We gotcha covered for the week

Ok folks hold onto your “W” hats.  This entire week through the weekend you will get a chance to go to Nationals games.  The team is back in town.  Tuesday through Sunday the Nationals play from home so jump on the website and grab your tickets.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=was

If you aren’t heading out to Nationals Ball Park on Thursday the 31st (and hopefully you won’t be), you will be heading towards The Liaison Capitol Hill from 6pm-9pm for the Rooftop Rendezvous benefiting the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund.  THANK YOU TO THE LIAISON FOR EXTENDING THE EVENT ONE ADDITIONAL HOUR.  The event is now from 6pm-9pm, where originally it was until 8pm.

Please reserve your spot today ($50) http://www.hoopdreams.org/liaison/liaison.htm 100% of the proceeds go to the charity. 

The Liaison Capitol Hill is a new Affinia Hotel and is located at 415 New Jersey Avenue NW.  Come check out the sites from atop this new hot spot.

After you leave The Liaison, move back towards Georgetown and the West End for the Battle of the Biceps  whose $10 suggested door charge into The Rookery will go to Neediest Kids.  The “show” starts at 9pm and looks to be quite the event.  With official brackets, prizes, sponsors and an emcee (ahem … guess who?) you will definitely want to end your evening watching this competition.  This will be pure entertainment for a cause.

Learn more about the “Battle” http://www.battleofthebiceps.com/

The Rookery is located at 2519 Pennsylvania Ave, NW.

See you Wednesday at Mate’ for the Young Capital Benefactors of Capital Hospice’s Happy Hour from 7pm-10pm. 

Mate’ is located at 3101 K Street, NW.

Oh My Darling…

…ington House.  Yup, Darlington House in Dupont Circle has not only been up and running for a few months, its business is booming. And it should be because the owners, Jeffery Holibaugh (Vida), along with Patricia and Fabio Beggiato aka “DC restaurant power couple/husband wife team” are no newcomers to the world of creating a place for Washingtonians to rest their weary feet, gossip, drink wine, and dine finely.  They have already tasted sweet success with Sesto Senso and the Cleveland Park Grill, so why not continue on the Connecticut Avenue area streak?

Darlington House is quite literally, a house, and is located where the old Childe Harold used to be.  The Childe Harold said good-bye to this location during the fall of last year (it had been a decades-old restaurant and musician stomping ground; we know that the famous had come to perform there in years past) and apparently, the story is, descendents of the Darlington’s themselves still own the building.  The Beggiatos had an in with the family, as their daughter attends school with owners’ grandchild. 

And so the deal was done, but the doors didn’t open until after a nice renovation happened.  Downstairs, the pub, or Cantina, is the woody bar that reminds one of what a bar really should look like, smell like and feel like.  There is tons of seating, great drinks (but you’d surely like to taste one of their many brews) and excellent bar fare. 

The Dining Room is upstairs and has a separate entrance although the two are connected. One feels as if you are sitting within a combination of Banana Republic, Pottery Barn and a chic modernistic yet historic space, if that makes any sense.  The lighting fixtures are to die for and if you aren’t able to sit close to the windows with the street views, there’s plenty of good looking, urban types to check out while you eat.

Keep going up the stairs and you find a private dining room, also known as The Library, large enough to do affairs for 30, 40, maybe more. White slipcovers over the chairs and long couches make up the seating, which can be arranged in various ways to fit your party’s comfort and conversation needs.

Let’s talk food.  Executive Chef Alexander Schulte, who looks young, fresh and earnest seems to know a lot about organic food (the restaurant’s theme is “Eat Strong. Live Long.” hmmm. Words to live by.) and has experience at the New York restaurant The Modern.  His menus are straightforward yet creative, using wholesome farm fresh ingredients. He informed me that he had just gotten in some free range organic eggs from Sunnyside Farms, which I had to try at Brunch on Sunday. 

The brunch was just perfect.  It was like the type of experience you have when you are lucky enough to “go home” and Mom cooks you up a nice greeting and welcome home meal.  The right portion size, the right amount of flavoring, not too heavy, not too lite.  We had gotten a taste of the dinner menu in the Pub last week, which only left us wanting more. 

Got a sweet tooth?  Even if you don’t, you will want to let the homemade donut holes, scones, and banana bread melt onto your tongue with their sweetness (not the sick kind) which you will mull around in your mouth until you realize every crumb has left the plate.  Pastry Chef Monika Padua’s wonders will leave you satisfied for sure.

Lastly, the wine list is nice and sensible and even includes organic wines for those of you counting.  If you are more in the mood for a speciality cocktail, the restaurant has a few fun ones to try on for size. 

For whatever reason you happen upon Darlington House, make sure you get a taste of all this treasure has to offer from Brunch to Dinner to a swig and a bite in the gastropub.  You’ll be back for more.

The Darlington House is located at 1610 20th Street, NW. reservations@darlingtonhouse.com or 202.332.3722.  Tell them the Punch sent you!

