Four Legged Fashion at M29

one of the adorable adoptable pups from the WHS rescue mobile

Washington DC is blessed to be home to numerous charming venues that provide a white box backdrop for events.  Some are galleries, some are restaurants, some are boutiques. One such place is M29 at the corner of M and 29th next to the Four Seasons Georgetown (it’s owner).  Thursday evening, the usually quiet, yet inventory filled store was wall to wall humans and dogs during the Fashion for Paws fundraiser which was bringing in cash for the Washington Humane Society.

With concrete floors (perfect for potential pooch accidents) and walls displaying doggie and pet-focused items, M29 was the perfect space for this type of event.  Bourbon Steak provided butler passed delicious hors d’oeuvres but it was the mini-cupcakes and doggie bone cookies for humans, that stole the show.  Almost too pretty to bite into (I said, almost, because I couldn’t resist the mini-cupcake), the delicate sweets were perfectly decorated with teensy details including icing script.

While there was no fee to attend, guests could pay for a raffle ticket, donate, and buy up as a portion of the sales went back to F4P.

Check out M29 when you are not jogging by, trying to catch a cab, or in a hurry. You will want some time to spend in the store and keep checking back as inventory rotates weekly.

www.fashionforpaws.org

Scott Stephens and daughter Savannah

Windy Shepard and F4P Founder Tara de Nicolas

Mes Amis, Fly the OpenSkies

Some people find torrential lightening storms in the summer to be exciting, thrilling, even sexy and romantic.  If I’m tucked away safely inside with a working back up generator, watching the view through floor to ceiling panes with a glass of champagne in one hand and a BlackBerry in the other, I’m fine with them.  No bother, watching God’s fireworks can be interesting for a few minutes.  But if I’m on a plane trying to get from the DC area across the Atlantic to the city of lights and love…let’s just say, I’d take a drought over the “much needed rain.”  Oh… lest we forget a French air traffic controller strike. The storm last Wednesday was just Salt. In. The. Wound. And I don’t mean Angelina Jolie Salt.

I have a friend who travels for a living.  No really. He does.  He not only lives to travel, he travels to live.  He even believes George Clooney’s cold unsentimental pragmatic globe trotting myopic hot shot was created about him in “Up in the Air”.  No really. He does.  Well, minus all of the personality traits of course.  He has hit the million miles in the air mark perhaps two times over.  As someone who is a freshman in the travel bug for biz club, I shake my head on how he “does it.”  For every mile in those millions moved, I’m pretty confident he’s got a nightmare story pertaining to an airline, a hotel, a car, a restaurant, a bar, a meal, a seat, an illness, you name it, I’m sure he’s experienced it.  And yet, he lives on, loving his career, embracing his profession and remaining a plethora of useful information with opinions on every square inch of this grand world.

When I told him I was flying OpenSkies to Paris, I got the thumbs up.  “You will love it,” he said. “I know them very well.  Yes, you will really enjoy it.”  (He also thinks I’m a bit of a princess. Why, I don’t know.) That meant a lot to me coming from an uber critic of the airline industry in general, as well as someone who basically knows everything about anything that the average bear doesn’t want to know (but probably should know) about the business.  I, along with millions of other people who watch, read, and listen to him, have a lot of respect for what he delivers.

Armed with that positive endorsement, I booked my flight with OpenSkies, formerly L’Avion before being purchased by British Airways.  I was to leave Wednesday July 21st at 5:45pm and arrive promptly at 7:40am Thursday morning.  OpenSkies, which is all business class, holds its direct routes to Paris conveniently for busy professionals from Dulles (IAD) to Orly (South).  I was informed by several frequent Paris-goers that Orly is so much better of an airport than Charles de Gaulle.  “Are you sure you fly into Orly? Wow, you are super lucky. de Gaulle a nightmare. That’s so cool they fly into Orly.”  Ringing endorsement #2.  I was also blessed because famed chef Michel Richard of Citronelle and Central in DC, was the chef behind the in flight fare through the end of July.  I mean, could it get any better? All business class, headed straight from Dulles (and love the new trams there) to Orly, being fed one of the world’s most revered chef’s meals…Let’s just say I started packing about a week in advance I was so excited.

