Material Girls

After a stellar sophomore show at New York’s Spring 2010 Fashion Week, buzz about the razor-sharp minimalist line Cushnie et Ochs has reached a major hum. Michelle Ochs, a native of Gaithersburg and one-half of the 25-year-old duo behind the brand, says her military schooling at St. John’s College High School influenced her love for precision, structure and tailoring. “Going into DC everyday really did inspire my love for fashion,” she says. Her partner, Carly Cushnie, who fell in love with designing at an even younger age, grew up in London. Cushnie’s sister lives in DC now, which is lucky for us—both fashion stars are frequent visitors. Cushnieetochs.com

Spring Trends You Can Bet On in DC!

“Designers are doing things in major color— oranges and lime green. Te oneshoulder dress will still be popular for daytime and evening.” Rhoda Norris, buyer for designer sportswear, Saks Jandel

“Ruffles, ruffles, ruffles, prints and short boots.

Shoes from Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow will be a major hit.” Gretchen Hitchner, owner, Ginger

“All shades of blue are big for Spring, but for a huge trend—tribal influences—I would wear a tribal printed dress from T-Bags with an arm full of bangles fromLola Dee, House of Harlow and Linea Pelle.” Erica Bloom, buyer, Cusp

Man-tastic Designs

bill Johnson moves menswear forward—and Durkl sets sail

A Victorian dandy by nature, fi rst-time fashion designer Bill Johnson is bringing the Steampunk movement to DC with his fondness for ascots and vintage Pierre Cardin. His bold new menswear line, Transient, incorporates retro silhouettes from the 1800s with a futuristic twist. T e former owner of Wild Women Wear Red, on U Street, has an evergrowing client list and is ready to branch out with a collection of women’s wear, set to arrive in spring.

While Johnson is an up-and-comer, the other DC men’s line DURKL is about to celebrate its sixth birthday. T e lads behind the line are launching their largest and most ambitious—PVC outerwear, anyone?—collection to date. T e spring designs, inspired by early ’90s sportswear and nautical attire, spin traditional sailing colors into striped and paneled button-down shirts, and sport subtle surprises like gingham-lined collars and plaid-lined cuff s. T e DURKL boys say they are going for a more classic look as they mature. T ey grow up so fast!

Rock Stars

A collection of big time jeweleristas hail from the Beltway—or are making major news here!

1. Roarke NYC A Middleberg gal, Laetitia Stanfi eld, heads up this cutting-edge line with partner Mignonne Gavigan.

T eir signature necklace-cumscarf with handbeading and crystal embellishments nabbed them nods from Hollywood heavyweights like Beyoncé and Mary-Louise Parker.

Women’s Wear Daily dubbed them jewelry designers to watch in

2010. Roarkenyc.com.

2. Mona Taner T e New Yorkbased designer counts Oprah as a fan, and recently opened her own boutique inside Mervis Diamond Importers in Chevy Chase, a chic jewel box where she shows her diamondinfused designs.

Monataner.com.

3. Candy Beads If you were part of the team behind T e Tiny Jewel Box, you’d know baubles, too. Beth Rosenheim, wife of owner Matt, designs sparklers that dazzle with lemon citrines, amethysts, peridots and other brilliant gemstones that are perfect in both political and style-savvy settings. Candy beadsjewelry.com.

4. Annie Band A wildlife biologist and boho-chic craftsman, DC native Annie Band works her mountain magic using bold stones and symbols found in nature, like blooming lotus fl owers and owls.

Her gilded designs carry timeless and weighty elegance.

Annieband.com.

In a Fix!

T ere’s nothing posh about post-op— until now. DC gal Sarah Lindholm launched Cooper Martin to market her sleek pants with hidden zippers, which off er chic accessibility to those in the midst of rehabilitation. T e former Georgetown attorney designed her signature trousers to relieve her boyfriend’s father from a wardrobe of sweatpants—he was recovering from knee-replacement surgery. T e pants, which retail for $120, come wrapped in a pristine package, complete with butcher paper, grosgrain ribbon and metallic tags, upping the hip quotient upon arrival. Talk about health care reform. Cooper-martin.com.

