Welcome to LITON EVENTS Washington D.C. BLOG. This blog was created with the intent to inform you of the latest nightlife,restaurant, cultural and fashionable events in and around the metropolitan area.( Visit us at www.litonevents.com )
DUBAI - The Famed Desert Island - Coming to Maryland?
Known for its seven star hotels and record breaking skyscrappers. As one of seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) it features well over 400 resturants and tax free shopping along with a indoor ski resort. The New York Times in 2008 listed Dubai as the number one spot to travel to for nightlife in the world. This might have before the latest regulation of outdoor parties that closed some of Dubai iconic nightclubs.
Club owner John Han is trying to bring that same level of luxuxy to Baltimore nightlife.
According to reports following the opening success of Palma Nightclub, the celebrity driven megaclub in Batimore. John Han has decided to pull Marc Barnes and take over property near his current venue.
In the latest club endavor from John Han (Palma) and Palma Management Group they have acquired the space at 10 N. Calvert St. Baltimore MD 21202 the former resturant space across the street from Palma. Palma Management Group has transformed it into their latest club creation named "DUBAI Lounge & Nightclub".
This Saturday, is the Grand Opening for the venue its being hosted by our Bmore Promotion Princess Heidi (HEIDNSEEK ENTERTAINMENT) and MIX 106.5.
DJ's TJ Roberts and Priestly will mixing the party. This should be another interesting entry into the Baltimore Nightlife Scene
Gilbert Arenas's 1 Million Dollar Pool Washington Wizards Star Million Dollar PoolAgent Zero Does it Again
::WHAT RECESSION POST::
This is the first in a upcoming series of post, that will highlight to the world that this recession talk is just talk(hmmm).
As first reported by the Washington Post Sports Blog, our friend Gilbert Arenas, has been building for the past few months a massive pool in his backyard, that will rival Hef's mansion pool on the west coast.
There have been reports that this will be largest residential pool in the nation. Now as we all know Gilbert is fresh off his, 111 million dollar contract with the Wizards. Please note that Gilbert gave a significant amount of his contract back before he signed on the dotted line.
Now before everyone jumps on the bandwagon of why he wastes so much money on a pool. Lets remember that Gilbert gives a significant amount yearly to various charities in the area. This story, we know is going to become viral in a few days, so just get ready to see this on your local news stations and ESPN.
Now when considering the amount reportedly spent on this pool. One million is not a lot in some circles for your toys. Consider the Veyron Bugatti or latest Airbus being customized for a certain customer in the middle east.
Dropping a million is not something new to Gilbert who rarely spends on his money on expensive tables at local lounges...(cough cough). Even though his over the top 25TH birthday bash at LOVE, which was reportedly funded by close to a million dollars from his bank account. The party featured models flown in from the west coast along with guests, complete floors of hotels rented out for the weekend. Not to mention a fleet of Phantoms and an customized Lambo by Designo Motoring featured at the party with a Top 10 list of hip hop stars performing.
* The stone for the "mountain" cost nearly half a million dollars.
* There are three different fish tanks, one going in the "grotto," one in the front hall, and one in the basement. Their normal retail price would have been about another half-million.
* The tank in the basement will have a recess with a couch in it so Gilbert can "relax and look up at the fish."
*Bull Sharks are scheduled to be added to the tank once its finished.
Please keep in mind that photos are not the finished product. You will have to receive a invite to his pad to see the completed pool. We can already imagine the pool parties that will happen next year when his Great Falls neighbors Fred Smoot, Gilbert Arenas, Clinton Portis and Shawn Springs host a party at the pool.
Yes this is a flat screen mounted in the wall of the stone mountain, that will feature a bar around it. More info to come.. stay tuned..
We have added a video of the Photo Shoot Gilbert had with our friend Doug and Nick at 8112 Studios in his backyard. Just look at some of his old toys.
No Tiger Woods is not a Nike tattooed on his bicep like you would believe or Buick logo on his leg. He did stop by and get a table at Michael Romeo Group's Tattoo Bar on 7.29.08.
Reese and company is truly revamping Tattoo, after hosting after parties for the Washington Kastles tennis team with Mark Ein stopping by to co-host the party. Tuesdays Nights at Tattoo hosted by our partner ElundEvents and Jamie Hess have truly been on fire on K street. Don't believe us just visit youtube for latest action.
Last night Tiger Woods, PGA Golf legend?, is it too early for legend status. Let play it safe and saw PGA superstar stopped by Tattoo Bar DC to rock out for little bit. We wonder if Tiger had chance to party with celebs down the street at The National Kidney Foundation's charity gala last night. Who knows....????.hmmmm
After quietly fading away from the DC lounge scene in the K street corridor. The venue known as Tuscana West (Parasi, Inc ) at 1350 I St. is now reemerging as Tuscana Lounge. You may have remembered this venue for its very successful nights under the name Diva. Diva featured some successful Latin parties back in the day before the focus switched to more urban parties.
The venue is currently on a massive ad campaign with the new name and interior. With a brand new facebook and myspace page, along with postings on just about every DC message board. Tuscana lounge is hoping to generate some massive buzz for their Oct 4th Grand Opening date. With this launch they have turned to veteran nightlife expert and close friend Masoud A. After seeing his success at Dream and continued success with Lima, Masoud has been brought on board to make the venue another hot lounge location. For more info on the grand opening - Please contact Masoud A. at 202-271-9665 or you can e-mail him at masoud@masouda.com.
With stiff competition from entrenched lounges like Lima and The Park along with new venues like Josephine and Tattoo. Tusucana re-entry into the K street lounge scene should be something to see, the interior of the lounge venue has been completely redone with new furniture and decorations. We are hoping these changes allows this venue to become successful.
As some of your might remember, owner Gholam H. Kowkabi of Parasi, Inc. was involved in little tax mix up back in 2005, which resulted in the sale of a couple of his ventures including Home Nightclub to group of investors and now its called Ultrabar. Now that Mr. Kowkabi has taken care of his mistakes, he is looking to get back to business. Tony is now running the show at Tuscana West with the new venture of Tuscana Lounge open to catch some of the crowds that have flooded the K street corridor on weekends.
Ball for a Cause Celebrity After Party Shadow Room DC
Tonight is the night for all DC Socialites, the folks over at Shadow Room and Roger Mason are hosting a massive Charity event this tuesday night. The event will start at 8pm and last until 2pm. This event is being billed as the must attend event of the summer, I plan on attending this event to lend my support to the cause.
