2006
THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST
YOUNG DC GETS ENGAGED
BY CHRIS TINA WILKIE
Younger Washingtonians are making a difference in our communities,
the environment, and the arts. So it’s only natural that when we paint the
town, it’s often for a very good cause.
THE CORCORAN SOCIETY
Whether they’re hosting a happy hour with swanky cocktails or their
fall fete with the beats of DJ Seyhan, the 1869 Society has a strong
following with dynamic young professionals here. More than that, this
group is known for hosting intriguing monthly lectures and gallery
openings featuring the Gallery’s renowned American, European and
contemporary art collections. Their spring black tie gala (March 4)
is not to be missed with an elegant dinner in the atrium followed by
dancing.
How to get involved. To attend one of the 1869 Society’s events
go to www.corcoran.org/membership/1869_society.htm.
THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION
The world-renowned contemporary art collection of philanthropist
Duncan Phillips draws a dynamic group of young supporters, many
of whom are as familiar with great art as they are with a great party.
The Phillips Contemporaries (donors age 20-39) organize educational
programs, sponsor special exhibitions, and give more than a
few brilliant parties throughout the year. Chief among these are the
annual Photography Acquisition Event (scheduled for Tuesday, February
28) where Contemporaries are invited to vote on which pieces
will be added to the museum’s permanent collection, and the Black
and White Ball (scheduled for Saturday, September 16), a high-profile
annual fundraiser traditionally held in one of Washington’s most beautiful
embassies.
How to Get Involved﹕ For more information about joining the
Phillips Contemporaries visit www.phillipscollection.org/join.
THE MANY HATS INSTITUTE
Looking for something a little more off-beat? Many Hats is an organization
dedicated to urban youth-empowerment through programs
like City Dance and the adventure/mentoring program Reach Your
Peak. Their events bring together Washington hipsters in distinctive
locales. “We want to inspire others in the pursuit of a cause greater
than self,” explains Board Member Tanner Campbell, “…we make it
fun by incorporating great sponsors like Gucci, Lacoste, and Thomas
Pink…We want people to have fun.” Sounds just about right...
How to Get Involved. For a rundown of recent Many Hats initiatives
and information about upcoming events visit www.themanyhats.org.
THE FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL ZOO
For environmentally aware scenesters, supporting a Zoo might seem at
odds with protecting wild habitats, but membership in the Friends of
the National Zoo’s Young Professionals directly supports the Zoo’s
groundbreaking international conservation efforts. Last year’s event highlights
included February’s Tsunami Wildlife Benefit, August’s Brew at
the Zoo, and of course, the annual Jingle in the Jungle. And if the parties
weren’t enough, this fall the group enjoyed exclusive access to the hottest
show in town, Tai Shan, the baby giant panda cub born at the Zoo in
July of 2005.
How to get involved. Learn more about the wide array of benefits
offered to members of the Friends of the National Zoo at www.nationalzoo.
si.edu/JoinFONZ.
OTHER NOTABLES
The list of dynamic non-profits engaging young people in Washington
is (thankfully) a very long one, and this is merely a sampling of what
the city has to offer. Inspirational efforts are being led by the Studio
Theatre, www.studiotheatre.org, So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.)
www.some.org, and the KIPP DC Key Academy, www.keyacademy.
org, among many others. Check out www.charitablechoices.org for
even more ways to give back.
SPICE UP YOUR NIGHT
BY ASHLEY TAYLOR
It’s easy to do the same old, same old. Drinks at Daily Grill or Paulo’s
before heading over to Smith Point. It’s also easy to forget there is more
to Washington nightlife than Georgetown. There are other places out
there and no excuse not to take a field trip to a few different spots.
INDEBLEU
Located across from the National Portrait Gallery and steps away from
the MCI Center, this is the place to go after a concert or sporting
event. Intriguing cocktail combinations such as blackberry mojitos and
basil champagne are sinfully good. The back lounge plays a fun mix of
house and pop. Best Night Thursday. Friday and Saturday there is
barely room to breathe.
DRAGONFLY
Washington may not be Los Angeles or New York, but Dragonfly
reminds us that we can still be up-to-date. This all-white lounge serves
up sushi and sake as Bruce Lee and anime cartoons are flashed on the
walls. The techno and house music also offer an alternative to the overplayed
pop and ’80s sounds at Georgetown bars. Best Night﹕ Friday.
K STREET LOUNGE
After opening this summer, K Street has become one of the hottest clubs
in town, attracting a lot of the Euro scenesters. DJ’s specialize in rap but
often play R & B as well. Lines are long, and the only way to ensure
no waiting is to reserve a bottle service table in advance. Best Night: Saturday.
MANTIS
Most Adam’s Morgan bars are holes in the wall, Mantis is a surprising
change. The large Buddha and bar with minimalist decor is
reminiscent of London and New York clubs. Most nights they have a
DJ playing house music. Downstairs there’s lots of candlelight and a
more intimate, moody experience. Not to be missed. Best Night: Friday.
MATÉ
Located on K Street near the Georgetown movie theater, Maté is quickly
spicing up the club scene. Nightlife gurus Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld and
Osmar Nunez have created a unique restaurant and lounge combination.
There is no dance floor, but ample space for moving while the DJ plays
Latin and house rhythms. The Matetinis, a signature drink infused with
herbal tea, are delicious. Best Night: Saturday.
LOOKING GOOD
Somewhere along the way Washington got a bad rap as the “Hollywood
for the ugly.” Or, as Ana Marie Cox shares in her new book Dog Days,
Washington’s attractiveness scale is graded on a very generous curve. It
doesn’t have to be this way, and there a few places that younger Washingtonians
frequent in order to look and feel good.
THE SPORTS CLUB/LA
A membership to the Sports Club/LA offers much more than a big gym
with cardio and weight equipment. This sports palace is more than a sweat
on the elliptical trainer for 45 minutes. It’s specialized yoga, aerobic and
pilates classes have become favorites among patrons such as John Mason,
Charles Fox and Sarah Baker. Oprah, Dave Matthews and Katie
Couric have also dropped in for visits.
SPAS
After Toka Salon owner Nuri Yurt coiffed their mother, First Lady Laura
Bush’s hair so well, it’s no surprise both Jenna and Barbara Bush now
have Yurt styling their tresses as well. Both prefer the Georgetown location,
rather than the Penn Quarter, and are frequently spotted on Friday
afternoons having a blow-out. Yurt and his staff have been styling politicians,
power brokers, socialites and other celebrities for years. Now Toka
and Soma Fit are the go-to spots for the younger social set as well. Both
offer manicures and pedicures, facials, microdermabrasion, body wraps
and massages.
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