although Hollywood movies set in D.C. frequently use the White House and the Capitol as backdrops. A new film that depicts daily life in a different D.C. neighborhood, "U Street Blue," was shot on location last month. The script of the short narrative about life on one of D.C.'s signature streets, as told by some of her native sons, won Howard University's Paul Robeson Award for Best Short Screenplay in April 2003. The story focuses on a day in the life of Billy U Street, the self-appointed mayor of his street. The film was funded in part by grants from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Howard University, ANC 1B and the Arts Club of Washington. The film staff consists of Raafi Rivero, writer and director, Darrell Westbrook, producer, and Michael Hastings-Black, producer.
In other U Street news , "Pulp" has moved into its new space. "Nana," a new and vintage clothing and jewelry shop opened, as did "Timothy Paul," a carpet and textile shop located at 14th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., "Pop," a clothing/accessory store for men and women, and "Vastu," offering exotic wood and woven fiber furniture.
Washington, D.C. landmark , The Madison Hotel, will unveil its new look next month. The Buccini/Pollin Group and Monument Realty LLC purchased the hotel in 2002 and decided to restore it. The newly reinvented hotel will blend the graciousness of the Federalist period's 19th century design with the 21st century amenities and services of a world class contemporary hotel. The hotel will feature 31 one-to-five bedroom suites, many of which are penthouses with large terraces overlooking the Washington Monument; two distinctly different restaurants and a destination bar; and Georgian, Federal and American Empire style furnishings. An expanded version of the sweeping grand staircase will grace the lobby. The Madison Hotel is located at 15th and M Streets, N.W. The original Madison Hotel was officially opened in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Even supersonic airlines have to rest. British Airways has chosen D.C. as one of only three North American cities (the other two are Boston and Toronto) to receive a special farewell visit from The Concorde next month. The supersonic jet will fly from London to Dulles International Airport on Tuesday, October 14, ten days before its scheduled retirement date. It was at Dulles Airport in May 1976 that the Concorde first began commercial service between the U.S. and U.K. For its farewell flight, British Airways is offering transatlantic round-trip fares on a first come-first serve basis to London on one of British Airways' three daily flights from Dulles with supersonic return on Concorde to Washington. The Celebration fares for travel to and from London on October 14: one way in First Class, return on Concorde for $8,999 or in Club World, return on Concorde for $7,999. For more information, visit British Airways .
The Hay-Adams will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in style on September 5. Party invitations came complete with a top hat, a string of pearls and a white boa. The anniversary party will commemorate the day the Hay-Adams opened its doors in 1928 and revive the spirit of the 1920s.
In restaurant news , Austin Grill has decided to convert to 100% wind-generated energy at all of its restaurants, making it the first multi-unit restaurant company in the nation to be totally powered by wind. Only a handful of Washington area businesses are currently utilizing the alternative power source to supply their energy needs. Just think of the potential benefits if Capitol Hill decided to harness all its wind-generated energy? Arrividerci, national debt? Austin Grill will also be collecting charitable donations for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's efforts to Save the Bay through September 21. Patrons who make donations are given a $5 gift certificate to be used for a future visit for each $5 donated to the organization.
Congratulations to Ridgewell's Caterers , who will be celebrating their silver anniversary with a big bash next month. Look for coverage in the pages of Washington Life magazine.