This Tuesday a number of celebrities, local business owners, and DC socialites are all coming together at Shadow Room to support San Antonio Spurs Roger Mason Jr.’s effort to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation.
Celebrities Include: 1.Allen Iverson 2.Carmelo Anthony 3.Vince Carter 4.Kevin Durant 5.Brendan Haywood 6.Chris Bosh 7.Deshawn Stevenson 8.Robert Horry 9.Sean Singletary 10.Bobby Simmons 11.Tony Massenburg 12.Roger Mason Jr.
LOCAL SPONSORS: 1.David Karim: Owner of 1223/Spank and Josephine 2.Alain Kalantar: Owner of Josephine 3.Mike Kosmides: Owner of Teatro Goldoni 4.Sherif Abdalla: Part Owner of Play 5.Jeff King: Owner of Potomac Construction Group and Iky Clothing 6.David Kassir: Owner of Georgetown Private Clientele 7.L. Asher Corson: Chairman of Foggy Bottom/West End ANC 8.Das, Stephen Acott, and Pat: Owners of Shadow Room & Absolute Addiction 9.Lyndsay Rinard: Wizards Dance Team 10.Sabrina Bell: Redskins Cheerleading Ambassador 11.Jossie Ali 12.Lindsay Suozzo 13.Yulia Grigorieva 14.Kara Delancey 15.Darya Arman 16.Mandy Shahsawar 17.Elie Limooei 18. Nicole Bock - DJ Neekola 19. Chuck Koch aka DJ Dirty Hands - Partner of FLY Lounge
Table reservations will be available so you can book a table at http://www.shadowroomdc.com/ or call 202.887.1200.
There will be a cover for the event and obviously 100% of the revenues will go towards the National Kidney Foundation. There is no guest list for this event and it is open to the public because it is a fundraiser. Once Shadow reaches capacity, they will not be able to let others in until other guests have left first. So please come early and be patient with the door staff.
For all the reggae lovers in the area, and for those who couldn't escape the metro area for the blue waters of the Caribbean.
Come experience musicians from across all the musical genres unite to honor and celebrate the music of Bob Marley.
This Sunday at Wolf Trap at 2pm join Stephen Marley with a special guest appearances by Damian Jr. Gong Marley, Ziggy Marley, Barrington Levy,and Soja and many more.This event is another must see event.
With Bob's sons Damian and Stephen performing some of their chart topping songs along with covering some of their father's best songs. For more information on tickets and seating please visit the below site.
This Weekend - Come experience the most exclusive lounge in the city - Josephine Featured in the Washington Post and The CityList - This Friday party is must attend event for K street lounge lizards. With DJ from all over the globe gracing the turn tables in the main room. The music and the crowd are always top notch.
Please check your ego at the door, if you are dressed appropriately or have unhealthy attitude you will not make it past the velvet rope.
Josephine Lounge 1008 Vermont Ave NW DC Washington DC
EXOTIC CAR SHOW 2008 Rosecroft Raceway Fort Washington MD
Also this weekend - LITON EVENTS & Zero To Sexy have teamed up to bring you a exotic car show. Attending this event is a must for all motor heads and exotic car aficionados.
Already confirmed for the event are Lamborghini - Ferrari - Lotus - Bugatti and many more. These vehicles have been features in Road & Track and many other publications. In addition to the exotic cars there will be Dyno testing on site, with a bike show. Also it is rumoured that Adrenaline Crew will be performing their insane bike stunts at the show. This event is must for adrenaline junkies.
Carbon Shoe and Handbag Sale featuring Miz Mooz Molly New York Blackstone Zoa
Come swing by Carbon one of the and take 20-40 percent off shoes from Gidigio, Miz Mooz and Zita Maria, along with clothing and handbags by Molly New York, Zoa, Tano and many more.
This sale is scheduled to last through Aug. 4 so make sure you pick up your favorites before they are sold out. Also there are rumors circulating that the store is launching its own line of stylish footwear come fall.
What: Save up to 70 percent off Miz Mooz, Blackstone, Zoa, and more.
Why: Carbon.
When: Thru Aug. 4. Mon.-Sat., noon-7:30 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
One of the weeks all DC Foodies look forward to during the year is DC Restaurant Week, where diners can choose from special three-course, prix fixe menus. Dine at some of the areas most luxiourious restuartants.
DC Restaurant Week 2008 - August 11-17, 2008
*Please note that some resturants will be extending their resturant week pricing for another week and some for a full month. We will update this blog in the coming days with resturants who are adding dates.
Update:
Pricing: $20.08 lunches, $30.08 dinners; prices are per person and do not include beverage, tax or gratuity
After AIR closed a few years ago, DC has been searching for creative outdoor/rooftop events. Well the the D'AIRE DC team (Tony Cord, Kerry Chao, DJ Neekola and Richard Johns) and D'AIRE DC's special guest Interactive Magic (Josh Norris) are throwing another amazing affair on the rooftop BLT Steak!
The team brings together DC's brightest business owners, artists, musicians, politicians, young professionals and the hottest socialites from across the District of Columbia for a night of networking, beats by DJ Neekola fresh from her gigs in Ibiza, Spain. There will be an open bar with specialty Emperor Brand premium vodka drinks, and a cash bar for other alcohol. There will also be delicious BLT Steak hor d'ouvres passed out from 7 - 9, so arrive early before they disappear!
Also we will have magical entertainment provided by Interactive Magic, and musical entertainment provided by DJ Neekola and her special guests.
A small donation of $5.00 will be asked at the door, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards Inter stages, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development programming for middle school students east of the river. A donation of at least $5.00 is required, but please feel free to donate more to help this great organization.
Anna Kournikova is playing to DC! :::::DC SPORTS BUZZ:::::
Tonight for the season finale of the WTT 2008 Tennis Season, the Washington Kastles will play the St. Louis Aces featuring Anna Kournikova flame of latin singer Enrique Igleasis.
The theme for tonight will be Guys Night Out, there will be free baseball hats given out to all the fans courtesy of Kastles sponsor Geico. After the game come party at join Mark Ein, owner of The Washington Kastles, and star players from the Kastles tennis team at Park. Enjoy complimentary Ciroc cocktails and savor unforgettable culinary delights. Red Bull will give you the wings to dance the rest of the night away with Mash-Up extraordinaire DJ Don P from Miami. Complimentary Hors d' Oeuvres, (5pm - 7pm) and Open Bar (9pm-10pm). Last Thursday we had the chance to hang out with Mark Ein at Tattoo Bar, thanks to a invite from our buddy Resse G.
Photograph courtesy of Benjamin Rogers.