Natural Beauty

Beethoven’s love letters inspired the romantic name of Kelly Gorsuch’s new salon, and the former Urban Style Lab partner and sole owner of Immortal Beloved knows how to channel the affection. Gorsuch’s new venture is a “gritty romantic” former car garage with suspended mirrors, bookshelves and a wisteria vine growing from a bathtub in the center. “I’m not into the cheesy hairdresser thing. I wanted to create an atmosphere that’s both livable and creative, not too posh and polished,” says Gorsuch, an ace at dry-cutting and recruiting DC’s top stylists and colorists. And in his snip-free time? Gorsuch crafts his Bronze Butterfly furniture line. 1457 Church St., NW, immortalbeloveddc.com.

Top DC Treatments: The Lavender Life

Alexandria’s Lorien Spa is known for its masterful use of wild lavender as a calming agent in its treatments. Te flower takes center stage again in this blissful new 80-minute self-pampering extravaganza ($200), which includes an invigorating full body scrub, a warm wrap and a scalp and foot massage. Lorienhotelandspa.com.

Carita Sculpting Gold Facial French beauty empire Carita has collaborated with Georgetown’s Four Seasons Hotel to debut an anti-aging facial, exclusive to DC, outside of London. Using roasted sunflower seeds fermented in essential oils of clove, lemon and thyme, the 80-minute facial ($350) can be tailored to any skin type for longlasting effects.

Fourseasons.com/ washington.

Lip Service In February, Te W’s Bliss Spa will unleash a lipcentric treatment ($35) that covers all bases to keep your kisser kempt: a brightening mushroom enzyme peel, collagen mask and soothing,Moisturizing lip wax. It’s gentle enough for same-day events, making it a quick fix. Blissworld.com.

Le Vin Antioxidant Wine Therapy Oenophiles will be pleased to hear that the antioxidant- and nutrient-rich libation is great for your skin. In Te Jefferson Spa’s new hourlong facial ($165), Le Vin products and an enzyme exfoliation revitalize tired eyes and bring back the bloom to dull winter skin.

Jeffersondc.com.

Kick It Up!

Tired of the same old fitness routine? Leap into these bold and beautiful training innovations

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE! Dance your way into shape with Todd Borzych’s DanceSport Endurance, the first workout routine that combines ballroom dances with aerobics.

Former military officer Borzych offers weeklong dance Bootcamps in DC, complete with dance parties and individual classes for dancers of all levels. Borzych occasionally holds dance classes in the French Embassy, has taught dance camps with celebs from Dancing with the Stars and has performed a Tango for the Obamas at the White House. His DanceSport Endurance workout videos combine Latin, American and European ballroom styles, with crafty camera work, so that moves can be easily perfected.

Dancesportendurance.com.

FACIAL EXERCISE Who needs botox when you can add a facial workout to your daily routine? Learn to tone and tighten facial muscles with the Face- Val-U method, exclusively offered at DC’s Mandarin Oriental Spa.

Individual and group classes teach a workout that strengthens and tones the face through a series of easy-tolearn moves. Te pool-based routine teaches people to correct improper facial structuring and consciously engage muscles to increase circulation in the neck and face.

Mandarinoriental.com/washington.

BEAuTy AND THE BEAST Body builders team up with yogis to create the ideal workout. Sounds like a harmonious relationship to us! SomaFit in upper Georgetown has built an alliance with Balance Sport and Fitness that combines bold fitness philosophy with the exclusive amenities of a spa. Pole Dancing, sports boot camp and cross fitness can challenge some of the most devoted athletes, as well as beginners. Te mix of sports conditioning, functional training and yoga—combined with Somafit’s treatment rooms, quiet lounges, showers, saunas and steam—makes for the ultimate spafitness experience. Somafit.com.

Think Local, Look Hot

DC has never been so synonymous with beauty. Now, locally made products are lending us a brighter glow. Forget politics-as-usual: these lines are transforming DC into a top-tier beauty producer.

