Our favorite posts of 2011

Urban Daddy's Jeff Dufour with baby Owen

by Janet Donovan

Ok, we think Owen had something to do with this post.  Taken in July at P.J. Clark's, the story went like this: "Is Urban Daddy's Jeff Dufour thinking what we're thinking?"

Last call to vote for D.C. Tweeps 2011

When it comes to Washington night life, Hollywood on the Potomac is right at the forefront to connect with the best and brightest.
 
As the year winds down, the Washington Post wants to know who on twitter in DC is leading the charge as best bloggers, organizations and insiders in their 2nd annual D.C. Tweeps contest. 

Vote D.C. Tweeps 2011

 
When it comes to Washington night life, Hollywood on the Potomac is right at the forefront to connect with the best and brightest. 

As the year winds down, the Washington Post wants to know who on twitter in DC is leading the charge as best bloggers, organizations and insiders in their 2nd annual D.C. Tweeps contest. 

Joyful Noise

Photo credit: Van Redin

"Oscar® nominees Queen Latifah ("Chicago," "Hairspray") and Dolly Parton ("Transamerica," "Steel Magnolias," "Nine to Five") star in Alcon Entertainment's and Warner Bros. Pictures' "Joyful Noise," a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal.

Holiday with the Glovers

Mallory Tablantino

There was plenty of glitz and glamor at the Glover house served up with champagne and chocolates, but only one star:  Baby Leo

"MY REINCARNATION" now playing at The E Street Cinema

Chogyal Namkhai Norbu with Jennifer Fox at the Inauguration of the Shang Shung Institute

Photo credit: Alex Siedlecki

"Filmed over twenty years by acclaimed documentarian Jennifer Fox, MY REINCARNATION chronicles the epic story of the high Tibetan Buddhist Master, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, and his western-born son, Yeshi. 

Thanks for the memories......Part II

Bristol Palin surrounded by  a friend, Greta van Susteren and John Coales

with thanks to Hollywood on the Potomac contributors

 Brendan Kownacki  Neshan Naltchayan  Donna Shor  Wendy Gordon

Do you know what you did last year? We do. Thanks for the memories Part I

FABIO

With special thanks to Hollywood on the Potomac contributors:

Brendan Kownacki, Neshan Naltchayan, Donna Shor, Wendy Gordon

Tweepster of 2011

Brendan with The Prime Minister of Ireland

When it comes to Washington night life, Hollywood on the Potomac is right at the forefront to connect with the best and brightest. As the year winds down, the Washington Post wants to know who on twitter in DC is leading the charge as best bloggers, organizations and insiders in their 2nd annual D.C. Tweeps contest. 

Among this year's nominees is our very own Brendan Kownacki--nominated as 'favorite nightlife insider'.

Take a minute and go over to vote for all your favorites.

M & M's "Hot Nuts"

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

Festive just isn’t a strong enough word to describe the holiday cheer that filled the room when The Madison gathered on Saturday night to kick off the holiday spirit with its annual ‘Madison & Mistletoe’ gala in Georgetown’s swanky House of Sweden. 

"Let's Holiday"

"South Moon Under and Refinery29 hosted the "Let's Holiday!" blogger styling celebration at the South Moon Under Clarendon store location in Arlington, VA.  Winners of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes, for best festive holiday outfit style using items from South Moon Under's current in-store collections, were unveiled during the event and will be featured, alongside other submissions and event attendees, in an online look book on the South Moon Under and Refinery29 DC web sites.

The Social State of the Union

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

Photo credit: Courtesy of Guest of a Guest

It’s that time of year; everyone is reflecting on what the last 12 months have brought and somewhere off in the distance Santa is trying to decide who has been naughty or nice as the holidays creep up. 

Contraband

"Mark Wahlberg leads the cast of Contraband, a white-knuckle action-thriller about a man trying to stay out of a world he worked hard to leave behind and the family he'll do anything to protect. Set in New Orleans, the film explores the cutthroat underground world of international smuggling -- full of desperate criminals and corrupt officials, high-stakes and big payoffs -- where loyalty rarely exists and death is one wrong turn away.