Then…the French air traffic controllers decided to choose the first time I was traveling to France to strike.  Yes, they chose that very day.  OpenSkies kindly contacted me the day prior in order to inform me of the changes that would be made to the itinerary.  Wow, that was some kind of service.  It was totally out of their hands, of course, but they were proactive in contacting the passengers to let them know, thereby allowing them time to adjust US and French activities.  We were now going to depart (if all went well) around the 8pm time frame, but I was invited to please join them in the British Airways lounge for wine, food, relaxation, work on the wireless network, whatever I wanted.  Ok, I could deal with that.

Biz Bed cabin

Upon arriving at the airport, I walked up to the OpenSkies counter, recognizable with the signature colors welcome carpet and velvet ropes.  The polished woman behind was dressed flawlessly and greeted me with a smile and welcome.  As I checked in, she carefully went over all my details, provided me with the new information that because of the strike, we would be picking up the New York passengers at the Newark airport from where they also fly direct to Paris.  The strike had affected about 50% of the traffic to and fro France, thus creating a crunch for everyone.  She took my suitcase and walked me to the luggage area, reminding me that I was “VIP priority” in going through security.  Off I went, after she told me that she’d see me in a bit at the lounge.

The British Airways lounge was semi-filled with awaiting travelers when I entered.  I dropped my carry-on by the front and wandered around, checking out the situation.  “The British Airways lounge is really nice,” a friend had told me.  “You’ll be happy there even if you have to wait awhile, believe me.”  Ahhh. Another plus.  I went to the galley which was large and filled (and re-filled) with wines, beers, champagnes, waters, juices, sodas, and delicate tea sandwiches, cookies, chips, fruit.  After pouring some red wine, I headed to the back where I got online and did some work then found a comfy chair towards the front, overlooking the gates.

People started to walk in and I noticed that most of them were not “business travelers”.  It was after all summer. Most were on holiday-Washingtonians, like Parisians, split town as the tourists descend.  Plus, the euro was dropping daily, another incentive to get to Paris, whose soldes I found out later were still going strong.

settling in with champagne and A. Bourdain

We were soon informed that because of storms, our trip would be delayed to Newark.  The plane from Newark to Dulles was dealing with the stupid storms and it landed we would wait for clean up, settle in, then we’d be headed back to get the new passengers.  All of this was delivered to us in person, as the nice woman who had checked me in at the OpenSkies counter was walking through telling us.  In a world where client servicing has virtually disappeared, this was remarkable. Finally, it was time to board. Paris here I come, I thought.

As I entered my Biz Bed cabin, which is at the front of the Boeing 757 with only 12 beds, I felt as if I were in an intimate space.  The walls of the cabin had black and white framed photographs of Parisian scenes.  The beds, like pods, had the company’s light and steel gray coloring with its signature lilac accents popping out here and there.  I took my aisle bed and was offered a glass of champagne by one of the many fashionable, clean-cut stylish young ladies who were a part of the cabin crew.  By the way, they went through a wardrobe change while on board, then back again. Very impressive.

Unfortunately, the Newark STUPID storm was having a field day and we got to hang on the tarmac for like oh … an hour or so. The cabin crew and the pilots and captain were more than professional and apologetic, even though yes, it was what it was.  I said before and I will say it again. If you are going to be stuck on a tarmac, there is really no harm in being stuck on an OpenSkies Biz Bed (or Biz Seat as I would later find out upon returning).