BANG Fans of our favorite punk rock hair salon, with three locations in DC, rarely leave without scanning the store’s line of original products. New this year: Lavender Mint Conditioner, a 60-second sleeking formula, and Tea Tree Moisturizing Shampoo, with tea tree oil. VIDA Fitness has jumped on the bangwagon by stocking showers with the hip line.

Bangsalon.com.


CIBu Tis haircare brand looks East for follicular inspiration.

Teir labels read like a quirky Chinese menu. Wok Tis Way Sculpting Sauce and Spring Roll Moisture Mist are available at Bubbles and Salon Cielo locations throughout DC. Cibu will soon come to the rescue with its new Argan Oil serum for dry skin and Dry Kwon Do shampoo for locks in need of serious moisture.

Cibuinternational.com.

LuXXERy Tis Waldorf, MD, boutique does it all, from cosmetic surgery to nail care.

Teir skin lightening cream and the vitamin A/Retin A combo is a bottled twist on the facelift. Advertised as “packaged youth,” the two products work wonders to banish dark spots and other skin imperfections.

If rumors are true, the brains behind the beauty shop are opening a new Luxxery location in Logan Circle. Luxxery.com.

Battle of the Beautiful

On our list of things worth fighting for, beauty products definitely pull rank.

Stylist Play, a DC-based clique of beauty consultants, echoes our aesthetic inspirations. In February, the group is hosting one of its insanely popular beauty battles. Contestants from DC’s most elite salons will compete for top honors in categories like “Best Hair Style” and “Best Makeup Artistry.” Are you lacking that competitive streak? Don’t fret. Voyeurs allowed. Te quarterly battles take place in hip venues such as Current Lounge, where mad spinners like DJ Vicious perform. All proceeds benefit organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Meanwhile, Stylist Play is launching a magazine and clothing line for industry insiders. Stylistplay.com

Hot Mama

For DC interior decorator Liz Levin, creating a stunning home was child’s play—until she had a kid of her own. Unwilling to sacrifice style for functionality, she developed a fab furniture line for the whole family that dares juice boxes to spill. Lizlevinnesting.com. What’s your MO? We’ve taken the best tricks of the trade for creating a chic sofa or chair that can also survive all the joy and chaos of having a family. What’s your favorite material? Tere’s a really cool vinyl. It’s called Smooth Operator, and it’s got an ostrich-style print on it. What’s your hottest piece? Te Empire Strikes Back chair—everybody loves that chair. Putting a pop of color on that really gets people excited.

The View from up Here

With the District going gaga for luxury apartments, Level 2 Development’s ritzy rookery View 14 (view14.com) ups the ante with amenities aplenty. Situated at 14th Street and Florida Avenue, in the booming U Street corridor, the property is poised at the intersection of the ageless and avantgarde.

For the edgy outpost’s common areas, fashion-forward design gurus from Vastu created a Modern-Baroque fusion of functional fabrics and furnishings in warm posh palettes of oranges, browns and lime greens, offset with über-mod graphic wallpapers. Just now ready for move-in, the hot property lays the groundwork for L2D’s high-velocity vision, blazing the U Street trail with wired shared-spaces, street-level shops, unparalleled cityscapes (check out the roof-view on this issue’s cover) and even a sublime Zen garden for a quiet escape. Tey say location is everything, and even though your hot spot is perched atop the city’s “It” strip, you may never want to leave.

Room and Board


With a nod to its streamlined Minnesota HQ, which is housed in an old car dealership, R&B’s DC location will be in a former auto warehouse.

Opening in spring, the retailer’s sleek, simple designs bring a minimal aesthetic home.

1840 14th St., NW.

CB2 Crate & Barrel’s younger, cooler sibling is rumored to be taking over the Central Union Mission at 14th Street. Te DC mega-store would be one of seven new outposts for the company. Up for a June 2010 opening, expect brighter colors, sharper lines and more eco-friendly materials than its older counterpart.