Is John Cleese the latest blogging sensation?

John Cleese

The Atlantic, on the occasion of the departure of the British Ambassador from Washington, held a forum and reception hosted by David Bradley, Chairman, Atlantic Media Company and moderator, Washington Editor-at-Large Steve Clemons.

A twofer for One Lounge

Seth and the Svedka girls

by contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit:  Dave Phillipich

It was a packed house of well-wishers when One Lounge blew out the candles for its second year anniversary.  Co-owners Niko Papademetriou and Seth McClelland owned the door to the hotspot while simultaneously raising money and gathering toys to donate to the Washington Children's Hospital.

Ski Johnson celebrates with Washington Life

Rodrigo Garcia

Washington Life Magazine in conjunction with The National Museum for Catholic Art held a Holiday Celebration at the Georgetown Victorian Christmas House of General Walter Smith Mansion in Georgetown.  We're not sure exactly where the mansion was but you could see Russia from the balcony.

Martinis and Mistletoe

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

It was a holiday themed wonderland with Yule tide cheer as far as the eye could see on Wednesday evening when Teatro Goldoni hosted its annual Martinis and Mistletoe soiree.

En fin.....Congratulations to Enzo Fargione & Elisir

Enzo Fargione - Photo credit: Michael Palmer

A new theater for Enzo Fargione
By Tom Sietsema
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011

"It has been so long since a new restaurant opened with linens on its tables that the sight of cloth covering surface at Elisir is alone something to applaud. But the arrival of three house-made salts and a trio of Italian olive oils with a choice of multiple breads broadens my smile as well.

Spirits up at The Four Seasons

The Arundel family surrounded by talent

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

"The Georgetown Jingle" showcased the talents of interior designers through holiday tree displays. 

The family friendly event included raffles, a silent auction, food tastings from local restaurants, Santa's Workshop and Tween Room for the kids.

Tweepster of 2011

When it comes to Washington night life, Hollywood on the Potomac is right at the forefront to connect with the best and brightest. As the year winds down, the Washington Post wants to know who on twitter in DC is leading the charge as best bloggers, organizations and insiders in their 2nd annual D.C. Tweeps contest. 

Among this year's nominees is our very own Brendan Kownacki--nominated as 'favorite nightlife insider'.

Take a minute and go over to vote for all your favorites.

Vote now, vote often (oops, that may be unethical).  Oh, never mind, this is Washington, so just do it.

Vote here on Wednesday, December 14th:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/special-reports/2011/dc-tweeps-2011 

Simply sensational!

by Beth Solomon

Publisher, The Georgetown Dish

Color, light, fragrance, sound – this is Saigon, the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – where futuristic malls offering Gucci, Burberry and Bulgari are surrounded by swarms of young people on scooters and sidewalks filled with traditional food stalls. It’s a feast for the senses. Saigon, simply, is sensational.

Just one more photo - then R.I.P. Bonjean party.

Here is final shot of Sara and Ron Bonjean's Holiday Party.  Thumbs up!

 

What was actor Gary Busey doing in Virginia?

Ron Bonjean

It’s a good thing that actor Gary Busey, who received rock star status at Sara and Ron Bonjean’s holiday party, likes Republicans - because RNC Communications Director Sean Spicer was in the house.  Spicer briefly worked with the actor early on in his own career.

Yes, Sara and Ron Bonjean now serving Bloody Marys

Sara & Ron Bonjean welcome Gary Busey

A teaser..........stay tuned!

Sara and Ron Bonjean hosted - well - the MOST amusing party.  Unfortunately, SO amusing that we need more time to tell you just how amusing.  Stay tuned.  And yes, that's Gary Busey! 

Ghost Protocol..........he's back!

Tom Cruise reprises his role of IMF Agent Ethan Hunt with a vengeance, both as an actor and producer.  The world premiere was held in Dubai, followed by a screening in Munich, Germany.

Kobe “haute” dog please.....

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

One Year of Food and Fun

Gastropub and sports haven Redline in Chinatown celebrated its one year anniversary this week with a celebration to announce its $12.08 lunch special inspired by its December 8^th opening.

