Sunday, January 31, 2010

Wolf Moon over New Mexico


I was so lucky to be in New Mexico for this weekend's "Wolf Moon." How many people can see the moon in all its luminescent glory in an enormous midnight-blue sky? We watched as it hid behind clouds, drop low on the horizon, and finally rise high to its perch in the big New Mexico night sky. The snowcapped mountains glowed.

Driving down the mountain from Los Alamos toward Santa Fe, we took our eyes off the moon long enough to notice the sign for Gabriel's restaurant. We stopped in this colorful southwestern eatery to enjoy a spontaneous bite to break up the drive back to Albuquerque. In front of a cozy kiva fireplace, we feasted on a desert brochette of mesquite grilled scallops, shrimp, steak and chicken and and order of red-chile smothered rellenos. For you gringos, a chile relleno is a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, fried, and smothered in red or green chile--or both: "Christmas." The guacamole was made fresh for us with a flourish: our waiter deftly mixed buttery fresh avocados with onion, pico de gallo, garlic, cilantro, salt, jalapeno and tomato. Though the food was good, I loved the atmosphere: courteous efficient service, colorful art adorning the walls and fireplaces in each dining room. Had it been warm, we could have eaten alfresco and enjoyed a view of the mountains.



Back to MoCo in the morning; the desert moon (and the green chile) holds me for another night.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Mama Mio Party!


Mama Mio! Join Hela Spa and the Ted Gibson Salon at the spa's Georgetown location from 5-8 Friday night for a famous Mama Mio hand treatment. Get 15 percent off massages and spa services and receive a gift certificate for a manicure. Skincare specialists will be available to answer any questions. (Mama Mio Countdown Kit as shown left: $70)

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Writer Dylan Landis at Eileen Fisher


Meet writer Dylan Landis as she reads from her debut novel Normal People Don't Live Like This at the Eileen Fisher store in Wisconsin Place this Saturday (Jan. 30) at 1 pm. Landis, a former journalist, has also written six interior design books. This novel-in-short-stories tells the story of Leah Levinson, a middle-class teen growing up in Manhattan in the '70s. Enjoy brunch nibbles and $25 off your Eileen Fisher purchase.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Overnight Socialite Launch at Ginger


The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark launched in Bethesda with whimsical cupcakes, fashion-savvy editors, writers, fans and shoppers at Ginger boutique Thursday night. The event, hosted by Ginger's Gretchen Hitchner and Susanna Quinn, Elizabeth Thorp, Katherine Kennedy and Alexe Nowakowski, featured hors d'oeuvres by Redwood and custom-designed cupcakes by Fancy Cakes by Leslie. The Overnight Socialite tells the story of a lowly design assistant who rises to become New York's "It" girl. Clark also wrote the bestselling Because She Can. Her work has also appeared in publications like The New York Times, Vanity Fair and New York magazine.


The books!


Bridie Clark and Gretchen Hitchner



FW's Betsy Lowther and writer Cathy Alter


Hostesses Alexe Nowakowski, Executive Director, CityDance at Strathmore; Elizabeth Thorpe, Bethesda's EDT Communications CEO; Bridie Clark; Susanna Quinn and Katherine Kennedy.


Delectable creations by Fancy Cakes by Leslie


Sarah Meyer Walsh of Haute Papier and Barbara D. Martin of Fingerprint DC
All photos by Mark Silva

Imagine turns 2!


Celebrate Imagine Boutique's second birthday in Rio Washingtonian Center. Save on fashion that owner Nancy Strauss says makes her daughter want to raid HER closet. Imagine has clothes for men, too.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Win a Sweetheart Shopping Spree

Looking for a way for Valentine's Day to be more than the usual chocolates, roses, Hallmark card sameness?? Become a Facebook fan of The Shops at Wisconsin Place by Feb. 7 to win a Sweetheart Shopping Spree:

Free VIP Parking Space
Dinner at Capital Grill with $150 gift card
Sephora Cosmetic Consultation and $100 gift card
$100 Eileen Fisher gift card
50% off at ILORI
giggle mystery gift
White House | Black Market mystery gift
MAC gift bag ($160 value)
$50 Tasting Room Wine Bar & Shop gift card
Bloomingdales $100 off voucher
Overnight accomodations at Embassy Suites, Chevy Chase location