1350 R St., NW.

Milano Group As the sole American representative of several of Europe’s topArtisans, including Isella Cantu, Muebles Canella and the more contemporary Il Loft and Mangani, this showroom at the Washington Design Center has some of the chicest furniture around.

300 D St., SW, Ste. 601.

Arclinea Calling all cooks: Italian kitchen manufacturer Arclinea has joined the panoply of sleek kitchen lines with ouposts in Georgetown.

Staking out territory inside Poltrona Frau’s cutting-edge showroom, the minimalist designs work beautifully with DC’s evergrowing number of Modernist homes. 1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Ste. 210.

Just Dandy!

rising star interior designer Christopher boutlier is bringing a modern edge to DC homes—while practicing a very old outlook

It strikes us that DC decorator Christopher Boutlier, 30, shares a few similarities with the famed Charles Baudelaire—both devoted to all things aesthetic, both seeking to change the times in which they live.

For his part, the contemporary dandy fancies himself an aspiring Tom Ford of design. Stylish and sleek, Boutlier recently launched his own firm, after nabbing an M.F.A. in interior design from George Washington University and working with local ASID prez Lisa Adams on manses for European royalty and other ecochic spaces. “Tere is a slight difference between my generation and the established designers in the field,” he says. Boutlier views interior design as an interactive art form, one in which he and homeowners collaborate creatively to come up with deeply personal, unique, interiors. “I don’t care if you spend $30,000 on a sofa,” he says. “If everyone in the world has it, what does that say about you?” Boutlier’s passions run deep for art and artisans. He supports both—the former through posts on museum committees, the latter through his design work. “Te homes I see here are beautiful, but they seem generic,” he says. “I hope to help people have a connection with their homes and what they live with.

Every object has a story.” boutlier.com.

The Art of the Deal

Haven’t been able to sell that fab dwelling since the credit crunch? Do as the hottest developers and real estate agents are doing—turn it into a gallery space. When mod U Street-area condo Te Lacey (laceydc.com) was down to its last unit, the architects at Division1 got innovative and turned the space into the Wool Exploratorium. With the help of DC artists Billy Colbert and Ryan Hackett, the gallery supports local talent and draws new crowds to the building. “We hope to create a real bridge between art and architecture,” says Division1’s Ali Honarkar. On another front, developer and art lover Isabel Ernst teamed with TTR Sotheby’s Daryl Judy and Kimberly Casey (kimberlycasey.com) and Te Art Registry to turn Ernst’s 1739 P Street manse into one hot property. Te art nearly sold out. Hopes are high for the same on the house.

Wall Powers

When Te Art Registry’s Erin Mackay and Jill Lubar planned their recent coming out party, they were well aware it would send the city into an art-frenzied twitter. It’s no wonder—with an array of work from Andy Warhol to local next-big-things—the time proved ripe for a new set of hip young aficionados on the scene. Mackay’s Christie’s-educated business savvy meets Lubar’s artistic sensibilities to strike the perfect balance in art consulting. “We sell livable artwork,” says Mackay. “We love conceptual and process-oriented work, too, but someone has to be able to live with it.

It’s a fine line, but I think we have mastered it.” You can decide for yourself in their new gallery on Dumbarton Street. Theartregistrygroup. Com.

Washington Ballet’s The Great Gatsby 1920s pomp and excess is set to ballet in this re-imagining of Fitzgerald’s classic tale of longing.

Feb. 24–28, Kennedy Center.

Kennedy Center’s Master Class Second act star Tyne Daly plays Maria Callas in this Tony-winning play, spanning the primadonna’s tumultuous rise to greatness.

Mar. 25–Apr. 18, Kennedy Center.

Signature Theatre’s Sweeney Todd Signature Teatre celebrates its 20th-anniversary season by revisiting this delightfully gruesome classic— we’re talking about the demon barber of Fleet Street!—which just happens to have been the first-ever musical performed at the acclaimed venue.

Feb. 9–Apr. 4, Signature Teatre.

