment of Art Crimes with “RAS”, the eclectic work of Rodger Schultz, an exhibition which benefits Grassroot Soccer.

Thursday, February 2nd
7 to 10 p.m.
Craft Brews. Cash/Credit bar
Free and open to the public

The Dunes Gallery
1402 Meridian Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20010

You're Invited to the Opening Reception and Screening of at Sitar Arts Center February 9th

2012-01-31T11:57:00.002-05:00

Join Sitar Arts Center to view Tim Gabel's artwork and see the documentary, Life as a Collage. The documentary screening will begin at 7 p.m.

Life as a Collage is Sitar's first student documentary, that was recently selected as the best student documentary at Our City Film Festival. This film was created by the Multimedia Writing and Documentary Film classes in partnership with Meridian Hill Pictures. Created while longtime Sitar volunteer Tim Gabel was struggling with liver cancer, this film captures one teacher's amazing dedication to his students and his art as he reflects on the final stage of his life.

Thursday, February 9, 2012
6:30pm, Exhibit Opening
7:00pm, Screening

1700 Kalorama Road NW Suite 101
Washington, DC 20009

RSVP to Loretta Thompson at loretta@sitarartscenter.org

DC International Wine & Food Festival's Inaugural Sommelier Showdown Coming February 9th

2012-01-31T09:59:00.003-05:00

Next Thursday you'll preview top DC sommeliers as they flex their knowledge at the Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival's inaugural Sommelier Showdown. Experts will engage in a friendly tête-à-tête and compete in a race of the taste, using deductive tasting to identify wines with hidden labels. Tickets are $150 HERE.

Sommeliers include:

Eli Benchimol, Chef Geoff’s
Gustavo Iniesta, Taberna Del Alabardero
Theo Rutherford, The Coterie
Guy Golan, J & G Steakhouse
Brent Kroll, Adour at the St. Regis

To complement the wines presented, the Showdown will feature five of DCs most noted chefs who will be tasked with bringing food and wine together, including:

Chef Todd Gray, Equinox
Chef Xavier Deshayes, Ronald Reagan Building
Chef Jaime Montes de Oca, Zentan

Thursday, February 9

Sommelier Showdown

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

Directions HERE.

7 to 9 p.m.

Citronelle’s New Sommelier to Offer Monthly Wine Classes

2012-01-30T15:58:00.003-05:00

Beginning February through June 2012, Citronelle will offer a monthly series of wine classes designed to educate, as well as, entertain both the seasoned wine guru and the budding wine enthusiast. With his collection of over 8,000 wines in his cellar, Sommelier and French native, Laurent Lala, has one of the most extensive liquid libraries in the Metropolitan region.

Pricing:

$100 per class
$180 for any two class combination
$270 for any three class combination
$360 for any four class combination
$450 for all five classes

Reservations and further information is available by calling 202-625-2150 or visiting www.citronelledc.com. Credit Card required for placement guarantee, 72 hour cancellation policy.

Class Schedule:

1. Up the Rhône Valley Saturday, February 25^th 1-3PM

This class will celebrate the rich selection of Rhône varietals- from the very famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the south, to the prestigious Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage in the north, and lots of Côtes-du-Rhône. Wines have been produced in the Rhône since Roman times, and over the centuries they have been the favorite wines of kings, popes (at least when living in Avignon) and wine critics to this day!

2. 2012, Year of Elections: Left vs Right in Bordeaux Saturday, March 24th 1-3PM

Being the largest fine wine region in the world, and having no fewer than 57 appellations to speak of, there is still confusion over Left Bank and Right Bank. With loads of history, intrigue, and hype, Bordeaux can be a little bit intimidating to the everyday wine drinker... so let's not be shy!

3. The Pinot Noir Versatility Saturday, April 21^th 1-3PM

Wonder why the same grape, Pinot Noir, tastes so different in wines from California compared to those from Oregon or one of the many distinct districts of Burgundy? The holy grail of wine grapes, Pinot Noir has a finicky nature and chameleon-like tendencies in the vineyard, making it one of the least consistent grapes to grow. Winemakers around the world, drawn to the stunning potential of this elusive wine, have attempted to emulate the great red wines of Burgundy in their own regions.

