You Are Invited to a “Sparkling Sofitel Rendezvous”

Dear Loyal Punch Readers,

For anyone who knows me well, you know my favorite libation comes in the form of a tall flute hosting a sprinkling mist, sparkling golden bubbles, and lots of troubles.  Well, the last part isn’t necessary, but the first two are for sure. Champagne (albeit when necessary, I’ll sip its domestic cousin Sparkling Wine, its Italian brother Prosecco and of course its Spanish amigo Cava-hey, I’m an equal opportunity bubbles lover) is a drink that’s acceptable to many – and me – anytime of the morning, noon, and night.  It’s not just for celebrating special occasions, it’s for celebrating life.

That’s why we at Pamela’s Punch are so very honored to have the opportunity to share our love of champagne, true champagne, through an exclusive, special offer that Punch Partner Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington, DC is doing in coordination with one of the world’s finest French brands, Champagne Pommery.

The partnership is called a “Sparkling Sofitel Rendezvous” (don’t you just get tingles when you read that?).  Washingtonians, this summer, the luxury hotel is opening its doors to you and yours and saying “Merci beaucoup!” for your patronage, your loyalty, and your love of Washington and champagne.  When you purchase a special bottle of Pommery’s iconic tête de cuvée, Cuvée Louise 1998 Champagne, which is available for $299 in Le Bar (which has played host to now trois successful SOphisticated SOcial Hours) the Sofitel will indulge you by offering a complimentary room for one night of elegant accommodations and French style.

This is just one of the special ways by which General Manager Pierre-Louis Renou, the hotel staff, and the Punch would like to treat you and say Thank you!

The Sparkling Sofitel Rendezvous is valid based on availability with or without reservations, at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square 806 15th Street, NW, until December 31, 2009. For more information on this offer, or to secure reservations please call 202-730-8800.

Local Lady Up for Entrepreneur Magazine’s Emerging Entrepreneur of 2009

A local friend, brilliant businesswoman, and generous community participant, Ada Polla, the co-creator of the Swiss skin care line Alchimie Forever, has made it as a Finalist in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Emerging Entrepreneur of 2009 Awards!  This is such an honor.

Please vote for Ada (our locally based-in Georgetown-heroine!) by going to the website below and hitting VOTE FOR ME on her company bio.  Learn more as to why Ada should be the winner of this prestigious honor by watching her video, going to the company website, and even watching the webisode where we dished with her on The District Dish.  I’ve known Ada personally for a few years now, and not only is she supremely impressive, smart, focused, strategic and have an excellent work ethic, she is also down to earth and very much about the DC community at large. She has donated products to causes, participated in host committees, and enthusiastically done her lion’s share of rolling up her sleeves to get any job done.  I use Alchimie Forever products early and often – they are natural, which I love – and it helps to uh, know the co-creator of the company is a hop skip and jump away.  It also has a reputation within the industry and by users to have a very trustworthy brand.

You can vote, then pass the link along via email, Twitter, Facebook, texting and actually verbally (what is THAT?). Just please note that the stipulation is ONE VOTE PER COMPUTER!  The winner will be announced in October. Now go hit the link and vote … and may our best woman win!
http://www.entrepreneur.com/e2009/vote/emerging.php

http://www.alchimie-forever.com/

http://www.thedistrictdish.com/

Street Soccer USA is here

We look forward to seeing you at the much awaited Street Soccer USA Cup today and this weekend. Please note, unfortunately, some major supporters will not be with us in person, such as Ted and Lynn Leonsis, Steve and Jean Case and several others, but we truly thank them for their substantial financial participation!

Hope to see you at Spot tonight, Hudson Saturday night and the games all weekend.

How Green is DC? Find out on The District Dish

We dish with the very enthusiastic George Hawkins, Director of the District Department of the Environment. Find out about the latest initiatives to make the nation’s capital green from the ground up, starting with youth programs and an interactive portal that keeps us in the know. Also, Georges shares with us the very best way to learn about our city and it doesn’t cost you a penny.

www.thedistrictdish.com

Next Up:

A Bliss-ful spa experience and locally based author Cathy Alter’s novel Up For Renewal has gone soft on us (copy that is). Her celebration with a reading is being held at a private affair at Bethesda Row’s Ginger.  I am finishing the book and will have fresh report in your email box soon, but spoiler alert: It’s h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s. and very well written.  Also, more from my “Trip to the LC” and my “Miraval Resort Challenge”.  And finally, a special way to add some “sparkle” to your summer… all coming up next on the Punch.  Thanks for reading!

All Warmed Up

Last night was Wednesday Warm-up for KEENFest atop the W Hotel Washington D.C. in a private room.  The event was sold out to those who came to support KEEN of Greater DC and its members, Board, and sponsors, as well as those who had never heard of the Bethesda-based non-profit prior to the announcement of the Warm-up and were interested in learning more. Then, there were those who wanted a sneak peak of the newly renovated hotel which offers views into the Obama’s backyard and beyond.

Thank you to Capitol File, Jones Lang LaSalle, all of the raffle donors from the W Hotel, to the Darlington House, to the Washington Nationals and more.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a hearty congrats to all of the Host Committee and the ever beautiful, always hard working Chair Amanda Polk, who introduced me to KEEN and to co-founder Estee Portnoy, as well as Honorary Chairwoman, NBC4 Sports’ Lindsay Czarniak.  The rain came, went, and left us with sunny skies and a great view of what’s to come at this fall’s KEENFest.

All photos courtesy of Lena Aburdene:  SEE ALL PHOTOS HERE

Top down: Lindsay Czarniak & Lana Orloff; Shonita Hawkins, Jennifer Streaks, Scott Fraser, Amanda Polk, Lisa Dudley; Abiye Abebe, Lena Aburdene, John Burns; the scene; Sarah Rosenwinkel & me;  Linda Erkiletian & Christine Weinberg; Aaron Jackson, Estee Portnoy & Amanda Polk