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Vote Now, Vote Often!

By nycci nellis

September 2008

Vote Now, Vote Often! -  Who’s getting your vote? Plenty of hotels and restaurants are looking to take their own polls:

Purely Partisan Potables &
Election Eats
With less than two months to the elections, politicos, pundits and presidential candidates continue to throw punches in the political arena.  Until the last vote is counted on Election Day (or when the last hanging chad drops), 1331 Lounge at the JW Marriott is a good place for politics.

Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike are invited to reach across the aisles to relax, unwind and watch the debates and election coverage on 11 flat screen televisions. Bi-Partisan Tuesdays are back from a summer break. Continuing now through November 4, every Tuesday and all debate nights (Presidential debate dates:  Friday, September 26, Tuesday, October 7, Wednesday, October 15) (Vice Presidential debate date: Thursday, October 2), 1331 Lounge is a good spot to view all the political coverage. 

While watching things heat up between McCain and Obama, you can sip on cool election cocktails, such as the red “Grand Old Potable” (GOP), the white “On the Fence” and the blue “Left of the Aisle”. The lounge will eventually tally the sales of the “GOP” and “Left of the Aisle”, and post the poll results on Tuesdays. Also, guests can nosh on bi-partisan bites such as “Left Wings” with spicy Asian dipping sauce, “Right Wings” with Texas honey barbeque and “Undecider Sliders” (like the “Bay of Pigs” mini-Cuban, pulled pork sandwich with jicama slaw and chipotle mayo; “FDR’s Chicken in the Pot” mini-chicken sandwiches with spicy chow chow relish; “Cows and Politics” mini-Angus beef burgers with cheese and sauce and the “Swimming up Stream” mini-salmon burger with melted dilled Harvarti cheese.)

Adding to the fun, 1331’s Filibuster Fun Facts and Trivia cards are available throughout the lounge so patrons can test their political know-how and presidential history. (JW Marriott, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue; 202.293.2000)

“Pick Your Party” Package 
Located in the epicenter of our nation’s capital, the new, 343-room Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel, is helping guests get in on the excitement with its “Pick Your Party” package available now through Saturday, November 8, the end of election week. The package, starting at $219, features a collection of playful candidate-specific components for the die-hard John McCain and Barack Obama supporters and an opportunity to experience the nation’s capitol the way only Beltway-insiders normally can. The package includes:

- Accommodations for one night in the nation’s most political neighborhood,

- Choice of one of the following: A “red” dining and nightlife guide to John McCain supporter hot spots and a copy of the Washington Times; a “blue” dining and nightlife guide to Barack Obama enthusiast hot spots and a copy of the Washington Post; a picnic basket filled with classic American culinary delights, along with directions to secret hideaway spots where you can savor DC’s mild autumn weather, scenic foliage and maybe even witness a political ‘liaison’ in action; or a “Not for Tourists” city guide for Washington, D.C.

The Liason also offers complimentary Internet access, so the latest poll figures are only a click away. The hotel can also help guests get access to the highly popular Newseum, sans the ticket line. And for those bringing along a furry friend, The Liaison Capitol Hill offers a “Demodog” or “Republipooch” t-shirt from pet partner, Wagtime.   Both options are available for an additional cost.  (415 New Jersey Avenue NW; 202.638-.1616)

Get A Buzz When You Vote 
Buzz bakery and dessert lounge encourages patrons to vote early and often with the introduction of “Elephant Ears” and “Donkey Tails”, palmier pastries designed by Executive Pastry Chef Josh Short to symbolize the Republican and Democratic political parties respectively. Priced at $1.95 each, these treats are available now through November 2, 2008, allowing DC area dessert lovers to cast their “vote” for the next President of the United States. Buzz will tally the total sales in each category periodically and post the results in the bakery to keep customers abreast of each party’s Election Day potential. (901 Slaters Lane in Alexandria, VA; 703.600.2899

At Degrees, The Race Is Heating Up
As the race between John McCain and Barack Obama heats up, so is the atmosphere in Georgetown’s “hottest” bar, Degrees Bar & Lounge, located in The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown. Mixologists and hotel chefs are preparing an array of delicious election elixirs and campaign fare, including its signature “Jager Bamas” and “McHitos”, available September 15 through election night.

Pulling the lever for Obama? Try a “Jager Bama”, a fun take on the popular Jager Bomb with a mixture of Red Bull and Jagermeister; or a “Long Island Honest Tea”, with vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, and the Senator’s favorite beverage, Honest Tea.  For McCain’ers, the “McHito” is a blend of 10 Cane Rum, fresh mint, sugar and lime juice. McCain die hards may also enjoy the “Sun Devil”, an Arizona-based drink with Bacardi, Malibu, orange juice and peach purée. And for those still undecided? Try the non-partisan, “Cosmopolitician”, a new version of the classic Cosmo, with perfect parts of vodka, triple sec, lime and cranberry juice. 

Degrees will also offer specialty campaign themed delicacies, including Chef Quang Duong’s  “Barack ‘n’ Rolls”, crispy spicy yellow fin tuna roll, with cucumber seaweed salad, and “Shrimp McCain”, grilled shrimp on a sugarcane skewer with tomatillo serrano chili. (3100 South Street, NW; 202.912.4100)

The Source Of It All
This election season, patrons of The Source by Wolfgang Puck can listen to their palates instead of the pundits. Executive Chef Scott Drewno is bringing the flavors of Illinois and Arizona to Washington DC, giving diners the opportunity to let their food preferences pick their party.

Priced at $14 each, the election-inspired dishes will be available during dinner hours Monday through Saturday in the restaurant’s lounge. (575 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; 202.637.6100)

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