After what seemed like hours, we were given clearance and within about 50 minutes landed at Newark, scooping up the New York passengers.  The Biz Bed cabin was dark, cozy and soon the beds had fully reclined, lilac eye masks on, socks stepped into and teeth brushed in one of the two bathrooms dedicated to our cabin.  As my cabinmates and I began to awake in the morning, or whatever time it was (Paris is 6 hours ahead) our flight attendant came through whispering to each of us if we would like du cafe or tea.  Our petit dejeuner was melon, perfectly sliced in rectangles, sprinkled with a few blueberries, homemade plain yogurt topped with bits of granola that tasted like it just came fresh from my mom’s oven, warm croissants plain or pain auchocolat (which I had about 10 of while in Paris…well, “when in Paris”…) and French pressed coffee.  Soon the whole cabin was awake and the fresh looking crew (how do French women never look bad?) walked through, tending to our every needs.

Landing was a breeze and though we were late because of the strike and the weather, it was what it was and I was purely pleased that I was on OpenSkies.  It was a really pleasant experience.

Returning was just about the same, this time, from Orly, I was riding the Biz Seat.  The flight was full and I was about to indulge in meal after meal after meal, especially since I was leaving at noon and arriving around 3pm at Dulles. Of course, little did we know in sunny Paris that torrential down pouring and storms had been ripping through DC, thus again, creating a delay.  The hour delay turned into another hour on the Orly tarmac because wouldn’t you know it?  The computer system was down at the airport.  Of course our friendly pilot provided us with up to the minute news, but I was busy reclining in my Biz Seat reading and basically dozing off.

Once up in the air, free to move about the cabin, the flight attendants came through offering French red and white wine, champagne and a healthy snack of nuts and fruit.  Then we received our DVD players, which connected to the holder on our right.  With earphones, this handy dandy computer had a surplus of television shows, just released films, music by about a hundred artists and French content.  Talk about keeping one entertained.

Actually, you could spend some time keeping busy by playing around with the seats, which reclined, had degrees of lumbar support, a leg rest, and extended footrest.  All in the name of the passenger’s ultimate comfort.

Lunch was then provided.  I had previously asked for a special veggie meal.  We had a huge salad, bread and cheese course, then a main hot meal, mine of course, the veggie version to their beef dish.  Dessert was the famous (or should I say infamous) Michel Richard “Snickers bar” complemented with du cafe or tea.  Later, we would be given a light sandwich and fruit for a snack and of course any wine or champagne we desired.

As folks stayed transfixed to their screens and headphones, I pretty much passed out after watching 2 movies and a few shows.  We did have to stop in Newark for a refill, but by the time we got to IAD, it was after 5pm.  The tornado-like conditions had deceased and the sun was out.  We were greeted on the ground by gracious OpenSkies staff who were there to help anyone who had missed a connecting flight because of the weather delay.

seating to your heart’s (and body’s) desire

From start to finish, my experience with the service, people, accommodations and professionalism of OpenSkies was more than lovely.  I was impressed with how they handled each challenging situation both in flight as well as on the ground.  They really run a class-act, tight ship, er, I mean plane.

Here are some details on OpenSkies so you too can go to Paris via low cost, business class comfort.  Bon voyage!

BIZ SEAT

•Spacious cabin with 72 seats
•Roomy seats recline 140°
•53” of seat pitch
Fares from $740 o/w with r/t purchase, taxes extra.

BIZ BED

•Intimate cabin with 12 seats
•180°fully flat bed
•72” of seat pitch

Fares from $1,109 o/w with r/t purchase, taxes extra.

OpenSkies fleet:
•Boeing 757 aircraft with only 84 seats, other carriers have 200 seats
Frequent Flyer Program:
•British Airways Executive Club, earn and redeem BA Miles
Lounge Access for all passengers:
•New York-Newark, Washington-Dulles, Paris-Orly
Fares:
•Cabin combination options (eastbound  or westbound)
•No advance purchase, no minimum/maximum stay
•Competitive with other carriers’ economy
Convenience:
•Round-the-clock Concierge available to help with any need
•Orly airport: user friendly / Fast Track / closer to downtown Paris Low cost, 100% business class, only 84 seats, two cabins