Fashion Fights Poverty Kick Offs and prepares for the September 26th Fashion Show

Last Thursday evening was the "Dress Responsibly with Style" Campaign Kick-Off for Fashion Fights Poverty.  The event was held at Georgetown’s Barney’s Co-Op, amidst the hot new fall styles, Barney’s Green label, eco-friendly designers and oh, the super sales which were helping to clear out the boutique’s summer looks.

Thanks to all of the sponsors, attendees, Barney’s (who generously donated their space, staff time, and 5% of all receipts which went to Nest), DJ Boris Gluck, the incredible staff of the Style & Image Network, and those who shopped and spent wisely during the evening, even if you skipped the clothes and went straight for the Fashion Show Tickets. 

On that note, the Fourth Annual Fashion Fights Poverty Fashion Show which will be held at the newly renovated St. Regis Hotel on Friday September 26th, only has 200 tickets for sale. Actually, fewer than that now, as they are already selling.  These tickets will be gone quickly and no, you can’t get in through a "connection" once they are sold out, sorry.  This year’s show is going to be more exclusive and intimate.

(Pictured: Andy Baldwin featured in FFP’s "Look Book", which when you buy, helps to support the cause)

All tickets (because there are only 200) are considered VIP and include the following;
* Red carpet photo-opportunity
* VIP cocktail reception featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar
* Escorted to premier seating for the fashion show with a glass of champagne
* VIP goodie bag – featuring more high-end gifts than ever before that will make you smile from ear to ear
* Access to the highly anticipated after-party, hosted by Lotus Lounge, following the fashion show and attended by designers, models and more!!!
ADVANCE ONLINE BUYERS are guaranteed seating and VIP goodie bag. You must be 21 years old or older to attend this event. Proper ID will be required at the door. *ONLY ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE GUARANTEES SEATING AND GOODIE BAG.

All proceeds from this event will go to FFP’s Beneficiary, NEST.  To learn more about NEST, please go to http://shop.buildanest.com/.  This one year old non-profit supports women in developing countries create and execute sustainable art and artisan businesses by offering them micro-credit loans.  By supporting FFP and NEST, you are doing a "world of good". 

To purchase your ticket NOW, please go to http://www.sinpr.com/shopcart/index.php?c=20&p=27.  When the tickets are gone - they are G.O.N.E.

Washington Kastles … ’til next year!

Can you believe that the WTT (that’s World TeamTennis for those of you not paying attention to the news lately) season is over?  I can’t.  I don’t want to.  Those matches were quite fun and entertaining and gave us something to look forward to during the week. Guess it’s back to baseball, now that the Stan Kasten and the Nats have returned home after about ten days of playing away (yes, that was Mr. Kasten spotted getting his Starbucks coffee today!).  

Congratulations again to Mark “King of the Kastles” Ein (will that title ever get old?), the Kastles, and all the great folks on his operations and marketing teams for pulling off their first season DC.  While the torrential downpour, high winds that seemed horizontal and flooding put a short stop to the outdoor season finale, Mark was in no way going to give up.  He shouted to the crowd of a few hundred in the VIP tent (which soon flooded) to hit brave the streets and head to Haines Point, where the Kastles ended up giving Anna Kournikova’s St. Louis Aces a butt whooping.

The team celebrated their victory late night at the private club L2 by dancing in a circle-and was that a line dance Mark was leading?  In any case, we look forward to seeing what the next season of WTT brings us. 

(Pictured from top to bottom: Sacha Jones; Scott Oudsema; Team owner Mark Ein looks on as Coach Thomas Blake addresses the crowd in the VIP tent during Wednesday’s storm - there was a Q&A and Coach Blake answered, “Yes!” to the question, “Are you single?”)

Smithsonian Young Benefactors Cup is right around the corner

It’s still not too late to get your General Admission or VIP ticket for the 2nd Annual Smithsonian Young Benefactors Cup on the National Mall featuring international polo star/Polo Black model/sex symbol Nacho Figueras, America’s Most Wanted’s John Walsh and lobbyist/recording artist Chet Lott, as well as our own First Chukkers and many other local polo stars.

Saturday the 6th of September will be quite the eventful day.  Touted as "The Best Polo Event in DC" by many a folk, you will not want to miss this experience.  There’s something so patriotic and thrilling to watch polo being played against the backdrop of the National Monument high in the blue sky. 

You will be supporting YB Culture4Kids which provides cultural and educational programs for youth in our community as well as the Smithsonian Associates, which is the continuing education arm of the Smithsonian.  Both of these programs continue to bring vitality and the arts to this region.  The kids (and adults) thank you for your patronage!

