FYIDC

FASHION
GEORGETOWN’S HOT VINTAGE VENUE

Annie Creamcheese, a vintage boutique formerly in Arlington, opened a new location in Georgetown this spring, providing vintage-starved fashionistas with one-of-akind, original pieces by such designers as Emilio Pucci, Gucci, Missoni, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Christian Dior, Ferragamo, and Mollie Parnis. Located at 3279 M St., N.W., the boutique also features many pieces from up-and-coming designers, plus a men’s vintage line. Couture fashion designer Nanette Lepore was recently spotted shopping in the store and spending $2,000 at the high-end but funky shop. Clothes are handpicked from a highly selective list of private owners from cities around the world. Annie Cream Cheese also provides alterations at no charge.

Owners Annie Lee and Garrett Bauman opened Annie Creamcheese, modeling it after a Las Vegas vintage boutique frequented by celebrities in the 70s. Lee is also working on a new television show on the Discovery Channel called “Pop Nation,” airing in October. “It will be sort of a hipper, more humorous ‘Antiques Road Show’ for younger generations,” said Lee, who will appraise vintage clothes for their owners. The show has also partnered with Ebay so that the appraised items could be auctioned off if owners wished. To view Annie Creamcheese’s fabulous finds, visit its website at www.anniecreamcheese.com.

Annie Creamcheese
3279 M. Street, N.W.

GOOD CAUSES
ADOPT FURRY VICTIMS OF KATRINA

Many owners of household pets were forced to give up their best furry friends when flood waters from Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast in early September. Now, the animal victims are currently available for adoption at the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL). The shelter has over 50 animals from Katrina alone up for adoption. Founded in 1914, WARL was the city’s first animal shelter and operates solely on private donations and volunteer efforts. The shelter is also accepting donations of food, toys and blankets. The organization held its annual Jeep Yappy Hour, a BYOD (bring-your-own-dog) event, on September 15, to benefit the WARL and to save homeless pets. For more information, visit www.warl.org.

DINING
MATÉ SPICES UP GEORGETOWN

Mauricio Fraga Rosenfeld, owner of Chi-Cha Lounge and Gua-rapo, has teamed up with D.C. club promoter Osmar Nuñez Vilches to launch Maté, a swank Latin Sushi lounge at 30th and K Streets N.W. The 99-seat restaurant with its club-like atmosphere and roped VIP section opened at the end of June, and takes its name from Yerba Maté, an herbal tea introduced to the world by the Guarani Indians of South America. Maté imports blends of the tea from Argentina.

Maté’s menu features a “Latin Sushi concept” that spices up traditional sushi with Latin American ingredients. Signature drinks include tropical fruit purees of tamarind, passion fruit and guava mixed with maté, as well as Maté-tinis and Maté-jitos. Drawing inspiration from Danish architect Verner Panton, Maté’s design features red, black and white décor as a backdrop to the contemporary Latin/Jazz lounge music spun by a DJ. Maté is open for dinner until 12:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday until 1:30 a.m.

SPORTS
WIHS BRINGS THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY

W.L. is proud to sponsor The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), which will bring the “country to the city” once again for a week beginning on October 23 when Olympic horses and riders compete for some of the most coveted and prestigious equestrian awards in the world. Many of the world’s top equestrians fly their multi-million dollar equine athletes to Washington to vie for top honors in this world class show jumping event. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, whose mission is to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families by bringing together experts from pediatrics, technology, and entertainment. Special exhibitions will include barrel racing, Jack Russell Terrier races and a bull riding event on the evening of Sunday, October 23, and the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, followed by a concert featuring country music star Tracy Byrd and culminating with a private party hosted by WIHS President Sheila Johnson on Saturday evening, October 29. Last year’s event drew such celebrities as Bruce Springsteen and local sports heroes Art Monk and Charles Mann.

IN THE NEWS
FRANCO EXPANDS UP AND OUT

Restaurateur Franco Nuschese’s restaurant empire is expanding up and out. The “up” is at Café Milano, where regulars await even more exciting expansions and developments this fall. Nuschese’s reach extends “out” in Clarendon in early fall, where he opens Sette Bello, a new hot spot for the young and beautiful at 3101 Wilson Boulevard. All of his restaurants — Café Milano in Georgetown, Sette Osteria near Dupont Circle and Sette Bello — are now organized under a new management entity, Georgetown Entertainment Group, with Nuschese as CEO. One of the most respected businessmen in town, Bob Johnson of BET fame and the owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, is a partner in the Sette Bello venture. “Mr. Johnson has a great creative and business perspective that will be a tremendous advantage to our Group,” Nuschese says. “We are very fortunate to have him aboard.” Nuschese also has been on the move in a cultural sense. He was recently named to the board for the Washington National Opera. A classical music aficionado, Nuschese has been a long-time opera fan.