Showstoppers

a trio of landmark modern arts events top our list for 2010

G-40 ART SuMMIT Is there anything more DC than this? Just as the G-20 re-convenes, the G-40 Art Summit will come to Crystal City to present the diverse works of more than 400 contemporary American artists. Te event is set to rock a refurbished office building made-over into a mod art house, complete with live mural painting and multiple Djs.

Mar. 3–27. 223 23rd St., Arlington.

THE SHEIN COLLECTION Te American avant-garde is often snubbed by more Euro-minded patrons, but the movement yielded a slew of cuttingedge art. Te National Gallery of Art will showcase 20 of these iconic works, including big names like Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis and Marcel Duchamp. May 16–Jan. 2, 2011, Naional Gallery of Art, 401 Constitution Ave., NW.

YVES KLEIN Postmodern French artist Yves Klein had eclectic callings—he was a composer, judo master and Rosicrucian, as well as a visionary visual dandy—but it was his post- Impressionist paintings that put him on the avant-garde map. Te Hirshhorn examines the artist’s life and work from the mid-1950s to his untimely death in 1962 in this eyepopping retrospective Yves Klein: With the Void, Full Powers. May 20– Sept. 12, Hirshhorn, Independence Ave. And 7th St., SW.

Politics on Film

Sure, November is a big month for presidential candidates and other District denizens—but this May marks a different milestone for political pundits.

Politics on Film, the first juried film festival to focus on political film in a broad, bipartisan manner, celebrates its second year in the Capital. Te festival boasts everything from documentaries to feature films to political ads. Winning entries from last year have rocked PBS and snagged awards. If anyone can handle an extra pinch of politics, it’s DC residents. May 4–10, Landmark’s E Street Cinema and the Navy Memorial Auditorium, politicsonfilm.com.

Rhinestone Cowgirl

Local singer/songwriter Margaret Durante is proving you don’t need a Southern drawl to make it in country music.

Two years ago, after music-industry mogul Tommy Mottola signed on to manage her, she left Clemson University in the middle of her sophomore year and headed to Nashville.

Since then, the 21-year-old, who graduated from the allgirls prep school, Georgetown Visitation, has scored a record deal and waxed some potential hits. Radio stations are already picking up her take on the Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody.” Durante’s smooth, soaring vocal range and soulful lyrics in her own tracks, “Put Yourself in My Blues” and “If Love Will Let Me,” show she’s not just a cover girl. Margaretdurante.com.

Silver Lining

His lamb Bolognese is legendary, but the chef behind that lusty legend is no less piquant. Pedro Matamoros is an underdog of deliciousness. His cuisine made the Tabard Inn a destination and won acclaim at Nicaro.

With the upcoming debut of 8407 Kitchen Bar, he’ll turn Silver Spring’s erstwhile Luau Hut into a tasty townhouse, starring creative bistro cuisine, craft beers and a “grazing menu” for people who can’t decide what to eat first. “I wanted to spend more time playing with food,” says the chef, a farmers market fiend whose dishes are largely organic.

His lunch and dinner menus range from charcuterie and sandwiches to artisanal American bites. Coming soon! 8407 Ramsey Ave., Silver Spring.

Narrow But Deep

Simple answers are the best. If you’re craving a lobster burger, head to Central Michel Richard. For sashimi, head to Kaz Sushi Bistro. And for liquid assets? Look no further than these saucy, superlative bars.

Tequila Mania Pop quiz: How many types of tequila are there in the world? Answer: Who knows. But with 169 tequila labels at Masa 14 (above) chances are you’ll be sipping a long time.

Corazon Añejo, Patron Reposado and mezcals all represent. And the best part is that the Mexican-Asian menu makes for stellar small bites.

1825 14th St., NW.

Beer Bonanza How many types of beer are on ChurchKey’s wall? Way more than 500, thanks to brainy, bold beer director Greg Engert (above), whose hoppy list is a United Nations of super suds. 1337 14th St., NW.

Crazy Pairing Seven is the magic number at PS 7’s, where mix-master Gina Chersevani and chef Peter Smith team up to serve a dazzling seven-course foodand- cocktail meal.

It’s a spirited affair.