St. Louis Aces @ Washington Kastles
Anna Kournikova (STL) Match Starts at : 7:00 PM
Kastles Stadium at CityCenter DC: 11th & H Streets, NW
Marking its 16th anniversary, Arts on Foot is a one-day, multimedia Festival that kicks off the fall arts season in Downtown DC’s Penn Quarter.
Saturday, September 13,2008 Rain or Shine 11:00am – 5:00pm
Art Market Preview Friday, September 12,2008 Noon – 7:00pm
Incorporating visual art, music, theatre, dance, film, and creative cuisine, it’s an interactive celebration the whole family will enjoy. With a lively outdoor street festival as its centerpiece, Arts on Foot also invites you to explore the neighborhood’s museums, theaters, galleries, cultural organizations, and shops. From traditional classics to cutting edge, Arts on Foot offers something for the arts and food lover in everyone!Outdoor Street Festival Centered at 7th and F streets, NWMetro: Gallery Pl-Chinatown. Browse the Art Market, offering a diverse, juried selection of local and regional fine artists selling their original works of art
Eat in the Restaurant Sampling Area, featuring signature dishes and fine cuisine from the hottest restaurants downtown
Visit the World Market Wine Area, presenting a variety international international wines for tasting. Watch and learn at Cooking as Art, where DC's premier chefs demonstrate their culinary talents. Immerse yourself in the Cultural Corridor: cool, hands-on arts and crafts and other family-friendly activities.
Sit back and enjoy the Entertainment Stages, starring an eclectic blend of live, local entertainment
Located throughout the Pennsylvania Quarter Metro: Metro Center, Federal Triangle, Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center, Gallery Pl-Chinatown, Archives-Navy Mem’l-Penn Quarter, or Judiciary Sq.
More than 45 neighborhood venues, performing companies, and neighborhood businesses and organizations host free activities and exhibits.
Attend performances and previews in a wide variety of genres
Watch film screenings and visit special exhibits
See art in a new way with gallery tours and talks
Participate in classes, workshops, and demonstrations
Discover a new point of view at lectures and author talks
Go on a guided neighborhood or backstage tour for insider information and unique experiences
Play and learn with special open house programming at museums and cultural institutions
Layla Lounge DC - DC's Newest Addition to the Lounge Scene is Now Open!
(Photo Credit: Sebastian - Shy Magazine)
The latest addition to the Shaw area of NE had its grand opening this weekend. After opening date being pushed back many times due to construction delays. This past weekend it opened with much fanfare, thanks in part to the Urban party duo Marc & Taz's hype machine. This weekend featured the usual DC celebs/athletes. Allen Iverson left confines of his Gaylord upper level hotel suite to party it up with DarnerienMcCant and Vernon Davis and some of other usual Redskin party starters in the upstairs glass level VIP.
The 5,000sq. ft two level venue is very plush with white leather couches for the all important bottle service. Promising unparalleled table service and Mediterranean inspired menu with tapas style dishes for guests to dine on. The first floor Layla features panther slate walls and black gold slate floors. We are not making this up, as your move upstairs to the much coveted "GLASS" level that features 16 VIP tables and LED walls similar to Saki or Tangysweet. The design itself for some reason reminds me of Pasha in Dupont Circle, and that may just be me.
Layla is the creation of Sheldon Robinson and partners, Mr Robinson of 40/40 and LOVE fame dropped us a few hints many months ago about this spot and we promised we would keep it hush hush. With well over a dozen tables and minimums started at the DC requisite 500. Layla falls right in step with other lounges in the city. The venue will be open from Tuesday - Saturday, menu items and happy hour plans have not been released yet. With a beautiful website created by the TheMouseArtist, we are hoping for the best.
The only difference is the surrounding location, with neighbors and a area the reminds you of the meat packing district/the drama that was area surrounding LOVE. It will be interesting if lounge lizards and DC socialites will the leave their newly adopted K street corridor to venture into NE to get their party fix.
Layla Lounge DC 501 Morse St NE DC (Corner of Florida Ave and 5th St) Washington, DC 20002 Office - 202-543-5540
Noted: After a very public exodus by their landlords, with DJ equipment and sofas being cast out into the street and photos circling the DC web scene. The Republic Gardens have apparently settled the lease/money issue and have re branded themselves as "The Gardens" at 1355 U Street NW DC , after remodeling and changing a few elements inside, they reopened this past weekend to capture some of the AKA party crowd.
Redskins Rides - Classic Car Show - Presented by Easterns Automotive Group
Calling all you car and football fans, even with record high gas prices, you still can't turn down a chance to see some of your favorite classic cars. As some of may know, our good friends and event partners at Easterns Automotive Group have teamed up with your Washington Redskins to host a Redskins Rides Classic Car show. This event will be something for the entire family, with classic and modern cars on display and with plenty of free goodies from Easterns and the Redskins.
The Redskins have been kind enough to open up their training facilities in Ashburn for this event. This is going to be great chance to meet some of your favorite Redskins in a family setting. Also you can meet with the latest addition to the Easterns Automotive Team, the newly married Chris Cooley.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Redskins Training Facility in Ashburn, VA on August 10Th, 2008 around 12pm - 7pm.
Everyone is invited; families, friends, the ultimate fans and car / truck enthusiasts. There will be food, a moon-bounce for the children, live radio broadcast, live band, DJ and an appearance by the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders!
This year we are adding a little twist, for every ticket purchased your name will be entered into a raffle to win incredible prizes! Some include a touch screen Garmin Navigation Unit, Pro NFL Wilson Footballs courtesy of Wilson, free auto tint job installed courtesy of Ziebart in Fairfax and the biggest of them all is a mint condition classic Mercedes Benz SL.
Ticket Information:• Ages 18 and up: $15 Ages 3-17: $10 Ages 2 and under: FREE
Want to enter your ride into the car show? The registration fee is $50 per vehicle; Includes; 2 general admission tickets, 1 Mercedes Benz SL raffle ticket, and 1 guaranteed parking spot for your classic car display.
With every ticket purchased your name will be entered in several raffles to win all types of Prizes!! Some include FREE GARMIN NAVIGATION UNITS, FREE NFL FOOTBALLS courtesy of Wilson, FREE AUTO DETAIL ($200 Value) courtesy of Ziebart in Fairfax (703) 591-0900.