4. The Art of Blending Saturday, May 12^th 1-3PM

Some of the world's most prized and sought-after wines are blends; Chateauneuf du Pape winemakers will use up to 13 varietals, while Bordeaux has a classic 5. Like a conductor in an orchestra, it takes great expertise and life-long experience to excel in the Art of Blending, but this class will give you a crash course on how it’s done.

5. Bubbles Saturday, June 16^th 1-3PM

Taste through a delightful array of sparkling wines as we set sail on a world-wide tour. You’ll be treated to information about the classic varietals used in sparkling wine, how to serve it, and other basics of bubbles.

DC Are You Ready for Taste of the Nation Coming April 2nd?

2012-01-30T14:06:00.001-05:00

Taste of the Nation from Sarah Cannon on Vimeo.

RIS Walk 60 Supports George Washington Women’s Heart Center this Wednesday

2012-01-30T11:10:00.001-05:00

Ris Lacoste, chef and owner of the nationally acclaimed West End restaurant, RIS, is taking to the streets of downtown DC to walk an hour a day for a healthier, happier 2012. Beginning Wednesday, February 1, the first day of American Heart Month, Ris will walk from 12 noon to 1pm following a designated daily route that originates from her restaurant, RIS, at the corner of 23^rd and L Streets, NW. Anyone who wishes to join her in this hour long commitment to better health is welcome. The walking route will be listed daily on www.risdc.com, as well as the restaurant’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

The goal of the program is to walk 25,000 miles in 2012 to raise $25,000 for the GW Women’s Heart Center.

Crystal Couture Hits Crystal City February 7 - 11th with 40 of the DC Area’s Hottest Boutiques and Designers Under One Roof

2012-01-30T10:06:00.000-05:00

Presented by the Crystal City Business Improvement District, from February 7 – 11, 2012, Crystal Couture takes over the former food court turned fashion hot spot at the Crystal City Shops, transforming the space into a shopping site, rocking runway and lounge. The one-stop shopping experience allows guests to browse discounted styles on the rack and on the runway as models showcase offerings from participating boutiques and designers. Cool off from the sizzling styles with sips from the bar, free makeup and hair makeovers, chats with wardrobe stylists and music from DJ Neekola.

Designers include:

Participants:
ADMK
Aidah Collection
Blueprint for Style
Boutique Mix
Brand of the Free
Carbon DC
Chez Kevito
Cole Stevens Salon
Coqui Boutique
Corjor International
Critique Boutique
Cynirje Culture by Design
Demi Valentine
Dennya
Elizabeth St John Collections
Espion Collection
Estella Couture
Evelyn Brooks Designs
Hush Boutique
Ibhana Creations
Ink Cosmetics
Jemma Morris Designs
Kara Allan Style
KAS Collection
Kim Truong Collection
Koi Creative Studio
LA Loves
L~Shandi Designs
Make-up by Mauridi
Marina Asta
Maven Style Studios
Mila & Fire Vintage
Mind Your Body Oasis
My Bougie Baby
Nam Nguyen Collection
Natalia Sanz Collection
Our Secret Closet
Passport Clothing
Paul Mitchell School
Pretty People Vintage
Red Hue
Sophizticated Ladyz Salon
South Moon Under
Stella & Dot
Studio D’Maxsi
Team Glama
The C.A.T.WALK Boutique
Thembe Fashions
Top Rank Vintage
Ugglee Collection
Victor Hou Designs
The W Salon
Walish Gooshe
Zweet Active Wear

Prevent Cancer Foundation Young Professionals Happy Hour this Monday at the Irish Whiskey Public House

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

Join Katherine Kennedy for the launch of the Prevent Cancer Foundation Young Professionals Group. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information CLICK HERE.

Monday, January 30
Irish Whiskey Public House
1207 19th St. NW
Washington, DC from
6 to 9 p.m.

Green and Single in D.C.?

2012-01-26T15:40:00.004-05:00

Live Green has a singles pre-Valentine's Day event for you DCers. Join themfor the Single Green Mingle on February 8th from 6-8 PM at Cafe Green and meet people who share your passion for sustainable living. Your ticket ($20 online or $25 at the door) includes entry to the event and two free drinks made with VeeV, the world’s first Açai spirit.

VeeV strives to garner resources and support for the protection of the Brazilian Rainforest and the safe harvest of Açai, all while running a carbon-neutral company. Cafe Green is a city favorite winning runner-up for Best Vegan Restaurant 2011 (Washington City Paper). Open to all orientations. Must be 21 to redeem drink tickets.