There are two daily flights between Newark and Orly, and five flights weekly (every day except Tuesday and Saturday) between the new Dulles service and Orly.

www.flyopenskies.com/our_commitments/en_us

P.S. My traveling friend is Peter Greenberg, the travel editor for CBS and head of Peter Greenberg Worldwide: www.petergreenberg.com

Dog Days of August Returns…

…and how.  Before fleeing the city stick around for the 11th annual “MidCity Dog Days of August”, a yearly cultural event which brings together over 100 stores, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries in one of Washington’s coolest ‘hoods, the MidCity District -or I call it the U Street Corridor (14th from Belmont to Thomas Circle and just off U from 9th to 17th).  The happening takes place Saturday August 7th and 8th.

Expect a total comprehensive package of fun handed to you full of sales, specials, restaurant deals, family events, music, performances, art, and just about anything you can imagine.  This area is rich with cultural landmarks like Ben’s Chili Bowl and Lincoln Theatre, as well as hot new restaurants, lounges, clubs, boutiques, art galleries, shops, and theaters.

All details can be found on the MidCity Life site.  Enjoy!

Organized by the MidCity Business Association, Dog Days of August brings together a diverse group of businesses, developers, community and arts groups. Dog Days is sponsored Café Saint Ex, Bar Pilar, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Ben’s Next Door, Busboys and Poets, Urban Essentials, Busboys and Poets, Local 16, Room & Board, Cork Wine Bar, Vida Fitness, The JBG Companies, Miss Pixie’s, TD Bank, The Garden District, Pulp, Rice, DC Noodles, The Studio Theatre, Source and Room and Board.

Lighting Up DC

Wednesday evening, before the real heat and weather came, the DC social and lifestyle site Thrillist and Heineken lit up the city from the Donovan House rooftop at their Light Up Washington DC party.  Set between 6pm-9pm so as to catch the sunset, which is just thrilling to witness from a city roof, the 200 or so guests drank what else, but Heineken, noshed on the hotel’s Asian fare restaurant, Zenten, and dipped their toesies in the pool…some daring to go all in.  The group consisted of media, restaurant owners, fashion designers, subscribers and FoT (Friends of Thrillist).

All Photo Credit: Richard Dalcin

Summer Real Estate Update

Post by Jason Mandel, Principal, District Luxury, the Jason Mandel Group at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (a Punch Partner)

Hard to believe it’s nearly August isn’t it?  Time passes so much faster once  the pool season begins.  Always in the summer months, I’m frequently asked about the condition of our local real estate market.

I wanted to share with your readers how fortunate we are, as Washingtonians (and Suburban Washingtonians), to be living in the best and most robust real estate market in the United States.  While several metropolitan areas throughout the country are still suffering and coping with the effects of continuously declining property values & sales prices, most of our home prices are UP.

Now, more than ever, our market conditions are very highly localized.  Some of our sub-markets are fairing far better than others, and it’s not just narrowed to comparing cities & counties.  The difference of one block or neighborhood can make all the difference in terms of statistics.

As a whole, the news is good.  The Washington Business Journal reported yesterday that Mid-Atlantic home SALES are up more than 60% from the first quarter, and up more than 15% from this time last year.  The Washington Post reported yesterday that Washington area home PRICES are UP 11.3% from the first quarter, 4.2% higher than last year at this time.  The close-in area values (DC, Arlington & Alexandria) are up 2.4% from this point last year.

Interest rates are now at the lowest point in the history of history, and many of my buyers are taking advantage of this amazing opportunity, and my sellers are benefiting with lower days-on-market.  If any of your readers are interested in selling (or buying) a place around DC, I’d be delighted to meet with them, all of your readers can consider me at their service.

www.DistrictLuxury.com , facebook.com/jasonmandel, 202.498.0208.