Redskins News: Washington Redskins Acquire Miami Dolphins' defensive end Jason Taylor ::SPORTS BUZZ:::
Fresh off his success with Dancing With the Stars the former Dolphins star defensive end Jason Taylor has left the 305, for the nations capital. Following the very public displeasure the Dolphins had for Jason's Dancing With the Stars training focus. This is because the Dolphins had such a amazing season last year...hmm..yeah....about that. After Phillip Daniels suffered a serious serious knee injury on the first day of their training camp, that will keep him out of the entire upcoming season. The Redskins brought on Six-time Pro Bowler Jason Taylor, or as some refer to him as Twinkle toes. All jokes aside, the Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 has made 453 tackles, 117 sacks and seven interceptions in his NFL career.
"One of the more impressive accomplishments is that he has played over 90 percent of his possible playing time every year," Redskins official Vinny Cerrato told reporters.
We personally can't wait to see how he does at FedEx and the added media attention can't hurt either right Dan? We wish Jason Taylor the best in his new home.
Hudson Restaurant & Lounge and Alan Popovsky continue to offer amazing happy hour specials and inovattive late treats for metro area foodies. With the success of Sunset Fridays that feature Hubert Griffith playing live steel drums from 6pm - 8pm and complimentary Jerk Chicken wings from 6-7 pm , giving Hudson's the unique island vibe, right before the weekend.
They have added another special promotion to their daily happy hour specials for their guests. This offer to only going to last from Tuesday July 22, 2008 through, Monday September 1, 2008 and run from 4pm until 7pm in the bar area only. Hudson Restaurant & Lounge will be offering drinks and appetizer prices at the same price as a gallon of regular gas. Genius if I must say so myself. A lot of local promotional groups and resturants have caught on with the rising gas prices to incorporate free gas cards and similar promotions into their weekly lineup. Hudson has gone above and beyond, happy hour drink and several appitizers from the menu prices on each given day will mirror the price of regular gas reported for that particular day. A daily log of current gas prices will be featured daily at http://www.hudson-dc.com/.
Consider some of the happy hour specials this resturant offers:
Monday through Friday 4 to 6:30 p.m., both inside at the bar and outside on the restaurant? Enjoy the fabulous patio, partake in a 16 oz. Heineken or Amstel Light at $5, Absolut and Skyy Vodka, Cruzan Rum, Plymouth Gin and Jim Beam Bourbon drinks at a mere $6; select red and white wines at $7 per glass and the favorite White Sangria Fusion Margarita at $25 per pitcher (serves6-8) and half pitchers at $15. Enjoy Happy Hour specials until 7:30pm in our lounge inside!
All summer long inside the restaurant or on Hudson's patio, cocktail specials include 60 ounce pitchers of Amstel or Heineken at $24 and raspberry summer hops with a blend of Sam Adams Summer Ale topped with Lindemanns Framboise Lambic. On Sundays from 3 p.m. to closing and Mondays from 4 p.m. to closing. Bottles of wine are 50% off!
The Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP Tour, returns to the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park (16th & Kennedy Streets, NW), from August 9-17, 2008.
This year scheduled to play in the Legg Mason Classic is tennis champ, Andy Roddick will be seeking his fourth title in his already impressive record here in the Nation’s Capital.
The Baltimore-based global investment management firm has hosted the tournament since 1994, when hall of famer Stefan Edberg claimed the coveted title, won in 2007 by Roddick. The firm is only the sixth title sponsor in tournament history. Legg Mason’s title sponsorship will continue to benefit the year-round programs of the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF).
"We are proud to sponsor the event for the 15th consecutive year,” said Peter Bain, Senior Executive Vice President, Legg Mason, Inc. “We believe that the WTEF’s mission to help disadvantaged youths is not only critical but has helped successfully serve the community over the years. We look forward to continuing our relationship.”
“We are thrilled that Legg Mason has chosen to continue its title sponsorship” said Tournament Founder and Chairman Donald Dell. “We appreciate their tremendous loyalty and support to this event, and particularly to the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation. This is a partnership that has outlived most such relationships not only in tennis but across all sports.”
To contact the Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO by phone, please call the tournament hotline at (202) 721-9500 or visit the website at http://www.leggmasontennisclassic.com/
Tonight - Wednesday July 17,2008 - Come Party with us at The Secret Location party tonight hosted by Latin Concepts.
Only members of Latin Concepts facebook group are going to be allowed entry into the secret location for this party. Why is the location a secret if its hosted by Latin Concepts, well in case you haven't notice Latin Concepts have been expanding with hit resturants and lounges all across the metro area.
So finding which location it would be held at is relatively hard. Unless you have a inside person or you are a member of their facebook group. Thankfully we have both. So the location for tonight soiree, will be held at the always posh Mate Lounge in Georgetown next to the theater.
The evening will feature:
» JULY 16th, 8 PM - CLOSE
» COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS 8 PM - 1 1 PM
» DRESS TO IMPRESS
» FEATURING DJ MOH Ducis(Guaza, Fly, 1223)
» MUST BE 21 OR OLDER WITH A VALID ID
» ALL MEMBERS WILL GET $10 TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A WINE CARD FOR THE CEVICHE WINE BAR
» The event will be covered by DC Magazine - so please look your best.
ONLY MEMBERS OF THE LATIN CONCEPTS FACEBOOK GROUP WILL BE ADMITTED WITH ID
To be on the list at the door you must have joined by noon on 7/16
Come experience another amazing roof top party. You will get the chance to have an advance preview of DCs newest and most elegant rooftop bar - all the while helping to expand the academic and career horizons of Washington, DC public school students.
Limited tickets are available for $50 and may be purchased by clicking here. 100% of the proceeds benefit The Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund.
Your donation includes an OPEN BAR, Hors d'oeuvres from the Liaison's celebrated culinary team, and music from a live steel drum band. This event will be rocking, as we have lended our promotional support to one of partner charities.
The Source by Wolfgang Puck 2008 Beijing Olympic Dishes
The Source by Wolfgang Puck, winner of the coveted ‘New Restaurant of the Year’ honor at the 2008 RAMMY Awards, is commemorating the summer Olympics with Beijing-inspired dishes that will be offered throughout the duration of the games from August 8 – August 24, 2008.
Executive Chef Scott Drewno will offer a three-course menu of his Beijing cuisine favorites providing several different appetizer and entrée options such as Roasted Duck with scallion wraps and Mandarin Orange reduction; Hot and Sour Soup with jumbo lump crab and pork tenderloin; Kung Pao prawns with a spicy garlic-chili sauce and toasted peanuts; and Steamed Grouper with a seven-vegetable stir fry and lotus root.