777 I St., NW.

Win With Gin Bartender Jason Robey is an infusion master.

He loves tequila, but his palate is for gin. His jewel-box bar at New Heights stocks three dozen types, from Amsterdam to England, America and beyond. 2317 Calvert St., NW.

Rum Bum Rum packs a mean punch at U Street reggae bar Patty Boom Boom, the newest nightlife haunt from the owners of Marvin.

Roughly 100 rum and rum-like varieties mingle with Jamaican- Caribbean flavors.

1359 U St., NW.

Trading Spaces

a quartet of DC’s most celebrated veteran chefs is firing up hot new kitchens

COMFORT CLASSIQuE Ris Lacoste’s hotly anticipated homage to flavor is inspiring culinary swooning in the West End. Ris is a neighborhood hive of activity around comfort food, an all-day escape serving the best Nantucket Bay scallop margarita you’ll ever taste, heart soups and—of course—the chef ’s classic, flavorful lamb shank. 2275 L St., NW.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION When Yannick Cam’s chic Le Paradou closed last year, local Francophiles fretted.

Fortunately, the unstoppable and culinarily daring chef has a new home at Bistro Provence, a spirited, mid-priced salute to Gallic cuisine.

Bring on that fabulous cassoulet!

4933 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda.

MuSSELS FROM BruSSELS Chef Robert Wiedmaier—of Brasserie Beck, Marcel’s and Brabo fame—is showing his mighty strength with the upcoming opening of the Mussel Bar in Bethesda. Details are clammed up, but the menu isn’t: think bivalves, frites, Belgian ales and more! Woodmont Ave., Bethesda.

RETuRN OF THE KING Roberto Donna’s bygone Galileo is the stuff of legend.

Now, the famed hot spot is set to return as Galileo III, serving the brilliant dishes that sparked a DC renaissance in Northern Italian cuisine. Added bonus: Laboratorio del Galileo, a space located within, where Donna will host classes and special dinners. 600 14th St., NW.

A Little Italy in Downtown DC

Here’s a New Year’s deal to dine out on: Head over to Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca for a $78 five-course Chef ’s Tasting Menu, starring Nicholas Stefanelli’s Italian inspirations.

His black spaghetti with blue crab is already classic, and his roasted Shenandoah Valley lamb with white beans and escarole will send you soaring. For dessert, hope it’s bomba chocolate and order a digestif for amore. 1100 New York Ave., NW.

How the Game’s Played in McLean Wintertime in Tysons brings sensational, seasonal flavors to Inox, that haute escape for modern American.

Chef Jon Mathieson’s menu of rustic game meats is decidedly not mainstream. But for bold, rich flavors, you can’t beat roasted Virginia squab, baconwrapped boar, spiced venison or wild hare stew. A few surprising wine pairings make the most of this menu.

1800 Tysons Blvd., Suite 70, McLean.

An Oeno Escape in Georgetown Tere’s only one way to improve upon fine wine. Tat’s to make it free wine. On Tuesdays from 6-8PM, head to the upstairs wine bar at Bistrot Lepic for stellar tastings of unique vintages from France, Spain and the New World. Pick what you like and order a flight. Ten float downstairs for chef Simon Ndjiki-nya’s classic menu of midpriced French favorites.

Bon appétit! 1736 Wisconsin Ave., NW.

It’s Soupergirl!

Since warm soup is good for the soul, frothy, brothy Sara Polon is not just Soupergirl, she’s a savory savior. Her culinary alter ego is the brains behind a business that delivers fresh, seasonal, hearty soups, stews, bisques and more to DC-area culinarians. Place your weekly order online, and dive into such bowls as roasted butternut squash and pear, Middle Eastern harira or her signature mulligatawny. Te surprise?

All her soups are butter/cream-free and vegetarian, made from farmers market goods. “We’re committed to showing people that you can eat healthfully and deliciously,” says Polon, whose secret ingredient is a dash of Spanish smoked paprika—and a smile. Thesoupergirl.com.