Here are a few properties I’m currently working on:

(Palisades, DC – $515,000)

(1443 HarvestCrossing) McLean, VA – $1,999,999

(555 Mass) Gallery Place, DC – $500,000

(Langley Farms) Langley, VA – $1,499,000

Blue Crush Rocks It

I admit I can be a naysayer, a doubter (though not a Debbie Downer), a skeptic.  I prefer to refer to this as being a “conservative realist”, not “negative.”  I mean, if you have no or low expectations, you can’t be too disappointed, right?  Ok, stop shaking your head with displeasure.  We can’t all be Lil Miss Sunshine.

So, when Michael Sapienza, Chairman and Founder of Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, told me his grandiose plans for a big summer bash fundraiser with the intent of an art, both live performing and visual, compilation, I placated him with a smile.  Sure…sure… we can pull that off.  Now all we need to do is get a giant space that will fits this curious idea, along with the guests, the food, the bars, the silent auction, the everything.  Sure. We’ll get it done.

The crowd early on the main floor

By George (well, I should say By Michael, Philippa, Maurisa, Rodney, David, Amy, Jill, Stephanie, TiAndra and many many many more) we did get it done.  It takes an army … and a true gracious, humble leader (Michael).  After months of diligent planning and careful preparation, Tuesday evening’s Blue Crush, a Summer Celebration to Crush Colon Cancer, came together for excellent execution. Held at the hidden treasure of a space, STROGA in Adams Morgan, the few hundred attendees who paid a mere $35 for wine, beer, special cocktails, an abundance of food from Hudson Restaurant & Lounge and David Scribner, and numerous live performances, filled the multi-level venue.  Guests wandered the floors, checking out the Art Auction, where local artists had been commissioned to create pieces, then prints were made off the originals for sale as well. The Silent Auction was found on the same floor and included a tour of sponsor Boxwood Winery, a week’s stay at a house in the Outer Banks, and even a Queen bedset by the manufacturers of those who make Queen Elizabeth’s own bed.  Talk about a bed made for a queen…

Pink Line Project’s Philippa Hughes

On the first floor, tucked away to the left of the grand staircase, was the VIP room, where Evan Bliss, crooned and stroked his guitar strings as people sat in the cushy leather chairs, sipping wine from the private bar, and nibbled on plates of various charcuterie and pasta salads.  The performances were held on the main floor, one level up, where two bars flanked the space and a buffet of a variety of fresh serving dishes lay to everyone’s surprise and delight.  Even the white table clothed high tops had plates of hummus, pita and olives. No one was going hungry nor thirsty at this event.

Just Consulting’s Joe and Sarah Channing Grieboski

If you were lucky to bear witness to this mesh of genre, you saw Grammy-nominated human beatbox Christylez Bacon entertain us with his brilliant instrument-like sounds coming from his mouth (he wrote a song specifially for Blue Crush), heard the eccentric sounds of the Low End String Quartet and Jory Herman and even the cool vocals of The Four Horseman (the final performers doing cover acts and originals with extreme vibrato), and watched the contemporary choreography of CityDance Ensemble.

Art by Matt Sesow

Thank you to all of the sponsors, including Boxwood Winery, Decorating Den, MashPit, Absolut, Reyes Holdings LLC, Hudson, Just Consulting, Moshe Photography, 463 Communications, Hypnos, Delong, STROGA and many others.  Much gratitude to all those who attended, including the media.  All funds are going to the Patient Treatment and Care programs at Georgetown Hospital’s Lombardi Cancer Center, where Christine Sapienza ,the impetus for the charity’s creation, was treated.

For a full listing and more information on the artists click here: www.chris4life.org/events/bluecrush

Here are a few more photos:

Rachel Martin of Boxwood Winery

Maurisa Potts of Spotted MP and Christylez Bacon

Evan Bliss in the VIP room

The cocktails

Lite bites and VeeV Spirits water bottles

The information table on the landing

Silent Auction

Sunset on the rooftop of STROGA

MORE PHOTOS FROM BLUE CRUSH