This special menu, priced at $35 per person, will be available for lunch in the dining room, while the Roasted Duck with scallion wraps and the Hot and Sour Soup will be offered a la carte in the lounge at night, where guests can watch the games on the restaurant’s three flat screen televisions positioned above the bar. Guests on both levels of the restaurant can enjoy other Chinese-influenced menu staples including the Lacquered Chinese duckling, Chef Drewno’s signature take on Peking Duck, served with Bing cherries and stir-fried chow fun noodles, as well as a dessert of coconut sorbet with a sesame tuile and grapefruit granita.
The Source by Wolfgang Puck is located at 575 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (entrance on 6th Street).
The dining room is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. The bar is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
This event is a fundraiser for the Smithsonian Associates and Young Benefactor
Culture4Kids fund, which provides support for local DC school children to attend Discovery Theatre and Smithsonian Summer Camp. Saturday, September 6, 2008
Rain Date:
Sunday September 7, 2008 West Potomac Park Polo Field
Players include First Chukkers Alan Adler, Joanna Block, Andrew Bullion, Tripp Donnelly, J. Roby Penn IV and Ray Regan.
Tickets are available at http://www.youngbenefactor.org/ or calling the Box Office at 202.633.3030. No Tickets will be sold at the event!
General Admission $125 YB Member/ $150 NonMemberAccess to the YB Tent VIP Tent (Limited Number Available)$325 YB Member/ $375 NonMemberAccess to VIP Tent and After Party
Pouring Partners: FIJI Water and Heineken USA
Catering by Ridgewells
12 Noon - Gates Open 12:15 p.m. - Opening Ceremony
12:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Exhibition Matches
3 to 4:30 p.m. - Smithsonian Cup 5 to 5:30p.m. - Trophy Ceremony 6 to 8 p.m. - After-PartyMandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.
Attire: Polo Chic
VIP Tent/Table Sales
Diamond Table $7,500($1300 Tax Deductible)One preferred table (10 seats) in the VIP Tent (includes catered buffet and open bar) and admission for ten to the After-Party. Two complimentary tickets to the Players & Hosts Committee Reception Friday, September 5th, 2008.
Platinum Table $5,000($1300 Tax Deductible)One table (10 seats) in the VIP Tent (includes catered buffet and open bar) and admission for ten to the After-Party.
Please request tables no later than Monday August 18, 2008 by calling YB Polo at 202.633.8667. Send guest names by email to ReishmanK@si.edu or fax to 202.786.2536 no later than Friday, August 22, 2008.
No tickets will be sold at the Polo Cup. IDs will be checked at the gate. You must have an ID to drink. Public parking will be available in West Potomac Park lots A, B, and C.
Complimentary shuttle to and from the Smithsonian Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W. (Smithsonian Metro) from 11:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. with service to the Mandarin Oriental starting at 5:30 p.m. for the After-Party.
The Smithsonian Young Benefactors
Saturday, September 6, 2008
12:00pm - 6:00pm
West Potomac Park Polo Field
Ohio Drive at 23rd Street and Independence Ave Washington,
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - Twins are born a boy and girl (Bradgelina) NICE, France - Brad Pitt was emotional but calm, Angelina Jolie laughed and chatted. The world's most famous celebrity couple were joined in emotion during the birth of their twins — a boy and a girl — and all "are doing marvelously well," the doctor who delivered the babies in a seaside hospital on the French Riviera said Sunday.
The newborns — Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline, born one minute apart Saturday evening — are the ultimate million-dollar babies, with experts estimating their first photos will fetch a fortune.
"In the celebrity world, it seems to be the double second coming," said Darryn Lyons, owner of Big Pictures, a photo agency in London.
For now, mother, father and newborns are resting out of the public eye on the fifth floor of the Lenval hospital, behind blue mirrored windows that provide sweeping views of Nice's sun-drenched beaches, but specially treated to deflect the prying lenses of paparazzi.
Jolie's obstetrician, Dr. Michel Sussmann, said the 44-year-old Pitt was at Jolie's side during the delivery, looking on as the doctor performed a Caesarean section to deliver Knox, weighing in at slightly over 5 pounds, and Vivienne, who weighed 5 pounds."He was my assistant," Sussmann joked."He was very happy. ... The emotion was very strong for him," Sussmann told reporters on the hospital steps. "I felt the emotion of both the mother and the father. Angelina Jolie was speaking, was laughing with her husband. They were happy.""The mother, the babies, the father are doing marvelously well," he said.
Sussmann said the Caesarean was moved forward from its originally planned date "for medical reasons" so the babies could be born "in the best conditions." The doctor did not elaborate. He said Jolie, 33, is expected to stay in the hospital for a few more days and that she now needs rest. The four other Jolie-Pitt children — Maddox, 6; Pax, 4; Zahara, 3; and Shiloh, 2 — have not yet seen their new sister and brother, he said.
The doctor said he believed the baby girl's middle name was chosen in honor of Jolie's mother, actress Marcheline Bertrand, who died in January 2007 after a 7 1/2-year battle with cancer. News of the births attracted a small crowd of fans hoping to snap a photo of Pitt — or any of their celebrity friends stopping by to pay a visit. None appeared, but the mayor of Nice delivered the twin's birth certificates, which he later displayed to reporters, with the family's approval, showing Pitt's scrawling WBP, for his full name William Brad Pitt.
"The father is having one of the happiest moments of his life, like any father, especially when they have the joy of having two children from such a wonderful wife as Angelina Jolie," Mayor Christian Estrosi said after the brief official visit, which spared Pitt the gauntlet of paparazzi that would accompany any trip to City Hall.
"The mother is doing fine. She is smiling a lot. She is as happy as the father," Estrosi said. The twins' arrival has spurred a rash of speculation about the price of the first "official" snaps. Nice Matin, the hometown daily in the Riviera city in the south of France, put the worth of the twins' photos at more than $11 million. It first broke news of the birth and reported Sunday that the couple have sold the rights for the first photo of their newly expanded family to a U.S. publication, which it did not name, and that the proceeds would go to charity.
"I've never known a set of pictures to be worth this amount of money," said Lyons, the owner of Big Pictures. He estimated that the twins' official photos will be worth between $15 million and $20 million.
The only other photos that "would possibly come that close is Britney Spears giving birth to an alien," he said. Veteran London-based celebrity publicist Max Clifford estimated the first photos could fetch 10 million pounds — roughly 12 million or $20 million, "which would make it the biggest baby deal ever." "These kind of pictures sell lots of magazines," he said. "It's a 10-million-pound ($20 million) gamble as to whether the ends justify the means. But obviously it's a very calculated risk because whoever lands the photos will have a lot of experience with the popularity of mum and dad."