Kids in the Hall

DC-based DJ Jesse Tittsworth has rocked Kanye concerts from Geneva to São Paulo, and his partner Will Eastman is just as much a DC DJ-scene fixture. Between them, Tittsworth and Eastman have over 20 years in the booth. While they aren’t sure what that translates to in DJ years (150, 175?), they do know that all that work on the ones and twos pushed them to open U Street Music Hall, a dance club with a sound system so raw it “physically kicks you up and down a wooden dance floor.” While the venue will offer eats, such as Tittsworth’s infamous take on grilled cheese, the main attraction will be the Djs that the duo handpicks. Te guys will make occasional performance cameos at their club—as soon as their permits go through with the local ANC—but are more focused on showcasing other talent; they already know they’re killing it. 1115 U St., NW.

DC’s Hottest Dance Parties

First Lady!

Jackie O spins her $weat$hop party at 9:30 Club’s BackBar every fourth Friday.

Dirty Money Nouveau Riche rounds up Te Starks, Nacey DJ and Gavin Holland the last Saturday of every month at DC 9.

Burns, Baby, Burns DJ Chris Burns is back from recording and in the DJ booth bimonthly at Te Loft in Eckington.

Get Saved!

Hot off a Euro tour for their EP Te Saved, Nadastrom’s Dave Nada and Matt Nordstrom headline the revolving Blisspop bash.

House Proud

Four late ’09 openings make our list for the top spots of 2010


SOCIAL Tufted leather sofas and club chairs surrounding dining tables sized for groups to eat, tipple, lounge and chat? How civilized. Te den aesthetic evokes a bit of a natty professor feel with a side of Gatsby.

1400 Meridian Pl., NW.

THE RESERVE ON L Transforming an Ollie’s Trolley into a sleek-but-warm resto-lounge helmed by former embassy chef Frederik De Pue is no easy task. Tat the secondfloor wine room has captured the attention of DC’s gliteratti speaks magnums. A soon-to-be-open third floor will offer martini-swillers their own respite. 1426 L St., NW.

RECESS Named both for the childhood playtime and Congress’, this lounge is the recession’s silver lining. A former lawyer and music marketing exec got laid off and decided to offer up the newest spot for international Djs in

DC. 727 15th St., NW.

LITTLE MISS WHISKEy’S GOLDEN DOLLAR Tis H Street outpost holds a speakeasy groove, killer back patio, downstairs barber chairs and an upstairs DJ booth. All things to all people?

Interesting people. 1104 H St., NE.

The Lotus Position

Every DC denizen needs a bit of zen in their life. But who’s got time to meditate? Score enlightenment the easy way this spring. When the 16th Buddha Bar worldwide opens in the Mount Vernon nabe this April, the Zen den will be infused with Parisian panache and a soupçon of luxe sorely missing from the District’s club scene. DC-based Gensler architecture and design firm is readying itself to hoist the Buddha Bar’s signature 20-foot onyx Buddha in the expanse clocking in at 10,000 square feet. Working with Parisian architecture firm DWA to instill well-known Buddha Bar flair, the design firm has coated the space in red velvet and paisley print, all lit by the outsized chandeliers for which the franchise is famous. While the hip lunch music menu will feature pre-recorded mixes, dinner time and beyond will sound out local Djs. Te award-winning Asian-fusion fare will be plated inside in full view of DC’s power grid, or outside on an intimate 60-seat patio. And don’t forget to ask the Buddha for spiritual clarity—or at least another cocktail. 455 Massachusetts Ave., NW.

Late Night Bite Crisis alert! It’s late, you’re hungry and Ben’s Chili Bowl is just not going to cut it. With the April opening of DC Diner, a new rustic-feeling late-night eatery in Cleveland Park, your problem will be solved. Sure, you can order an omelet or burger, but this diner holds a special secret: Asian sandwiches, pancakes, noodle bowls and other spicy accents. After all, no simple sandwich on Earth can top the Vietnamese bánh mì, a baguette stuffed with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, chili peppers, mayo and grilled meaty specialties. 3407 Connecticut Ave., NW.