A festive Monsoon......

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

Another Year for Georgetown Style

Monsoon levels of wind and rain couldn’t keep the crowds away from toasting the one year anniversary of boutique Ella Rue and checking out their new location at 32^nd and P St. 

Guests sipped champagne and explored the two story secondhand boutique looking for the perfect designer find to add to their collection.

Hanoi is Hungry......

by Beth Solomon

Publisher, The Georgetown Dish

Hanoi is Hungry for American Franchise Brands

Franchise leaders representing 19 U.S. brands kicked off a high-energy trade mission to Vietnam and Indonesia Tuesday, celebrating franchising at an opening reception under the stars hosted by U.S. Ambassador David Shear on the terrace of the Hilton in Hanoi -- a franchise hotel.

Our bailout dollars at work.

Kowa tmsuk Company

We're not exactly sure what these are, but we'll take a fleet.  These ultra-compact vehicles equipped with a driving seat with collapsible mechanisms were the highlight of the Tokyo Motor Show 2011.  

Thank you honorees.......

Photo credit: Patrick G. Ryan - Sarah Bunker with the Band

by contributors Yoonjeon Oh & Peng Ye

If you've have ever been to Georgetown you'll know what we mean - it's historic yet entertaining, thanks to the constant and vigorous efforts of  the ‘Citizens Association of Georgetown’  that has represented the interests of Georgetowners since 1878 as the first District of Colombia’s civic group.

He charmed guests....

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

In a nod to both form and function, world renowned kitchen and housewares store Alessi that turns objects into poetic art, opened the doors to its Washington D.C. store (tucked away in Georgetown's fashionable Cady's Alley) for a pre-holiday bash and to welcome designer Karim Rashid.

The Kennedy Center Honors 2011 Red Carpet

GOP Presidential frontrunner Newt Gingrich and wife Callista

Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

On lookers took over the sidewalk and entrance to The Kennedy Center in hopes of getting a glimpse of Hollywood and Political royalty and the Honorees: singer Barbara Cook, singer/songwriter Neil Diamond, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, saxophonist/ composer Sonny Rollins, and actress Meryl Streep.

Walk the Red Carpet with us:

The Kennedy Center Honors 2011

Florence Henderson a.k.a Mrs. Brady with her son Robert Bernstein

by Janet Donovan

Read all about it in Washington Life:

http://www.washingtonlife.com/2011/12/07/access-pollywood-kennedy-center-honors-2011/

118 year old arrives in Washingon....

by contributor Megan Podeszwa 

While Washingtonians happily showed up to observe the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the West Lawn, a tradition since 1965, folks in Rhode Island were not so thrilled about lighting theirs.  

Prepare for the ensuing ‘food porn….’

Chef Enzo Fargione

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Photo credit: Wendy Gordon 
Additional photo credit: Michael Palmer

Enzo Fargione’s new restaurant Elisir opened on Wednesday.  We’ll eat to that!  

With a dining area that boasts an open kitchen complete with live feed video for those who may not have a true ‘window’ seat and a bar area that offers such specialties as an exclusively bottled ‘sparkling Negroni,’ as well as a wine list that is not only approachable, but has some really good bargains, this new fixture on 11th Street is coming on strong.

Philianthropist Edward W. Scott, Jr. honored.

Ambassador and Mrs.Alberto Piedra

The Foundation for Social and Cultural Advancement (SCA) with Guest of Honor Edward W. Scott, Jr., members of Congress and former Ambassadors hosted a reception in celebration of their third Annual Benefit.

Washington is full of comedians. Take that any way you want.

Senator Scott Brown

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

The DC Improv has been the site of some of the best comic acts both locally and nationwide.  But the real pros from Americans for Tax Reform’s Grover Norquist to Senate poster boy Scott Brown (R-MA) (hey guys, just FYI, his daughters are ‘available?’) to Tea Party Mad Hatter Allen West (R-FLA) took the famed laugh house’s stage on Tuesday evening for the 18th Annual Funniest Celebrity in Washington Contest to benefit Susan G  Komen for the Cure.