Paparazzi have been following the couple through southern France since the Cannes film festival in May, snapping shots of the family on an outing to Eze beach and sticking close as they set up household in Correns, 60 miles from Nice. But so far the couple has evaded the paparazzi when it counted, arriving undetected at the Lenval clinic two weeks before the birth. ____ Associated Press Writers John Leicester in Paris and Emily Ristow in London contributed to this report
You heard it first here, some of you may be shocked the next time you visit Marc Barnes newest creation the The Park on 14TH. You may notice that a $20 cover charge has now been established for those not on the list.
Also for all you chronic bottle poppers and table service devotees. The prices have gone up for table reservations on all 3 levels of Park. No reason has been given for the resent hike in prices at the venue.
The Park at 14TH, which has begun hosting with the amazing Cat, the weekly after party for Mark Ein's Washington Kastles. If you attended the soiree last Tuesday you know its was a beautiful and well healed crowd.
Currently Thursdays nights are going strong with a heavy happy hour crowd, transitioning into what used Earth at Dream...do remember those days. We know you do, we get deja vu every time we come to Park..same crowd, similar music set up - with top notch Deejays on the top floors spinning house with your regular club anthems and hip hop favorites on the lower floors. Ala LOVE/Dream.
Which might mention is reportedly on the market for a rumoured cool...13 Million dollars. Way to go Marc Barnes, can we let cat out the bag about the plans for his new venue, sorry not yet. Along with that he might have a new neighbor as Platinum/H20 owner is slated to open a new venue in the abandoned Hechts building on New York Ave. As some may know the South West waterfront area is scheduled for a major renovation with involves demoliton of the 800 Water St. H20 location.
Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner Dance Monday evening the October 6th 2008 Mandarin Oriental (DC)
Grand Ballroom - 1330 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, District of Columbia *Black Tie * Washington Life Magazine Media Sponsored Event* (WTOP) Covered Event
Evenings Festivities: The 2008 "Dare to Dream Gala" " Dancing and Dining for Dyslexia": will bring together Washington DC's political, business, celebrity, and national leaders in dyslexia education for a one-of a kind signature fundraising event. Recognizing the visionaries of today, and giving hope to the visionaries of tomorrow.
*Special Guest Michael Bacon (from the Bacon Brothers Band http://www.baconbros.com/ ) will be joining us to celebrate and support our dyslexic children.
Hosted by: Dyslexic Dreams Foundation and the Merritt Dyslexia Education Center (The Friendship School/Margaret Byrd Teacher Training Institute).
5:00-6:30 Corporate Meet and Greet VIP reception 6:30-7:30 cocktail & hors d’oeuvres reception for guests / silent auction (Featuring Portraits of Possibility-both children working hard to reach their dreams, and adult dyslexics who have achieved success thru their struggles and challenges) 7:30-8:30 award ceremony (Keynote speakers)/ Three course dinner prepared by Mandarin Orientals award winning chefs DINNER 8:30 - Live entertainment/dancing (Georgie Swan UK Pop Artist) (MattCusson-currently touring with Brian McKnight) http://www.mattcussonfans.com/
*Auction Items throughout the night*A portion of contributions are tax deductible according to IRS regulations.
Honorees Harvey Hubbell V (Captured Time Productions) Producer/Director of “Dislecksia: The Movie" - Mr. Harvey Hubbell V has won the Gold World Medal for Comedy at The New York Festivals and three Emmys for Outstanding Entertainment Program, Individual Achievement for Directing, and Program Writing. Harvey Hubbell V is an “itinerant filmmaker” – he has shot from the high-rise roofs of Warsaw to the banana boats of Peru. His documentaries have won more than 50 film and video festival awards, including four Emmys.
Billy Blanks (World Martial Arts Champion/Tae-Bo Creator) You had fourteen brothers and sisters and the did not have learning problems. You had trouble concentrating, you skipped words and read backwards. By seventh grade, you were placed in special education.When you were twelve you built yourself up physically as well as mentally. You worked part-time as a garbage man to pay for karate lessons.
Yourmother and father had always guided you to work hard to make something of yourself. By 1991, you had won seven international karate titles. Then working out to the sound track from “Rocky”. You began kicking, punching, and dancing to the music. And you created this phenomenon – fusion of boxing, tae kwon do, and dance called Tae-Bo, now the rage of the Western World. You are empowering others to do better, to be better, as you empowered yourself to become a champion. http://www.billyblanks.com/
Georgie Swan (Live performance by UK Pop Artist) - musician Georgie Swan, fought dyslexia at school and triumphed with his voice. Comparisons to George Michael and being hailed in the press as "the voice of an angel". He has performed with National Eisteddfod of Wales and was the first male vocalist to join the Billericay School's 70 piece Studio Orchestra and went on to perform with them at the opening of Euro Disney. Steve Norman fellow musician had this to say “"I saw Georgie perform a song accapella at a recent soccer six charity dinner and you could have heard a pin drop... In short, Georgie is an immensely charming, talented and likeable guy who has a story to tell regards his dyslexia".
The Honorable Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (FL-17)Representative Kendrick B. Meek is Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. A former state trooper and eight-year Florida legislator, Meek waselected to Congress in 2002. He serves as the lone Floridian on the House Ways and Means Committee, and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Meek is also a member of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which sets the overall policy agenda for the House Democratic Caucus, and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an inter-parliamentary organization of legislators representing NATO Member and associate countries. He is married to Leslie A. Meek, an administrative law judge for the District of Columbia’s Department of Employment Services and they have two children, Lauren and Kendrick Jr. http://kendrickmeek.house.gov/index.shtml
Gloria Mayfield Banks - For Gloria Mayfield Banks, failure was never an option. It didn't matter that she grew up in the inner city of Detroit, struggled with dyslexia, suffered through a domestic violence situation, and became the target of scrutiny from her peers and family for her career decisions. Banks was introduced to the business world through special college courses in high school and was later accepted into Harvard Business School, where she eventually became associate director of admissions. Twenty years ago this month, she started selling Mary Kay, eventually leaving her safe job at her alma mater to sell cosmetics full time. Today, Banks, an independent elite executive national sales director, is one of the company's top revenue producers. Over the last two decades, she's brought in more than $24 million in cosmetics sales, earnings. Ms. Banks is also considered an expert in the field of Motivation, Self-Esteem and Sales Training. She often works with children, motivating them to get a jump-start in school and in their personal lives. She is known for her dynamic story-telling ability and uses creative humor to impact her audience. Her enthusiasm is contagious! A communications consultant and one of the founding partners in Charisma Factor. Gloria Mayfield Banks is best described as “Energy in Motion!” Her accomplishments have been recognized in Black Enterprise, Glamour, Working Women an twice in Fortune Magazine. And recently, Ms. Banks was featured on the covers of Turning Point and CYH Magazines. Ms. Banks received a Bachelors degree from Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University.
