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Georgetown Rocked 2016 Gala

October 23, 2016

The Citizens Association of Georgetown, which devotes itself to protecting the interests of its residential community to preserve the neighborhood's livability, beauty and historic character, hosted their annual black-tie gala Saturday evening.

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Greg and Holly Styles

Held at Four Seasons, Georgetown, this year's theme was "Georgetown Rocks."

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Max Hames with Betsy Cooley and Richard Klem

The gala committee, chaired by John & Kristin Cecchi, Mark & Sally Ein, Robert Pincus & Roxanne Little, and Chris & Dana Tavlarides, planned a very special evening featuring the east coast party band, The Rockets.

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Jennifer and David Romm

Encouraged to wear their best rock n’ roll attire, guests were treated to specialty cocktails, live painting, a silent auction, full dinner buffet, a cigar bar, and, of course, dancing.

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Jonn Marc Live Painting

(Photo by: Jennifer Romm) Tracy and Bill Moroney

This year’s high-end silent auction featured homes in Paris, Aspen and Vail, an election night party, a unique weekend featuring Plank Industries’ Sagamore Farm, an executive coaching leadership package, a rare wine collection, a wellness package, a rooftop party with Via Umbria, and even Wizards floor seats.

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Surveying auction items

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Jackie Pletcher and Charles Eisen

(Photo by: Judith Beermann)

The nearly 500 oh so chic revelers danced the night away with friends and neighbors.

(Photo by: Patrick Ryan)

(Photo by: Patrick Ryan)

Sponsors included Tracy & Bill Moroney, Chesapeake Management Group, Coldwell Banker, EastBanc, Georgetown Exxon & Georgetown Shell, Georgetown University, IDI Residential/Cecchi Homes, The Levy Group, Long & Foster Christie's International Real Estate, M.C. Dean, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MRP Realty, Thomas Pheasant & Juan Carlos Rincones, Win Sheridan, Christopher & Dana Tavlarides, Trammell Crow Company, and Washington Fine Properties.

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Serving Sagamore Spirit

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Meet Masseur Daniel

October 19, 2016

When aesthetician and spa owner, Linda Hardiman at Georgetown Salon and Spa decided to add a massage therapist to her practice, she knew she wanted an experienced professional with an expansive approach for the diverse needs of her clients. She added a treatment room and began her search.

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Daniel performing deep tissue massage

Enter Daniel Shishkov, highly recommended Bulgarian-born professional soccer player turned massage therapist who has been in Washington, DC for the past year-and-a-half.

With training from the prestigious Spanish massage school, Olesma in Palma de Mallorca, this fully licensed former athlete with 10 years of experience, can do it all. From Swedish and Deep Tissue to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Reflexology, Daniel is a skillful masseur.

For those not familiar wih MLD (that includes me), Daniel explained, "It's a hands-on technique that gently stretches and releases tissue to help the lymphatic system function more efficiently. That's so important to fight off diseases and to detox and regenerate."

For a limited time, enjoy a 20% discount on all massage services with Daniel at Georgetown Salon and Spa, 2715 M Street NW.

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Daniel Shishkov and Linda Hardiman

To make an appointment, call 202.333.8099

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The Joie de Vivre of Michel Richard

October 17, 2016

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Bil Plante

Five hundred friends came out Sunday to celebrate the life of Michel Richard as only those who knew him can do.

The Embassy of France hosted a lavish memorial with a champagne reception and moving program with master of ceremonies, CBS White House Correspondent Bill Plante.

The embassy's first counselor, Patrick Lachaussee called Richard "an alchemist of taste, and ambassador of our cuisine ... a virtuoso in the kitchen .... his work reflected his great sensitivity, a poet ... a generous, loyal and enthusiastic friend."

Richard's widow Laurence spoke lovingly of her husband while son Michael, also a chef, called his father "my biggest mentor."

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Thomas Keller

Thomas Keller of The French Laundry and Per Se talked about having gathered together the first generation of French chefs in America who helped elevate French cuisine. He found Richard to be "mischevious and endlessly inventive. He was a pastry chef who became a chef's chef."

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Larry Shupnick

Richard's business partner, Larry Shupnick was responsible for bringing the Citrus chef to DC from LA where he had started with his original restaurant and pastry shop. In 1998, Richard opened Citronelle in Georgetown.

Founding Director of L'Academie de Cuisine Francois Dionet told guests that they have renamed a kitchen in honor of Michel Richard.

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Mel Davis and Jennifer Lucy

Fondly, Chef Mark Bucher recalled how Richard wanted to be remembered, "For my fried chicken which stays crunchy for hours and for my f#*king Kit-Kat bars that are better than the Mars company."

Joie de Vivre, a video produced by long-time associate Mel Davis was filled with affectionate anecdotes by fellow chefs and behind the scenes antics of a man who shared his sweet magic every day of his too short life.