Honorary Patron
Embassy of Argentina

Host Committee
Joanna Block and Carolina Furukrona, Co-Chairs, Charlie Muldoon, Players’ Chair, Andrew Bullion, Martin Ditto, Tripp Donnelly, Mark Goode, Heather Guay, Marcos Lopez, Chet Lott, Victoria Michael, Allison Parent, John Roby Penn IV, Ray Regan, Pamela Sorensen, Alisa Tugberk

Teams for this year include:
Capitol File, CIRCA, Harper’s Bazaar, Mandarin Oriental Washington D.C.,
Ralph Lauren, and Veuve Clicquot

Attire: Polo Chic

Tickets, tables and sponsorships are available NOW at http://youngbenefactors.org/events/yb_polo.shtm.  The After Party is at the gorgeous Mandarin Oriental Hotel and is only included in VIP ticket package as well as tables and sponsors, not General Admission.

Young Capital Benefactors HH on Wed at Mate’

If you are looking for something fun to do on the eve of Wednesday the 30th, look no further.  From 7pm-10pm, Mate‘ of Latin Concepts will be extending it’s Happy Hour Drink and Sushi Specials for all who come to support Capital Hospice’s Young Capital Benefactors Happy Hour. 

Come early, come late, just make sure you come with the suggested $10 door donation for this wonderful cause. 

Learn more about what Hospice does for your community’s families and children at http://www.capitalhospice.org/.  Please don’t forget to buy your ticket, sponsorship or table now for the October 4th Gala which will be held at the National Building Museum http://www.capitalhospice.org/support/events/gala.asp.  The entire host committee of the Capital Hospice Gala and Chair Wendy Adeler Hall of Adeler Jewelers thank you for your support!

(Pictured: Gala Chair Wendy Adeler Hall)

Mate’ is conveniently located at 3101 K Street, NW across from the Washington Harbour.

This week’s birthdays

Happy birthday wishes go out to Polo Queen Joanna Block, Teatro Goldoni’s co-owner Michael Kosmides, the lovely Nikki Hill, and the ever spinning DJ Boris Gluck.  Apologies to Chris Jacobs of the cool new site "DC Girls in the Know" for missing her big day last week!

Speaking of birthdays and websites, a big Birthday smooch goes to none other than Mervis Diamond’s own Andrea "Miss A" Rodgers, of www.askmissa.com.  She will be celebrating in her glam style at Play Lounge Friday evening.  Her super soiree will be sponsored by P.I.N.K Vodka, Late Night Shots, and her own www.askmissa.com.  What is this www.askmissa.com you ask?  Andrea is in the midst of launching her website that will offering advice, recommendations and her own view on your questions (think souped up/glammed up Dear Abby).  She also shared with the Punch her next step will include going national with the site.  She’s in talks with a company that controls a group of advice websites which gets 81 MILLION hits per week and features such experts as Dr. Drew of Loveline and Celebrity Rehab fame.  www.askmissa.com’s new design will be completed in the next few weeks, so make sure to continue to check back. 

Organic To Go enters DC

If you cannot make it to the Natural Body Spa & Shoppe’s open house celebration on Monday from 4:30-7:30pm, but you’d love to try out some  Organic To Go which will be onsite that evening, we have a solution for you. 

Tuesday, July 29th, Organic To Go will be hosting a tasting at Metro Center, 1311 F Street, NW from 5pm-8pm.  You will get to sample some of the magical creations this “clean food” cafe has to offer, while imbibing on organic beers and wines.  Already thriving in markets like Seattle, LA, Orange County and San Diego, DC welcomes Organic To Go as its first cafe and catering service to be certified organic by the USDA.

While no RSVP is required, it would be appreciated. You can send your name to eatcleanDC@organictogo.com.  Friends are welcome!

Hey and some more great news …

Four additional locations will be opening soon in the metro DC area:
McPherson Square – 927 15th St., NW, Washington, DC 20005

Downtown DC – 1200 19th St., NW at M St., NW, Washington, DC 20005

Rosslyn – 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209

Bethesda Row, 4832 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814

Tysons CUSP celebrates two years

Ok, so we had to put in two more posts before the hiatus starts.

First, this Sunday, the Tysons CUSP will be celebrating its two year anniversary by offering a special gift to its customers.  With the purchase of $300 or more, you will receive a custom Dogeared "Believe" necklace with a moon pendant. 

CUSP Tysons Corner thanks you for your loyal patronage and credit card support and is located on the first level of the "new" section of Tysons Corner Shopping Center.

Hiatus

Huge apologies Punch readers!  We will be taking a quick hiatus today, Friday the 25th, but will return first thing Monday morning with the Do the Write Thing re-cap, Kastles Tennis, the Fashion Fights Poverty "Dress Responsibly with Style" Kick Off and much more.  In the meantime, please make sure to purchase your ticket for the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Rooftop Rendezvous for Thursday the 31st. www.hoopdreams.org.  Oh, and as we found out last night at the FFP event, only 200 tickets will be sold for the September 26th Fourth Annual Fashion Fights Poverty Fashion Show at the St. Regis.  Tickets are $175 each and going fast and once they are gone, they are G.O.N.E.  Buy today at www.fashionfightspoverty.org!

Enjoy the weekend and again, thank you for reading the Punch.