Gravy Boat

by So Saucy

NYT: Strauss-Kahn case in question

July 1, 2011

The sexual assault case against erstwhile Georgetown resident Dominique Strauss-Kahn is on the verge of collapse as investigators have uncovered major holes in the credibility of the housekeeper who charged that he attacked her in his Manhattan hotel suite in May, according to a New York Times report.

Although forensic tests found unambiguous evidence of a sexual encounter between Strauss-Kahn, a French politician, and the woman, prosecutors now do not believe much of what the accuser has told them about the circumstances or about herself.

Since her initial allegation on May 14, the accuser has repeatedly lied, one of the law enforcement officials told the Times.

Anne Sinclair's house in Georgetown where she and Dominique Strauss-Kahn lived before his arrest in May (Photo by: Judith Beermann) Anne Sinclair's house in Georgetown where she and Dominique Strauss-Kahn lived before his arrest in May
Strauss-Kahn’s supporters have complained that U.S. authorities had rushed to judgment in the case. After his resignation as chief of the International Monetary Fund following the arrest, he was such a pariah that neighbors of an Upper East Side apartment building in New York objected when he and his wife tried to rent a unit there. They eventually rented a three-story town house in TriBeCa.

Strauss-Kahn's wife, Anne Sinclair, owns a house in Georgetown where the couple lived before the arrest.

Former French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde was named the new IMF chief this week.


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And the 2011 restaurant winners are…

June 26, 2011

The Source by Wolfgang Puck was named the “Fine Dining Restaurant” of the year, Todd Gray of Equinox  was selected as  “Chef of the Year”  and Carmine’s as the ultimate “Power Spot” at the 2011 RAMMYS award ceremonies, presided over by Lynne Breaux, president of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, on  Sunday night.

City Council Chair Kwame Brown was a popular destination for people at the RAMMYS who wanted to introduce themselves. (Photo by: Natalia Janetti) City Council Chair Kwame Brown was a popular destination for people at the RAMMYS who wanted to introduce themselves.
The black tie and mask carnival-themed gala at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel drew upwards of 2,000, including City Council Chair Kwame Brown and Council Members Jack Evans and Tommy Wells.

For the association’s biggest and most glamorous event of the year, the hotel’s grand ballroom was transformed with international food pavilions featuring cuisines from Australia, Mexico, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

The RAMMYS recognize the professionals that comprise the restaurant and associate membership of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington.

Here is the list of 2011 winners with their categories:

Chef of the Year – Todd Gray of Equinox in downtown, D.C.

Fine Dining Restaurant – The Source by Wolfgang Puck in Penn Quarter, D.C.

Jill Collins represents Carmine's, a RAMMY winner (Photo by: Natalia Jannetti) Jill Collins represents Carmine's, a RAMMY winner
Power Spot – Carmine’s in Penn Quarter, D.C.

New Restaurant – Estadio at  Logan Circle

Neighborhood Gathering Place – Ted’s Bulletin on Capitol Hill

Hottest Bar Scene – Chef Geoff’s at Tysons Corner, Va.

Upscale Casual Restaurant – Tabard Inn near DuPont Circle

Rising Culinary Star – Kyle Bailey of Birch & Barley at Logan Circle.

Your Favorite Restaurant – Carmine’s in Penn Quarter.

Wine Program – Taberna Del Alabardero, downtown D.C.

Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck accepts the "Fine Dining Restaurant" Award (Photo by: Natalia Janetti) Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck accepts the "Fine Dining Restaurant" Award
Beverage / Mixology Program – Founding Farmers, downtown D.C.

Where Magazine Visitors’ Choice Award – Old Ebbitt Grill in downtown DC.

Restaurant Employee – Ryme Lansari, server, Café Atlantico/Minibar, Penn Quarter.

Restaurant Manager – Hans Olson, general manager, Clyde’s of Reston, Va.

Pastry Chef – Tiffany MaCisaac – Neighborhood Restaurant Group, DC & Va.

In addition, Chef Jose Andres of Jaleo, Zaytinya and other restaurants, was awarded the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award for his dedication and leadership in the industry.

The Joan Hisaoka Associate Member of the Year honor went to The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C. in the West End.

 

The crowded ballroom for the RAMMYS (Photo by: Natalia Janetti) The crowded ballroom for the RAMMYS

Christine Brooks-Cropper, president & CEO, of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, at the RAMMYS gala (Photo by: Natalia Jenetti) Christine Brooks-Cropper, president & CEO, of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, at the RAMMYS gala
Silvestro Conte surrounded by two attractively masked women at the gala (Photo by: Natalia Jenetti) Silvestro Conte surrounded by two attractively masked women at the gala


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Terra sworn in as new chair of D.C. Arts and Humanities Commission

June 22, 2011

Judith Terra, an arts and civic activist, was sworn in Wednesday as chair of the Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The chairmanship is a non-paying post but comes with high recognition in the creative communities. It also carries clout as to the shape and destiny of many innovative and artistic projects in the District.

Terra, a former Georgetown resident, resides in the city’s Crestwood neighborhood.  She was appointed to the chairmanship by Mayor Vincent Gray and confirmed by the City Council.  She was serving as a commission member under appointment from former mayor Adrian Fenty.

“We on the commission will do what we humanly can to help create jobs, educational opportunities, fresh ideas, and a new spirit of enthusiasm for the District’s creative economy,” Terra told The Georgetown Dish.

“As chair, I will be a proud ambassador to the arts, humanities, entertainment, fashion, hospitality and related communities throughout the District’s wards and communities, and to individuals and organizations working at every level.  I seek to serve them all equally and well.

“We also must reach out to others beyond the boundaries of the District as well as reach out to the international communities to determine how we can work together to create opportunities that will benefit everyone,” said Terra.

She succeeds Kalorama resident Anne Ashmore-Hudson as chair.

Gretchen B. Wharton is sworn in as a member of the Commission on the Arts and Humanities (Photo by: Natalia Janetti) Gretchen B. Wharton is sworn in as a member of the Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Ronald R. Collins, director of the D.C. Office of Boards and Commissions, swore Terra into the post. Gretchen B. Wharton also was sworn in as commission member.   Among those attending the ceremonies at City Hall were arts commission members Rhona Wolfe Friedman and Lavinia Wohlfarth.

The commission, primarily supported by the District government funds and in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, provides grant funds, programs and educational activities that encourage diverse artistic expressions and learning opportunities so that all residents and visitors can experience the culture of the city.

Terra is the widow of Chicago businessman Daniel J. Terra, a major philanthropist and arts lover who served as Ambassador at Large for Cultural Affairs in the Reagan Administration.  Together the Terras founded museums that exhibit American artists.

Terra was one of the first supporters of Gray’s mayoralty campaign bid. She hosted the kickoff fundraiser for him at her home. Terra served on Gray’s Campaign Finance Committee.

Recently, Terra co-chaired several fundraisers, including for Covenant House Washington and for the University of the District of Columbia.

Rhona Wolfe Friedman and Lavina Wohlfarth (from far left), both members of the commission, congratulate Judith Terra and Gretchen Wharton after the oath-taking ceremonies (Photo by: Natalia Janetti) Rhona Wolfe Friedman and Lavina Wohlfarth (from far left), both members of the commission, congratulate Judith Terra and Gretchen Wharton after the oath-taking ceremonies


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