Please Join us for this one of a kind Dyslexia Signature Event in DC at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in DC. Helping to raise dyslexia awareness and funding for dyslexic children. More surprises to come, stay tuned...
Inidivual tickets $350 per person. Tables for 10 can be bought at $3500. Corporate sponsorship avail. Please call Jami Schwartz/President of Dyslexic Dreams Foundation at 301-528-0056 or email jami@dyslexicdreams.orghttp://www.dyslexicdreams.org/ If you are interested in coming make sure you list yourself on the confirmed list.. This will be a sold out event. We will be sending out 3000 hard copy invites and 5000 online evites. Hope you can join us. Eracing dyslexia illiteracy on a national level, supporting families and children in financial need through the "Power of an Education". Help our children live out their "Dreams".
It's that time again…summer! That means Kandyland - An Evening of Decadent Dreams is back and sweeter than ever the third time around!
Kandyland is sure to be one of the most talked about, outrageous and hard rockin' events of the year and Golden Tickets are selling out faster than ever this year.
Expect Kandyland to be the ultimate sight and sound experience – think Willy Wonka meets Alice in Wonderland. We transforming the Playboy Mansion with dazzling lighting effects, florals, huge mushrooms, enormous lollipops, giant kandies, hearts, cool fuzzy cotton kandy textures, kandy cane poles for our Kandy Dancers, chocolate bars, Skittles, M&Ms, toys, kandy kane lane, surprises and much more.
THE DETAILS: -> Ladies can apply to be selected for complimentary Golden Tickets courtesy of Karma by creating profiles at http://ladies.kandyevents.com/.
-> Gentlemen can currently purchase Golden Tickets at http://www.karmakandyland.com/ for $1,000 each (prices will be going up quickly).
Use VIP Invitation Code: EL1133
For Hotel Reservations call the Roosevelt Hotel @ 800-950-7667 (mention Karma Foundation for preferred room rates).
There are weekend events at the Roosevelt are for guests staying at the Roosevelt. Also many afterparties are going to take place at the Roosevelt we hear..soo get your last minute room now.
On July 24th, come some Eco-Fashions from Barney's Co-Op at the this "Dress Responsibly with Style" event held at Barney's in Georgetown. The event will start at 6pm and go till 8pm, during that time shop for some hot summer deals at Barney's with a percentage of proceeds going to the Nest charity.
Browse the latest fall fashions and snag summer deals while sipping cocktails by SurReal Vodka and nibbling on delicious treats!
Highlighting Barney's eco-fashion designers and celebrating the launch of FFP's 2008 "Dress Responsibly." campaign.
5% of all purchases will benefit Nest. To attend RSVP at rsvp@sinpr.com
World's Largest Premium Denim Sample Sale is making it’s debut in Washington DC
1 Day Event Features Top Designer Brands at Up to 80% Off Retail Prices.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Designer Denim lovers will unite on Tuesday, July 15th, when The Warehouse Sale, the world's largest premium denim sample sale, lands at the Four Points by Sheraton Downtown. This bi-annual shopping extravaganza features cult favorites such as True Religion, Rock and Republic,Citizens of Humanity, Ed Hardy Shirts and others all for up to 80% off retail prices. Launched in 2004, by entrepreneur Jimmy Tung, The Warehouse Sale attracts thousands of denim enthusiasts to events in over 40 cities world-wide.
"Designer denim is rarely if ever sold at a discount, so it's really exciting to bring all these great brands together in one place at below wholesale prices," says Tung. With racks and racks of organized inventory, group fitting rooms and a helpful staff, Tung wants to ensure high end shoppers still get what he calls "a real shopping experience and not the typical sample sale free-for-all" Tung has even been known to overnight product to locations around the country from their LA Warehouse if things ever look "skimpy." "People mark their calendars for this event so they can stock up; we're constantly putting out new merchandise throughout the day to keep up with the demand." Complete with a live DJ and swag style gift bags, "It’' really a big party." Tung explains. "We want people to leave our events feeling like they got a great deal and had a good time."
The Warehouse Sale will take place at the Four Points by Sheraton Downtown, 1201 K Street N.W. Shopping hours are Tuesday July 15th from 12 noon till 8pm.
Frozen Yogurt Wars - Several Frozen Yogurt Eateries Set Up Shop
The Tart Frozen yogurt craze is now in full swing in the Washington area after making its way from the west coast. With the opening of Tangysweet on P street and Sweetgreen in Georgetown. The local restaurants are now battling it out for DC's frozen yogurt fans. With Pinkberry and Red Mango already battling it out on the west coast for their share of the $4.1 billion frozen treat market. Yes that's B for billion, DC was bound to be one the their prime expansion markets.
We had the pleasure of visiting Tangysweet a few weeks ago, and it was brimming with the young 20-30 professional set. Everyone was eager to try and see what all the hype was about. Based on the comments of a few everyone seemed to be enjoying their frozen treat. Our first impression were the place reminded us more of Lotus Lounge than a frozen yogurt. With interior design duties handled by Kube Architecture, this venue should mesh will the surrounding area. With lines rapidly approaching our favorite DC Cafe, you would have thought the yogurt was free. Hardly the case lots of folks have been talking about the price of the yogurt and the wide variety of fruity toppings. Owner Aaron Gordon is very happy about the popularity of the location so far and is even hinting at opening additional locations.
Apparently another new frozen yogurt place named Iceberry is opening in Georgetown. Iceberry already has locations in Reston Town Center, Chantilly and Springfield. The Georgetown location is going to be on the corner of 30th and M.
Next up is Mr. Yogato (1515 17th St., NW), DC's newest tart-style frozen yogurt shop in East Dupont. Is it just me or is that every time I hear this name I think of the 80's jam by STYX - Mr. Roboto, maybe I am just a lil loony.
Also Red Mango which started the trend in South Korea, are actively scouting for locations to open their DC area location according to chief executive Dan Kim.
Another location Sweetgreen is already planning a second location after customers have fallin in love with their frozen yogurt selection.
Here is copy of the latest Washington post article on the craze.