HGTV Delivered Straight to your Mailbox

2012-01-25T16:35:00.002-05:00

As if watching HGTV every single day in our home was not enough I thought adding HGTV Magazine to my subscriptions was needed. So in addition to Elle Decor and Architectural Digest I can now receive my HGTV fix in print. You too can purchase 10 issues for just $15 ONLINE HERE.

Celebrate Global #PortDay this Friday at a Wine Bar Near You!

2012-01-25T16:03:00.004-05:00

We all know I love wine, and representing several wine regions means I am able to host fun and informative wine-centric events. This Friday, the Center for Wine Origins, along with thousands of folks across the U.S., will celebrate “Port Day.”

Consumers from around the world are encouraged to participate in the celebration of this authentic wine and raise awareness about the need to protect the Port name. There are many quality fortified and dessert wines, but true Port only comes from the Port appellation in Portugal, one of the world’s oldest regulated and demarcated wine regions. It is by far the most beautiful wine region I've visited and the history is engrained in every vine.

This Friday join me for global #PortDay and if you are on Twitter, you can use the #PortDay hashtag and spread the word about local D.C. wine shops and wine bars and restaurants who are hosting events. Consider stopping by Bell's Wines and Spirits, Room 11, Calvert Woodley and Cork and Fork to find an authentic bottle of Port wine. My suggestions include White and Colheita Ports, along with 10, 20, or 30 year tawny Port to pair with dinner. While many think Port can only be paired with cheese and chocolate they would be mistaken. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed throughout the meal.

Just last year I hosted a Port and Champagne media dinner for the Center for Wine Origins with sommelier, Michael Scaffadi at Plume at the Jefferson. Plume's chef paired the Port and Champagne's throughout the meal. So live a little and explore Port this Friday when you head to the wine bar or your local retail store. Want to learn more about the region? Visit the Center for Wine Origins online HERE. When shopping for Port and entering the contest, make sure to look for the seal of the approval and confirm that the wine comes from Portugal.

You're Invited to Cocktails & Conversations at Recess Lounge with Vic Jagger of the Russ Parr Morning Show January 31st

2012-01-25T09:58:00.003-05:00

RSVP's are requested to convo@ashe-ent-group.com

Axel F Celebrates One Year with DJ Jahsonic, Stylus and Adrian Loving this Saturday at LIV

2012-01-25T05:00:00.001-05:00

Tickets are $10 in advance HERE. $15 at the door.

This Thursday the Corcoran presents an All Student Juried Exhibition

2012-01-24T13:56:00.003-05:00

The All Student Juried Exhibition, featuring work by 20 Corcoran undergraduate, graduate, and Continuing Education students, presents multimedia and multi-disciplinary works, as representative of the College's diverse population. Jackie Ionita, Corcoran alumna and the director of the Hamiltonian Gallery here in D.C. is the honored guest juror.

Artists featured in the All Student Juried Exhibition include, Joey Alzamora, Sharlaine Anapu, Uliana Bazar, Paul Bothwell, Celia Bowker, Amy Breesman, James Lawler Duggan, John Edmonds, Dakota Fine (photo above), Keah Fryar, Dan Gray, Jeff Herrity, MJ Kelly, Rene Madrano, Veronica Melendez, Carolyn Millstein, Allister Moon, Jiwon Paik, Whitney Waller, and Irene Weinz.

Thursday, January 26th

6 to 8 p.m.

Click HERE for location and details.

Coming soon "SOMM"- A Wine Journey with 4 Court of Master Sommeliers Candidates

2012-01-24T12:47:00.003-05:00

SOMM Documentary Trailer 1 from Forgotten Man Films on Vimeo.

Wednesday Night Ladytron, Shea Van Horn and DJ Cale of Brightest Young Things Hit U. Street Music Hall

2012-01-24T10:50:00.001-05:00

More details HERE.

Hello Cupcake and Chocolate City Beer Get Hitched this Thursday

2012-01-24T09:42:00.002-05:00

Hello Cupcake and Chocolate City Beer will celebrate their offspring with a “Shot Gun Wedding” on Thursday night at Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St NW Washington, DC). From 7 to 9 p.m. guests will get taste a sneak preview of the cupcake along with a free Chocolate City Draft.

