Social Scene

Peru’s Pride – Pisco

The Georgetowner

June 2008

Photo: Gail Scott  - Photos by Mariya Manzhos

Meridian Embassy Chef Series with Gail Scott has become a popular event under the aegis of the Meridian International Center. Ambassadors have graciously opened their embassies to showcase national cuisine. The June Pisco Party was hosted by Peruvian Ambassador Ortiz de Zevallos on a 25-acre property which served as a fortress for the defense of Washington during the Civil War.  Gail Scott welcomed guests to the gardens and made brief remarks on Peru’s biodiversity before introducing the embassy’s main chef Alexis Hernandez. The young chef has already had a distinguished career in several of Lima’s leading restaurants. He demonstrated a ceviche with abundant limes, a crabmeat “causa,” the basis of which nourished Peru’s fighters for independence, and “suspiro,” a dessert reminiscent of floating island. He was followed by Melanie Asher, founder of Macchu Pisco, who extolled the virtues of Pisco as an all natural “euphoric drink” which promises a clear headed morning after. She concocted several variations on the national libation before guests went indoors to enjoy more Pisco and an elegant repast. ” - Mary Bird

A Splendid Sunday at Saint John’s

The Georgetowner

June 2008

Photo: Senior Warden Margaret Huckaby, The Rev. Dr. Albert Scariato

The Holy Spirit shone over a joyous congregation at Saint John’s Church, Georgetown Parish, on June 8 as The Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, Bishop of Washington, celebrated the institution and induction of The Rev. Dr. Albert Scariato as the 27th Rector of the historic church that sits atop a hill at the corner of O and Potomac Streets. The church resonated with pageantry, music and much applause. The service encompassed all its worshipers, from the delightful preschoolers who assembled before the altar to sing “This Little Light of Mine,” to the inspired singing of Saint John’s Choir enhanced by the mastery of The Washington Symphonic Brass Ensemble.  Bishop Chane heralded the dedication of the Search Committee which had clearly found the rare individual to follow in the too soon departed footsteps of the much beloved late Rev. Margaret (Meg) McDowell Graham.  At the reception that followed in Blake Hall, John Van Wagner presented the new Rector with a plaque inscribed with the words of the “Te Deum,” a “joyous, majestic piece of music” commissioned by a group of parishioners to mark the occasion. In accepting the tribute, Father Albert said, “Today is about all of the people here and our future as one group.” - Mary Bird

Cooter Captivates

The Georgetowner

June 2008

Photo: Ben Jones in song

Ben Jones has had as many lives as a cat on a hot tin roof.  He grew up next to the railroad tracks near Portsmouth, Virginia and lived a hard booze-laden youth.  He is best known for his role on “The Dukes of Hazzard” and then went on to serve two years in the United States Congress representing Georgia’s Fourth District.  At the recent party hosted by Ginny Grenham with such notable co-hosts as Dan Glickman and Gordon Peterson, the honoree flirted unashamedly with Rebecca McCain, not unknown to politics herself as son John aspires to the presidency. Touting the title of his tome “Redneck Boy in the Promised Land,” the author professed himself “proud of simply basic values and roots.”  He called his story not about “falling down,” but about “getting up.”  He then took joined the country-rock band in a “salute to the Queens of country music” before retreating to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains in the cherished company of his wife Alma Viator, name tagged as “Mrs. Cooter” for the evening. - Mary Bird

Nordstrom Benefit for Knock Out Abuse

The Georgetowner

June 2008

Photo: Designer Mark Dillingham and Laurie Johnson

The National Building Museum was transformed on June 17 into the most tempting boutique and runway in town as Nordstrom presented a Designer Preview Fall 2008 with all proceeds benefiting KOA.  The stylish crowd knew their “goods” and no excuse was needed to indulge with the assurance that every purchase would combat the scourge of domestic abuse, the foremost cause of women’s visits to emergency rooms.  Cindy Jones chaired the event which included a champagne reception, presentation of such leading designers as Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors and seven other fashion superstars, followed by dessert and more champagne to fuel boutique shopping.  - Mary Bird

Barking with the Best

The Georgetowner

June 2008

Photo: Event Committee Chair Anissa Grossman, WHS Board Chairman Jay Timmons

The 21st Annual Bark Ball, Washington DC’s only black-tie gala for the “four-on-the floor” crowd, brought over 600 guests and 400 furry friends to the Renaissance Hotel for a night on the town.  Event Chair NBC News Chief White House Correspondent David Gregory noted that it was an event where most of the audience was panting.  WHS President & CEO Lisa LaFontaine hailed the work that has assisted patients at Walter Reed and brought together “people who need healing with animals who need hope.”  She envisages making Washington, DC the model of animal welfare worldwide.  Event Committee Chair Anissa Grossman was delighted to announce that Ambassador of Monaco Gilles Noghes and his wife Ellen have agreed to be diplomatic chairs in 2009 with Maestro serving as Ambassadog. - Mary Bird

F. Scott’s Reunion Extraordinaire

The Georgetowner

June 2008

Photo: Louisa Jaggar, Susan Lee Mahan, Marilyn Thompson, Claudia Remington

“Can’t Repeat The Past?  Why Of Course You Can”--Jay Gatsby.  And that’s what 160 people did at F. Scotts in Georgetown on Saturday, June 7th.  Susan Lee Mahan was the force behind organizing many of the staff and regular customers from the late 70’s and early 80’s when F. Scotts was “the” place to go for great food and people watching.  It was before Clyde’s group took over the restaurant and owner Richard McCooey would hold court at one of the restaurant’s booth’s with such luminaries as Exorcist author Peter Blatty or visiting celebs like Robert Redford and Michael Douglas, who legend has it met his first wife Diandra in F. Scotts during Jimmy Carter’s inaugural.  People came from as far away as the UK to relive the fun for one night as Frank Sinatra played in the background.  It would not have felt like a true F. Scotts night without Pee Wee—not in his tux but looking exactly the same as he did when he was a fixture at the door graciously greeting each guest and knowing their “special” table. - Mary Bird