Washingtonians Line Up as Tangy Frozen Yogurt Shops Move In By Ylan Q. Mui
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 9, 2008; D01
A piece of advice for the uninitiated: The snowy white swirl of "classic" frozen yogurt at Dupont Circle's Tangysweet is anything but vanilla. Crisp and tart, the taste is closer to lemonade and designed to appeal to a grown-up palate. A line of 20- and 30-somethings snakes out of the door and down the block many nights. After just one month in business, owner Aaron Gordon is already thinking about a second, and maybe even third, location.
"Their first image is 'Wow, this is very tart,' " Gordon said of new customers. "It's almost like introducing the city to a new style of yogurt." Tart frozen yogurt has finally made its way from the West Coast to Washington, and several new businesses are tussling for your taste buds as the summer heat settles in. In addition to Tangysweet, the past year and a half has also brought Sweetgreen, Mr. Yogato and Iceberry to the nation's capital. And Red Mango, the granddaddy of them all, which claims to have popularized the trend in South Korea, is scouting for locations.
Though statistics for restaurants were not available, national retail sales of frozen yogurt grew 3.5 percent, from $171 million in 2005 to $177 million last year, according to market research firm Mintel. Ice cream still dominates, with more than half of the market for frozen treats, but sales in the same period fell 2 percent, to $4.1 billion.
Of course, this isn't frozen yogurt's first swirl around the block. It enjoyed popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when chains such as TCBY and I Can't Believe It's Yogurt offered a sweet, low-fat alternative to ice cream before their appeal began to melt away. Then in 2005, Los Angeles-based Pinkberry introduced U.S. consumers to a tart version of frozen yogurt that bears little similarity to its creamy cousin. The taste has generated long lines and plenty of buzz -- earning Pinkberry yogurt nicknames such as "frozen heroin juice." It now has 45 stores in California and 13 in New York. Rival Red Mango arrived in L.A. last year and has nearly 30 stores in several states."The one thing I know about Americans is we love new versions of the things we already know," said Harry Balzer, vice president of consumer behavior research firm NPD.
The success of the two chains has spawned several imitators, and Gordon is admittedly one of them. His older sister introduced him to Pinkberry while he was living in Santa Monica, Calif., and he found himself returning day after day. A District native and entrepreneur, he decided to bring the concept to his home town.
His basement shop features modern decor, including distinctive color-changing arm rests that Gordon has dubbed "tangy tables." It serves only three flavors -- classic, pomegranate and green tea -- but a wide variety of toppings ranging from kids' cereal Trix to mango. Gordon said he used his own capital, coupled with a few credit cards, to open the store in early June. A line of about 40 people waited outside when he threw open the doors, Gordon said. "It really hasn't let up since then," he said. A few blocks away, Steve Davis works his own frozen yogurt shop, named Mr. Yogato, a sly reference to the 1983 song "Mr. Roboto" by the band Styx. The store, which opened late last month, serves up the same type of tart yogurt as Tangysweet but in a decidedly more playful atmosphere. Cartoon berries are painted on the walls, the trash can is shaped like a rocket, and one set of table and chairs is Smurf-blue.
"We're not cool and hip," Davis said. "We are fun and goofy."Actually, Davis is a rocket scientist who is still employed full time with space exploration and technology company Spacex. He moved to the Washington area about a year ago from the company's L.A. office, where he and his buddies would go to Pinkberry for lunch almost every day. Once in the District, Davis and his friends suffered tart yogurt withdrawal and decided to launch their own store.
They pooled their cash and brought on a few more friends and relatives as investors. The hardest part, Davis said, was coming up with the recipe. They cycled through more than 100 batches before hitting what would become "original tangy." The store also sells a traditional, sweet frozen yogurt flavor and has two rotating flavors each week.
Meanwhile, other competitors are ramping up operations. Red Mango chief executive Dan Kim said the chain is "aggressively" seeking locations in Tysons Corner, Reston, Bethesda and Georgetown and hopes to secure its first site in the next month. In Virginia, Iceberry has opened stores in Reston, South Riding, Springfield and Chantilly, with another in Georgetown planned for the end of summer. Sweetgreen, which sells salads and tart yogurt, is planning a second location in Dupont Circle after nearly one year in business in Georgetown.
"Even if it's pouring rain or snowing, people will run in to get their yogurt," said Nicolas Jammet, who founded the store with two friends during his senior year at Georgetown University. But beware: The buzz can bite back. Pinkberry was hit with a class-action lawsuit last year from customers who claimed that its tart frozen yogurt didn't live up to its name. California law requires yogurt to be made off-site, rather than in stores. Pinkberry now mixes its product in a dairy and settled the suit in April, agreeing to donate $750,000 to charity and list ingredients online.
There are no Food and Drug Administration guidelines dictating the ingredients for frozen yogurt, but plain yogurt is made by culturing milk or cream with the lactic-acid-producing bacteria Lactobacillusbulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The FDA generally defines ice cream as made by freezing pasteurized milk or cream and flavoring it with sweeteners. American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Katherine Tallmadge, who has indulged in Tangysweet, said that the new tart yogurts are healthier than ice cream, healthier even than most traditional frozen yogurt -- but that doesn't make them health foods. A half-cup of Red Mango's original flavor has 90 calories and contains 260 milligrams of potassium, 15 grams of sugar and three grams of protein. The same serving of skim milk yogurt, however, delivers only 63 calories and nine grams of sugar, and packs 288 mg of potassium and seven grams of protein. "It's a treat. And I'm not against treats," Tallmadge said of the tart frozen yogurts. But she added: "It's not as good as eating fruit. Nothing is as good as eating fruit or vegetables as your snack."
Despite the current craze, frozen yogurt orders at restaurants are still about one-tenth of what they were during its peak nearly two decades ago, according to Balzer of NPD. And it still has a long way to go before sales even begin to come close to those of ice cream. One ice cream shop has that has withstood the test of time is Gifford's Ice Cream and Candy, one of Washington's oldest scoopers. It is planning to open its sixth store soon, in Hyattsville. The chain also is also seeking franchisees and hopes to open another 25 locations between Baltimore and Richmond. "We're sort of the anti-trend," said Neal Lieberman, chief executive. "I think they've done a nice job with some of the packaging. It's sort of a unique taste. But we feel like there's plenty of room for us."
Known for its seven star hotels and record breaking skyscrappers. As one of seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) it features well over 400 resturants and tax free shopping along with a indoor ski resort. The New York Times in 2008 listed Dubai as the number one spot to travel to for nightlife in the world. This might have before the latest regulation of outdoor parties that closed some of Dubai iconic nightclubs.
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