DC Love Child, the first cupcake to be made with a DC craft beer, is a rich chocolate lager cake with bourbon buttercream frosting topped with a chocolate covered potato chip. The batter is created with Chocolate City’s, Cerveza Nacional, a unique take on a traditional dark, malty, creamy, smooth and slightly roasted Vienna Lager.

RSVP's are requested at staceydeniseprice@gmail.com

5th Annual DC Design House Announced - 1 House, 24 Designers, 37 Days, 1 Great Cause

2012-01-20T12:05:00.005-05:00

4951 Rockwood Parkway, NW will be transformed this April as the 10,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom, seven-bath estate turns into the DC Design House benefiting Children’s National Medical Center. This year's design team will be hand picked from 120 DC-based designers in February giving them just under 2 months to create their palatable design. Join the designers and DC creatives for public tours from April 14th to May 13th. Tickets are $20. Learn more HERE. Check out photos from the "Before" with full furnishings HERE.

Wednesday Wax Session: Summer Camp coming to U. Street Music Hall February 9th

2012-01-18T13:09:00.000-05:00

Thursday Night Designer Drugs and Sex Cult Hit U. Street Music Hall

2012-01-17T13:45:00.002-05:00

Tickets are $6 HERE.

Join The Embassy of Sweden for a Girl With A Dragon Tattoo Special Screening

2012-01-12T17:01:00.001-05:00

Purchase tickets ONLINE HERE.

Longview Gallery Opening Reception Presenting Homestead by Mike Weber Coming January 19th

2012-01-10T16:55:00.002-05:00

Long View Gallery is pleased to announce, “Homestead,” featuring approximately 20 new mixed media works by LA artist Mike Weber. Since relocating his studio from D.C. to LAin 2010, Weber’s work continues to explore themes of spirituality and genealogy, inspiring a global audience to create connections between their memories and those of the artist, sculpted in a modern context. Click HERE to learn more and view invitation.

Thursday, January 19th
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Longview Gallery
1543 9th St NW
Washington, DC

National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards Open to DC Nonprofits

2012-01-10T15:44:00.002-05:00

The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is pleased to invite applications for the 2012 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards. Learn more HERE.

The 12 award-winning programs this year will receive $10,000 and an invitation to accept their award from the President's Committee's Honorary Chairman, First Lady Michelle Obama, at a ceremony at the White House. After-school and out-of-school time arts and humanities programs sponsored by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, educational institutions, arts centers, community service organizations, businesses and eligible government entities are encouraged to consider submitting an application available HERE.

Programs applying for the award must meet all of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards eligibility criteria. The deadline for application submissions is January 31, 2012, 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Contact info@nahyp.org or 202-682-5571 with questions regarding the application.

13th Annual Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival Hits DC this February 11-12th

2012-01-06T12:38:00.004-05:00

The Grand Tasting for the 13th Annual Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival (IWFF) is just around the corner in 2012! Tickets are are on sale now.

Week-long, city-wide festival
2-Day tasting of food and wine, beer and spirits
Wineries sampling hundreds of wines
Gourmet food booths with new products
Restaurant Row featuring local restaurants

Tickets are on sale now and DC This Week readers receive $10 off their tickets if you use DCTW10 at checkout. Click here to buy tickets!

And they are bringing back their signature event, "Cupid's Not Stupid, Cocktails to Fall For" on Friday, February 10th. This friendly cocktail competition features five of D.C.'s top mixologists including : Gina Chersevani, Rachel Sergi from Jack Rose, and Dennis Burns from Ronald Reagan Building. Special cocktails will be created just for this event. Admission includes a sample of all five cocktails, wine, beer and light snacks. Join us on Friday, February 10th from 7-9pm at Aria Pizzeria. Tickets are on sale now! You can receive f $20 off your ticket for this event by entering CUPID20 at checkout.

Wednesday Wax Session: Transfer Music Coming to 9:30 Club with Kaiser Chief's March 9th

2012-01-04T15:28:00.001-05:00

"Take Your Medicine" by Transfer | Official Music Video from Nader Husseini on Vimeo.

DC-Based Artist Anna U. Davis to host 6 week collage class at Latin American Youth Center Art Media House

2012-01-04T14:49:00.003-05:00

Artist Anna Davis will lead a once-in-a-lifetime series of adult art classes at the Latin American Youth Center in Columbia Heights this January. Click HERE to learn more. Classes are $150 for 6 weeks. Learn more about her work HERE.

Pictured above: “Small Fish in Big Pond”