Friday, January 22, 2010

Spring in January at Saks


Visit the Chevy Chase Saks today (Friday, Jan. 22) to preview the Armani Collezioni Spring 2010 collection from 10-5. On Tuesday, Jan. 26, see a CHANEL spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear and Accessories Trunk Show until 5. Informal modeling from 12-3.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Color me Crazy


Is it just me or does this leather jacket just shout "TRY SOMETHING NEW"? This butter-soft colorful topper may be a good way to mix it up. Plus, my all-purpose, ever-present black leather jacket is on the fast track to vintage. New Lafayette 148 New York at bloomingdales.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Chic to chic-er


Chic to Chic is not only having their huge January sale right now, they've also started the Chic to Chic Challenge--a 12-week program designed to get Chic guys and girls more fit, which culminates in a 5K or 1K around the lake at the Rio Washingtonian Center. Entry is $20. Proceeds benefit GaithersburgHelp.org and Family Services.org. But don't miss the sale. This super luxe consignment shop features fine jewelry, designer handbags--Chanel, Prada--and great deals on designer names. My treasured vintage opera coat--Lagerfeld with velvet collar, beaded dancers on the pockets and oversized velvet cuffs--is a Chic to Chic bargain.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Sun Charms


Have you checked out ILORI at Wisconsin Place? The sheer number of unique designer sunglasses makes for some fun browsing. The last time I was there I was wowed by the royal blue gem-encrusted shades peeking at me from the window. Just in are oversize Tiffany & Co. frames with interchangeable charms--a heart, a "T" and the T&Co. logo. Frames come in black; black and Tiffany blue; brown and red; or pink and violet.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Cosmetic de-clutter


If you're a makeup junkie or have an assortment of cosmetics you're not sure how to use, let the pro cosmetic team at Saks Chevy Chase sort through your product congomeration now through Monday and show you what to keep, toss and buy. A $50 purchase gets you a free three-compartment cosmetic bag to help keep you organized back home. Call 240-497-5262 for more info or to schedule an appointment.




Thursday, January 14, 2010

Wear it like Snookie


Crooked Monkey didn't waste any time pumping up for the Jersey Shore. Graphic tees in homage to MTV's beachfront social situation are available with different slogans for allayous. Shirts for men and women are currently on pre-sale.

You had me at pinot


I know that fashions come and go and end their season with a big sale. But I didn't realize that fine wine merchants clean house too. If wine's your thing, and of course it is, you might want to check out the 90 pt. clearance sale at finewine.com. Though the Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc for $18.98 caught my eye, I love Spanish wine too. In addition to the Sabor Mayor on sale for $11.98, this Friday night Flight Night features a tasting of four Spanish wines for $22. I'm back in the Plaza Mayor leisurely sipping before my 10:30 dinner. Finewine.com has a friendly atmosphere, wine bar and live music on Saturday nights. For the address and such, please click here.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Spring has sprung at Ginger in Bethesda Lane. Check out the new collection by Calypso St. Barth and get 15% off the line all weekend starting Thursday. Can those daffodils be long behind?

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Art, Bloody Marys and a New Name


Happy New Year! It's a whole new look, new name and and new specials for Grubb Road's The Daily Dish, a restaurant and catering company in Silver Spring. Locals may have known this place as redDog Cafe till late last year. They may also know that they can wet their weekend morning whistle with a custom Bloody Mary they can create at the Bloody Mary bar to enjoy with Saturday and Sunday brunch. The everyday dinner menu offers "comfort foods with a twist" created by former Rock Creek Mazza chef Michael Chretien; stars are scallops, mac 'n cheese, organic roasted chicken and gourmet pizza. Ingredients are local and the wine list is tops. Oh, and did I mention the staff? Friendly, efficient and eager to please. And there's atmosphere: co-owners Zena Polin and Jerry Hollinger regularly bring in local artists to showcase their works. Below is artist Stephanie Bonifant in front of one of her paintings. Artist Lisa Rose appears this month. 8301 A Grubb Road, Silver Spring, 301.588.6300